Posts Tagged ‘Fantasy Football’

Can Frank Gore Avoid The Aging Running Back Curse?

Wednesday, June 5th, 2013

by FanDuel

 

Does Frank Gore have more?
(Image via ESPN.com)

 

If you are a running back in the NFL, there is no celebrating when you turn 30 years old. Most franchises believe that running backs take a huge hit in productivity around that age, and they have the numbers to back that up. Frank Gore is now 30, so the question is, will 2012 end up being his last solid season in the NFL?

Last season, the 49ers owed a lot of their success to Gore, as he experienced a solid campaign for the second year in a row. After some 2010 struggles, Gore averaged 4.5 yards per carry and found the end zone eight times each season these last two years. Will his productivity in 2013 keep him among the top daily fantasy sports picks?

Just one year ago, Michael Turner was the latest running back to hit that 30-year old wall. In 2011, he had 1340 yards and 11 touchdowns. While he did find the end zone 10 times in 2012, he was only able to pick up 800 yards. He seemed half-a-step slow during the year, and he saw his average yards per carry dip below four for the first time ever in his career.

One way the 49ers can help protect Gore and keep him productive is to utilize the other running backs on their roster as well. LaMichael James played well in limited action in 2012, and Kendall Hunter is a solid running back as well. Gore should no longer be treated like a feature back, but instead one who gets the bulk of the carries only.

Gore has been with the 49ers ever since they took him in the 3rd round of the 2005 draft. He has been one of their most productive players in recent history, and the coaching staff knows how to put their players in a position to succeed. If Gore can just stay healthy and provide around 1000 yards with 5-8 touchdowns, they will be more than satisfied. Just do not expect a repeat of the last two years.

 

FanDuel, for War Room Sports

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Brandon’s Sports Weekend Aluminum Bat Locks

Saturday, November 12th, 2011

By Brandon Pemberton

In college football action:

1. I like Baylor (-20) on the road to crush the Kansas Jayhawks.

2. I like Florida St. (-9) over Miami in their annual rivalry game in Tallahassee.

3.  And finally I like Florida (+3) on the road at South Carolina to win the game outright.

 

In NFL action:

1. I like the Steelers (-3) to cover the number on the road against the Bengals.

2. I like the Falcons at home in a Pick em’ situation over the Saints.

3. And finally I like the Patriots (+1 1/2) on the road against the Jets to win the game outright.

 

Fantasy Football

Start Em’

1. QB Aaron Rodgers vs. the Vikings: The Vikings have the 30th ranked pass defense and Rodgers is playing the best I’ve seen in my 25 years of watching NFL football.

2. RB Arian Foster vs. the Buccaneers: The Bucs give up a little over 132 yards a game on the ground, so expect a big day from Foster who has played well since becoming healthy.

3. RB Maurice Jones-Drew vs the Colts: The Colts stink, especially against the run (146 yards allowed per contest), so why would you sit MJD if you have him?

Sit Em’

1. QB Alex Smith vs. the Giants: Smith isn’t much of a fantasy scorer and I wouldn’t expect a big game from him this week. 

2. RB LaGarrette Blount vs. the Texans: Houston allows only 91 yards per game, so if you have a backup plan, I would play him this week.

3. RB Marshawn Lynch vs. the Ravens: The Seahawks aren’t a threat passing the ball, so expect the Ravens to load the box and take away Lynch.

Catch me on Twitter @BrandonOnSports

Brandon Pemberton of Brandon on Sports, for War Room Sports

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Fantasy Report: Play’em or FOH

Sunday, September 25th, 2011

By Nairann Merceir

Week 3: “Play’em or FOH”

Here is my fantasy football advice for week 3 on who to play on your team and who to tell FOH.  Through the first 2 weeks of the season, I have predicted with 75% accuracy on who to start to achieve a fantasy victory in your league.  Ok, the 75% may be a little high, but you get my point.  It’s all about match-ups people.  Find that star QB facing a subpar pass D.  Find that running back facing a porous rushing defense, that defense facing an unproductive offense.  Enough chit-chat already, let’s get to the reason we are here, who to play and who to tell FOH.

 

Play’em

Quarterbacks

Tom Brady vs. Bills – Let’s look at Brady’s numbers through the first two weeks…63/88, 940 yds, and 7 TDs.  I’d say Brady is a safe start against anyone this week.

Matthew Stafford vs. Vikings – Matthew has been off to a hot start this season with 599 yards and is tied with Tom Brady with 7 TD passes.  The Vikings’ pass D has allowed an average of 280 yards per game this season.  Matthew is a safe start here, with a chance to put up monster numbers.

Phillip Rivers vs. Chiefs – Phillip is off to another fast start…713 yards and 4 TDs, and is facing a porous Chiefs’ defense that just lost its best defender, Eric Berry, for the season.  Look for Phillip to have a good day against the Chiefs.

 

FOH

 

Quarterbacks

Tarvaris Jackson vs. Cardinals – I know Cam Newton and Rex Grossman both had outstanding games vs. the Cardinals pass D the past two weeks, but I’m not buying Tarvaris Jackson as a starting QB on a semi-pro team.  As long as he starts in Seattle or anywhere, tell Tarvaris FOH.

Kerry Collins vs. Steelers – Do I really need to give a reason for this match-up?  Be my guest and start Mr. Collins against the Black and Yellow if you want.  Hopefully you’re facing me this week in a fantasy league.  I could use an easy “W”.

Eli Manning vs. Eagles – With the Giants already lacking receiving options in their passing game, the team just received another bit of bad news.  Their #2 receiver Mario Mannigham is out against the Eagles.  With only one real receiving threat, Hakeem Hicks, against a stout Eagles pass D, don’t look for Eli to put up big numbers.  I say let Eli sit this one out.

 

Play’em

 

Running Back

Fred Jackson vs. Patriots – The NFL’s leading rusher (229 yards) may see a heavy workload this weekend as the Bills try to keep Tom Brady and that high powered Patriots offense on the side line.

Chris Johnson vs. Broncos – Chris Johnson has been quiet for the first two weeks of the season, and I’m sure he doesn’t want to hear boos this weekend from the home crowd, after receiving a huge off –season contract.  And what better way to get it going than against a Broncos D that has allowed an average of 131 rushing yards per game through the first two weeks?

Beanie Wells vs. Seahawks – I know right now you’re saying to yourself, “really Nai, Beanie Wells…you must have bumped your head”.  But in reality, Wells hasn’t played that bad through the first two weeks…183 yards and 2 TDs, and he’s facing a weak Seahawks run D.  I look for the Cardinals to get up big early, which means a healthy dose of Wells in the second half.

 

FOH

 

Running Back

Reggie Bush vs. Browns – I wouldn’t play Reggie against the any team in Ohio right now…not even the Akron Zips.  He’s steadily losing touches to rookie Daniel Thomas and I see this trend continuing vs. the Browns.

Felix Jones vs. Redskins – Felix hasn’t exactly been lighting it up the first 2 weeks of the season…26 carries, 69 yds, 1 TD, and I don’t see that changing against a surprisingly solid Redskin’s run D.

Joseph Addai vs. Steelers – Another guy not really filling up the stat sheet through the first two weeks of the season…22 carries, 103 yds, 0 TDs.  Don’t look for those numbers to improve vs. the Steelers this weekend.

 

Play’em

 

Wide Receivers

Calvin Johnson vs. Vikings – Johnson has solid numbers through the first two weeks…9 rec for 117 yards and 4 TDs.  Vikings are likely to assign their best cover corner, Antoine Winfield, who stands a full 5’8” in shoes vs. the 6’5” Johnson.  I like Calvin’s chances for a big game this week.

Brandon Marshall vs. Browns – Brandon is off to a fast start this season…13 rec, 218 yds, 1 TD, and he’s Chad Henne’s favorite target.  Against an inexperienced Browns secondary, look for a big day from Brandon.

Steve Smith vs. Jaguars – Steve Smith is off to a vintage Smith type season…14 rec, 334 yds, 2 TDs, and seems to have developed a nice chemistry with his young QB.  Look for Steve to have another big game against a hapless Jaguars pass D, especially since the Panthers are throwing 40 + times a game.  That means more opportunities for Smith to make plays.

 

FOH

 

Wide Receivers

Denarius Moore vs. Jets – The rookie Moore had a huge coming out party last week, with 5 rec for 146, and 1 TD.  The clock has struck 12 on Cinderella as he now faces one of the top corner duos in the league in the Jets’ Reevis and Cromatie.  While he may make some plays, don’t look for a repeat of last week’s game.

Packers’ Wide outs vs. Bears – Besides the Saints and Patriots, the Packers are the ultimate “spread the ball around and exploit matchups” team with no one receiver being the focal point of the offense from week to week.  If you have no choice but to play one, I like Jennings and the big tight end Finley this week.

Dwayne Bowe vs. Chargers – Bowe is off to a slow start, just 7 catches and 118 yards on the season, and with the Chiefs’ biggest play maker, Jamaal Charles, out for the season, look for the Chargers to focus on stopping the Chiefs’ second best offensive option, which is Bowe.  Bowe will see consistent double teams from the Chargers.  Only play Bowe if you’re in a pinch this week.

 

Play’em

 

Tight End

Jason Witten vs. Redskins – With both Dez Bryant and Miles Austin struggling with injuries, look for Tony Romo or Jon Kitna to look Jason Witten’s way early and often in the passing game.

 

FOH

 

Tight End

Zach Miller vs. Cardinals – Zach has been a reliable safety blanket for Oakland QB’s the last 3 years, but has yet to develop any chemistry with Seahawks QB Tarvaris Jackson.  Through two games, Zach has only 3 catches for 32 yards, and has only been targeted 6 times by Jackson.  Also, the issues along the Seahawks offensive line aren’t helping Zach either because he is asked to stay in and help block, limiting his effectiveness in the passing game.

 

Play’em

 

Defense

Eagles D vs. Giants – The banged up Giants just don’t have enough offensive weapons to successfully move the ball against the Eagles, in my opinion (not a homer pick either).  Look for Eli to force throws in an attempt to make plays, leading to 2 or 3 Eagles’ interceptions, and if you add in the QB sacks the Eagles are going to generate, this could be a big week for their defense.

 

FOH

 

Bills D vs. Patriots – The way the Patriots’ offense is playing right now, I wouldn’t start the 85 Bears, 91 Eagles, or 2001 Ravens against them.  If you own the Bills defense, I think it’s best to leave them on the bench this week.

Nairann Merceir, Fantasy Expert for War Room Sports

(For additional advice, hit me up on FB or Twitter.  I’m always available to talk fantasy football.  Click my signature at the top of the page for my Twitter page and click the signature directly above this message for my Facebook page.)

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Fantasy Report: Play’em or FOH

Sunday, September 18th, 2011

By Nairann Merceir

Week 2: Play’em or FOH

Ok, I’m man enough to admit I missed the boat on Joe Flacco as he torched the Steelers’ defense for 224 yards and 3 TDs, however in my defense, in the six pervious Steelers/Ravens matchups, Flacco has thrown a combined 6 touchdowns, so I guess he was due.  But enough small talk, here are my picks for “Play’em or FOH”, week 2.

 

Play’em

Quarterbacks

Michael Vick vs. Falcons – I know the Falcons are playing at home on Sunday night TV, in front of a national audience, and would like some redemption from their opening week blowout loss to the Bears, but let’s be real.  The Falcons’ secondary allowed Jay Cutler to throw for 312 yards and 2 TDs.  Mike Vick and the Eagles’ offensive weapons are far greater than the Bears’.  Look for a big night from Vick.

Matt Stafford vs. Chiefs – Stafford is coming off a 305 yard and 3 TD performance against the Bucs and his facing a Chiefs defense that allowed 4 passing TDs to Ryan Fitzpatrick.  This a no-brainer start.

Josh Freeman vs. Vikings – I still believe in Josh Freeman, even though he didn’t have his best game last week.  Look for him to bounce back in a big way against a mediocre Vikings secondary.

Tom Brady vs. Chargers – All I have to say is…look at last week’s stat line of 517 yards passing and 4 TDs.  START BRADY!

 

FOH

Quarterbacks

Donavan McNabb vs. Bucs – All I have to say is…look at McNabb’s stat line from last week; 7–15 for 39 yards.  Play McNabb if you want too, but I’m not guaranteeing you he’ll improve much.

Alex Smith vs. Cowboys – It’s Alex Smith.  Do I really need to give a reason?

Luke McCown vs. Jets – Look at the previous Alex Smith comment.

 

Play’em

Running Backs

Tim Hightower vs. Cardinals – I see a little payback here for Hightower, who was given his walking papers from the Cardinals.  Hightower is clearly the number 1 back in Washington, as evident by his 25 carries last week against a weak Giants defense.  Look for Hightower to have a good game.

Derrick McFadden vs. Bills – “RUN DMC” had a monster game in week one with 22 carries for 150 yards, and with an improved Raiders offensive line, look for McFadden to have a big game against the Bills.

Cedric Benson vs. Broncos – Denver’s defense allowed the Raiders to run for 190 yards on 39 carries, for an average of 4.9 yards per carry.  It’s a copy cat league so expect Benson to get a heavy workload against Broncos this week.

 

FOH

Running Backs

Fred Jackson vs. Raiders – Raiders’ defense only allowed the Denver Broncos to rush for 38 yards last week.  Look for Fred Jackson to find it difficult running against the middle of this Raiders defense, with a rejuvenated Richard Seymour anchoring it.

Chris Johnson vs. Ravens – Chris Johnson never got into a rhythm last week vs the Jaguars, and appears a little out of football shape this week.  Don’t look for him to have an impact this week against a very good Ravens defense.  He still is Chris Johnson and if you lack a better match-up, start him but don’t expect much.

Ryan Matthews vs. Patriots – As long as Matthews is in a carry share with Mike Tolbert, and with Tolbert getting the goal line plays, I say keep Matthews on your bench.

 

Play’em

Wide Receivers

Dez Bryant vs. 49ers – I just don’t see anyone in the 49ers secondary capable of guarding Bryant, who gave Reevis Island fits last week.  Look for another big game from Bryant.

Mike Wallace vs. Seahawks – Seahawks are another team that had difficulty with covering the opposing team’s receivers last week.  Look for Big Ben and Wallace to connect on a couple of big pass plays vs a porous Seahawks secondary.

Devery Henderson and Robert Meacham vs. Bears – With Colston out for 4 weeks and Lance Moore still hampered by the groin injury, look for Brees to look more to Henderson and Meacham in their absence.

 

FOH

Wide Receivers

Mike Thomas vs. Jets – Jaguars best receiver will have to pay a visit to Reevis Island. And at 5’8 and 160 pounds soak and wet, he lacks the physical attributes of a Dez Bryant.  Look for Thomas to have a hard time shaking Reevis.

Any Seahawks receiver vs. Steelers Defense – Two words…Tavaris Jackson.  Play at your own risk.

Any Vikings Receiver vs. Bucs – SMH, McNabb is under center.  Play these guys at your own risk.

 

Play’em

Tight end

Vernon Davis vs. Cowboys – Davis only had 5 catches for 47 yards last week and Alex Smith says he has to do a better job of getting the ball to him.  Look for him to do that against an improved Dallas defense that struggled to contain Dustin Keller last week.  Look for a big game from Davis.

 

FOH

Tight end

Brent Celek vs. Falcons – With Jason Peters questionable for the game, which possibly means King Dunlap will start against Falcons defensive ends John Abraham and Ray Edwards, look for Celek to remain in protection and help the offensive line, limiting his opportunities to make plays in the passing game.

 

Play’em

Defense

Packers Defense vs. Panthers – Cam Newton had a monstrous first start in his NFL debut, throwing for 422 yards and 2 TDs.  Look for him to have a difficult time repeating that performance against a solid Packers defense, lead by Clay Matthews Jr. and Charles Woodson.

 

FOH

Defense

Chargers Defense vs. Patriots – Tom Brady and the Patriots’ offense looked like a well-oiled machine, gaining 622 yards against what I thought was going to be a solid Dolphins Defense heading into the season.  While they might not repeat that performance, I still look for Brady & Co. to have a huge week vs an average Chargers defense.  This game has “shoot-out” written all over it.

Nairann Merceir, Fantasy Expert for War Room Sports

(For additional advice, hit me up on FB or Twitter.  I’m always available to talk fantasy football.  Click my signature at the top of the page for my Twitter page and click the signature directly above this message for my Facebook page.)

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Fantasy Report: Play’em or FOH

Sunday, September 11th, 2011

By Nairann Merceir

Week 1: Play’em or FOH

Are you ready for Fantasy Football?  This is opening weekend in the NFL, and a chance to get your team off to a fast start.  While a loss doesn’t mean you won’t make the playoffs or even win your league championship, if you are like me (a person who dislikes losing), you want to win them all.  So hopefully I can provide you with some last-second fantasy advice to help you start your season off 1 and 0.  If you look at my predictions for Thursday night’s Saints/Packers game, you saw that my “play’em or tell them FOH” predictions were right on point, but enough talk, let’s get to it.

Week 1: Play’em

Michael Vick vs. Rams: I believe Michael will carry on his momentum from last season and will have a monstrous opening day performance.  While I do believe the Rams have made great strides, I just believe the Eagles have too much firepower on offense.  Red Flag alert: this is the Eagles o-line’s first time playing together since the revamp.

DeSean Jackson vs. Rams: Recognize any of these names?: Ron Bartell? Bradley Fletcher? Justin King? Or maybe Al Harris?  Isn’t Al like 36 years old?  Start DeSean, Tony Romo, Jason Witten, and Dez Bryant vs. Jets Pass D:  I believe the Cowboys will make plays against the Jets secondary.  “Revis Island” can’t cover everyone and will likely be matched up against Miles Austin most of the night.  If the Jets get an early lead, look for the Cowboys to chuck it around and for Romo to look to Witten and Bryant.

BenJarvus Green-Ellis vs Dolphins: in his career against the Dolphins Defense, “BGE” has averaged 80 yards and a TD per game, and I don’t see that changing this season.  Look for at least 100 yards and a TD for “BGE”.

Josh Freeman vs. Lions: I believe last season was no fluke.  Josh is ready to take next step into upper echelon QB in the NFL, plus the Lions pass D is poor.  Look for a big game from Josh.

MUST START ALERT: Lance Kendricks vs. Eagles D: if you watched the preseason, you know Sam Bradford loves this young tight end, and we all know the Eagles’ history of being unable to check tight ends, and with the corners the Eagles have, look for the Rams to use Lance to attack those young Eagles linebackers.

Other matchups I like:

Peyton Hills vs. Bengals

Beanie Wells vs. Panthers

Jarvis Best vs. Lions

Mike Williams and Blount vs. Lions

Kenny Britt vs. Jaguars

Texans D vs Colts: No faith in Kerry Collins

San Francisco D vs. Seahawks: Are the Seahawks really starting Tavaris Jackson?  49ers D is a must start.

 

Week 1: FOH

Joe Flacco vs. Steelers: I won’t start any QB not named Rodgers against the Steelers D.   While Flacco is a solid QB in 6 match-ups against the Steelers, he has only thrown 6 touchdown passes.  If you have a better option at QB, I say start them.

Felix Jones vs. Jets D: I believe Felix will find running room difficult to come by against a solid Jets run D.

Miles Austin: Two words…”Revis Island”

Austin Collie and Pierre Garcon: No Peyton Manning…and let me say that again… NO PEYTON MANNING!  While I believe Dallas Clark and Reggie Wayne will be fine with Kerry Collins under center, the two players I believe will miss Peyton most are Collie and Garcon.

Brent Celek vs. Rams: Once again, with the uncertainty of the offensive line, look for Celek to once again remain on the line to help in pass blocking.

Giants D vs. Redskins: The Giants will be without CBs Terrell Thomas, Prince Amukamura, DE Osi Umenyiora, and LB Jonathan Goff, leaving them very thin on D, which wasn’t in the best shape to begin with.

My FOH of the week goes to (drum roll please)…

Kyle Orton vs. Raiders D: With Josh McDaniels and his dink and dunk offense now in Saint Louis, and John Fox a coach known for running the ball into the ground, look for Orton’s numbers to decrease dramatically, but on a positive note, the Broncos may win 1 or 2 more games this season.

Nairann Merceir, Fantasy Expert for War Room Sports

(For additional advice hit me up on FB or Twitter.  I’m always available to talk fantasy football.  Click my signature at the top of the page for my Twitter page and click the signature directly above this message for my Facebook page.)

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Fantasy Sports Chronicles (Vol. 1): The Fantasy Sports Twist

Thursday, September 30th, 2010

by Devin McMillan

Dev Blog

Fantasy sports has been one of the fastest growing entities in the sports world over the past decade.  It is no longer just a game for the fans, as the actual athletes themselves partake as well.  It is a GREAT medium for the “numbers don’t lie”/“stats are the gospel” contingency and it often makes fans with average sports knowledge feel like geniuses.  We all love fantasy sports, but fantasy sports have long left so-called “die-hard” fans in a twist.  This is not to bash the rest of you because I myself am a self-proclaimed fantasy guru, but due to the interest conflicting nature of the games, I have always had some steadfast rules that even I myself have begun to break.  Let’s take fantasy football for instance.  To prevent myself from rooting for too many players and teams I have no business rooting for, I usually try to limit myself to one league per year…the Gridiron Gentlemen’s Club league, presented by WarRoom Sports & Philadelphia Auto Design (yeah…shameless plug, so what).  I have broken this rule occasionally but it is usually as a favor to another league commissioner and I only put about 2% of the time and effort into those leagues that I put into my own.  Being a fanatic Philly fan, I DO NOT draft Cowgirls, Deadskins, and Midgets to my teams UNLESS it is strictly for trade bait.  Ok…I’ve had the occasional NY Midget, which is blasphemy in Philly, but the Midgets just aren’t as bad to me, probably because I live in the Washington DC area with Skins fans, which would make any outsider hate that team; and let’s face it, WE ALL hate the Cowboys.  Well folks…I’m sad to announce that due to the extension of the league this year, the talent pool was VERY thin, so I have committed a cardinal sin.  Yes…with the 18th pick in the first round, I selected Tony Romo as my quarterback. **In my crying  T.O. voice**…”That’s my quarterback”.

I am a 2-time champion (in 5 years) and 2-1 thus far this season, but it is getting impossible for me to enjoy fantasy sports because there is NO WAY I can bring myself to root for certain players and certain teams to do well.  It has also begun to ruin my NFL Sundays, because fantasy sports force you to watch games differently.  The constant computer score checking is NOT how football Sundays were intended to be enjoyed.  It’s becoming too much of a job.  This brings me to those of you out there who play in 3, 4, 5, even up to 6 leagues at once.  How is football even fun to you guys anymore?  Where’s the excitement in rooting for the WHOLE LEAGUE to do well at once?  How do you even feel good about winning one league when you undoubtedly had to root for AND against your players at the same time?  How is this not the greatest conflict of interest in the history of sports?  How can you call yourselves Packers fans while rooting for the Bears defense to shut down their opponents?  How can you call yourselves Colts fans while rooting for Chris Johnson to shred your defense so you can win a computer game?  How do you people even sleep with yourselves at night?  Fantasy games have RUINED die-hard sports fandom here in the United States!  We need a new hobby!  But until we get one, keep joining our Fantasy Leagues so Ican keep winning your money.

Devin “Dev” McMillan of The War Room, for War Room  Sports

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