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2011 Watch List #8

We are now 8 weeks into the season and the bye weeks are in full swing. Many owners are frantically looking for talent to fill bye week players and others are trying to strengthen their overall team for a possible playoff run. It’s interesting to note that during bye weeks some owners actually drop some worthwhile players. For example, I snatched up Felix Jones last week. Sure he is still injured, but he could be a valuable pick up down the stretch depending on how he returns from the ankle injury. He has a favorable schedule starting week 10 with BUF, WAS, MIA and ARI.

Injuries continue to play a part in the NFL season. We see new players on the list every week, some with minor nagging injuries, others with more serious injuries that could cause them to lose multiple games going forward. Here is the 8th list on the season of players who could have some value going forward.

WIDE RECEIVER
Torrey Smith BAL (3-57): Smith still has some minor value, depending on the match and the way Joe Flacco is playing. Right now, Smith is more of a bye week cover who carries big play potential. Against ARI he only turned in a 3 catch performance. This week versus PIT could be an uphill battle against the Steelers secondary.

Damian Williams TEN (4-60): As the #2 opposite of Nate Washington his production hasn’t been spectacular, rather in consistent putting in a good performance every other game. Last week was a 4-60 performance vs IND and he faces CIN this week. He might be worth a look vs CIN seeing what the SEA receivers did to their secondary.

Michael Crabtree SFO (5-54-1 TD): Might be a shot in the dark here, but I have see Crabtree available in 2 leagues (out of 3 I play in). I would suspect he is taken in most, but could be worth a pick up. Smith still isn’t performing well but has been effective the last few weeks and SF continues to win. Crabtree does continue to nurse a foot injury. SF faces WAS this weekend.

Braylon Edwards SFO (4-42): Being injured much of the season, Edwards returned with a 4-42 performance against CLE, both season highs in only 3 games this season. Much like Crabtree, Edwards is still nursing his injury (knee) but will give Smith another viable target out wide to complement Crabtree. Week 9 SF plays WAS.

Ben Obomanu SEA (4-107): Obomanu has come on recently for the Seahawks. Mike Williams was inactive on Sunday, which gave Obomanu the start and he produced. Much like the playoffs last year, Obomanu could come on in the second half of the season to post some worthy numbers.

Jon Baldwin KCC (5-82-1 TD): The rookie played in only his second game and recorded season high in receptions, yards and scored his first TD vs San Diego. Baldwin has been the slot WR this season with Breaston playing opposite of Bowe. He is now showing his talent and the potential he has in the KC offense. He might be worth a shot on a match up basis, but his value is increasing.

Malcolm Floyd SDC (5-107): His name has been coming up weekly on the FFS Forums as it relates to keeping or dropping him. Vincent Jackson (and Philip Rivers for that matter) continues to struggle, but Floyd has put up two 100 yard games to date but only has 1 TD to show for his efforts. Floyd has a dinged hip, but was the top Chargers WR on Monday vs KCC. Look for a good match up vs GB this week.

Laurent Robinson DAL (5-103-1 TD): I figured Robinson to slip through the cracks after Miles Austin returned, but Robinson put in another strong game vs PHI, 103 yards and a TD. The numbers are a bit skewed because of a 70-yard TD pass from Romo, outside of that performance he has seen 25-40 yards per game.

RUNNING BACK
Javon Ringer TEN (14-60, 5-42): Might it be a “passing of the torch” in TEN this week? Doubtful, but owners are no longer relying on CJ2K as a “sure thing” since ending his hold out and signing, has only 302 yards and 1 TD in 7 games. While Ringer doesn’t have the numbers CJ does, he has outplayed him all season long. Munchak says they will split carries making Ringer a bit more valuable now.

Lex Hilliard (1-4) /Steve Slaton MIA (5-7-1 TD): It’s worthwhile to watch the injury to rookie, Daniel Thomas. In week 8 it was Steve Slaton with a TD. Personally, I believe is a better RB who knows the MIA system and has the size to fill in for either Thomas (if the injury lingers) or Bush (if he gets injured). Right now, it’s probably a bit of a filer on either RB, but they are worth a look as the season moves on.

DJ Ware NYG (2-1): With the injury news on Ahmad Bradshaw’s foot, his season could be in doubt the rest of the way. Brandon Jacobs is coming off an injury and looks to carry a bulk of the work on the ground, but Ware could figure into the running attack. Look for Ware to be the primary 3rd down RB in week 9 vs NE.

Chris Ivory NOS (6-18): Coming off the PUP week before last week’s game, Ivory rushed for only 18 yards but carries between him, Thomas and Sproles were nearly the same. With Ingram out, Ivory might see more playing time in the backfield for Peyton and the Saints. I would expect him more to figure in the rushing game when the Saints are holding the lead, last week trailing the Rams the rushing game was almost non-existent.

Kevin Faulk NEP (6-32): No fantasy owner can figure out “The Hoodie” when it comes to deploying his rushing game. One week it’s Ridley, another week, BGE, then another week Woody. Let’s now add Kevin Faulk to the mix. It appears he is now the #2 behind BGE for the Patriots. With BGE dealing with an injured toe, Faulk could see an increase in production.

Chris Ogbonnaya CLE (11-37, 5-24): I mentioned Ogbonnaya 2 weeks ago on the FFS when CLE played SEA, as Hillis was a late scratch. With Hardesty nursing a calf injury and Hillis day-to-day with the hammy, Ogbonnaya becomes the starter. He has a rapport with Schmur and while his 37 yard performance wasn’t too impressive, HOU could be a good match up this weekend.

Curtis Brinkley SDC (10-43, 3-24): With Tolbert still ailing from injury and now Ryan Mathews back on the list, it’s Curtis Brinkley who got the shot on MNF to turn in a modest performance. We saw earlier in the year Jessie Hester have a similar performance in week 5 vs DEN. Unfortunately Brinkley suffered a concussion, which leaves his week 9 status in the air, but if healthy he could play against GB if active.

QUARTERBACK
Sam Bradford STL (DNP): It might be worthwhile to keep an eye on the progress that Bradford is making. It was reported he is out of the walking boot and is making good steps in his return to the field. Add that news to the addition of Brandon Lloyd and a fairly cushy schedule (ARI, CLE, SEA, ARI) starting this week. Could be a worthwhile addition for a playoff run.

List 7:
WR: Harry Douglas ATL, Jerome Simpson CIN, Danario Alexander STL, Naaman Roosevelt BUF, Greg Little CLE, Arrelious Benn TBB, Devin Hester CHI,
TE: Jake Ballard
RB: Donald Brown IND, DeMarco Murray DAL, Earnest Graham TBB, Maurice Morris/Keiland Williams DET,
QB: None

List 6:
WR: Victor Cruz NYG, Doug Baldwin SEA, Darius Heyward-Bey OAK, Jerome Simpson CIN, Early Doucet ARI, Damian William TEN, James Jones GBP
TE: Joel Dreessen HOU
RB: Jackie Battle KCC, Delone Carter IND, Jacob Hester SDC
QB: None
Notables: Jonathan Dwyer PIT RB, Brandon Pettigrew DET TE

List 5
List 4
List 3
List 2
List 1

Playing Out The Season

Last year I made it known on the FFS Forums that I threw in the towel at the conclusion of week 10 in the nfl season. This season has been a shamble at best, but unlike last year I felt much more confident about my team at the start of the season. The team I drafted was strong and well balanced, I liked the strength of the mid round picks that usually help make or break a team and thought I had selected some good sleepers. All thanks in part to being a member of Fantasy Football Starters.

I look back on my draft and still feel the team of players I assemble was a good group, so I won’t fault my failure as draft day. In hindsight there are always players you might have taken later, earlier or not at all. I can’t look on my draft that way. I feel I had a successful draft, but it’s been a strange year for player performances across the board. We can look to the lock out and CBA negotiations for much of what has transpired to date.

Unlike last year I have been more active through 6 weeks than I was all last year using the waiver wire, making 4 moves (total of $45) that has seen some return on investment. As of today, I done with the wire. My season, while not officially over for 11 more weeks is over. I won’t continue to contemplate wire moves because the total cost of a move won’t improve my team to a point of getting back in the race to be in the top three of total scoring.

I haven’t quit on my league, the other owners to my duties as the commissioner. Much like last year it will give me more time to tend to my league duties and spend on FFS (hopefully) helping others in their fantasy seasons. Luck continues to play a big part in what we do as a hobby and unfortunately none of that luck has been on my team.

It’s amazing the difference one week can make in fantasy football. Week 6 has taken it’s toll and left me with battered and bruised. As I look down my fantasy roster I am left with two healthy running backs, one of which is a rookie and the other lost their starting job. The QB position continues to carry my team, but “the misses” are not outnumbering the “hits” when it comes to players who are producing this season.

The key component that has been missing this year has been luck. It’s something no owner has control over, you can’t trade for it, or acquire it off the waiver wire. The prime example this season, drafting Cam Newton and leaning on him for good production since the start of the NFL season. So it’s been a short year and we have 11 weeks remaining, I still have 2 leagues I am involved in, but not as meaningful as the one I have managed for 28 years. We will see how those 2 leagues play out, as of right now those remaining teams are moving in opposite directions.

2011 Watch List #7

These are the weeks that seem to make or break a team. The bye weeks really let you know how good (or bad) you drafted. For those owners who live on the waiver wire, you  might be wheeling and dealing to pick up that “one week wonder” (Torrey Smith anyone?) in hopes he hits it big. For other owners if you are riddled with an injury plagued team you might need to make some major decisions in order to start a full team.

Some times owners will make a tough decision to drop a player who isn’t on a bye, but might be considered a potential “diamond in the rough” so you grab them. These are also when you might sacrifice that second defense or that second TE in order to pick up a player. We continue to see some new names dot the watch list, with a few making a return appearance.

WIDE RECEIVER
Harry Douglas ATL (2-57)
The ATL went run heavy on Sunday, but Douglas is still relevant with Julio Jones sidelined. The offense is still clicking and even with only 14 completions by Matt Ryan Douglas was targeted 4 times, but his production hasn’t been overly impressive as 57 yards is his season high. He might make a worthwhile bye week cover if you are in need of a WR. ATL faces DET next week.

Jerome Simpson CIN (6-101)
Simpson heads into the bye week coming off his best performance of the year, 6-101 yards (9 targets). Dalton continues to target Simpson, now 41 times on the season. He complements AJ Green well and led the team on Sunday. Unfortunately he has yet to find the end zone on the year. Hopefully he can put his “off the field activities” behind him and focus on football. Look for him in week 8 vs SEA.

Danario Alexander STL (6-91)
As long as Alexander and stay healthy (knees) he looks to perform well. He started in place of Sims-Walker on Sunday and recorded a team high, 91 yards. Bradford targeted Alexander 10 times in the thrashing by GB. As long as STL continues to play from behind, Alexander should be a viable WR. Be wary of Mark Clayton returning (PUP) and the possible addition of Brandon Lloyd from DEN, reuniting with Josh McDaniels.

Naaman Roosevelt BUF (1-60-1 TD)
Roosevelt has hit the fantasy radar after Donald Jones went down, he played okay vs PHI and on Sunday was only targeted 2 times, but one was a 60-yard TD reception from Fitzpatrick. There is a possibility he will become a bigger factor in the Bills offense, but there might be some other WRs available who will provide you a better option. Consider him high risk, low valued play right now.

Greg Little CLE (6-72)
In week 6, Little lead the Browns in receptions and yards as he got his first start of the season. It’s the second week has caught 6 balls as McCoy will target him as his #1 WR in the offense. Little could be worth a look as McCoy is still averaging 43 attempts a game. CLE is home versus SEA in week 7.

Arrelious Benn TBB (3-83-1 TD)
He’s caught more TD passes than Mike Williams, while that might not be good enough for some Benn played well on Sunday. His previous performance hasn’t been too consistent with some 1 catch games. On the season he has 15 catches (24 targets) and 243 yards to lead the Bucs receiving corp. This victory might have turned TB around and we could see Freeman putting up stronger numbers. Week 7 TB plays the Bears.

Devin Hester CHI (5-91-1 TD)
He departed the game early with a chest injury but not before making a big impact against the Vikings. HE hauled in a 48-yard TD pass in the first quarter, followed by a 98-yard kickoff return. This is the sort of explosiveness Hester has and can be an impact player. We will have to see what the injury does for his status in week 7 vs TB. He could be serviceable as a replacement player for a bye week.

RUNNING BACK

Donald Brown IND (5-13-1 TD, 2-16)
It was Brown and Delone Carter combining in the backfield for Indy (Addai out) his while his performance wasn’t great he did average 7 YPC and score a TD. With the possibility of Addai being out next week, Brown could be serviceable as a bye week replacement. Indy travels to NO in week 7.

DeMarco Murray DAL (10-32, 1-7)
Murray got a bulk of the work on Sunday vs NEP after an injury sidelined Felix Jones. Going forward Murray has a bigger upside than does Choice. If Jones cannot go because of the sprain ankle, it will be an RBBC with Murray as the better option. Dallas played STL in week 7.

Earnest Graham TBB (17-109, 2-22)
Starting in place of LaGarrette Blount on Sunday vs NOS, Graham put up some very good numbers, averaging 6.4 YPC he finished the day rushing for 109 yards. Even though he did not score he did prove to be a worthwhile starter on the day. In week 7 Tampa Bay travels to London to face the Bears. If Blount cannot go look at starting Graham again.

Maurice Morris DET/Keiland Williams DET
The concussion suffered by Jahvid Best this weekend might see him on the injury report or worse on the sideline. While he has remained healthy though 6 weeks, the concussion is always a concern. He dealt with them in college, which raised flags in the NFL. He will have to go through a battery of tests this week in order to play. If he doesn’t watch for Morris, Williams possibly Jerome Harrison splitting time.

TIGHT END

Jake Ballard NYG (5-81)
One of the positions that have brought many names to the forefront this year has been the TE. On Sunday Ballard continued his little scoring streak catching 5-81 yards, although he didn’t score as he did the previous 2 weeks. His role continues to expand in the Giants offense. NYG are on a bye in week 7 and play MIA in week 8.

Week 6:
WR: Victor Cruz NYG, Doug Baldwin SEA, Darius Heyward-Bey OAK, Jerome Simpson CIN, Early Doucet ARI, Damian William TEN, James Jones GBP
TE: Joel Dreessen HOU
RB: Jackie Battle KCC, Delone Carter IND, Jacob Hester SDC
QB: None
Notables: Jonathan Dwyer PIT RB, Brandon Pettigrew DET TE

Week 5:
WR: Lavelle Hawkins TEN, Damian Williams TEN, Laurent Robinson DAL, Josh Morgan SFO, Victor Cruz NYG, Doug Baldwin SEA, Jacoby Jones HOU
TE: None
RB: Issac Redman PIT, Mewelde Moore PIT, Ryan Torain, Stevan Ridley
QB: Andy Dalton CIN
Notables:

Week 4:
WR: Victor Cruz NYG, Torrey Smith BAL, Nate Washington TEN, Donald Jones BUF
TE: None
RB: Kendall Hunter SFO, Bernard Scott CIN, Daniel Thomas MIA, Alfonso Smith ARI
Notables: James Casey TE HOU

Week 3:
WR: Nate Washington TEN, David Nelson BUF, Eric Decker DEN
TE: Scott Chandler BUF, Evan Moore CLE, Fred Davis WAS
RB: Roy Helu WAS, Thomas Jones KCC, Dexter McCluster KCC
Notables: Preston Parker, WR TBB, Antonio Brown, WR PIT, Titus Young, WR DET, Brandon LaFell, WR CAR

Week 2:
WR: Randal Cobb GBP, Early Doucet ARI, Ted Ginn SFO, Eric Decker DEN
TE: Ben Watson CLE, Evan Moore CLE, Fred Davis WAS
RB: Darren Sproles NOS, Marcel Reece OAK, Carnell Williams STL
Notables: Jason Avant WR PHI, David Nelson WR BUF, Jacoby Ford WR OAK, Brian Hartline WR MIA

Week 1:
WR: Eric Decker DEN, Antonio Brown PIT, Brian Robiskie CLE
TE: None
RB: Delone Carter IND, Roy Helu WAS, Deji Karim JAX
Notables: Kendall Hunter RB SFO, DeMarco Murray RB DAL, Stevan Ridley RB NEP, Jerome Harrison RB DET, Greg Little RB CLE, Jerome Simpson RBCIN, Dezmon Briscoe WR TBB, Denario Alexander WR STL

2011 Watch List #6

I have never been a big waiver wire user, unlike some owners in the league I manage. I subscribe to the theory of building your team in the draft, not buying your championship through wire transactions. My opinion is not as strong as it used to be, thanks in part to FFS and being a “wire whore,” so to speak in two of the three leagues I play in. Those leagues do not charge, like my league does ($10) to make a move.

For the most part finding a Hillis or Vick, like many owners did last year is the exception on the wire, not the norm. Depending on your league specific, such as roster size, number of teams and scoring some of these players may or may not be available. This season there have been a few “hits” when it comes to the wire. For example, Eric Decker and David Nelson have been two of the better scoring acquisitions.

Now that the BYE weeks have started owners tend to scramble to fill players who are not playing that week. That is where this list can come in useful if you did not draft with BYE weeks in mind

WIDE RECEIVER
Victor Cruz NYG
Okay, I will give Cruz his due credit after putting up solid numbers the past 3 weeks (17-369-3 TD) as the #3 WR in the Giants offense.  Nicks and  Manningham are still the top WRs for the Giants, but Cruz continues to be heavily targets by Manning, including 11 on Sunday. Chances are he might not be available in your league, but he is one to grab for the season. Week 6 the Giants host Buffalo.

Doug Baldwin SEA
The change at QB to Charlie Whitehurst seemed to be the catalyst for Baldwin this week as he was targeted 6 times in the second half, making good on a 27-yard TD pass. This is the second week in a row Baldwin has led the Seahawks in receiving with injuries and ineffective play by the rest of the receiving corp, Baldwin might be a WR to watch, especially if the Hawks roll with Whitehurst. SEA is on a BYE in week 6.

Darius Heyward-Bey OAK (7-99-1 TD)
I am not a big Raiders supporter outside of McFadden. The passing game is questionable, at best with Campbell at QB, but there is a good chance Heyward-Bey is available (owned in less than 5% of CBS leagues). Injury set him back for a few weeks, but he is healthy and has put two back to back weeks to turn heads. He is the top targeted WR (29) in the Oakland offense and could keep the good weeks rolling vs CLE in week 6.

Jerome Simspon CIN (4-40)
While is hasn’t put much together outside of his week 2 performance (4-136) Simpson continues to get some good target numbers from Dalton, 32 targets over 5 weeks. He had 7 targets this past Sunday and you would feel it’s a matter of time before he can put everything together. Just remember he is the third option in the passing game behind Green and Gresham.

Early Doucet ARI (8-92)
Doucet might be a higher consideration if the passing was more consistent in Arizona. Larry Fitzgerald is the uncontested #1, but it’s been Early who has put up some good numbers to start opposite of him. This is his second good game of the season going 8-92. He has been targeted 38 times by Kolb, compared to 42 for Fitz.  Playing from behind, if the passing game gets going this year, Doucet could benefit. Arizona is on a bye in week 6.

Damian Williams TEN (6-66-1)
I mentioned him (and Hawkins) last week as a possible acquisition after the loss of Britt. He had 1 reception last week for a 4-yard TD and this week he extends that scoring streak to 2 games and adds 66 yards. He was the targeted 11 times by Hasselbeck, 3 more than Nate Washington. He looks to be the Titans #2 WR.

James Jones GBP (5-140-1 TD)
Consider Jones a good option to help cover players on their BYE week. He put up season high numbers versus the ATL on Sunday as he only had 9-88 entering week 5. Look for Jones to be the #3 WR in a three wide out set for the Packers. He could see an increase in playing time IF one of the other WRs go down. Green Bay plays STL in week 6.

RUNNING BACK

Jackie Battle KCC (19-119)
With the running game still in disarray it was little used, Jackie Battle putting on a ground pounding performance against Indy. Thomas Jones and Dexter McCluster have been ineffective in the backfield for the Chiefs who have now won 2 in a row. Battle could be the spark the Chiefs needs to replace Charles who was lost for the year with an ACL. Watch for Battle to grab more playing time.

Delone Carter IND (12-22-1 TD, 2-12)
Carter should have been a HC for owners who drafted Addai in their league, if not and he is he might be worth a pick up now that Addai left Sunday’s game with a hamstring injury. Carter scored his first NFL TD on a short 3-yard run as Addai’s replacement. Week 6 has the Colts playing a tough Cincinnati defense, if Addai cannot go, Carter will start.

Jacob Hester SDC (11-47, 2-13)
With injuries to both Ryan Mathews and Mike Tolbert, San Diego might turn to their backup fullback, Hester who would finish the game vs Denver in place of Tolbert. It’s a situation to watch in San Diego as they have a BYE in week 6. Chances are both Mathews and Tolbert will be able to go, but Hester could have value down the road.

TIGHT END

Joel Dreessen HOU (5-112-1 TD)
With Andre Johnson for a few weeks, Matt Schaub has turned to Foster and his tight ends to pick up the void in the passing game. This week Joel Dreessen was the beneficiary as he scored on a 56-yard TD pass from Schaub. He was pretty much an irrelevant fantasy player through 4 weeks, but could be slotted as a BYE week cover or until AJ returns to the lineup. HOU plays at BAL in week 6.

Notables: Jonathan Dwyer PIT RB, Brandon Pettigrew DET TE

Week 5:
WR: Lavelle Hawkins TEN, Damian Williams TEN, Laurent Robinson DAL, Josh Morgan SFO, Victor Cruz NYG, Doug Baldwin SEA, Jacoby Jones HOU
TE: None
RB: Issac Redman PIT, Mewelde Moore PIT, Ryan Torain, Stevan Ridley
QB: Andy Dalton CIN

Notables:

Week 4:
WR: Victor Cruz NYG, Torrey Smith BAL, Nate Washington TEN, Donald Jones BUF
TE: None
RB: Kendall Hunter SFO, Bernard Scott CIN, Daniel Thomas MIA, Alfonso Smith ARI
Notables: James Casey TE HOU

Week 3:
WR: Nate Washington TEN, David Nelson BUF, Eric Decker DEN
TE: Scott Chandler BUF, Evan Moore CLE, Fred Davis WAS
RB: Roy Helu WAS, Thomas Jones KCC, Dexter McCluster KCC
Notables: Preston Parker, WR TBB, Antonio Brown, WR PIT, Titus Young, WR DET, Brandon LaFell, WR CAR

Week 2:
WR: Randal Cobb GBP, Early Doucet ARI, Ted Ginn SFO, Eric Decker DEN
TE: Ben Watson CLE, Evan Moore CLE, Fred Davis WAS
RB: Darren Sproles NOS, Marcel Reece OAK, Carnell Williams STL
Notables: Jason Avant WR PHI, David Nelson WR BUF, Jacoby Ford WR OAK, Brian Hartline WR MIA

Week 1:
WR: Eric Decker DEN, Antonio Brown PIT, Brian Robiskie CLE
TE: None
RB: Delone Carter IND, Roy Helu WAS, Deji Karim JAX
Notables: Kendall Hunter RB SFO, DeMarco Murray RB DAL, Stevan Ridley RB NEP, Jerome Harrison RB DET, Greg Little RB CLE, Jerome Simpson RBCIN, Dezmon Briscoe WR TBB, Denario Alexander WR STL

A Tale of 3 Teams

This is my 28th year of fantasy football, but the first time I have participated in three leagues (CBS Sportsline, ESPN and Yahoo). It was only 2 years ago I decided to start participating in a league at work, until then I was moving through the fantasy world with blinders on, so to speak. I have said it countless times on here and at the Fantasy Football Starters Forums, but since subscribing to the Championship Package, I feel I have gained an new insight into fantasy football and yes, after 27 years have learned new things.

This year I am strong in two of the three leagues. At work (ESPN) I have just won 3 games in a row and now sit at 3-1, on top in my division and 7th overall in total points (12-team league). The newest league was set up by a friend at Yahoo, while I had to draft over the Internet I am currently undefeated at 4-0, ranked 3rd overall in total points (12-team league). Finally, the league I manage, my team is struggling at 1-3, last place in my division, but 5th overall in total points (10-team league).

The Yahoo team has faced the most adversity, as I drafted Peyton Manning, Kenny Britt and Antonio Gates. Currently Manning and Britt are lost for the year and things are not looking good for Gates. I do believe this team is a testament to a strong draft, but smart moves, 12 waiver claims and 11 free agent transactions, second only to another team with 24 total moves. Up until participating in my work league I did not really use a waiver wire on a regular basis. Coming from the “old school” I felt a drafted team could compete without needing to hit the wire like a drunken sailor. I have changed my tune now.

While I still place a big emphasis on the draft, the moves I have made did not impact me as much as I thought. Eric Decker was picked up week 1, but not played until week 2. Last week I picked up Dan Bailey (K DAL) and Chicago D/ST. We will see how the additions of Matt Hasselbeck, Nate Washington, Issac Redman and Dexter McCluster as we enter the BYE weeks. Anything less than a championship in this league will be a disappointment.

Yahoo Team – Throwball Heroes
QB: Fitzpatrick, Hasselbeck
RB: Best, Rice, Moreno, McCluster, Redman
WR: Decker, Washington, Meachem, Nicks, Amendola
TE: Gates, Gronkowski
K: Bailey
DST: Chicago

At work (ESPN league) I drafted using an alternate strategy, drafting WR/WR/WR/TE/QB before drafting a RB. While I did lose my first game (by 17 points) I have come back strong winning the last 3 to pull into a tie for first place at 3-1. As the defending champion I have to live up to the expectations of last year, so this strategy I felt I could get away with. Unfortunately I lost Miles Austin for a few weeks and Antonio Gates, both who were vital top 4 draft picks have left me a bit thin.

While I have been adding and dropping players, it’s been more speculation than anything else. I picked up and just today dropped Steve Slaton for the Titans DST. I added Stevan Ridley as a possible future play to help strengthen a “weak” (Addai & Wells) RB duo. I also picked up Bernard Scott, anticipating Cedric Benson’s suspension, which hasn’t panned out yet, so I ended up parting ways with him for Jared Cook to help cover my TE bye week. I still feel very good about repeating as champion, even using an alternative draft strategy.

ESPN Team – Throwball Heroes
QB: Roethlisberger, A. Smith
RB: Addai, Wells, Ridley
WR: Nicks, White, Austin, Decker, Meachem
TE: Gates, Cook, Watson
K: Janikowski
DST: Titans, Steelers

Finally my league, the TFL where just 2 years ago I was the champion, but after 4 weeks I am 1-3 and wondering what I need to do in order to win. This league we can start 2 QB on a weekly basis, which meant by round 2 most of the top QBs were drafted. It’s no surprise that teams with 2 good QBs are being carried by this position, not the RB position. I was not as fortunate when I drafted opting not to grab a second QB sooner. So far 2 games have been good for Sanchez, but when he is bad, he is not worth a fantasy start.

Of the three drafts I participated in, I felt this was my strongest team. I had good depth at RB and WR and actually drafted smart. Maybe Sanchez wasn’t smart, but at the time he was the best available player. Still 118, 127, 151 and 121 are all good point totals, but only week 2 was it good enough to best my opponent. Logic would say drop Sanchez for another starting QB. The only name available, Curtis Painter, I don’t see him as an upgrade. The only waiver claim to date was drop Javon Ringer for Eric Decker. With Danny Amendola most likely done for the year I will be looking to add depth at RB or WR. If I want to buy into the Victor Cruz hype I can add him for $10.

I don’t feel the wire is where I need to look though past Amendola. I am not fond of tossing $10 (or more using an FAAB system) speculating on players. Unfortunately the performance of individual players are completely out of my control. I could look at packaging a RB/WR for a QB upgrade, but it would decrease my depth at those positions. Maybe with the BYE weeks starting I will be able to buy a break and cut into the lead of the top three point leaders in our league. It could just be a string of bad luck, since that is a component of fantasy football that is often overlooked since we can’t control it.

CBS Sportsline Team – AWOL
QB: Sanchez, Vick
RB: Best, Jacobs, McFadden, Moreno, Helu, Moreno
WR: S. Johnson, Decker, Nicks, Meachem, Sanders, Williams (TB), Amendola
TE: Finley, Pettigrew
K: Janikowski, Feely

Regardless of how I look at it I still feel I am having a good year overall in fantasy football. Currently 8-4 combined in all three leagues, but even the 1-3 league isn’t a bad team, just some back breaks and running into some hot teams early. Of the three leagues, the CBS league has the most work to do, but really there are not many moves I am looking to make. Hopefully things turn around and I start seeing more wins to offset the hole I have myself in.