24 Hours 'Til Sunday — Andy Richardson
Posted Oct. 13 at 05:29 AM
It seems like the season just began, and yet here we are slogging our way into Week 6. By now you're either feeling pretty dominant (I've got some of those teams, thank you Alfred Morris) or cursing the luck that has you at 1-4 with a bunch of narrow defeats (got one of those, too). Lost a game last week on Mark Sanchez's game-ending interception that gave the Houston Defense 2 points against me. Losing on the last play of the week; that's a tough loss.
But I'm sure somebody out there lost (or won!) after the week was already over, on that Roethlisberger stat change. Really don't know why that thing was ever ruled a lateral in the first place. Fantasy football isn't fair, sooner we all accept it and move on, the easier we'll sleep.
Raiders at Falcons: Facing Matt Ryan or any of his receivers this week certainly doesn't seem fair. Oakland's pretty awful on defense; gonna take a couple of drafts to get that fixed. I like Darren McFadden here, although there have been a few reports out there of people saying he's not the same player as he was a year ago. I think he'll be fine this week. Little disappointed that Rod Streater has fallen off the map. Rookie wideouts, they don't always pan out. Maybe next year.
Bengals at Browns: I like Trent Richardson this week. Bengals defense might be getting better, though. Secondary is healthier. Browns will put Joe Haden on A.J. Green, but I'm using him anyway. I wouldn't actually put Greg Litlte or Josh Gordon into a lineup, but they're about all the Browns have at receiver right now, so maybe Gordon catches another touchdown. Have him in dynasty, which is nice. Might be the No. 1 here as soon as last week.
Rams at Dolphins: More defense than offense in this game. Reggie Bush is the only guy I'd want to start. No Daniel Thomas, who I'm pretty sure no one is actually starting. My last chance to trade away Steven Jackson for anything of value, probably. The upcoming schedule is poor -- that's right, he's actually going to get worse! I know, right? I wouldn't want to use any receivers in this game but maybe Brandon Gibson, since Miami can be thrown on, and he's what they've got.
Colts at Jets: I'm going to this game, my annual sure what the heck what better way to spend $250 trip to a Jets game. I'll admit I'm a lot more interested in seeing Andrew Luck and even Vick Ballard (who I'm starting in one league) over anything the Jets can put out there. Yes, it's a nice matchup for offensive players on both sides, but I still can't recommend Shonn Greene. If he's going to have a good game all year, though, this should be it. Dustin Keller should play, still wouldn't use him. Reggie Wayne will of course be busy. I'll have a $10 beer for all of you.
Lions at Eagles: What a shocker, the Lions didn't update Jahvid Best's status. Their updates don't mean much anyway, I remember when Matthew Stafford was "Questionable" for basically the entire season a couple of years ago. I don't know if Best is going to be cleared, and I'm confident he won't get a heavy duty workload if he one day is. As for players playing, Philly's defense is really good and Detroit's isn't quite as bad (in my opinion) as most believe. Use regular starters, don't throw guys like Jason Avant into the lineup or anything.
Cowboys at Ravens: Another game with more defense than offense, most likely. Both teams better against the pass than you'd think. I'm benching DeMarco Murray even though the Ravens aren't quite as stout against the run as in the past. Don't much like Ravens wideouts in this game. Can't help you with explanations for why Dez Bryant hasn't been better so far.
Kansas City at Buccaneers: Expecting questions on the Bucs running game. The matchup is good and I still expect Doug Martin to be featured, but I don't think LeGarrette Blount will be just standing on the sidelines, either. Was going to use Blount as a desperation play until snagging Ballard. Bucs receivers look OK. Kansas City has Brady Quinn at QB, not sure if that matters much. He isn't necessarily much worse than Cassel, threw the ball OK last week. I'd use Bowe. And Charles, obviously, though I'd like to see Kansas City not give him 30 carries a game, good grief, Romeo.
Patriots at Seahawks: Ian reports there's going to be a chance of some foul weather, wind and rain, in this game. I can't see myself sitting down Brady or Welker or Gronkowski, but I'll be looking at the pregame stuff to make sure it's not terrible out there. For Seattle I wouldn't use any of their passing game, but that's nothing new. Tough matchups for Stevan Ridley and Marshawn Lynch. Ridley I'd sit, Lynch I'd use. Certainly wouldn't consider Bolden given the brutal matchup and uncertain role.
Bills at Cardinals: Another one of those no-name running backs in William Powell. I would use him if I had him if I was hoping for 70-80 yards and a touchdown. Not sure he'll be any good most weeks, but this one he should be. I see Stephens-Howling as a complementary guy and that's it, although I can't promise it. Powell is the one I'd actually start. I respect AZ defense enough that I wouldn't use anyone from Buffalo but Stevie and maybe Chandler (although most probably have a better, more involved tight end). Like the AZ defense.
Giants at 49ers: Big game. Not sure the Giants have the horses right now to win this one. Hakeem Nicks should play, but I would be hesitant to use him. Ditto any and all Giants running backs. Giants defense soft at the moment, so use your regular 49ers, what few of them there are. Um, that doesn't include Brandon Jacobs or Mario Manningham. Just don't see it.
Vikings at Washington: Am not betting against Alfred Morris even against a good run defense. Better matchup for Griffin and Garcon. Sounds like Griffin is fine to play, and Garcon is healthy enough that he's out there close to full-time. I would be OK starting either, and Fred Davis. Peterson and Harvin are fine. Rudolph, Ponder; the matchup is favorable.
Packers at Texans: No Greg Jennings. No idea how the Packers will use their running backs and at least this week it doesn't matter anyway. Can't recommend Green or Starks. Expect to see more of Randall Cobb in the backfield, and with Jennings out he merits a spot start anyway. Doesn't sound like Jermichael Finley will be out there, sparing us from starting him and watching him drop a touchdown. For Houston, I would use Andre Johnson and of course Owen Daniels; they may pass more this week. Finally a credible offense they're facing, they may have to do more.
Broncos at Chargers: Nice Monday battle with some good production from both passing games and of course Ryan Mathews, who should be back in the team's good graces after it's seen what Jackie Battle doesn't bring to the table. Philip Rivers' protection will be a concern, but at least there will be dumpoffs to Mathews. I'm concerned (no Jared Gaither) but not benching him if I've got him.
Enjoy the games.
- Comments [29]
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Posted by Brett Watts | Oct. 13 at 06:00 AM
Hi Andy. I need to fill a RB and flex with the following : William Powell, Vick Ballard, Jordy Nelson, Torrey Smith, Pierre Garcon. Leaning towards Powell and Ballard. In a hole already because I started Antonio Brown and sat Chris Johnson.
Posted by PETER DEBIASE | Oct. 13 at 06:12 AM
Andy: Have fun at the Jets game. It's still a live NFL game which is great and you get to see the next great NFL QB (Drew ran that no huddle offense with the confidence of a ten year vet last week). Also, I believe there's foul weather most of the time in Grungetown, so Ian's no meteorologist. Speaking of Drew, would you start him over Peyton who has had trouble v SD in his career? Standard scoring, need 2 WR and a Flex out of this group: Jordy, Dez, Decker, Hartline, Den. Moore (may be some garbage points available after they get behind v ATL), Ridley. Started Mendy Thursday (Ugh) and starting Lynch and Rudolph over Bennett @ TE. Need 1 RB and a Flex: Ridley, Ballard, Garcon (he may be playing, but based on what I've seen and heard, he's not healthy and may not be all season), Den. Moore, B. Powell. Missed out on getting Miami D so either use SEA or pick up NE, SD, DEN, BUF, IND & DET (2 points for sacks, int and dfr, 6 points for D/ST TD, no points for yds or pts allowed). Thanks much.
Posted by ANDY RICHARDSON | Oct. 13 at 06:15 AM
I like Ballard definitely. I'm a little nervous about Powell just because of Stephens Howling. I would probably use Nelson but I can understand using Powell.
Posted by ANDY RICHARDSON | Oct. 13 at 06:26 AM
Peter- I like Manning. Dont see colts-jets as high scoring. I would use your first three choices. If you want to use Moore I would probably sit Dez. League 2, Ballard and Moore. Dont like Ridley this week or B.Powell ever. Ugly defense options. I cant trust Buf even with Kolb getting sacked so often. Would use NE first, Den and Det next based on matchup. I hear Vick has some fumbling issues. Good luck.
Posted by Mike Rubi | Oct. 13 at 07:15 AM
Hi Andy- I need a reality check on a trade offer.. I've stared at the offer another manager made a little too long and it's starting to look good. I'm 4-1 and fine. I drafted a team built around Arian. My RBs are weak after him but it's been ok so far going WR heavy. Now I get offered Matthews/AJ green for Arian/Tate. Green would be an every week starter going forward but is the drop off from Arian to Matthews too big to justify hitting accept? Thank you
Posted by ANDY RICHARDSON | Oct. 13 at 07:39 AM
Mike - I feel like I need more info. Green's an every-week start, but who is he replacing in your lineup, how much of an upgrade is it? If Mathews were to get hurt, what running back would you likely be starting? If everyone stays healthy it's a good deal. But with your current team you don't have to worry if Foster gets hurt. Starting Tate each week would be fine, starting somebody like Jackie Battle, not so much. I'd make the deal only if I was really starting some scrub at wideout, or felt I could put a capable running back in the lineup if Mathews gets injured.
Posted by Adam Bjork | Oct. 13 at 08:17 AM
Andy, Leshoure or Ridley. Standard scoring?
Posted by ZACH LEAVITT | Oct. 13 at 08:17 AM
Non-ppr, start 2: Austin, Ballard, F Jackson. Ppr, start 2: Ballard, Nelson, Cobb, Flacco, Romo (TD passes are only 4 pts and lose points for int and fumbles). Thanks.
Posted by Brian Marshall | Oct. 13 at 08:22 AM
I'm very leery of Nicks this week also but with byes and only 4 WRs on my roster I have to choose between Nicks and Hixon. Who do you like better this week?
Posted by ANDY RICHARDSON | Oct. 13 at 08:49 AM
Adam I just dont like Ridley with the matchup and threat of committee. Zach, cant use FJax. If you can put a QB in the flex, I usually go that way unless the WR or RB option is really excellent. I like Cobb in Ppr this week, but it would be hard for me to turn away the sure 12-15 points (right? Assuming 8-10 points for 200 passing yards...) from a QB in those spots. I like Flacco a little more than Romo and cobb a little more than Nelson in ppr this week. Ballard is less certain since other backs could be involved. Brian if Nicks is active you have to use him over Hixon, in my opinion.
Posted by Scott Anderson | Oct. 13 at 10:09 AM
Morning Andy, enjoy the game! Questions (non-PPR): Speaking of Luck, would you use Luck or Flacco this week? Flex: F. Jackson, Boldin, or Meachem? Flex: Pettigrew or Gibson? D/ST: Texans or Dolphins, and Bills or Patriots? Thanks as always!
Posted by ANDY RICHARDSON | Oct. 13 at 10:17 AM
Luck, boldin, gibson, dolphins, patriots...thanks and good luck.
Posted by BILL REHOR | Oct. 13 at 01:26 PM
Hi Andy, brutal week for me - seems like all my teams are built around the Giants, Lions and/or Packers, so every player is going up against a top defense. Thinking about benching some starting QBs - would you put in Ponder ahead of Stafford? How about Schaub ahead of Eli? Thanks!
Posted by ANDY RICHARDSON | Oct. 13 at 02:01 PM
Bill - I would be ok using Ponder with the strong matchup. I would stick with Eli, though.
Posted by L.B. Graham | Oct. 13 at 03:23 PM
Andy, I have some great matchups this week, and some lousy ones. So, I know most of these guys are on the 'don't use' list above, but I've got Doug Martin, Stevan Ridley, Ahmad Bradshaw, Steven Jackson at RB. I need to start two of them, and then I need a flex from among that group, or I could use Hakeem Nicks if he plays or Kyle Rudolph (I have two TE's). What do you think for my RB's & Flex from that group?
Posted by L.B. Graham | Oct. 13 at 03:24 PM
PS - I have QB dilemma, a good one, in that I have Matt Ryan and Andrew Luck. Ryan is just about the leading scorer in our league, so you can't sit him right? Only Luck has outscored him two weeks running...
Posted by ANDY RICHARDSON | Oct. 13 at 04:13 PM
Start Ryan, he has a near perfect matchup. Since I am at jets-colts it's guaranteed to be an ugly 17-16 game. Not really but don't sit Ryan. I would go Martin first, Bradshaw 2nd, Rudolph 3rd. Cant recommend Ridley this week.
Posted by BILL REHOR | Oct. 13 at 04:27 PM
Thanks Andy. One more if you don't mind - pick 2 from Garcon, Nicks, A Roberts and Austin. Talent vs. matchups vs. injury aversion. Thanks!
Posted by ANDY RICHARDSON | Oct. 13 at 04:57 PM
I like Austin best and Roberts least. Garcon and Nicks kind of similar....Garcon better matchup, Nicks more talent. I guess I would use Garcon. I actually thinks Nicks is ok to use, but it is a late game and would hate to risk him being inactive if I have another good choice.
Posted by Robert Song | Oct. 14 at 12:39 AM
Andy - 2RB, 2WR 1Flex .5 PPR. RB: McGahee, Alfred Morris, LeShoure, Ballard. WR: Julio, Wayne, Cruz, Floyd, Nelson. Right now I'm going with McGahee, Morris, Wayne, Cruz and Julio. Agree or disagree?
Posted by ANDY RICHARDSON | Oct. 14 at 04:28 AM
Agree
Posted by Brett Watts | Oct. 14 at 04:47 AM
Hi Andy. Question for next week with Ryan out on a bye should I start Ponder against Arizona at home or drop Ponder and pick up Palmer who also plays at home against Jacksonville? Earlier in thethe season it looked like Oakland would be passing a lot but the numbers have declined and they may just RunDMC all day against Jags. Ponder has been pretty solid at home even against tough defenses like 49ers. Thoughts? Thanks and enjoy the game.
Posted by ANDY RICHARDSON | Oct. 14 at 06:07 AM
Stick with Ponder for next week
Posted by Amy Carter | Oct. 14 at 08:07 AM
Do I start Spiller or Ridley in PPR league? Updates rank Spiller higher, but Friday's update is unchanged from Wednesday's (including Woodhead/Ridley). Doesn't wetter weather in Seattle suggest that Ridley will get more touches and Woodhead will get fewer?
Posted by MARLEN KRUZHKOV | Oct. 14 at 08:28 AM
Would you start Arizona or Miami D?
Posted by ANDY RICHARDSON | Oct. 14 at 08:54 AM
Amy -seattles run d is very tough so the idea is new england.may spread them out with pass formations, where woodhead plays. But I would use ridley over a buffalo back. Marlen I like the Miami D more. Great matchup.
Posted by Scott Anderson | Oct. 14 at 09:16 AM
Late questions Andy: Which 2 of these 3: Nelson, Meachem & Boldin? Also, Floyd is making me nervous, so S. Jackson or Gibson instead? Also, am I crazy for thinking about starting Dalton over Rodgers this week & Chiefs D over Packers? Thanks
Posted by ANDY RICHARDSON | Oct. 14 at 10:01 AM
Bench meachem, use gibson, use rodgers. I woukd use gb
Posted by t d | Oct. 16 at 08:14 AM
Andy, my team is 5-1 and am already preparing for the playoffs. My problem is that I have Flacco and Luck and think I need to upgrade. Who do you think I should target? The big 3 might cost me too much but I think I could snag Peyton Manning. Who would you trade out of these guys? As always, thank you for your advice. RB, Foster, Morris, Ridley, Wilson, Tate. WR, Green, Julio Jones, HArvin, James Jones, Hawkins. TE, Gonzales, Bennett.