@BramBreezy

Week 13 Fantasy Outlook

 Posted by at 9:00 AM  No Responses »
Dec 022011
 

Quarterback

Carson Palmer is lighting up the field now, and helping to win football games. With the recent slew of quarterback injuries league-wide, you should seriously consider picking up Palmer. He’s back in the saddle and playing well, even in the Fantasy world. Last week he threw for 300+ yards, but had one interception. Depending on if you have a league that’s focused more on yards than points then play him, however, if you rely heavily on a QB’s ability to score, he may not be as beneficial. Last week he threw for no touchdowns, but his stats were great.

Again, play him if you’re looking for yardage, but do so while accounting for one or two interceptions.

Running Backs

Michael Bush is a must play this week. Darren McFadden in still out with no word on when he’ll return. Rookie Taiwan Jones also did not practice on Wednesday, which doesn’t bode well for his chances on Sunday. These factors taken into account, Bush is going to get a ton of carries. While he didn’t score last week, his yardage was key in setting the tone of the game. He’ll be a big factor this weekend.

Marcel Reece caught five passes for 92 yards in Week 12 and is a worthwhile name to keep on your radar. He is currently utilized as a dump-off outlet and is turning them into points. If you are in a deep-points-per-reception league, Reece may prove to be a productive player for you. Monitor his situation closely.

Wide Receivers

We got conflicting practice reports this week for Denarius Moore. Beat reporters saw him practicing on Wednesday, out on the field with helmet and pads, but according to Head Coach Hue Jackson, Moore did not participate. Moore missed last week’s game and is no doubt an explosive player, fully utilizing Palmer’s big arm. For fantasy purposes, owners are encouraged to do their homework leading up to game-time for Moore’s status. Peg him as a WR3 with upside this week, partly due to his injury and his boom-or-bust stat lines.

Jacoby Ford on the other hand was seen jogging, but did not practice as well. Ford commented to reporters that his timetable is well ahead of McFadden’s and is signaling a closer return. But that seems to not be in Week 13. Savvy fantasy players should scoop up Ford as a waiver-wire addition for the fantasy playoffs. The Raiders face Green Bay, Detroit and Kansas City in Weeks 14-16, all defenses that gives up yards. View him as a lottery ticket WR3 or flex option with high upside.

Darrius Heyward-Bey is reportedly pain-free after his scary injury against the Vikings. He’s only playable in the deepest of leagues and possible points-per-reception leagues. The Raiders WR situation is in flux and one that is worth monitoring.

Tight Ends

Kevin Boss was a name on plenty of fantasy owners’ minds entering Week 12. But he was held to just one catch for eight yards in the game vs. the Bears. The targets that we assumed would go to tight ends actually went to Reece, the fullback. Look elsewhere for production.

Kicker

Sebastian Janikowski was named as one of the AFC players of the week. The Raiders big leg kicker connected on six field goals in Week 12 and is 22 of 24 overall on the season. If someone in your league dropped him because of injury, scoop him up for the stretch playoff run. Janikowski did not practice Wednesday but Coach Jackson expects him to play vs. Miami.

Defense/Special Teams

The Raiders took advantage of the mistake-prone Caleb Hanie in Week 12 with three interceptions and allowed 20 points in the game. In Week 13, the advice for fantasy is to reserve caution. The Raiders are squaring off against a rejuvenated Miami offense with weapons all over the field. The Raiders should win, but the possible lack of turnovers in this game may not make this unit a solid play in fantasy. Strong defensive plays in Week 13 include: New England vs. Indianapolis, Denver vs. Minnesota, Atlanta vs. Houston and San Diego vs. Jacksonville.

 

 

Raiders’ Week 11 Fantasy Outlook

 Posted by at 2:21 PM  1 Response »
Nov 182011
 

Quarterback

Carson Palmer is a name that is generating a lot of buzz this week, partly because of his solid stat line in Week 10 (299 yards, 2 TD passes, 1 INT). It also has to do with the fact that a lot of quarterbacks are injured in fantasy land (Matt Schaub, Matt Cassel, Michael Vick). Facing off against a depleted Vikings secondary this week, Palmer is a recommended start this week. The Vikings placed cornerback Antoine Winfield in injured reserve and will be counting on Benny Sapp. Unfortunately for Sapp, he will most likely going up against one of the hottest receivers in the NFL in Denarius Moore. With a plethora of options in the passing game, fantasy owners should be able to count on Palmer against a weak Vikings’ secondary this week.

Running Backs

Michael Bush has been a force in the running game, scoring double-digit fantasy games in three straight games. While Darren McFadden has been seen out of his protective walking boot, he has been ruled out for week 11. Fantasy owners can look forward to a full load of work for Bush. Clearly, Bush is running with authority and is making a case to be a full-time starter for the Silver and Black next year or elsewhere. Take advantage of his production while you can. Taiwan Jones is the change-of-pace back, but it’s very hard to trust him. He has shown spurts of breakaway ability, but his chances are limited. Additionally, Jones is struggling in pass-protection, making him an even riskier play as the coaches might want to employ Bush on all three downs.

Wide Receivers

Denarius Moore lit it up last week vs. the Chargers to the tune of 5 receptions for 123 yards and two TDs.  Moore is the best fantasy option when it comes to the Raiders’ wide receiving corps in terms of being the safest option as well as the one possessing the most upside. Consider him a WR2 play this week with the upside of a WR1. Held without a catch for the past two games, Darrius Heyward-Bey is a droppable candidate this late into the season. Sure he may be able to turn things around, but it’s a risky proposition. Acquire depth elsewhere as you make the push towards fantasy playoffs. The same can be said about Jacoby Ford who is battling an injury.

Tight Ends

Kevin Boss showed signs of life last week catching two passes for 32 yards. He could develop into a nice option for CP3, but fantasy players should take a wait and see approach when it comes to Boss and the other Raiders’ tight ends. The Raiders just haven’t used the tight end as a weapon in the passing game.

Kicker

Fantasy owners who own Sebastian Janikowski have been frustrated as of late due to his injury. According to Contra Costa Times, Janikowski did not practice Thursday and Hue Jackson called him 97.2% healthy. Roll the dice with Janikowski or look into the availability of Rob Bironas of the Titans. When his team is playing well and Chris Johnson is running well  it gives him both the opportunity for PATs and field goals.

Defense/Special Teams

Don’t be tempted to play the Raiders’ defense or special teams this week even if they are facing the Vikings. The Vikings have played their opponents tough (disregard their last game vs. Packers game as it was a blowout). The Raiders’ defensive unit has been tough to rely on, giving fantasy owners negative points in three games this year. Also, the loss of Ford in the return game makes them a risky start as the Vikings have an emerging offense led by the poise of Christian Ponder and the dangerous Adrian Peterson and Percy Harvin.

Raiders’ Week 10 Fantasy Outlook

 Posted by at 3:47 PM  No Responses »
Nov 102011
 

Quarterback

There’s absolutely no way you should play Carson Palmer this week. He’s averaging 3 INTs a week and his yardage certainly isn’t making up for that. He threw for 3 touchdowns last week, but the INTs nearly balance out the point gain. The only reason he should start on your Fantasy roster is if it’s 10 minutes before kickoff, you have no backup and your usual starter is on a bye. Otherwise, no Palmer for you!

Running Backs

From all appearances, DMC will be out again this week. If you didn’t pick up Bush or Jones, then you didn’t miss too much. Bush had an impressive showing in comparison to previous weeks. He had 96 yards and his first touchdown of the season. That being said, the Chargers are fairly tough against the run, but Bush is going to have the majority of work in this game. Jones, however will get a few touches, but it most likely won’t translate into fantasy points. Consider Bush a strong RB2 this week after back-to-back strong showings.

Wide Receivers

What in Al Davis’ name happened to Darrius Heyward-Bey? DHB was fifth in the depth chart vs. the Broncos and by all accounts we can only assume that it was for disciplinary reasons. Or worse, the other two WRs, Jacoby Ford and Denarius Moore, caught on to the scheme faster than DHB during practice. In either case, the Oakland WR corps is bound to be a jumbled mess. Moore saw the most targets with 12, while Ford did the most with his targets (6) for 105 yards and a touchdown. Ford made for a popular waiver-wire add this week and deservedly so. He is an explosive playmaker and shows great rapport with CP3. Consider Ford a strong flex option this week and it’s wise to use the wait-and-see approach with the other pass catchers this late in the fantasy season.

Tight End

Kevin Boss should not be deployed even in the deepest of fantasy leagues. He failed to catch a pass vs. Denver and recorded two catches combined in Oakland’s last three games. We can conclude that the Raiders will utilize newly-signed TJ Houshmandzadeh out of the slot to catch short passes to move the chains, rendering Boss to blocking duties.

Kicker

Sebastian Janikowski is officially listed as Questionable (Rotowire) for Thursday’s tilt with San Diego. While he has a strong leg for fantasy purposes, we strongly advise that you pick up a replacement for this week and beyond.

Defense/Special Teams

I like many of you out there was burned by this defense last week vs. the Broncos. There was no excuses for last week’s showing and the defense as a whole should be ashamed of their performance. Tim Tebow looked like world-beaters and the newly-installed read-option playbook was effective. This week this unit gets a Chargers team. Avoid the Raiders’ defense at all costs this week. Sneaky alternatives this week include the Browns defense vs. the Rams and the Jags defense playing against the Colts.

Raiders’ Week 9 Fantasy Outlook

 Posted by at 9:21 AM  No Responses »
Nov 052011
 

Quarterback

This position, in regards to Fantasy, is less of a crap shoot than it was two weeks ago, but there’s still no way to confidently say play Palmer over other QBs in the NFL. Palmer’s play against the Chiefs was not an indication of his future play because he was unprepared and didn’t have his go-to: Darren McFadden. He was just trying to clean up Boller’s mess. This week he still won’t have McFadden, but he will have T.J. “Who’s-Yo-Mama” Houshmandzadeh with whom he practiced during his “retirement.” Housh will give Palmer a reliable target that he’s comfortable with and can go to on third downs, or any other down for that matter. It would irresponsible to give a definitive “go!” for starting Palmer on your team this week. On the bright side, Tebow will make him look like a pro-bowler again.

Running Back

All of you who have been reaping the benefits of McFadden’s success have probably been drinking yourself to sleep after seeing him leave practice in a boot. Leave the kool-aid alone though because he’ll be back. Until then you can play Michael Bush and/or Taiwan Jones. While neither will get tons of yards, they’ll still get decent numbers, especially Bush. Palmer may go more to the air since he’s got his training-mate on the team now, but the Raiders’ success has been built on the run. Luckily, the Broncos will be unprepared since it’s unclear if the game will be more passing or rushing. Play Bush, he should get 20 carries. The key to winning with regard to your Fantasy team is just remembering to sit McFadden and play someone who will actually run.

Wide Receivers

Darrius Heyward-Bey is the only receiver worth owning in terms of fantasy production. The addition of Houshmandzadeh to the mix really muddies the water for Jacoby Ford and Denarius Moore. If you’ve been stashing Moore this year, it’s OK to cut him loose now unless you are in a keeper league. Houshmandzadeh was quoted saying that there are a lot of fast guys on the team but they’re not as polished as route-runners. While he is definitely positioning himself within the team, there is a morsel of truth to that. Moore and Ford stretches the field in a way they play and cannot be counted on for consistent production. Coming off a bye, we’re hoping that DHB has built some sort of rapport with Palmer and he is proving doubters wrong. Right now he is considered to be a low-end WR2 and strong WR3.

Tight End

Kevin Boss can make a sneaky play this week for owners truly desperate for a TE. Oakland is squaring off against a Broncos defense who have been pretty stout thus far to opposing tight ends, but coming off a bye, the Raiders could play at a maximum effort to keep pace in the AFC West. The addition of Houshmandzadeh definitely hurts his value, as they both operate in the middle of the field. Boss is definitely a player worth keeping an eye on to see how Carson Palmer utilizes him.

Kicker

Sebastian Janikowski hasn’t been able to practice this week and Dave Rayner may get the call again. Avoid this situation if you can. Some strong plays this week include Matt Bryant who is squaring off against the Colts indoors.

Defense/Special Teams

While the Raiders defense has ranked towards the bottom in most statistical categories this year, this is a defense with value this week vs. Tim Tebow. The Raiders defense has played better than their stats suggests with Richard Seymour leading the way. Tebow is turnover prone and he is susceptible to the pass rush. Seymour alone could match his season sack total of five in this game, to double his output for the season. And yeah, I don’t need to tell you that Ford is returning kicks for this game. It’s added incentive for you to play them this week.

Raiders’ Week 7 Fantasy Impact

 Posted by at 1:15 PM  No Responses »
Oct 212011
 

Quarterback

Not sure what to tell you here except don’t play Campbell or Boller. Obviously. Al Saunders basically told everyone that Palmer will start, but Jackson is trying to “surprise” people on Sunday. Hue, your surprises are welcome in Raider Nation, but not in Fantasy Land. Pick up Palmer as your QB if you need one this week because chances are very good he’ll start. That being said, he has a big playbook to learn. He’s worked with Jackson before at USC and Cincy, so he knows his style, but hasn’t had the time to memorize the NFL’s most prolific playbook. This leaves the chance of interceptions if he gets routes confused, so most likely he’ll be handing off a lot. Running is what the Raiders do best, but it gets you nowhere in Fantasy. Pick up Palmer, but don’t play him just yet, unless you’re QB-less.

Running Backs

If DMC is going to have a huge, monster week, this is it. Not only will he be able to run all over the Chief’s defense, his quarterback will require it. No matter if it’s Boller or Palmer, they’ll be demanding a lot of McFadden this week. He’ll generate RB points that you have only seen in your, well, fantasies. Michael Bush may also get his season high yardage in this game. DMC can do a lot, but he can’t do it on his own. Bush will be right there to back him up. You may even get a TD out of him. Rock is listed as questionable, so that’s an obvious no. and he’s primarily special teams player. Taiwan Jones may get some carries, since the run game will be so heavily used, but not enough to advise playing him.

Wide Receivers

The wide receivers you want to own in Oakland is Darrius Heyward-Bey and Denarius Moore at the present time. With the arrival of Palmer in Oakland, anyone of the young Raiders receivers may have sneaky value in the second half of the season. The rapport Palmer had with Terrell Owens was great chemistry and smart fantasy owners are invited to scout the return of Louis Murphy. Murphy is a do-it-all receiver, making his stamp in the possession game. Murphy and QB Bruce Gradkowski had great chemistry before injuries plagued this QB and WR combo. If you held on to Jacoby Ford since your fantasy draft day, it’s safe to let him go unless you are in deeper leagues. Ford is relegated to kick and punt returns to utilize his great speed, but is untrustworthy in fantasy purposes in terms of the kind of steady production he will provide you. Maybe wait one more week before cutting Ford loose to see if his role continues to expand as he gets healthy. Our money in terms of the rest of the season production lies in DHB, Moore, and possibly Ford and Murphy.

Tight Ends

While you’re scouting Murphy, Kevin Boss is a player that can make an impact during your fantasy playoffs as well. Once QB Palmer and Boss have a couple of games under their belt, Palmer may lean on Boss to move the chains and play possession ball that Head Coach Hue Jackson and the Raiders will want to employ. Boss scored a touchdown against the Browns on a fake punt thrown by Shane Lechler. Keep Boss in your “players to watch” list.

Kicker

Per ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Raiders are auditioning kickers due to injury to Sebastian Janikowski. If your fantasy team depth is enough to hold two kickers, I advise you hold onto Janikowski because his leg is truly special. However, fantasy wise, kickers are replaceable as their output is unpredictable. Monitor the situation with Janikowski closely. A great play this week would the Seahawk’s Steven Hauschka as they play the Browns this week or the Ravens’ Billy Cundiff as he put up 20 points in most leagues last week.

Defense/Special Teams

A lot of fantasy owners are clamoring for the Dallas defense this week and deservedly so due to their matchup vs. the hapless Rams. But if you lost out on the waiver wire add, consider the Raiders defense this week. They are playing the Chiefs who got blown out the first two weeks of the season and beat two below average teams in the Vikings and the Colts. There is no faith now that the Chiefs are better than their 2-3 records suggest. They are trotting out RB Jackie Battle, a former special teamer and Matt Cassel was throwing a ton in their last game against the Colts. Word out of their camp was that Head Coach Todd Haley would have gotten fired if they lost against the Colts. What makes the Raiders D/ST a great play is the ability of KR Ford to take it to the house as he did vs. the Browns for those valuable special teams points. This week the Raiders will put the hammer down on this AFC West rival and continue their undefeated streak in the division.

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