Is Helu worth the risk?
Ramon: Alex Smith or Matt Hasselbeck?? Thank you JB
Not sure if this speaks volume to the improvement in Smith, or as testimony to the downfall of Hasselbeck. Smith’s supervision of the offense (mainly, his reduction in turnovers) has been integral to the turnaround of San Francisco this season. Unfortunately, that veracity holds little weight in the statistical-driven realm, as Smith’s 13 touchdowns and 2,116 yards (192.4 yards per outing) don’t correlate to fantasy fruition.
Alas, Hasselbeck has fared no better as of late, throwing for 225 yards or less in five of his last six games, with six touchdowns and six picks in that time span. Throw in the fact that Smith and the Niners are facing a so-so secondary in St. Louis, and it’s a no-brainer: go with the San Fran signal caller.
Steven: Pick 1, PPR league: Palmer, Flacco or Moore?
Not a bad trio to pick from, Steven. I like what Palmer has done in Oakland, and the box scores second that sentiment: the former Bengal has tossed for 300 yards or better in three of the past four contests (ok, technically, Palmer only had 299 yards in Week 10, but we’ll give him the benefit of the doubt, as he threw for 301 yards last Sunday). Moore has likewise been efficient the past month, finding the end zone seven times with just one interception.
Yet Flacco is my nomination out of the proposed candidates. True, his erraticism has caused many a fantasy owner to whip their TV remote across the room, and his matchup against a brutal Cleveland secondary does not seem to portend promise. But Flacco possesses the highest ceiling out of the three, and his receiving corps is proficient and healthy, whereas the Dolphins and Raiders can make no such claim. Albeit a gamble, go with Flacco.
Carrel: Plaxico Burress or Marques Colston?
And they say there’s an East Coast bias.
Not to sound condescending Carrel, but it’s a non-issue: Colston is averaging over 74 yards per game with 45 receptions, while Plax is rocking a measly 43.5 yards per outing. Burress has hit paydirt seven times, but three of those TDs derived from one game. Colston is your man.
Ethan: Hi Joel! Out of Beanie Wells, Maurice Morris and Roy Helu who'd you use at RB2? Have to drop D.Thomas to get Helu. (Non PPR) Thoughts?
Anyone familiar with the site knows my disdain for all things Mike Shanahan, as the Washington coach’s inexplicable utilization and allotment of carries has perplexed and royally P’d-off proprietors of Redskin running backs. Apropos, then, that the Lucifer of Fantasy finally conceded Washington’s rushing duties to a single entity last week in Roy Helu. Not surprisingly, the rookie out of Nebraska made the most of the opportunity, accumulating 162 yards (23 carries, 108 yards, touchdown; seven receptions, 54 yards) in a victory over the Seahawks last week. Theoretically, such a performance should garner another starting showcase for Helu, and Shanahan has indicated as much. But we’ve seen unfilled promises from Shanahan in the past, so much so that these lies have their own moniker: getting “Shanahaned.”
However, while I usually campaign owners to avoid Washington running backs like Dr. House avoids playing by the rules, your alternatives (a banged-up Beanie Wells and a Maurice Morris who’s, well, Maurice Morris) aren’t viable starters. I can’t believe I’m advocating this, but Helu is your man. (Flash forward to Sunday, as the cameras show Helu standing in disbelief on the sidelines as Evan Royster receives his 18th carry of the afternoon. Damn you Shanahan. Damn you!)
Torgo: Should I pick up Spiller, Helu, Stewart or McGahee to replace my IR Fred Jackson
Spiller. As I wrote in yesterday’s Fantasy Fever, the Buffalo back’s debut was inauspicious against a frustrated and angry Jets’ defense, yet his proficiency in the passing game will translate to extended action for the Clemson product. The Bills’ schedule features opportune adversaries in the remaining five weeks, giving Spiller a platform to contribute to your fantasy squad. (I’m sure McGahee seems like the undisputed choice, but I refuse to believe a player with 775 yards on a scant 162 carries is available at this juncture of the season.)
Sonia V: Standard 10-team league, who do I sit: Jordy, Dez, Fitz or VJax? Thanks.
Jackson’s production has mirrored that of a roller coaster, so instincts may instruct the benching of the San Diego wideout. Still, I like Jackson’s forecast against Jacksonville on Monday night. Fitzgerald continues to produce despite the presence of John Skelton, so he’s a must-start. Between Bryant and Nelson, leave Nelson behind. He’s done work all season, but too many weapons in the Packer aerial attack to consistently count on Nelson. Couple this with the Cowboys battling an atrocious Arizona pass defense, and Nelson is the odd-man out.
Jay: Mike Vick might return, but any suggestions for playoff backups? Got Colt McCoy.
McCoy isn’t delivering you to the Promised Land, so release that fish back into the sea. Owned in less than 30 percent of FOXSports.com fantasy leagues, Andy Dalton has posted 643 yards in the past two weeks against two of the tougher secondaries in Cleveland and Baltimore. With exploitable matchups against St. Louis and Arizona in Weeks 15 and 16 (weeks that happen to coincide with fantasy championships in the majority of leagues), the Red Rifle will be an asset down the home stretch.