2011 NFL Draft Guide
August 8th, 2011 | by Ray Flowers |
The 2011 NFL DRAFT GUIDE is here.
I’m not going to weigh it down by adding all kinds of reports on team that you won’t read. I’m also not gonna rank players based on 19 different scoring systems. It’s time to get down and dirty folks.
So what does The Guide include and how to get you a copy?
* Players are ranked by position (based on PPR Scoring):
The top-30 quarterbacks and tight ends.
The top-100 running backs and wide receivers.
The top-32 kickers and defenses.
* All players also are accompanied by auction dollar values.
* The top-200 overall players are ranked.
* I’ve also included an article describing my preferred scoring system.
* There is also a quick report on how to evaluate players. Why shouldn’t you take a quarterback with your first selection?
* NOTE: The Guide is continually updated, so even though this post is old, the information in The Guide is up to the minute.
There it is. Like I said, down and dirty to help get you into the full swing of fantasy football draft season.
So, how do you get it? Simple really.
The Guide costs $3. Come on, that’s less than a sandwich at Subway or a gallon of gas. It’s worth it.
Simply click on the yellow DONATE Tab to the right of this article (it’s in the far right column) which will redirect you to the BaseballGuys‘ PayPal page. Once there, simply submit a donation for $3 and I’ll be happy to email you directly the eight page PDF file with all the above information in it.
Are you ready for some football !
By Ray Flowers
Tags: Football, NFL, NFL Draft Guide, NFL Draft Guide 211, NFL Player Rankings, Player Rankings
By Evan Gudmestad on Aug 8, 2011
I’ll be glad to donate! Maybe I was the first order?
By Ray Flowers on Aug 8, 2011
Evan – Not the first order my friend, they are flying off the shelves, but that doesn’t mean I appreciate your request any less important.
By Eric on Aug 8, 2011
Ray glad to here business is good. Love the guide. Rodgers Not top 10? You can tell your a roto guy and not used to looking at scoring by a week by week system. Your my go to guy when you doing the NHL one?
By Ray Flowers on Aug 8, 2011
Eric-
Did you read the article in there about how to evaluate players? It points out exactly why you should NOT have Rodgers in your top-10. People tell me I’m wrong all the time, but the numbers don’t lie.
Rodgers had 12 more points last season than Brady. That’s less than a point per week. You take Rodgers in the first while I take Tom Brady in the 3rd and get the same production.
how about this as well – Rodgers had less passing yards than Carson Palmer last year.
Rodgers completed fewer passes than Sam Bradford – 42 less.
Rodgers had as many TDs as Matt Ryan and three less than Eli Manning.
Just no reason to go early at QB.
By Richard Wade on Aug 8, 2011
Just donated. I can’t wait for your guide to appear in my inbox. Keep up the great work
By Ray Flowers on Aug 8, 2011
Richard – should be in your mailbox. Enjoy my friend.
By William on Aug 8, 2011
Hi Ray = just donated to your cause for the Football guide ….how long does it take to get the guide? Been waiting a bit.
By Mark on Aug 8, 2011
I NEVER pay for fantasy info, but just bought yourNFL guide for two reasons. 1. Your MLB stuff is always dead on and I was curious. 2. You arent a cheapskate and always give out free info on your site and twitter. Keep up the good work!
By Eric on Aug 8, 2011
But Ray Your Argument about QB in the first round fails to point out that most of the top ten RB every year didnt Come from the first round such as Foster, Mccoy, Charles, Mcfadden. Also and this maybe just in my league Manning who was #1 last year had 100 more points then the 10th place qb. that is 26% drop. Also In football unlike baseball you can find a spot start RB every week. Just My opinion Fantasy football isnt ROTO its week by week
By cameron on Aug 8, 2011
hey ray,
just donated. can’t wait to check out your nfl insight! quick baseball question.. i’m a little fuzzy on the whole trading players after the trading deadline. and passing through waivers?? can you explain this for me so i can completely understand this? thanks man.
-Cameron
By Ray Flowers on Aug 9, 2011
William-
Did you get The Guide? Hey, a guy has to eat dinner at some point, right? Hope you got it, let me know if you didn’t.
By Ray Flowers on Aug 9, 2011
Mark – I hope you enjoy the finished product. I try my best to put in my max effort regardless of how many people read my work, or how many emails/tweets I have to answer all hours of the day. I figure, you give the people what they want, and they will respect you.
By Ray Flowers on Aug 9, 2011
Eric – Did you get a copy of The Guide? I pointed out exactly the scenario that you mentioned. The 12th place QB gap was way, way smaller than the gap from RB1 to RB30 or WR1 to WR 42 (12 team league, 2 RB, 3 WR, 1 flex – splitting half the Flex plays into each position). The gap between the top starters and bottom starter is smallest at QB – by a substantial amount.
As for your argument about fantasy football isn’t roto it’s week to week, I’m unclear what point you are trying to make. What are you saying there? Is it that consistency matters? Look at Tom Brady. He was a 25 pt performer six times last year, but seven times he was under 18 points. Josh Freeman went over 25 pts only once, but he was also under 18 points five times. Was Freeman a better QB than Brady because week to week he was more consistent in avoiding dud outings?
Finally… last year the top-10 QBs at the end of the year included the following players whose preseason ADP was outside the top-10: Eli Manning, Matt Ryan, Josh Freeman and Michael Vick. That’s as many as the four runners you listed so there really is no difference there either.
By Ray Flowers on Aug 9, 2011
Cameron – Hope you enjoy The NFL Guide when you get a chance to run through it.
Simply put…
BEFORE July 31st players can be traded to any team at any time.
AFTER August 1st, players have to be put through the waiver process.
How does that work? Here’s a great primer from ESPN’s Jayson Stark.
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/columns/story?columnist=stark_jayson&id=1860265
By JB on Aug 9, 2011
Ray-
Enjoy the radio show. Looking forward to receiving the draft guide. Thx
By Ray Flowers on Aug 9, 2011
JB – Hope The Guide lived up to expectations.
By anthony on Aug 9, 2011
Hey just purchased the guide I listen to SiriusXM fantasy sports almost exclusively when I’m in the car. Thank you for all the advice and giving us sports guys something to listen to all day! I’m sure your undercharging for the draft guide what a deal!
By Ray Flowers on Aug 9, 2011
Anthony – Thanks for the props my friend. I hope The Guide lives up to expectations. I’ll pass on your kinds words to Kyle and Kay.
By wesley on Aug 9, 2011
Hey ray, great work!! i have a question for you. I was wondering if your going to send a updated email for a updated NFL rankings after the preseason for everybody who purchased. I was going to use your rankings for all my leagues i start drafting august 28th.
By Tim New on Aug 10, 2011
Ok Ray, I had to try 3 times before Paypal didn’t give me an error but I’m in; will be interested to see your thoughts.
If anyone out there is looking for a different Fantasy League, I’m putting together an Auction Draft Dynasty League; 16 tms; 30 players roster with IDP; scoring includes return yards and PPR; intention is to keep most of your team year to year (at least 20 of the 30);
email me at fantasysports at timnew.com if interested. Draft Aug 27
By Ray Flowers on Aug 10, 2011
Wesley – I might do an update in a few weeks to the NFL Guide – depends on how much time I have. I may send an update to everyone who purchases it right now if I do that, but I’m not sure I will so it’s up in the air. If you buy it right now, do so with the understanding that it’s a one time deal with a small chance of a free update.
By Ray Flowers on Aug 10, 2011
Tim New – Glad you finally got The Football Guide. Sorry it was such a hassle.
Good luck with your league.
By Ken Bassler on Aug 11, 2011
I just ordered the Football guide. Can’t wait to receive it. I listen to you on Sirius whenever I can, follow on twitter, etc. Keep up the good work!
By David Weill on Aug 11, 2011
Ray, just ordered your guide. i’m excited to see it. I’m in an IDP auction league with 8 reserves per team. How much do you think i should budget to spend on offensive starters v. defensive starters v. reserves? I’m leaning towards 70/20/10. what do you think?
By Ndamukong Suh on Aug 11, 2011
Raybone
Are you going to do any IDP rankings?
Thanks for all your work, you are the best in the business!
By Ray Flowers on Aug 11, 2011
N. Suh – I’m sorry my friend. I’m not an IDP master so I’m not going to be releasing any rankings that include you in them.
You gotta know your weeknesses, and I fully admit that individual defensive players are outside of my comfort zone.
By Ray Flowers on Aug 11, 2011
David Weill – Hope you enjoy The Guide.
I’m by no means an IDP expert.
I would say I wouldn’t hit double digits on any defensive players unless really pushed, so your splits of 70.20.10 sound fair to me.
By Ray Flowers on Aug 11, 2011
Ken – Thanks for the pat on the back my friend. I always try my best to be there for my peeps, good to hear that it’s been working.
By David Weill on Aug 11, 2011
hey ray, what’s the deal with the morning show on the sirius fantasy channel? they are always dissing your show (especially you and kay). not sure why. should we boycott them?
By david on Aug 11, 2011
hi, ray. i’m in a 12 team mixed 6×6 h2h keeper league. i have desmond jennings an jj hardy who are both keeper eligible (for 3 years). i’m looking to trade them for jennings for matt kemp and hardy for jamie shields. 1) do you see kemp or shields having trouble with playing time in september? 2) if i trade hardy for shields, i’ll have to slot furcal at SS. shields take the place of trevor cahill in my rotation. does this sound like enough of an ugrade to you?
thanks.
By Phil on Aug 11, 2011
Just made my donation. I’m looking forward to your sage wisdom.
By Ray Flowers on Aug 12, 2011
David Weill – It’s all in good fun. I know Engel personally, he’s a great guy. I hear from most people that they aren’t huge fans of it, but I know there’s nothing personal with it.
By Ray Flowers on Aug 12, 2011
David – Kemp and Shields have zero concern about playing time. Only thing that will derail them is injury. If you need pitching, Hardy for Shields makes a lot of sense, especially since you have cahill who I’ve warned people about forever. Don’t know about that Jennings for Kemp thing though. Only way that makes sense is if you are trying to win this year, or if you can keep kemp.
By Ray Flowers on Aug 12, 2011
Phil – Still feeling the same now that you’ve had a chance to look at the NFL Guide? Hopefully so.
By Ricky S on Aug 15, 2011
Ray,
as long as I’ve donated I have a strategy question. I’m in a 14 team .5 point PPR with
6 pt passing TD
7 pt rushing TD
8 pt receiving TD
I have 6th pick. In that format, would it be worth taking a top QB in the 2nd round after getting my RB 1st round, such as Philip Rivers, or would you go with someone like Nicks, Miles Austin, Hillis or Forte if they are available. What is your strategy?
By Ray Flowers on Aug 16, 2011
Ricky S – Don’t like that scoring system. TDs are six points, not seven or eight. I dont like systems that try to even out all the players until you can’t tell the difference anymore.
Read the article at the start of The NFL Guide. It will answer your question about quarterbacks. Short – I don’t take QBs early, and in this system with so many points for rushing/receiving TDs, there is even less of a reason to go QB early.
By KT on Aug 18, 2011
Ray,
Love listening to you and the gang on a daily basis. I’m in a 14 team PPR keeper league. I can keep Arian Foster or Adrian Peterson. Which RB would you keep? I ordered your draft guide for further guidance.
By Ray Flowers on Aug 18, 2011
KT – Glad you enjoy the show, we sure have a fun time putting it on.
The answer you seek is in the NFL Guide you ordered.
http://baseballguys.com/2011/08/08/2011-nfl-draft-guide
Might surprise a few people my answer.
By Steevo on Aug 22, 2011
will this be updated as we get closer to the season? my draft isnt for 2 weeks so i would imagine there would be some changes by then. thanks!
By Steve on Aug 23, 2011
Still fighting for first in a 10 team Roto and still need your help. Need to replace Rollins at MI and trying to gain ground in SB and HR. Please rank ROS – Bonifacio, Ackley, Roberts, Espinosa. Y. Bentancourt, Lowrie and A. Escobar also available but I rank them last. Thanks as always.
By Ray Flowers on Aug 23, 2011
Steevo- I update The NFL Guide as need be. Usually a couple of times a week.
By Ray Flowers on Aug 23, 2011
Steve – Ackely is the best hitter on the list, but not a huge bonus to SB or HR. If going SB take shot on Bonifacio. For power, I’d go with Espinosa. Both players have their limitations, but they will address your stated needs for the two categories.
By Matt on Aug 23, 2011
Ray – do you update your rankings? If so, will I get updates if I pay for them now?
By Ray Flowers on Aug 23, 2011
Matt – send me verification of your purchase, and I’ll gladly send an update (likely to do that for everyone next week).
By Joel on Aug 23, 2011
Ray: Niese is likely to get shelled tonight, right?
By Ray Flowers on Aug 24, 2011
Joel – Sorry I didn’t see this in time, but as you’ve heard by now, Niese is out with an injury, and he could end up being shutdown for the remainder of the season with it. Time will tell.
By wesley on Aug 25, 2011
What do u think has the best website for ADP. Thanks ray
By Ray Flowers on Aug 25, 2011
Wesley – There are two sites I use for ADP.
http://www.mockdraftcentral.com
http://fantasyfootballcalculator.com/adp.php
By Shawn on Aug 25, 2011
Hey Ray, I listen your show everyday while I drive a truck up and down New Mexico. I just donated to get the draft guide for my draft on Sunday. Do you think ill get it before then? And how about MV in the first round? JK
By Ray Flowers on Aug 25, 2011
Shawn – You should have The NFL Guide in your mailbox now.
For my thoughts on Vick —- http://www.rotoinfo.com/blog/who-is-the-real-michael-vick.html
By Evan Gudmestad on Aug 25, 2011
Ray – I’d love a grade from you on my draft results. 12 team PPR.
1.(3)Ray Rice
2.(22)Steven Jackson
3.(27)Greg Jennings
4.(46)Santonio Holmes
5.(51)Matt Ryan
6.(70)Kenny Britt
7.(75)Ryan Mathews
8.(94)Lance Moore
9.(99)Mike Sims-Walker
10.(118)Zach Miller
11.(123)Marion Barber
12.(142)Jared Cook
13.(147)Mike Williams
14.(166)Danny Woodhead
15.(171)Josh Brown
16.(190)San Francisco(just because 1st week matchup)
By Ray Flowers on Aug 26, 2011
Evan – Ryan is solid at QB. RB of SJax/Rice strong. Mathews solid #3. PPR so woodhead is a nice add, and barber could get work at goaline. Solid group. WR jennnings/holmes/britt/moore/msw -tremendous talent. Williams doesnt add anything, but with your top-4 this is a strong unit as well. MIller should be TE1.
Very good job my friend. Very good.
By Jericho on Aug 29, 2011
Glad to donate. I’m looking forward to checking it out. Thanks Ray!
By Matt on Aug 29, 2011
Hi Ray, will you have updated rankings available this week?
By Ray Flowers on Aug 29, 2011
Matt- like the article points out, they are constantly updated. It’s not a static entity. I usually updated it every 2-3 days.
By Jason on Aug 29, 2011
Hey Ray. Fantasy Drive is the best show on the XM lineup. Looking forward to getting the guide. Heard you Sunday night provide the clearest explanation on why not to generally draft a QB early. Thanks and keep up the good work.
By Ray Flowers on Aug 29, 2011
Jason – Thanks for the support, really appreciate it.
I do think it’s pretty straight forward why drafting a QB isn’t always the best move early in drafts, but people are slow to come around to it. In THE NFL GUIDE, I have a one page article explaining my thought process.
Thanks again buddy.
By WP34 on Aug 30, 2011
I understand your logic about QBs. How should we use your rankings then to draft. If I’m in a 16 team league, and picking #15, and Brees is available, do I draft him (if #1-14 go as your rankings go). To me, based on your argument, you shouldn’t pick him since Cutler is only slightly worse as the #12 QB, who I can probably pick in a much later round.
By Ray Flowers on Aug 30, 2011
WP34- My Rankings in THE DRAFT GUIDE, in terms of the dollar amounts, are what you will likely have to pay to attain the services of that player in an auction draft. Does that mean I would take take Brees #15 overall? Personally, I would not. You have understood my argument correctly. I would wait to take my quarterback. At the same time, 16 teams is a pretty deep league, so I wouldn’t wait so long that I’d end up with Kyle Orton as my starter.
By upshockeydad on Aug 30, 2011
Ray listen to you on radio everyday. donated $20 but no email with Nfl list infact how can you it never asked for my email address after sending you $20. Kay would not be happy
By Ray Flowers on Aug 31, 2011
Upshockeydad – I was out last night. Sending you The NFL Guide right now. When you place an order, it sends me your acct info that includes your email addy.
Thanks for the BIG donation.
By WP34 on Aug 31, 2011
The guide ranks players only for a PPR league. Do the rankings change with a no PPR league? (I know our league is still in the stone ages, but it’s the commish’s call.)
By Greg on Sep 2, 2011
Ray- just made the donation via paypal. Thanks for your wisdom for baseball can’t wait for the NFL draft guide. I have a draft tomorrow, anyway I can get it on rush basis? Thanks Again!!
By Ray Flowers on Sep 2, 2011
Greg – I don’t see a receipt for you in my folder from PayPal. It says it’s pending a check being received. I’m gonna be a bro send you the guide cause you said you need it right away, but you better not pull the check back or my friends from jersey will come looking for you. j/k
By Matt on Sep 2, 2011
Ray, should I start d Thomas in the flex or maybe Cooley, AJ Green, or n burelson, I also have m Floyd and folacin and moss at wideout, so what do u think?
By Ray Flowers on Sep 2, 2011
Matt – I’m not gonna start telling people who to play in Week 1 until we get to Week 1. Dont mean to be rude, but gotta see last games played and assess injuries. That’s the biggest thing to keep an eye on at this point. I dont like your options. Thomas may not see much work. Cooley has bad knee. Green is a rookie WR working with a rookie QB. Burleson has to fight off Young.
By Bob on Sep 3, 2011
Ray–always love to listen to your show and numbers crunch–you’ve kept me in the baseball race for #1 right up until these last few weeks. Now I draft for football tomorrow night in a non PPR 12 team league so need that guide ASAP!!! keep up the good work
By Ray Flowers on Sep 3, 2011
Bob- The NFL Guide has been sent. Good luck to you with your draft.
By bob on Sep 3, 2011
1) I already donated i got your first ranking, but how do I get updated rankings?
2) Which catcher you ride out the rest of season with: AJ Piernzyski, buck, JP ARENCbIA, olivo, ianetta, suziku, Doumit, hundley, salty, torreabla, Lucroy…..
By bob oz on Sep 3, 2011
with todays injury to Moeaki – does BREASTON value increase? I am surprised BREASTON is so low on your rankings, why?
By Ray Flowers on Sep 4, 2011
Bob oz – Breaston is low on my rankings for many reasons. (1) He is in an offense that is run first. (2) Cassel will find it nearly impossible to repeat last years TD/INT numbers.(3) Breaston was limited in 2010 because of a knee issue. (4) Breaston has been limited this year after having knee surgery this offseason. Does his value increase? It can’t help but go up with the knee injury to Moeaki. At the same time, it’s not like he is now someone to target.Keep your expectations modest – the Chiefs overpaid to acquire his services.
By Mark on Sep 4, 2011
Ray,
I’m winning my baseball league (thanks in large part to your website), I feel like I have had two great football drafts (again thanks to you), is there any way you will have nhl rankings out before Sept. 24th? That is the night of my nhl draft. Thanks for all the good work you do!
By Ray Flowers on Sep 4, 2011
Mark – Glad I’ve been able to help you with NFL and MLB work this year.
As for NHL, I’m currently looking for a home to write about that since Fanball is no longer around. I might end up helping out Rotowire with their NHL coverage. I’m hopeful of having some NHL rankings… we’ll just have to see though.
By Mark on Sep 4, 2011
Good luck with that, I know I certainly appreciate all of your help!
By wesley on Sep 5, 2011
Is it possible you can send me a updated 1, I donated awhile ago. Thanks ray
By Rob on Sep 6, 2011
Hi Ray,
Would you play the matchups with Witten and Cook? For example, Week 1 has Cook v. Jags and Witten v. Jets. Or is Witten just too good to sit, even against a top D?
What Would Ray Do? Thanks!
By wesley on Sep 6, 2011
Im in alot of leagues like you are, do u think its smart to try to draft the same players in each draft
By Ray Flowers on Sep 6, 2011
Wesley – I draft the best players, period. Often times there is overlap from one league to the next, after all I am targeting the same players each time, but I might end up with Arian Foster once, Ray Rice once, Chris Johnson once, LeSean McCoy once, all depends. Often times a guy like Davone Bess or Mike Thomas will end up on my teams in PPR setups cause I can get them late, but I dont try to draft the same guys every time so I have the same players in all leagues.
By Otay on Sep 6, 2011
Hey Ray, big football trade offered to me already, wanted to know your opinion. Theres 12 teams and its PPR. I would be trading Chris Johnson, Jermichael Finley, Ravens D, Reggie Bush, and Ryan Fitzpatrick to receive LeSean McCoy, Dez Bryant, Joe Flacco, Jacoby Ford and Arizona D. I have Josh Freeman as my QB and I would probably pick up Lance Kendricks as my TE. What do you think of this deal for me?
By Ray Flowers on Sep 6, 2011
Otay – I find it odd that you would literally want to trade a third of your team before a game has ever been played.
CJ or McCoy – Give me CJ.
Finley or Bryant – Give me Finley cause of position.
Ravens or Arizona – BAL
Bush or Ford – Bush
Flacco or Fitzpatrick – Flacco
DON’T do the deal. You;’d be losing on 4 of 5 counts.
By wesley on Sep 7, 2011
i was wondering if you do weekly ranks on a different site that you write for
By Ray Flowers on Sep 7, 2011
Wesley – I’m not doing weekly rankings for the NFL this season. On my Radio Show, Sirius 210, XM87, all we do is talk rankings each day for three hours, but in my NFL writing for Rotoinfo and FantasyAlarm, I will not be publishing any NFL weekly rankings this season.
By Rob on Sep 8, 2011
Hi Ray, any chance you can grade my roster and point out any obvious weaknesses? 14 team, PPR, 2 QB league. 4 points per passing TD. Start 2RB, 2WR and 1 RB/WR.
QB: Romo, Campbell, Flier on Tebow with last pick (note that we start 2 QB)
RB: Blount, Greene, Jacobs, Karim
WR: Andre Johnson, Garcon, Mike Thomas, Mike Williams (SEA), Lance Moore, James Jones
TE: Witten and Cook
D/ST: Atlanta
K: Kasay
Do I look for a trade partner that needs receiving and try to get from him a RB that’s going to catch some passes too?
Thanks!
Rob
By Ray Flowers on Sep 8, 2011
Rob – I dont love the tebow flier late, but it’s not awful as the last pick of course, not in a 2 QB lg. Don’t love Campbell, though in 14 tm lg he’s fine as #2.
PPR league = you got a poor set of runners to turn to. Blount/Jacobs/Greene are all strong runners to be sure, but the trio is gonna catch less passes this year than Ray Rice. You gave away a lot of points by not getting at least one back who catches passes.
AJ is great, but no real WR2. Garcon/Moore/Thomas could get there, but all have questions (P. Manning out, injured, McCown as QB).
Love the TE duo of Witten and Cook.
By Steve on Sep 8, 2011
Ray- who would you start 12 team non ppr
Kenny Britt, Mario Manningham or Jimmy Graham?
Was leaning towards Britt and his nice matchup but with Lance Moore out, Graham could be huge tonight???
By Ray Flowers on Sep 8, 2011
Steve – Sorry, got to this after the game started. Hopefully it works out well for you. If I had to choose, I’d say Britt.
By Troy on Sep 8, 2011
Ray – I enjoy your Sirius show with Kay and Kyle. 2 questions – which 2 rb’s would you go with in a 12 team PPR for wk1? Forte, Hillis, Bradshaw, Benson, McGahee, or Delone Carter / 2nd question – which remaining guy for a flex or Amendola instead? Thanks!
By Ray Flowers on Sep 9, 2011
Troy – Forte and Hillis this week, and most weeks actually. For flex, go Bradshaw this week.
Glad you enjoy the show as well. Good to hear.
By Rob on Sep 9, 2011
Hi Ray,
First, love the show and this site. Extremely informative and an invaluable asset to have in ones corner.
In a 14 team, 2QB league, would you stash Kitna on your bench if you have Romo? Or just pounce on him with the quickness if Romo goes down?
Second, Amendola was just sent to waivers (PPR league). I took Tebow as a last round flier (I know you aren’t too fond of that choice). Seems like a silly question, but I’d like your endorsement, would you drop T-Bone here for Amendola? Waiver order resets weekly, inversely proportional to standings.
Thanks!
By Ryan on Sep 9, 2011
Ray, 10 team NON-PPR:
Would you waive Sidney Rice, Greg Little or AJ Green to pick up Lance Hendricks who is available…. or hold off on doing anything for now? My TE is Gates but there is always a concern about his health and I keep hearing excellent things about Hendricks. Cooley, Heath Miller and Celek are the only other “decent” TEs available. My starting lineup consists of Ryan (QB); MJD and McFadden (2 RBs); Dez and Marshall (2 WRs); Blount and Addai (2 FLEX). Bench: Fred Jax; Rice; Little; Green; Kolb; Starks. Thanks
By Johnny B on Sep 9, 2011
Hey Ray,
I used your draft guide for 3 teams this year and I am very pleased with the results.
Now that Blount is in a shared workload situation shoul dI target another back to trade for (eg Steven Jackson) or trade for 2 lesser backs (Bush, Wells)?
Its a 14 team PPR league so the wire is slim at best.
By Ray Flowers on Sep 9, 2011
Rob – In a 14 team, 2QB league, having 3 QBs isn’t an awful idea. However, quarterback handcuffing is a questionable proposition unless you have grossman, henne type. You can add Kitna, but really, I dont like that move. Romo should be fine.
Dropping Amendola in a lg this deep that is PPR is outright foolish. I’d like to keep Tebow just in case in this format, but get amendola who should be a more valuable season long performer.
By Rob on Sep 9, 2011
Thanks, Ray! Another option, if keeping Tebow, is to waive Cook (have Witten). Who would you rather hold onto in my format?
By Ray Flowers on Sep 9, 2011
Ryan – 10 tm, kendricks is not a starting option right now. You have Gates, so my advice would be to not worry about your backup until you need to worry about your backup. Its only 10 tms, so there will always be TE options on the wire. You could drop Little if you are nervous, but I do think he’ll have a strong second half.
By Ray Flowers on Sep 9, 2011
Rob- I like the upside of Cook. He wont play over witten, but if witten goes down cook just might be a solid start in 14 tm lgs. I’d rather have cook over tebow at this point.
By Ray Flowers on Sep 9, 2011
Johnny B – Glad things went well at the draft table.
Blount was always going to be limited on 3rd downs. He just doesn’t have great hands. He also didn’t get as much work as we’d like to have seen at the end of last season, even when he was rolling. Still, there is no reason to panic at this point. He was limited last year on 3rd down, and didnt play all season, and still went over 1,000 yards.
By Rob on Sep 10, 2011
Hi Ray,
Trade on the table. I GIVE Campbell and Witten and I GET Matt Ryan and Cooley. This is a 14 team, start 2QB, PPR league and I have Romo as QB1 and Cook on my bench.
I know that Witten is money in the bank in a PPR league and my Romo/Witten combo could be very prosperous…but isn’t Ryan enough of an upgrade from Campbell to downgrade at TE?
The other guy also has Rivers and I’d LOVE to swap Ryan for P-Riv but I doubt that would have legs.
Thanks!
By Ray Flowers on Sep 10, 2011
Rob – I GIVE Campbell and Witten and I GET Matt Ryan and Cooley
Cooley is dealing with a knee issue. No telling if he plays this Week, or how much of an issue it will be for him all year. If he’s your TE@ fine, but if you’re making him your TE1, that’s a big time risk.
You do get a major upgrade at QB going from Campbell to Ryan no doubt, but Campbell should still be passable. With Cooley’s bad health, there’s no telling how much he’ll play or how effective he will be.
I’d pass.
By Mark on Sep 10, 2011
Ray, In a 10-team, PPR league I’m considering offering Larry Fitzgerald/Jahvid Best for Arian Foster/Vincent Jackson just in case the other owner has gotten nervous about depending on Foster.
His other WRs are Wayne, Mike Williams, & Julio Jones. Outside of McCoy, Best is my best RB and my other WRs are Stevie Johnson, Santana Moss, Steve Smith (CAR), and Mike Thomas. Do you think he’d bite and is it worth it?
By Ray Flowers on Sep 10, 2011
Mark – Larry Fitzgerald/Jahvid Best for Arian Foster/Vincent Jackson
Coming into the year the two best here are Fitz and Foster. Since you are in a PPR setup, I’d expect Fitz to soundly surpass VJax in value. Best wont match Foster if both are healthy, but Best aint a half bad option. You can make the offer if you don’t mind the risk of adding a beat up foster and a receiver who’s best season doesn’t match what Fitz has done for four years.
By Matt K on Sep 12, 2011
Ray, I have to decide who to keep next year, here are my best choices: Melky Cabrera, Jeremy Hellickson, Vance Worley, Howie Kendrick, J. Guera from dodgers, J. Papellbon,Jaime Garcia, and David Ortiz. Could you tell me the best 1 to 3 players in order I should keep and why?
By Ray Flowers on Sep 12, 2011
Matt K – You didnt tell me how deep your lg is, but here goes.
(1) Guerra is not a keeper. I doubt he’ll be the closer next year for the Dodgers.
(2) Worley has been fantastic, but there is no way in hell that he’ll repeat this years efforts over 30 starts next year.
(3) Papelbon is a rock.
(4) Kendrick may never be terrific, but he’ll hit .300 and have a chance to go 15/15 each year, and that plays.
(5) Hellickson may not get much better next yr, but he’s already pretty darn good.
(6) Melky Cabrera is having a career year. I’d be shocked if he repeats.
(7) Ortiz is aging, and I can’t think he can keep up this pace for much longer.
(8) Never a big fan of garcia. He’s good, but the totality of his work does not make him elite.
Kendrick, Hellickson, Papelbon
By Johnny T on Sep 13, 2011
Hey Ray, I am in the semi finals of our baseball playoffs, and with Jimmy Rollins coming off the DL, I need to either drop him or Ian Desmond. I have another week and half of playoffs, and Rollins looks to have the better schedule, but with his hammy issue, not sure he will play everyday. Your thoughts?
By Ray Flowers on Sep 13, 2011
Johnny T – Desmond has hit much better of late with a .276 average over 53 games. However, he has only two steals in that time. If I was stuck with this situation I would go with Rollins. It’s a certain risk, but Desmond just isn’t anything more than a replacement level player, so I’d roll the dice on Rollins, his talent, and his teammates.
By Luke on Sep 13, 2011
Yo Ray, I’ve got Rollins on my DL spot and Jeter as my current shortstop. Do I drop Jeter to activate Rollins or wait and watch Jimmy for a couple more days before doing so? Have nobody else to drop so it’s one or the other. 5 X 5 setup and this is the second week of our playoffs
By Ray Flowers on Sep 13, 2011
Luke – Why not stick with Jeter? Take a look at his numbers. Jeter has an 11 game hitting streak and is hitting .332 over his last 51 games.
By Mike on Sep 13, 2011
Ray – Early keeper question for you. Assuming same cost, which of the following would you keep for next season and why: Brandon Beachy, Stephen Strasburg, Mike Napoli or Michael Bourn? Thanks.
By Ray Flowers on Sep 13, 2011
Mike- Give me Bourn.
Here’s my writeup on him from today – http://baseballguys.com/2011/09/13/mailbag-september-13-2011
By Bob G on Sep 13, 2011
14 team PPR. Start 2 WR, 2 RB and one Flex. I’m giving up Flacco, Hillis & Welker for C. Johnson, Freeman and Starks. Stafford is my QB so just swapping a back-up (barring a likely injury to Stafford). My next “best” RB is Daniel Thomas so Starks would be a starter. Thoughts?
By Ray Flowers on Sep 13, 2011
Bob G – Bad deal for you to do.
Flacco and Freeman are pretty much a wash at QB.
CJ is better than Hillis no doubt, but in a PPR the gap isn’t massive.
Moving from Starks to Welker though, yikes, that could be a huge dip. After all, Welker has avg. more than 100 catches the last 4 years, that’s a ton of value to move on from. You can’t do this deal if Starks is a weekly starter for you right now.
By Matt K on Sep 13, 2011
Hey Ray, I got offered a. gates, maclin, and gore for Mjd, and m. floyd, now I like this because i have witten and wanted to use him and gates ecery week one in the flex. Also Mjd was my keeper, but I still have ray rice, but don’t much rb’s other than that. Do you think this is a good trade or should i get brit from him instead of maclin also??
By Ryan on Sep 13, 2011
Hi Ray, 10 team NON PPR: I plan on picking up Cam Newton (could be nice trade bait or possibly the next Vick) (FYI Ryan and Kolb are my QBs) and Robert Meacham and waiving Greg Little and either AJ Green or Sidney Rice. Would you waive either AJ Green or Rice to pick up Meacham? My other WRs are Bryant and Marshall.
By Ray Flowers on Sep 13, 2011
Matt K – Matt K – I got offered a. gates, maclin, and gore for Mjd, and m. floyd
Flat out – your trading partner is an idiot.
Gore and MJD are a wash.
I’d rather have Maclin than Floyd…
AND you get Gates too?
Again, your trading partner is a moron.
By Ray Flowers on Sep 13, 2011
Ryan – At this point of the year, I’m gonna say hold on to Rice IF you can afford to wait on him returning to health. Green is catching passes from a rookie, Dalton appears to be OK, and that makes me nervous. The Seahawks will have to lean on Rice when he’s out there, and he is the more experienced player at this point. Keep Rice.
By Chris G on Sep 13, 2011
Ray, 16 team non PPR, start 3 wr, 2 rb, should i trade tolbert for mike williams (tb)? My wr are marshall, floyd, jordy nelson, lance moore. My rb are ray rice, gore, tolbert, mcgahee
By Ray Flowers on Sep 13, 2011
Chris G – I think you are a bit thin in both spots, though in a 16 tm lg, what are you gonna do. If Rice/Gore stay healthy, your locked in the backfield. Right now, with 3 starting WRs, you have Marshall as a lock, then you have three guys who are WR3s but no WR2. Williams could easily be that guy. It’s a sure risk to deal a back, but since you start 3 WRs I don’t have a problem with this move.
By Michael on Sep 14, 2011
Ray,
Ray Rice is my solid RB1. Need to start two of the following as my RB2 and Flex (non-ppr): Blount, Bush, Tolbert, or Sproles.
Thanks!
By Ray Flowers on Sep 14, 2011
Michael – As you said, Rice is a must start. For your 2nd back, I’d go Blount. Non PPR kills Sproles, and damages Bush a lot. Tolbert is a solid play this week, but his value is lower with non PPR as well. Go Blount. The Bucs know they need to lean on him to win – even if he can’t play on third downs.
By Rob on Sep 15, 2011
Hi Ray,
I’m not happy with the way my team looks. 14 team, PPR, 2QB league so quality was hard to come by…but no excuses, play like a champion.
I need one Flex and one WR from these guys:
Mike Thomas, Garcon, Lance Moore, B. Jacobs, James Jones, Mike Williams (sea), Deji Karim.
I’ll be starting Blount, S. Greene and A. Johnson also.
Thanks!
By Rob on Sep 15, 2011
Also, and sorry for the double post, would you rather have Torain and/or Brandon Gibson over any of the guys I mentioned?
By Ray Flowers on Sep 15, 2011
Rob- Garcon can’t be trusted right now. I don’t love the idea of using Moore since we’re still not sure he will play. Jones wasn’t even on the field for 20 snaps last week. Go with Jacobs and Mike Thomas.
By Ray Flowers on Sep 15, 2011
Rob – Torain is totally useless right now. Maybe later in the year, but right now I have no interest.
Gibson is OK, but I wouldn’t roster him over your other guys. Best thing would be for you to hold on to Jones and hope the Packers deal him (there have been rumors to that effect).
By kris on Sep 15, 2011
i have been offered mcfadden and i would be giving vincient jackson in a ppr with bonus points. 10pts bonus if recievers and runningbacks break the century mark. we start 3 recievers, no flex and i would be left with roddy, britt, and boldin. my current 2nd rb is shonn greene. whatcha think?
By Ray Flowers on Sep 15, 2011
Kris – In my preserason Draft Guide I had Run DMC 10th, and Vincenet Jackson #29. No brainer for me… Get McFadden.
By wesley on Sep 15, 2011
whats your value on mike tolbert? would you trade him for somebody like blount , Greene maybe Benson or WR’s like Britt, and Holmes,. Thats what i think his value is, am i off?
By Ray Flowers on Sep 15, 2011
Wesley – Tolbert is a RB3 who performed like a RB1 in Week 1. That likely means he’s gonna be viewed as a RB2 by most. If you can move him for Greene, Britt, Holmes or Benson, it’s not a bad idea at all. As much as I like Tolbert, he’s still gonna have to share the ball with Mathews.
By david on Sep 15, 2011
hiya. i’m in a 12 team mixed 6×6 h2h league. we’re in the playoffs, and if things hold my team will be in the world series starting on monday, sept. 19th until sept. 28th (3 days longer than our usual h2h week). i only have two roster moves left (we’re limited).
i need another infielder to maximize my at bats. so the more positions a player can qualify for the better, particularly 2b, ss and 3b. i’m looking at robert andino, omar infante, marco scutaro (but can trust his playing time?). who has the most upside over the next two weeks? anyone else i should consider? thx.
By Luke on Sep 16, 2011
Need flex help. Who is the better non-PPR play this week, Santana Moss, Ryan Mathews, or Johnny Knox?
By Pablo on Sep 16, 2011
For this week:
Alex Smith, Eli, or Rex?
By Ryan on Sep 16, 2011
Ray, 10 team Non PPR: need to fill my 2 flex spots with 2 of the following 4: Fred Jackson; J. Addai; L. Blount; James Starks. Also, what do you think about Matt Adams as a prospect?
By Ray Flowers on Sep 16, 2011
David – Playing time gets dicey this late in the year for many players. At this point, I wouldn’t be worried about the PT of any of the guys you listed though.
With Lowrie going 1-for-24 in Sept, and dealing with the bum shoulder, I’d go with Scutaro. He’s hitting .342 over his last 34 games and .444 over his last 45 ABs.
By Ray Flowers on Sep 16, 2011
Luke – Knox cant be trusted right now. Plus, Williams could still play further limiting his value. Mathews – love the talent, but concerned about Tolbert are obvious.
Moss has a tasty matchup, but with no PPR its a risk to play him if he doesn’t get into the end zone. Given non PPR, I’d go Mathews.
By Ray Flowers on Sep 16, 2011
Pablo – It would take something pretty crazy to play Alex Smith any time soon. I like Eli long term, but with Nicks’ health uncertain, and Eli’s struggles so far, go with Grossman against a terrible ARI pass D.
By Ray Flowers on Sep 16, 2011
Ryan – A report today suggested that Addai won’t be seeing any goaline work anytime soon. Starks is coming on, but until I know for certain he’s gonna get 15+ touches and goaline work, it’s tough to count on him. Go F. Jackson and Blount.
Matt Adams – Has great power, and does a really good job, for a power hitter, at limiting the strikeouts. As we often see, this is the downfall of many young sluggers.
By wesley on Sep 16, 2011
Referring from your answer you gave me, how would you rank benson, greene, holmes and britt
By Ray Flowers on Sep 16, 2011
Wesley – I’d rank your guys the same way I would have two weeks ago:
Greene, Holmes, Britt, Benson
By Rob on Oct 11, 2011
Hi Ray,
I would appreciate some QB advice. How would you rank these QBs ROTW? Thanks!
Romo
Campbell
Tebow
Moore
I have all four on my roster in a 14 team 2 QB starting league so I’m trying to decide who to trade. If I can get decent value for Moore, I’ll certainly start off trying to trade him since I have him pegged as your fourth guy here.
I heard you and Kyle talking about Tebow last night. About how much he, and guys like him, make you both hate the way fantasy football scoring is structured. And I agree, but as you said last night, if he scores 16 points on 79 yards passing in ONE HALF of play, what’s he going to do with a full four quarters? Is it too much to expect at least 125 pass yards per game with another 50 on the ground and at least 1 pass TD or 1 rush TD (or one of each) almost on a weekly basis?
Since we start two QB, would you start Romo and Tebow and try to trade Campbell and Moore? Or is it too soon to put too many eggs in the Tebow basket and just see what I can get for Moore from a team that’s really hurting for a QB?
Thanks for your help, Ray!
By Ray Flowers on Oct 11, 2011
Rob – Tebow is #2 at the QB spot. Combining him with Romo would be fantastic. Trade either Campbell or Moore since you are in a 2 QB lg.
Read this. It’s from before the season, but it’s all still relevant – http://www.rotoinfo.com/blog/quarterback-report.html
By Rob on Oct 11, 2011
Thanks! I really need RB help (Blount, Greene, Jacobs, Hunter) so I’m looking at the team with Best and Foster. He needs a QB and has shown interest in Campbell. Would a Campbell for Best trade be to my advantage? Do you think I could possibly reach for Foster with a Campbell/Jacobs type proposal?
By Ray Flowers on Oct 11, 2011
Rob – If you can convince someone to give you Best for Campbell – do it.
If you could go Campbell/Jacobs for Foster – do this deal first.
By Alan on Oct 11, 2011
Ray,
I need help at WR this week. It’s a 12 team PPR and I start 2 WR’s.
I’m going to start Jennings but I’m concerned about starting Marshall who is going against the Jets.
Who would you suggest getting off the ww for this week?
Greg Little @Oak
Darrius Heyward-Bey v.Cle
Torrey Smith v. Hou
Kevin Walter @Bal
By Ray Flowers on Oct 11, 2011
Alan – Don’t worry too much about Marshall. He should be fine.
Waiver-wire order for this week: DHB, Little, Walter, Smith
By Rob on Oct 12, 2011
Hi Ray,
I have Atlanta’s D/ST. Looking ahead at their schedule (Car, Det, bye, Ind, NO…) would you drop them and just stream in the best matchup ROTW?
What do you think of Minnesota (against Chicago)? Also available are Bills (Giants), Browns (Raiders), Panthers (Falcons), Jags (Pit).
Which of those would you pick up, if you suggest dropping Atlanta?
Thanks!
By Ray Flowers on Oct 12, 2011
Rob – Honestly, I dont pay too much attention to defenses. Most weeks, you’re talking a 2-3 point difference. Also, it’s always hard to tell how the game situation might dictate a chance (if a team gets ahead 21-3, all of a sudden the other offense has to open things up to catch up).
I do not think you have to stick with one defense all year.
This week I’d go Falcons out of that group, though it’s not like they have a great matchup, it’s just better than the others.
By Phil on Oct 12, 2011
Hi Ray,
I’ve got my eye on Tebow but I’m not willing at this point to drop Cutler or Big Ben to grab him. That means I am looking at dropping one of my bottom bench RBs. It’s either Noshow Moreno or Ben Tate. The only way either of those would make a start would be a bye plus injury. I’m leaning toward Moreno since I picked up Tate in the event that Foster goes down. I still have some hope that Moreno gets relevant but McGahee seems to be locking up the starting role. Any objections to carrying 3 QB at this point and if so which one of those two RBs gets the boot?
Thanks mate
By Ray Flowers on Oct 12, 2011
Phil – I really dont think it makes any sense to keep three QBs on your roster unless you start two, but I get where you are coming from. If I was going to drop a runner it would be Tate. You gotta hold on to Moreno – got me no faith in McGahee. Get Tebow.
http://www.fantasyalarm.com/2011-fantasy-football-news-tebow-mania-issues-with-saints-texans-and-vikings-wrs-3/
By wesley on Oct 13, 2011
hey ray,
12 team shallow league
can u help me pick 2 RB
Torain , Graham, Jonathan Stewart or deangelo
And 1 WR
heyward bey or James Jones
thanks again
By Nick on Oct 13, 2011
Ray,
16 team PPR keeper league. Would you trade Roddy White for Marshawn Lynch and Tim Tebow?
My QBs are Grossman and Cutler, and my best RBs are James Starks and Pierre Thomas. My WRs are Calvin Johnson, Santana Moss, Mario Manningham and Kevin Walter.
Thanks.
Nick
By Ray Flowers on Oct 14, 2011
Wesley – Graham isn’t going to play. Go Torain and D Williams. Out wide its a total toss up. I’d go with Jones realizing that neither WR is a safe bet.
By Ray Flowers on Oct 14, 2011
Nick – Lynch would be a decent add given your woes at RB, and your QBs aren’t great either. Problem is, Tebow has to be the player we think he is, or you will have doomed your team. Are you playing for this year or the future? White is an elite player right now, and it’s tough moving elite players in a 16 tm lg. However, your WR corps would still be solid without him. It’s a flip a coin scenario. I’d lean toward doing it, especially if you aren’t overly concerned with 2011.
By Nick on Oct 14, 2011
Ray,
Thanks. He countered the following offer:
Tebow, Ridley and Mike Williams (Tampa) for Roddy White and Montario Hardesty.
Any final thoughts?
Thanks so much.
By Ray Flowers on Oct 14, 2011
Nick – Since you’re in a keeper league, this is a very attractive offer. I’d be more inclined to accept this deal. Williams is not White, but showed last year he could be an excellent WR2, and long term, Ridley has at least as much to offer as Hardesty, even more in my opinion given their respective clubs and the presence of Hillis in CLE (he’s on the cusp of signing a long term deal).
By Matt K on Oct 15, 2011
Ray, Which 2 would u start and why?
mjd
ryan torain
daiel thomas
By Ray Flowers on Oct 15, 2011
Matt K – MJD because he’s the best RB you have. Second choice would be. Second option would be Thomas. He’s been limited with his hammy issue, but all signs point to him playing. With Torain, I have no idea how the backfield will play out. Looks like Hightower will start, for what that’s worth, and that he’ll likely see a lot of action on 3rd downs. I’m always reluctant to trust Torain and his injury filled ways, and with Shanahan playing Shananigans with his runners, it really makes me nervous.
By Robr on Oct 16, 2011
Hi Ray,
We start 2 QB and I have Romo, Campbell, Tebow and Matt Moore. I’ve been offered Bowe for my Campbell. I have A. Johnson then no real solide WR 2 option: Garçon, mike Williams, Moore, Little. Would you trade Campbell for Bowe and ride with Romo and Tebow starting ROTW?
As always, thanks!
By Ray Flowers on Oct 16, 2011
Robr- Yes. Campbell is a low level QB2, and Tebow should easily be able to outproduce him. Bowe is a strong addition, a weekly starter.
By Alan on Oct 16, 2011
Hey Ray,
I’m in a 12 team PPR league and I have been using Bradshaw in my Flex position. He scored 32 points this week in my league. Is it time to sell HIGH on him and go after a top WR like C. Johnson or Welker? Or should I hold on to him?
Here is my roster:
Start: 1QB, 2RB, 2WR, FLEX[RB, WR, TE], 1TE, 1D, 1K
QB- Stafford, Tebow
RB- Rice, Forte, Bradshaw, McGahee, Battle
WR- Jennings, A. Johnson, Fitzgerald, D. Nelson, DHB
TE- Graham, Watson
D- Redskins(based on weekly matchups)
K- Hanson
By Ray Flowers on Oct 16, 2011
Alan – If you can convince someone into giving you Calvin Johnson or Wes Welker for Bradshaw, dupe them completely in a move that would make no sense for them at all, do it immediately. Bradshaw got 3 one yard scores as Giants WRs kept getting tackled at the 1 yard line. Jacobs shouldn’t be out too much longer either.
By Alan on Oct 18, 2011
What RB would you rather have off the ww this week:
Battle or D. Murray?
By Ray Flowers on Oct 18, 2011
Alan – Murray. More talent. Better club. Better offense. Less competition for work, at least in the short term (there are three potential backs in KC).
By Alan on Oct 18, 2011
Thanks Ray, I was thinking Murray especially since Dallas is facing the Rams this week.
I have DHB, but would you drop him to get Greg Little for the upside? This is a PPR league.
By Ray Flowers on Oct 18, 2011
Alan -In PPR, I think you have to add Little. DHB with Palmer could continue to shine, but DHB is not a PPR weapon, he’s more of a big play threat.
By wesley on Oct 18, 2011
12 team ppr shallow league
free agents
ingram ,moreno, manningham,
would you drop mike williams tampa thanks ray
By Rob on Oct 19, 2011
Hi Ray,
Who would you start this week? Greg Little or Lance Moore? Both have upside against their opponents but I like Little’s role in the Cleveland passing game more than I like Moore’s in an overcrowded Saint’s offense.
Also, given the price Oakland just paid for Palmer, do you think Campbell will get his job back if he returns this year? I’m wondering if I should just cut him or keep him on my bench. It’s a 14 team 2QB league so having Campbell around for the playoffs would be nice…if I drop him and someone thinks he might return this year, they’ll surely scoop him up.
Thanks for your help!
By Alan on Oct 19, 2011
Ray,
I appreciate all your advice. This might be a no brainer but just need a second opinion. Someone in my league dropped Brandon Lloyd. Do I pick him up?
I’ve got Jennings, A. Johnson, Fitzgerald, D. Nelson, Little at WR.
Should I drop D. Nelson or Little to get Lloyd?
This is a PPR league.
By Ray Flowers on Oct 19, 2011
Wesley – I would not drop Williams yet. He’s slowly working his way back to relevance. All three of the players you listed intrigue me a lot in a 12 tm lg, but not at he expense of Williams.
By Ray Flowers on Oct 19, 2011
Rob – It’s only Weds. which is really too early to answer your question… but here goes. Go with Little. With Graham and Sproles seeing so many looks in the Saints offense, it’s hard to know what Moore will get week to week.
As for OAK – there is ZERO chance that Campbell will take over for Palmer. Even if healthy at the end of the year, Campbell’s Raiders career is done.
Here’s my write up on the situation: http://www.fantasyalarm.com/2011-fantasy-football-news-palmer-is-a-raider-perception-not-always-reality/
By Ray Flowers on Oct 19, 2011
Alan – Lloyd is a must add. The offense is one he is familiar with, and Bradford knows how to get the ball out. Add Lloyd. I’d drop Nelson, I’ve long had a good feeling about Little being productive in the second half.
By Mike on Oct 19, 2011
Ray – You called Hanley Ramirez the “biggest bust in baseball.” I think you are overlooking Adam Dunn with that statement. I realize Hanley was going in the Top 5, while Dunn was more of a 5-10th round pick, but I think Dunn’s drop-off was so huge, so off-the-charts, and so unpredictable based on past performance that he deserves the biggest bust award. I got lucky in my leagues that Dunn was grabbed early before I could pick him. I thought Dunn would be a great mid-round Utility hitter and get me 30-40 homers and 100 RBI, but someone always beat me to him (thank goodness). Given his lengthy streak of between 38-40 homers, I thought he would do even better in the AL with arguably a friendlier ballpark and better lineup around him (you know, studs like Alex Rios!). Unlike Ramirez, who had injuries and was streaky prior to 2011, and guys like Uggla who sucked but eventually turned things around, I can’t recall Dunn ever having one really good week the entire season. Given his prior consistency, it had to be the biggest, non-injury-related decline in performance from one year to the next in the history of baseball (or at least up there). Sorry – don’t mean to be picky – but as a near-Dunn-owner, I followed and was amazed by his decline.
On a related note, one of the toughest calls in fantasy baseball, I think, is knowing whether a big decline or upswing in performance is a temporary or more permanent change. Is Adam Dunn really this bad and essentially undraftable, or can he turn it around and get close to his prior performance next year? Is Asdrubal Cabrerra the stud SS of the future or a one-year wonder? Tough calls; I’ll be looking forward to your 2012 predictions next year. (As for me, I’d be nervous picking Hanley in the very early rounds, but am expecting a big bounce back year from Longoria.)
By Matt K on Oct 19, 2011
Ray, I need to pick 2 again and its mjd, battle, and daniel thomas, and oakland or new orleans defense? what do you think?
By Ray Flowers on Oct 19, 2011
Matt K – MJD and Thomas. NO defense.
By Ray Flowers on Oct 19, 2011
Mike- It’s all about ROI. As you mentioned, HanRam was a top-5 pick in every draft. That makes his effort way more disappointing than Dunn at #85.
There are ways that I try to guide people. Check things like K and BB rates. LD/GB/FB, BABIP etc. You can usually paint a picture that gives you a pretty good understanding of how a player will perform — most of the time.
By Ryan on Oct 19, 2011
Ray, non-PPR: need 2 of these 4 for my flex spots- D. Murray; G. Little; S. Rice; and J. Starks. Also, Addai is a free agent- would you waive Starks or Little to pick him up? Thanks.
By Ray Flowers on Oct 19, 2011
Ryan – Avoid Addai. Keep your other two players.
As for starter, non PPR go: Murray, Rice.
Yikes.
By Steve on Oct 20, 2011
Ray- would you trade Hardesty and Titus Young
for Torain and Redman?
I think if Hardesty has a good week this week it will help him solidify a solid role on the team as I’m sure Hillis’ hamstring is only a convienient excuse for his lack of playing time due to the strained contract discussions and his percieved unwillingness to play hard until he gets a contract.
Standard scoring non PPR.
Thanks
By Chad on Oct 20, 2011
Mike- What overall spot was Hanley drafted versus Dunn? You spent a great deal more with drafting Hanley meaning he was the biggest bust in FB this year. Hanley at worst was drafted no later than 5th overall vs Dunn who maybe was a 3rd rd pick but more towards the 5th.
By Ray Flowers on Oct 20, 2011
Chad – that’s the same argument I made. Dunn has worse numbers when compared to his projections, but with Hanley being a top-5 selection his output, or lack there of, was more damaging.
By Ray Flowers on Oct 20, 2011
Steve – No real certainty with Hillis, but Holmgren came out today in support of Hillis. When healthy, he’s still going to be the lead back for the Browns.
This is a deal that is contingent on others failing or being hurt, and that makes it almost impossible to accurately diagnose. I’d prefer Torain and Redman if I was making the call.
By Rob on Oct 20, 2011
Hi Ray,
14 team PPR league, start two QB…so as you can imagine, free agency is extremely thin.
Would you list your top three WR/RB from these guys for ROTW value? I know D. Thomas is supposed to emerge as a top option in Denver but when might that occur? And how might having Tebow under center restrict him from reaching his true potential?
WR:
Devin Hester
Preston Parker
Dane Sanzenbacher
Titus Young
Jacoby Ford
Demaryius Thomas
RB:
Marion Barber
Stevan Ridley
Kendall Hunter
Ricky Williams
C.J. Spiller
I realize the value of these backs is tied mainly to the health of the guy above them, so of these guys, who’s most likely to see viable playing time going forward — if you can even postulate on that without having the coveted crystal ball of injury?
I picked up Maurice Morris as a desperation plug-in this week. Good move?
Thanks, Ray!!
By Mark on Oct 20, 2011
In our 10-team PPR league starting 2RB, 2WR, 1 RB/WR flex (plus the TE & the rest) I’m trying to trade away Eli, Owen Daniels, & Tebow. Instead I’ve gotten another offer for now: Andre Johnson/Blount for my Ryan Mathews/Stevie Johnson.
My lineup:
Romo, Eli, Tebow. McCoy,Mathews,Best,Stark. Fitzgerald,Steve Smith(Car), Stevie Johnson, Witten, Daniels.
His lineup:
Brady, Hasselbeck. Fred Jackson, Blount, McGahee, Graham. A.Johnson, Mike Wallace, M. Floyd, Little.
What if I offered either Best/Stevie Johnson/Daniels for AJ/Blount/Graham or some variation thereof?
Can you suggest possible trade offers that will help my Best situation whether they include trading Eli/Daniels or not? Thanks!
By Ray Flowers on Oct 20, 2011
Rob – All of the guys you listed, as you know, come with questions. I honestly can’t postulate with any degree of certitude at least, which back will emerge because, as you correctly stated, it’s all about the injury to those above them on the depth chart. It does sound like Spiller will pay some WR right now (he did last game), so that’s interesting, and Hunter is already playing a good deal right now and Gore has never been a huge health guy.
Thomas is an elite talent at WR. Questions about his health, his hand is still bothering him, and Tebow, do hold him back though.
I’d go: Spiller, Hunter, Thomas, Ford, Ridley, Young.
By Ray Flowers on Oct 20, 2011
Mark – The deal as currently set, doesn’t make sense to me. Stevie Johnson has been a borderline WR1, and Mathews is a RB1. I don’t feel comfortable getting back two injured guys for them right now.
Best – totally up in the air. Reports saying he will not play again this season have been refuted, but only by the team saying he will play again with no timeline. his trade value is likely very minimal. I doubt the proposed deal would work. Plus, if the Graham is Ernest, I don’t know why, in a 10 tm lg, you’d want both he and Blount. When Blount is healthy he’s the preferred option.
By Alan on Oct 21, 2011
Ray,
I need 1 WR and 1 Flex (PPR): Fitzgerald, Little, Lloyd, McGahee, D. Murray
Also, would you play Broncos or Raiders D/ST this week?
Thanks
By Rob on Oct 21, 2011
Hi Ray,
I, too, need 1 WR and 1 Flex (PPR also): Mike Thomas, Greg Little, Lance Moore, Delone Carter.
I’m leaning toward Little and Thomas, not too high on Moore and do you see another performance like last week out of Carter if Addai’s out? His very existence in this question is contingent upon Addai being out. Not too impressive last week anyway.
Thanks!
By Ray Flowers on Oct 21, 2011
Alan – Fitzgerald and Little, but all of those guys are close and I wouldn’t be upset if you started any of them after Fitz.
Go with DEN.
By Ray Flowers on Oct 21, 2011
Rob – Little and Thomas would be my selections as well. I don’t think Addai will play this week either after missing practice on Thursday.
By Mark on Oct 21, 2011
Ray, 10-team PPR. I couldn’t work a trade in time so, …if Best doesn’t start, do I drop any of Eli, Tebow, or Owen Daniels in order to pick up either Battle, Walter, or Choice to put in my flex spot this week? I have Romo & Witten as my QB.TE starters.
By Ray Flowers on Oct 21, 2011
Mark – Best will NOT play in Week 7. I can’t tell you to drop any of the guys you listed just to add filler for one Week. Do you have two tight ends, kickers, or defenses that you can drop instead?
By Rob on Oct 24, 2011
Hi Ray,
I’ve been offered Santonio Holmes for Mike Thomas straight up. I have Thomas. 14 team PPR. Who would you want ROTW? I feel I may be wasting time asking you this and I should quickly jump to accept this deal…but I wanted to make sure I’m not missing something. Holmes is not elite but better than Thomas, right?
Thanks!
By Ray Flowers on Oct 24, 2011
Rob – Give me Holmes. Yes he has been disappointing so far, but he is a vastly superior talent to Thomas. Holmes should be a weekly WR2 play, if Mark Sanchez and Rex Ryan could figure out that he is their most dynamic offensive weapon, something they apparently just don’t get. Still, I’d certainly do this deal.
By Rob on Oct 26, 2011
Hi Ray,
Is Cadillac Williams worth owning in a 14 team PPR league? Also, would you add Santana Moss and stash on your bench until he returns, or leave him on the waiver wire? If he returns closer to the shorter end of the 5-7 (now he’s saying 3-6) week window, he’d be valuable late in the year.
Would drop someone like Delone Carter or Nard-dog Scott (after his start).
Thanks! Always good to hear your thoughts.
By Ray Flowers on Oct 26, 2011
Rob – Caddy is worth owning in 14 team lgs. If you own SJax its more interesting. Caddy has value, but its only as a handcuff.
Moss is a tougher call. He could end up returning in time for the fantasy playoffs, or he could end up on the IR if he has a setback. I’d dump Moss before I dumped Carter or Scott.
By Rob on Oct 27, 2011
Hi Ray,
Thanks for your advice on the Mike Thomas for Santonio Holmes deal. I now have Holmes. Here’s my quagmire:
I’m currently without a D and the options on the wire are extremely thin (Jags, Vikings, Broncos and worse). I’ve been offered the Bengals D for Santonio Holmes. My other receivers are A. Johnson, Garcon, Demaryius Thomas, Greg Little and Lance Moore. It’s 14 team PPR. Can I get by without Holmes and ride the Bengals ROTW?
I don’t even want to consider actually doing this, BUT my other option (after not getting anywhere with packaged trades that would send a D back to me) would be to cut someone like Lance Moore, Delone Carter or Maurice Morris to get one of those defenses on the wire…ugh.
I’m thinking of a counter that would send him Holmes and Carter and send me Antonio Brown and the Bengals. What do you think? That might be asking too much…but he needs RB support too.
Thanks, Ray!
By Ray Flowers on Oct 27, 2011
Rob – NEVER trade a skill position player for a defense, especially not one as talented as Holmes unless you are in some extremely odd league that affords double the traditional points to a defense. Examples.
Lg #1: Bengals are 12th in fantasy pts with 48. The 21st ranked team has 41 points = one less per week.
Lg #2: Bengals are 10th with 46 pts. The 20th ranked team has 41 pts = one less per week.
Terrible, TERRIBLE, idea to move Holmes for the Bengals. Honestly, in 20 years of doing this, I have never, not one single time, ever traded for a defense. Ever.
I’d much prefer you to cut lance moore and add a waiver-wire defense.
By Rob on Oct 27, 2011
Thanks, Ray! I know, I didn’t like seeing that offer in my inbox. I’ve just countered with Moore for Bengals. Long shot, but worth the try.
Does it change anything to know that the Bengals are currently ranked 6 in my league with 63 points, which includes their bye week, and Holmes has 69 points and is just hitting his bye this week?
Next best defense available would be the Jags with 38 total points or Vikings with 37…
Thanks! I miss hearing you, Kyle and Kay on my drive home!
By Ray Flowers on Oct 27, 2011
Rob – Still not going to agree with making a move to trade for a defense. Just my point of view on the whole topic. I play matchups more than I worry about the best defense.
By Troy on Oct 27, 2011
Hi Ray,
Just need your opinion on a potential trade. I’ve been offered MJD for Andre Johnson. League is 12 team PPR.
Current RB’s are Bradshaw, Hillis, McGahee, Benson, Hardesty, and Carter.
Current WR’s are Andre Johnson, Fitzgerald, Antonio Brown, and Demaryius Thomas.
I know that MJD has played well and Johnson has been hurt and is now a game time decision. I just don’t know if he’s going to make it all the way back.
The biggest negative I see in the deal is that I could potentially be searching the wire each week for a WR matchup which is more promising than either Brown or Thomas.
Thanks,
Troy
By Ray Flowers on Oct 27, 2011
Troy – I think the deal is fair enough, but if I would you I would turn it down. You stated it correctly – you simply cannot move forward with only Fitzgerald, Brown and Thomas as your WR. Only Fitzgerald is a weekly play. The other two have tons of potential, but that doesn’t make you a weekly play.
By Bob G on Oct 27, 2011
Ray,
14 team PPR. I’ve been offered Michael Turner for Larry Fitzgerald. I have Welker & Nicks at WR and Jimmy Graham at flex so I won’t start Fitz at this point. Turner would replace Hillis and would pair up with Ray Rice. Thoughts??
Thanks!!
Bob
By Ray Flowers on Oct 27, 2011
Bob G – In a PPR Welker is a total beast. Nicks is a WR1. I still think that Fitz has a shot to be a WR1, but since you only start 2 WRs, and have Graham as a flex, Fitz can be dealt, especially when your RB2 is an injured hillis. Go ahead and do the deal.
By Alan on Oct 28, 2011
Ray,
What a game 6 last night, Wow!!! Ok, this may be a no brainer but I need to pick a D/ST for this week. I picked up the Seahawks cause I saw how they played last week against Cleveland and in my league they scored 17 points. However, the Titans are out there on the ww and they play Indy this week. Who do I go with Titans or Seahawks?
By Ray Flowers on Oct 28, 2011
Alan – Yep, quite the game eh? David Freese is really making a name for himself.
Seahawks are an underrated D, very good against the run. Still, it was CLE last week.
Go Titans. They face Indy who is just lost right now.
By Mike on Oct 28, 2011
Ray – I have a fantasy football strategy question for you that, while specific to my team and matchup, may have broader relevance. Basically, the question is whether your weekly opponent’s lineup should ever influence your lineup and, if so, how?
I am planning on starting Brandon Lloyd and Marques Colston as my WRs, Antonio Gates as my TE, and Andre Johnson as my FLEX. If either AJ or Gates is hurt, I would insert Brandon Pettigrew at FLEX or TE. My opponent’s team is weaker than mine, but he has Stafford at QB and I am using a bye-week filler (Tebow). In my opinion, his best chance of winning would be for Stafford to have a huge game against the Broncos.
Thus, my question is: do I go with my best starting lineup in isolation, which I listed above, or should I start Pettigrew under the theory that if Stafford has a big game, it probably also would mean a big game for Pettigrew (who probably is Stafford’s favorite target after Megatron)? Just curious if this consideration has ever impacted your strategy, or should I ignore my opponent’s team and simply start my best players?
Thanks.
By Ray Flowers on Oct 28, 2011
Mike – I ALWAYS play my best team based on the players and the matchups. What my competitor is doing doesn’t factor into my decision. Even if Stafford has a huge outing, there is no guarantee that his effort will lead to a huge day from Pettigrew. I understand your thought process here, but it’s not something I would do. I’d go with my best lineup.
Might be a moot point though… doesn’t sound like Andre Johnson is gonna play if you ask me.
http://www.chron.com/sports/texans/article/Texans-notes-Johnson-not-pleased-by-slow-progress-2240220.php
By Alan on Oct 28, 2011
Ray,
I’ve got 2 lineup questions for you.
Stafford or Tebow this week?
Need 2 WR’s in a PPR:
Fitzgerald, A. Johnson, Lloyd, Little
By Ray Flowers on Oct 28, 2011
Alan – Stafford looks like he will play. If you have confidence in that, go with him.
AJ – I don’t think he’s going to play at this point. I’d say Fitzgerland and Lloyd and hope Feely keeps chucking the rock at him.
Could you try to put everything in one email if you can. I’ve counted at least four from you in the last 24 hours. Helps me if they are all grouped together.
By eric on Oct 29, 2011
ray need to drop one for a D this week. Holmes or DHB? either will likely be snatched up by waiver sharks before i get them back.
By Ray Flowers on Oct 29, 2011
Eric- There’s no one else to drop? DHB has been really good for 4 games now, and Holmes is borderline elite talent that has been underutilized. I can’t tell you to drop Holmes, so I guess its the suddenly hot DHB that goes but I do NOT like this move. No time to make a trade?
By eric on Oct 29, 2011
ray , my only other option is to drop jets d and hope i can get them back. or play without a d this week but that is like giving up ten points
By Rob on Nov 1, 2011
Hi Ray,
What’s your take on Jon Baldwin? Is he worth an add in a 14 team PPR league? I would have to drop one of these guys: Delone Carter, Maurice Morris, Greg Little. I’m already planning to drop Bernard Scott to pick up Lumpkin (I have Blount) but would you instead prefer to drop Scott for Baldwin and leave Lumpkin out there? Blount is my #1 back so I’d really like to have his backup on my bench.
And what do you know, I drop Lance Moore and he puts up 20 points!!! Man, that guy is annoying. Probably won’t see another 20 out of him for a month, but it pains me that I let him go. Tried to trade him but there was zero interest…just venting.
Thanks, as always!
By Ray Flowers on Nov 1, 2011
Rob – Baldwin has a lot of talent, though obviously he’s not exactly a good teammate yet. Maturity matters, and he needs to work on that. In terms of value, he has some for sure. He’ll likely be the #2 passing option for the Chiefs, though KC doesn’t exactly have an impressive arial attack.
I’m not a huge fan of handcuffs just to do it. It let’s you sleep at night, but most of the time I’d prefer a guy who could actually contribute right now vs. just covering my future. I’d make the move of Scott to Baldwin. You could consider Morris as well, but Best is still uncertain so I’d hold.
By Rob on Nov 1, 2011
Thanks for the help! Would you prefer Ogbannaya or Baldwin? I’m definitely dropping Scott for one of them, but which? And would you drop Morris for the other? I just don’t know how much long term value Ogbannaya has, but the same can be said for Morris.
That being said, how long do you think Best will be out? Is that a “wait and see” question?
Thanks!
By Ray Flowers on Nov 2, 2011
Rob- There is no answer to the Best question. Most expect him to return in Week 10 after the bye, but with concussions, and a series of them for him, there is no way to know. Given that, I’m not dropping Morris.
Badlwin and Ogbannaya are both just fliers. Neither one profiles as a weekly play. Ogbannaya has value as long as Hardesty is out, and if Hillis still can’t go this week it will be a lot of OG, but even so he’s nothing more than a flex play really. I’d lead his way cause RBs have more value than WRs.
By Rob on Nov 3, 2011
Hi Ray,
I’m not usually one to veto a trade…if both sides agree and can provide good reasons for making the trade, more power to them. However, as commissioner of our league, I have retained the right to veto or uphold all trades. That being said, we are a 14 team, PPR, start 2 QB league (4 per pass TD). Here’s the trade on the table:
Colt McCoy for Doug Baldwin
To thicken the stickiness of the situation, the two teams involved are Husband (giving McCoy)and Wife (giving Baldwin).
The Husband, who would add Doug Baldwin, has Miles Austin, Steve Smith, Kevin Walter and Donald Driver and will be left with Andy Dalton and Aaron Rodgers at QB.
The Wife, who would add Colt McCoy, has Eli Manning and Orton as her QBs and would be left with Larry Fitz, Crabtree, Jenkins, Collie, Cribbs and Meachem at WR.
In our league, McCoy is ranked 14th at QB and Baldwin is 33rd WR.
What would you do here?
Also, do you see Tebow losing the starting job with another bad performance?
Thanks for your advice here, I really need it!
By Ray Flowers on Nov 3, 2011
Rob – I dont have a huge issue with this deal. McCoy is only a QB2, never will be more. The team dealing him already has two QBs, so McCoy isn’t needed. Baldwin might be 33rd WR, but the last four weeks in my PPR lg he’s up to 25th, and that includes a Bye week.
McCoy is clearly the more valuable player given your setup, and I’d like to see more than Baldwin being dealt here, but I can’t say that its crazy, though the wife-husband angle does make it look fishy.
By Phil on Nov 3, 2011
Hi Ray,
Revis Island has me questioning starting Stevie Johnson this week. Which three below would you start in a 1/2 point PPR?
Cheers mate
Phil
S. Johnson, M. Austin, S. Rice, M. Williams (TB), D. Haywayd-Bay
By Ray Flowers on Nov 3, 2011
Phil – Revis Island scares everyone, as it should. I’d go with Austin, Rice (keep an eye on his status cause he missed practice today), and Williams. I wanna see DHB work with Palmer and I’m a little worried about Houshmandzadeh addition.
By Phil on Nov 3, 2011
Thanks Ray, in particular the Rice info. That was news to me.
Phil
By Mike on Nov 4, 2011
I’ve been offered CJ2K for L. Blount in a 12 team PPR. We only start 2 RB with no flex and I already have Adrian Peterson and Darren Sproles. Is CJ worth the risk?
By Ray Flowers on Nov 4, 2011
Mike – At this point, it’s totally unclear what CJ is gonna do this year. Both RBs are a risk. It’s really coin flip (some expert I am, huh?). Blount has a clear path to playing time, and he will be effective when on the field. CJ is still the upside play of the two. Since you would be starting the other two backs you have almost every week, I’d say try for the home run and get CJ knowing full well he could lay an egg the rest of the way.
By Rob on Nov 4, 2011
Hi Ray,
Hillis has just been sent to waivers in my 10 team non-PPR. Who would you drop to pick him up (I assume he’s going to be more productive in the second half)…
Torain, D. Williams, Tebow/Sanchez (have big Ben), Bengals/Jets. Fundamentally, I would lean toward one of my D’s but these two are so good, I’d like to be able to play the matchups with them ROTW. Who would you drop for Hillis? Williams is killing me with a lack of production (seems to fade even more each week) and there’s no telling who’s going to be favored week-to-week in Shanny’s backfield…
What’s your take on Tebow, will he lose his job with a bad performance this upcoming weekend, Orton to step back into the role?
I’m last in waiver order so I may not even get Hillis. He was elite last year until late in the season when fatigue got the best of him…so do you feel that he’s been rested enough so far this season for fatigue not to be a big factor later in the year?
One more, if you can, I need a flex from these guys (PPR):
–AJ (I may avoid even if he suits up)
–Greg Little
–Brandon Jacobs (if Bradshaw sits)
–Jon Baldwin
Who are you feeling this week?
Thanks!!!
By wesley on Nov 4, 2011
Hey ray,
would you drop daniel thomas for chris ogobanna
12 team ppr thanks again
By Troy on Nov 5, 2011
Hi Ray,
Need your expert advice please…. 12 team ppr and I have a huge RB and Flex dilemma this week. Or maybe I’m just thinking it’s not as clear cut a decision as it really is.
Looking at starting McGahee and Benson with Ogbonnya in the flex. Starting WR’s are Fitzgerald and Antonio Brown. I have on my bench RB’s Bradshaw, Carter, and Hillis. WR’s on my bench are Andre Johnson and Demaryius Thomas.
The injuries and uncertainty of McGahee and Bradshaw are a killer as far as determining the line-up. I’m not totally convinced Carter can get as many points this week as I would see from McGahee or Ogbonnya. I would like to hear better news regarding Bradshaw before putting him in the line-up.
Waiver wire options don’t look that promising for RB’s as it’s Ridley, Barber, Brinkley, or Ricky Williams. Options at WR look better with Little, Doug Baldwin, Avant, and Benn.
I appreciate you taking a look at this.
Troy
By Ray Flowers on Nov 6, 2011
Rob – Sorry I missed your question, I was out of town in Arizona covering the Arizona Fall League.
In a 10 team league there is ZERO reason to have two D’s.
Torain is totally useless. Barely even saw the field today.
Tebow will NOT lose his job. I’ve said, and written it like, oh 235 times, Tebow will be a top-10 fantasy QB. His legs make it so.
Dump your D and add Hillis if you want, but he may not be back until Week 11 cause of that hammy.
By Ray Flowers on Nov 6, 2011
Wesley – No. Keep Thomas. He’s simply more talented than CO.
By Ray Flowers on Nov 6, 2011
Troy – I was out of town in Arizona covering the Arizona Fall League, so sorry I didn’t get to your question before the games took place.
By Troy on Nov 6, 2011
Ray….not a problem. This was just one of those weeks that nothing I could have done would have helped.
I’m now waiting to see if Brown can somehow add 28 more points to his total so I can eek out a victory.
One bright note….I was able to upgrade at QB by obtaining Ben for Benson today.
By Rob on Nov 8, 2011
Hi Ray,
Hope you had a blast in Arizona.
I have a waiver wire question for you – 14 team PPR. Would you drop:
M. Morris (any value left with Best returning, Williams and the recent addition of Smith?),
D. Thomas (He was so hyped up a few weeks ago but hasn’t done much with Tebow),
Brady Quinn (I’ll get to him in a second)
to pick up Ben Tate, L. Robinson, S. Moss?
I have Quinn as insurance with Tebow – 14 team start 2QB (Romo and Tebow). I believe Timmy has done well enough to keep his job, and I know you agree that he won’t lose it…but if there’s even a chance that a poor outing would lead to Quinn coming in for just one game, I can’t afford not to have him at the ready. What do you think here?
And, when do you think Moss will return? I see he’s currently listed as Doubtful with a projected 6 points on ESPN (in a PPR)…but that can’t be accurate for this week, can it?
Thanks for all your help!
By Ray Flowers on Nov 8, 2011
Rob – Best is NOT returning. He’s already been ruled out for Week 10.
Thomas’ value is limited with Tebow under center.
Drop Thomas an add Robinson.
Tebow will keep his job. He’s been a top-10 overall fantasy performer the past 3 weeks too.
Moss is likely to be out until Week 13 if I had to guess, but Beck is terrible anyway.
By Rob on Nov 8, 2011
Thanks! Am I just being too cautious with Tebow then? I mean, it seems like if he sneezes wrong in the locker room Fox says he needs to show sneeze-strength improvement. I would love to drop Quinn for someone I might actually use, or should I keep him as an insurance policy just in case? I will try to get Robinson for Thomas but he might get scooped up before I get to him.
Tate, Bennett, Titus Young, Burleson, Royal and Braylon Edwards are available…Who are your top two after Robinson?
Do you see the Texans letting Andre play this week if he practices or will they play it safe and keep him out through next week’s bye?
Is D. Williams worth keeping in a 10 team non-PPR? He’s useless!!!
Thanks!
By Ray Flowers on Nov 8, 2011
Rob – Tebow is fine. The Broncos are changing their offensive gameplan for him. I wouldn’t hold on to Qu8inn, but I never would have had him in the first place.
Andre Johnson is likely out until Week 12 if you ask me. I have no inside info there, just a hunch.
DWilliams is worth holding unless there are better options out there.
Robinson, Tate, Young.
By wesley on Nov 10, 2011
Hey ray, would you trade larry fitz for chris johnson . 12 team ppr my other wr’s is wallace an maclin and gates and finley for flex
By Ray Flowers on Nov 10, 2011
Wesley – You can do this deal. I’ll put it this way. Fitzgerald is the safer play. You know, ever with bad QB play, that you will get production. With CJ you just don’t know. It looks like you don’t have a TE spot eh? If that’s the case, you can deal Fitz.
By Rob on Nov 10, 2011
Hi Ray,
I have a flex question for you (14 team PPR):
Brandon Jacobs (AHH, the 49ers!)
Laurent Robinson
Maurice Morris
Ben Tate
I like Robinson in a PPR but Tate has been rocking it. Jacobs would be good if Bradshaw sits (saw he missed practice today) but he’d be going up against that wall of a SF rush defense.
Who would you start here?
And do you think giving Tate+Holmes to get Colston would be good for me?
Thanks!
By david on Nov 10, 2011
hi ray. 14 team 1pt ppr.
we play 1 RB, 2 WR, 2 Flex (w/r/te)
i have mccoy at RB.
Brandon Marshall and Manningham at WR.
my flexes are mcgahee, demarco murray and roy helu.
i can move helu for santonio holmes or antonio brown.
OR
i can trade murray for andre johnson – but the problem here is that i’m in the middle of the pack to make the playoffs, and every game counts. not sure i can handle the hole in my line-up that murray or johnson would fill for next two weeks.
so do you think i trade helu for one of those WR’s? and if so, which one?
or would you make the murray for johnson deal today, going with mcgahee and helu at my flex spots and manningham and marshall at WR until Johnson is back?
thanks.
By Ray Flowers on Nov 10, 2011
Rob – Tate doesn’t get enough carries for me. Jacobs facing Niners who have allowed ZERO rushing scores. Go with Robinson.
My thoughts on Colston: http://www.fantasyalarm.com/2011-fantasy-football-news-why-do-i-love-hate-him-andre-johnson-still-out/
I don’t have a problem with your trade offer, but I don’t love it.
By Ray Flowers on Nov 10, 2011
David – I have no idea on Andre Johnson. It’s looking like he may not be back until Week 12. I would not trade Murray for him at this moment if you need to win the next two weeks.
Browns is impressing, and Holmes have a huge soft spot for even if the Jets can’t figure out they have to get him the ball. Since you have a weakness at WR, I’d trade for Holmes and HOPE the Jets figure it out.
By Rob on Nov 11, 2011
Hi Ray,
If Andre Johnson plays (however unlikely), would you slot him into your lineup over Laurent Robinson or Donald Brown? If not, go Robinson over Brown (PPR)?
Thanks!!! AJ is KILLING me!
Do you like Jags v. Indy or Rams v. Cleveland? With the absence of the Browns’ running game and no big threat in their passing game, I’m leaning toward the Rams. This one may be splitting hairs…
Thanks!
By Ray Flowers on Nov 11, 2011
Rob – If AJ plays, and I doubt he will, I would start him over both your other options.
Jags. You’ve noticed that Painter has thrown for less than 100 yards twice in three weeks, right?
One last thing, and I’m pretty sure I’ve asked before. Please send your questions in one group. This is the second straight week you’ve sent in like five separate questions. Would REALLY help me out if you could send in just one.
By wesley on Nov 11, 2011
Whats up ray, love your work man.
I need help in a couple leagues but its the same guys 12 team ppr. How would you rank these guys:
Blount, Brandon Jacobs, Stevie Johnson, manningham, L.Robinson, helu,
and mike williams tb
thanks again
By Ray Flowers on Nov 11, 2011
Wesley – Some thoughts for you — this week :
Blount, Helu, Jacobs
Manningham, Robinson, Williams
By Ryan on Nov 14, 2011
Ray, currently 8-2 in non-PPR (10 teams; 6 man bench; have 2 RB/WR flex spots) and getting my team ready for the playoffs: starting Dez and Marshall at WR(Manningham is only other WR on my bench) and starting 4 RBs (at my 2 RB & 2 Flex spots). At RB I have the following guys: Run DMc, MJD, Fred Jax, Murray, McGahee, Blount and Tate. I would like to pick up one more stud receiver so I offered one owner Blount for Andre Johnson and he countered with Run DMc for AJ which I turned down. Which of my RBs would you trade straight up for AJ? Thanks.
By Alan on Nov 14, 2011
I’m in a 12 team PPR and got a trade offer. I’d be giving up Murray and Lloyd for A. Peterson/Bengals D/ST. What do you think? I am thinking this is a no brainer but I wanted to get a second opinion.
Thanks
By Ray Flowers on Nov 14, 2011
Ryan – DMC and AJ are hurt. Trading players that are hurt is a huge risk. It SEEMS that AJ will be back and at 100% in Week 12. That’s what everyone believes. The case of DMC is less certain. He seems to be making very slow progress at this point.
Going back 3 months, I thought both AJ and DMC were top-15 picks. Both are hurt. You only have three WRs. I think you make this deal. You need to have some depth at that position, and it looks like AJ is the healthier of the two if you can believe that.
By Ray Flowers on Nov 14, 2011
Alan – Trading for defenses means nothing to me. In a standard scoring league the Bengals are barely a top-10 fantasy defense. At 8.8 pts a week, they are only a point ahead of the 14th ranked Cardinals.
Murray the last four weeks has averaged 22.8 pts in PPR leagues. For the year, Peterson is averaging 21.0 pts. Just saying. Lloyd is a top-20 WR as well.
So, should you trade an RB1 and a WR2 for an RB1? If you look at it that way, it’s not so simple is it? I’d certainly rather have AD, no doubt, but I’d only do this deal if you have a deep WR corps that can stand the loss of Lloyd.
By Rob on Nov 15, 2011
Hi Ray,
In a 14 team 2QB league and would like your rankings of these guys going forward. I believe I have the order correct, do you agree?
Leinart, Palko, Orlovsky, Young
Orlo & Young are not guaranteed any playing time while Leinart and Palko have starting QBs with “significant” injuries…Leinart has more weapons at his disposal so I put him ahead of Palko.
Also, please, I need 1RB + 1WR + 1Flex from the following (PPR):
Blount, Jacobs, Morris
L. Robinson, Little
Blount’s only projected for 6 points in my PPR league. That’s about half of Jacobs and Morris. Do you know if Bradshaw and Best are expected back this week? Wait for practices to find out?
Lastly, I hate the idea of dropping #1 ranked Kasay to pick up a kicker like Folk or Josh Brown, but my only other option would be to drop Mo Morris or Greg Little, and I really don’t want to do that either. Do you think I should try for a 2-for-1 trade elsewhere to free up a roster spot and keep Kasay through the bye, or drop him, or drop a skill position? Argg…
I’ll try not to email you again this week! Thanks!
By Ray Flowers on Nov 15, 2011
Rob – I see no problem with your QB rankings, an I agree with your order. But even in 2 QB setups, I dont think any of them should get you excited and you’d better have a pretty poor QB2 to be interested.
Best is out this week. He’s still not been cleared to practice. I’m worried he might be done for the year.
Morris is solid, but nothing special.
No idea on Bradshaw yet.
I don’t like to make start/sit calls until at least Weds so that I have enough data at my disposal to make an accurate prediction.At present, Blount is a tough call vs. Packers D.
A 2 for 1 deal makes sense, but if you cant work it out, just pick up another kicker. You have to hold on to Morris and Little over Kasay.
By Rob on Nov 16, 2011
Hi Ray,
I just received a trade proposal: I would give Shonn Greene + Matt Moore (2QB league, he’s on my bench behind Romo and Tebow) and received Frank Gore. 14 team PPR and I’m 6-4, really need to win two of the next three to make the playoffs.
Moore is providing me with a safety net in the event either Romo or Tebow sit for any reason and I can’t get to Kitna or Quinn quick enough.
My other RBs are Blount, Jacobs, Morris and Tate.
The other guy has Fred Jackson and Ray Rice but he won’t budge on those two.
Is Gore reliable enough to lean on going forward and worth the trade?
Would it be too much to offer him Greene, Jacobs and Moore for Rice or Jackson?
Thanks!
By Ray Flowers on Nov 16, 2011
Rob – Moore is a clear third and useless barring injury to one of your top-2. I love Gore WHEN healthy. He’s not right now. He should be fine, but I always hesitate to make a move for an injured guy. I’d make the move if you are comfortable with the risk, cause Gore clearly has more upside than Greene.
If you can get Rice for the three, I’d be more interested in that.
By Rob on Nov 16, 2011
Hi Ray,
Thanks for the advice, Gore was just traded to someone else, so let them worry about his health.
I was just offered MJD for Shonn Greene and Moore. A no brainer? Do you think MJD will trail off toward the end of the year (i.e. our playoffs)?
Sorry for the multiple emails!
By Jason on Nov 16, 2011
Hi Ray,
2 point PPR league with scoring bonus’s at all positions for big plays. I need to start 2 RB’s and a flex from these guys:
Steven Jackson
Chris Johnson
Michael Bush
Marshawn Lynch
Roddy White
I think they are all good plays, but not sure which is the best this week. Any help is appreciated.
By Ray Flowers on Nov 16, 2011
Jason – Bush/CJ2K at RB.
For Flex, given two point for PPR, gotta go with White.
By Rob on Nov 18, 2011
Hi Ray,
Trade question for you. I have Blount. These are the receivers that I might be able to get for him. How do you rank them?
Boldin, Cruz, Bowe, Lloyd
Also, would you play Morris or Little in a flex spot this week (PPR).
Thanks!
By Troy on Nov 18, 2011
Hi Ray,
Quick trade question for you, Sir. I’m in a 12 team PPR and I’ve been offered Roddy White and Blount for Bradshaw and Antonio Brown.
Would you make this deal?
Thanks,
Troy
By Mark on Nov 19, 2011
10-team PPR, TD pass = 6 points
Opinion please: I traded Eli, Steve Smith, Best for MJD, Mario Manningham, Pittsburgh.
I have Romo, McCoy, Ryan Mathews, James Starks, Fitzgerald, Stevie Johnson, Julio Jones, Witten, Hanson, Jacksonville (for wk 11), Philly.
I’m tied for first (7-3).
I will now have to search the FA list but will also have a week to see about trading Mathews &/or Stevie Johnson (injury concerns) for an upgrade, probably at WR. Thoughts?
By Ray Flowers on Nov 19, 2011
Troy – White is a better option than Brown, but the Steelers wideout is certainly coming on strong making it a closer call than most realize. Blount is good when used, but the Bucs often fall behind and abandon the run. Still, he’s healthy, and though Bradshaw is a better runner, his lack of health is a concern. I’d do the deal cause I’m nervous about Bradshaw, but there is obviously inherent risk cause of Bradshaw is healthy, he’ll likely outproduce Blount.
By Ray Flowers on Nov 19, 2011
Mark – Johnson is an injury and performance concern at this point. Mathews has been a top-15 back when on the field. All depends who you’re adding for those two.
McCoy is barely rosterable in a 10 teamer, but as a backup to Romo he’s ok. Best, no idea when/if he brings anything. Still, Eli has been top-10 QB all year, and Smith clearly is a top-10 WR as well. You got back a borderline RB1 in MJD, a WR3 in Manningham and a defense in PIT that hasn’t put up hardly any fantasy points this year. I’m afraid I don’t like this deal at all for you.
By Troy on Nov 19, 2011
Ray – Thanks for your advice. Besides Bradshaw’s foot, I’m also concerned about Ben’s thumb which would make passing up on White a bad move. I’m moving forward with it. Thanks again!
By Chris G on Nov 23, 2011
Hey Ray
I need a qb2 for this week, either alex smith, matt leinart, or vince young
touchdowns are worth 4 and interceptions are (-2)
thanks!
By Ray Flowers on Nov 23, 2011
Chris G – Vince Young would be my choice if he plays. If he doesn’t, go with Alex Smith. How good has Smith been of late? See my article:
http://www.fantasyalarm.com/2011-fantasy-football-news-fred-jackson-may-be-done-andre-johnson-returns/
By Troy on Nov 23, 2011
Hello Ray….quick question regarding QB’s & RB’s and wanted to get your thoughts – 12 team PPR and choices are Ben, Freeman, or Matt Moore. Thinking of passing on Moore because the Cowboys will be the best D he will have faced to this point and going with Ben instead or Freeman if Ben’s thumb is a problem. RB’s available to use are McGhee, Kevin Smith, Donald Brown, Blount, and Ogbo – Need 2 of them and leaning Kevin Smith but uncertain of which of the other 3 since Ogbo will give way to Hardesty. Thanks for your help and I hope your Thanksgiving is a great one!
Troy
By Ray Flowers on Nov 23, 2011
Troy – Go Big Ben. Thumb should be OK. RB use McGahee, Blount. I’d Kevin Smith third… hard to bet on a guy who a month ago was sitting on his couch.
By Alan on Nov 23, 2011
Hey Ray, I need your advice. 12 team PPR
I play 2 RB 2 WR and a flex. Who should I start?
RB: Rice, Forte, Murray, Kevin Smith, Tolbert
WR: Jennings, Welker, A.Johnson, Lloyd.
Thanks
By Ray Flowers on Nov 23, 2011
Alan – Rice, Forte, Murray. I’d go Welker and AJ out wide. I have no idea how you got all these guys in a 12 team lg. Good work.
By Alan on Nov 23, 2011
Thanks Ray. I got these guys by trading bench players for top WR’s and having a great draft.
By Jason on Nov 23, 2011
Hey Ray. Was hoping you could give me your opinion. At WR I have Fitz, Wallace, Welker and Jordy. Can start 2 WR and a flex. Also have Beanie, McGahee or Jacobs that could go in my flex spot but actually liked the WR options better this week. It is PPR. What are your thoughts? Thanks and Happy Thanksgiving.
By Ray Flowers on Nov 24, 2011
Jason – I’d say you have TOO much WR depth. If you can’t start all 4 each week, you should deal one to help out the RBs.
Fitzgerald, Wallace, Welker all start, but, I’m not benching Nelson who is avg. the most points the fur weeks of any WR in game.
Go Wallace, Fitzgerald and Nelson.
Happy Turkey Day.
By Rob on Nov 24, 2011
Hi Ray, happy turkey day. Hope you’re eating well.
Who to start this week? In PPR, need 2RB, 2WR, 1 Flex.
AJ, Holmes, Little, D.Moore
MJD, Blount, Spiller, Jacobs
Do you know what’s going on with Denarius Moore’s foot?
Thanks!
By Ray Flowers on Nov 24, 2011
Rob- Andre Johnson and Holmes. MJD, Blount.
Moore missed practice again today. Not looking good for him to play this week at this point.
By Rob on Nov 24, 2011
Thanks Ray! This year I’m thankful for all your advice!
Of the remainIng guys, spiller, Jacobs, little, who would you start at flex? (PPR)
I’ll keep my eye on Moore. If he plays would you flex him over those three? I’m hopeful spiller becomes a PPR monster.
Thanks!
By Ray Flowers on Nov 24, 2011
Rob- For the flex, I would go Spiller. Not really sure what to think, but he’s certainly gonna get the work. At this point, no idea with Moore.
http://www.fantasyalarm.com/2011-fantasy-football-news-fred-jackson-may-be-done-andre-johnson-returns/
By Phil on Nov 25, 2011
Hey Ray,
My wide receiver situation is ugly between matchups and nagging injuries. The top 3 picks look to be S. Rice, M. Williams TB and Stevie Johnson but I don’t really love any of them. After that it is Earl Bennett and Damien Williams on the bench. On waivers there is Santana Moss and not much else interesting unless I want to roll the dice on someone like Harry Douglas or Michael Jenkins just happening to go off. Think I should go with my top 3 or is there a move to made?
Thanks!
By Ray Flowers on Nov 25, 2011
Phil -Rice should play, so that’s a positive. SJohnson is beat up and facing Revis. Williams is at least healthy. Hard to know about Bennett now that Cutler is out. With Moss coming back from a hand injury, hard to trust him this week. I’d go Rice, Williams and then SJohson, but I don’t like it either. I’d like to see you add Moss if you can.
By Phil on Nov 25, 2011
Thanks Ray
By Phil on Nov 25, 2011
I dropped D. Williams, picked up Moss and am biding my time till Miles Austin gets healthy. I’m depressed how well the Cowboys have adapted without him but what are you gonna do? Maybe he can still come in handy come playoff time. Here’s hoping that Tebow/Big Ben, Forte and Peterson (Murray this week) continue to carry me. Thanks again.
By Rob on Dec 1, 2011
Hi Ray,
I need to win this week to be guaranteed a spot in the playoffs (I know, who doesn’t?)…so I need your advice on these guys:
Need 2 WR and 1 Flex (PPR):
Andre Johnson, Holmes, Garcon, Moss, Little, Denarius Moore, Jacobs and Spiller.
Right now I have AJ and Holmes at WR but I’m not thrilled about those two this week. I’m worried about Garcon with Orlovsy under center, Moss on Reavis Island, Little against Baltimore, D. Moore coming back from injury.
Jacobs and Spiller have done little with their opportunities so I’m hard pressed to trust them…
Who would you roll with this week (again, 2WR + 1Flex PPR)?
Thanks!