You Gotsta Know
September 15th, 2011 | by Ray Flowers |
How good has Antonio Bastardo been this season for the Phillies? Amongst NL relievers he is first in batting average against allowing a mere .119 average. He’s also 8th in K/9 at 10.93 while his 1.99 ERA is 10th. Amazingly, he’s been even better of late with the strikeout ball. Over his last 7.2 innings he’s posted 15 Ks leading to an unheard of 17.60 K/9 mark in that time.
Emilio Bonifacio leads the NL with 31 hits since August 23rd. Yes, I’m just as shocked as you are. Emilio also leads the NL with 40 infield hits, just three behind the major league leader Juan Pierre (43). The good news continues with Bonifacio as he leads NL leadoff batters, minimum 50 games in the leadoff spot, with a .381 OBP. He’s also third at the spot in batting average at .306, behind only Starlin Castro (.333) and Jose Reyes (.330). I know, totally out of nowhere has been this effort, and as a result, everyone who took a stab at him off waivers in mixed leagues ended up with one hell of a player.
Ryan Doumit and the Pirates face the Dodgers for the next four games. This year Doumit has hit .583 against the Dodgers (7-for-12) and in 33 games in his career against the club he is batting a resounding .358 with 22 RBI in 33 games. Doumit is also locked in right now. He’s picked up 15 hits in his last 33 at-bats that has led to a .455 average and .1,258 OPS in the month of September. What are you waiting for? Grab him if he is on waivers right now.
Danny Espinosa has hit a poor .231 this year helping to drain his value. Still, the second sacker has scored 64 times, knocked in 60 runs, and stolen 14 bases. He’s also hit 19 long balls. While that last number doesn’t jump out at all, it’s a borderline historic number actually. I know it’s hard to believe, but only two second basemen in the history of baseball have hit 20 homers in their first season. The only two second baseman to have hit 20 in their inaugural campaigns are Alexi Ramirez (21 in 2008) and Dan Uggla (27 in 2006).
Justin Turner of the Mets is batting .385 in September (15-for-39), the 7th best mark in the NL. Just another hot name to ride if you’re desperate. By the way his teammate, Jason Bay, is hitting .340 in that time, 15th best in the NL. He returned to action last night after missing a game with a sore shoulder.
Looking for an arm to considering streaming? Take a gander at the Cubs’ Randy Wells. Yes he’s an uninspiring option on the surface, but that doesn’t mean that he isn’t pitching well right now. In fact, over his last eight starts he’s 5-0 with a 3.02 ERA. The only other pitchers with at least eight starts, five wins and no loses since August began are the soon to be AL Cy Young winner Justin Verlander (8-0) and the Yankees’ Ivan Nova (6-0). I wouldn’t lead you wrong would I?
By Ray Flowers
Tags: Antonio Bastardo, Danny Espinosa, Emilio Bonifacio, Jason Bay, Juan Pierre, Justin Turner, randY Wells, Ryan Doumit
By Mark on Sep 17, 2011
Ray, I’m in a 10-team PPR. We start 2 WR, 2 RB, and 1 R/W flex.
WR1: Larry Fitgerald
WR2:?
RB1: LeSean McCoy
RB2: ?
Flex: ?
Choices: Stevie Johnson, Santana Moss, Steve Smith, Mike Thomas and Reggie Bush, Jahvid Best, Ryan Mathews, Jonathan Stewart.
Thanks!
By Steve on Sep 17, 2011
Ray- I can start 4 of these 5 recievers, who do I sit?
Wallace-Pit
A.Johnson-Hou
K.Britt- Ten
M.Manningham-NYG
J.Graham-NO
I am leaning towards sitting Graham as I think Manningham has a nice matchup and will have to step up with Nicks banged up and the other 3 are must starts IMO, which leaves a very talented Graham at home vs the Bearson the bench?
By Ray Flowers on Sep 17, 2011
Mark – My suggestions for your open spots in Week 2. WR: Stevie Johnson (I’m not worried about his minor injury). RB: Best, without hesitation. Flex: Moss.
By Ray Flowers on Sep 17, 2011
Steve – For Week 2, you don’t sit any of them. Wow, what a group. I’d sit Graham, but boy, is that a brutally tough call. I agree with your reasoning as well.
By Otay on Sep 17, 2011
2 questions..
1. 14 team .5 point per reception, who do you start at the flex spot between Sproles vs. Bears or Ben Tate @Miami?
2. 12 team PPR my receivers are Reggie Wayne, Mike Williams(TB), Dez Bryant and Brandon Lloyd, along with Robert Meachem. Which 3 would you start?
By Ray Flowers on Sep 17, 2011
Otay – Sproles since it’s a .5 ppr. Looks like Foster is almost certain to play. In that event, Tate is a 10 carry guy. He’s still the upside play, but his downside is substantial if Foster can put in a full games worth of action.
Bryant is a game time decision. I’d expect him to play, but you have to know that there’s an issue. Lloyd should play as well, though he too is dealing with an injury.
I’d go Wayne, Williams, Bryant.
By Phil on Sep 17, 2011
Ray,
I am waffling on my WR this week and would appreciate your thoughts. I need three from these four. 1/2 point PPR. At the moment the first three listed are my starters.
Reggie Wayne
Stevie Johnson
Davone Bess
Robert Meachum
Thanks!
By Ray Flowers on Sep 18, 2011
Phil – Sit Bess. I’d still trust Meachem this week, but it’s awfully close.
By Phil on Sep 18, 2011
Thanks Ray
By Rob on Sep 19, 2011
Hi Ray,
Who do you like the most off the wire:
Eric Decker
David Nelson
Mohamed Massaquoi
Brandon LaFell
Danny Amendola
I don’t mind stashing Amendola on my bench until he gets back to game shape but, so I might pick him up and then one of the others, your favorite going forward.
It’s 14 team, full point PPR.
By Ray Flowers on Sep 19, 2011
Rob – In order off waivers in ppr -
Nelson, Decker, Amendola, LaFell, Massaquoi.
I’d add Nelson with Parrish and Johnson dealing with injuries.
By Troy on Sep 19, 2011
Ray,
Do you think Ochocinco will pan out in NE? I can pick up Nelson…but would you part with Ochocinco, Delone Carter, or Amendola to pick him up?
My current WR’s are Andre Johnson, Ochocinco, Henderson, and Amendola. The league is a 12 team PPR.
Thanks for your time.
Troy
Do you think Ochocinco will pan out in NE? I can pick up Nelson…but would you part with Ochocinco, Delone Carter, or Amendola to pick him up?
By Ray Flowers on Sep 19, 2011
Troy – Ochocino might be looked at a bit more with Hernandez out for 4-6 weeks, but he’s not likely to emerge. At this point, I’d prefer Nelson who should have a role in an emerging offense with parrish hurt and johnson somewhat limited.
By Rob on Sep 20, 2011
Hi Ray,
Picking up Nelson, thanks for the tip. I’m also going to try to get Kitna as a safety net for Romo. We start 2QB and it’s a 14 team league. What do you think of Kitna v. McGee as Romo’s stand-in if he’s unable to go?
And, I’ve been trying to unload Garcon and James Jones through trades but NO ONE sees value in these guys. Would you drop either of them to pick up Decker or Amendola off waivers?
And, do you see Kasay keeping his job when/if Hartley returns? Should I be looking to replace him now with an Akers, Bironas, Cundiff type?
Thanks!
By Ray Flowers on Sep 20, 2011
Rob- I’d expect Romo to play at this point, but who knows. If you’re going for the backup, it has to be Kitna.
I’d look to add Decker. Garcon and Jones are likely more talented, but you need a role in fantasy football. With Royal out, and Lloyd less than 100%, Decker has that role. I’d let Jones go. Unless he’s traded, his value is minimal.
Keep Kasay for now. Hartley isn’t expected back for a long while, and even if he does return to take over, there will always be kickers on waivers.
By Ryan on Sep 20, 2011
Ray, thanks for the advice last week: with your help I eeked out a 0.75 point win last night (came down to Sam Bradford NOT getting sacked or committing a turnover during the last Rams drive). This week on the waiver wire AJ Green, McCluster (qualifies at RB & WR), Thomas Jones and Moore (of Oakland) are all available. How would you rank these guys for the rest of the year?
By Ray Flowers on Sep 20, 2011
Ryan – Glad you won last week. Close one eh?
For this week I’d go: Green, Moore, Thomas, McCluster.
I like the first two more than the last two. The Chiefs stink, and I’m not exactly sure how the club will use the backs.
By Alan on Sep 20, 2011
Ray,
I’m in a 12 Team PPR league (1QB, 2RB, 2WR, FLEX, TE) can you help me with where am I weak at and how can I improve my roster?
QB- Stafford, Freeman
RB-Rice, Forte, Bradshaw, Felix Jones, McGahee, R. Williams
WR- Fitzgerald, Marshall, L. Moore, Amendola
TE- Graham, Gresham( looking to drop Gresham and pick up Fred Davis)
D- Texans
K- Janikowski
By Ray Flowers on Sep 20, 2011
Alan – Solid at QB.
RB = rice/forte fantastic top-2 in PPR. Bradshaw strong RB3 as well. Felix J fine as depth play, immense talent even with injuries, and McG has a big role with Moreno hurt.
WR = Here is your issue. Your top-2 are amazing in Fitz and Marshall, and you only start 2 each week so your ok. But moore and amendola are just WR3 options when healthy. With both injured now, you have no depth really if either of your top-2 go down. I’d add someone here – let ricky williams go.
TE = Strong
By Alan on Sep 20, 2011
Thanks for the feedback. When trying to upgrade WR would you consider trying to trade Bradshaw for a Santana Moss or try to pick someone up off the WW like a Decker, Nelson, Denarius Moore, Little or Denario Alexandar?
By Phil on Sep 20, 2011
Meachem’s TD pulled it out of the fire. Good call Ray. I have Culter as my starter and Casell as my backup. I am prbably going to drop Cassel from Hass
By Phil on Sep 20, 2011
“errant click trying to fix typos”
I have Culter as my starter and Casell as my backup. I am probably going to drop Cassel for Hasselbeck. Any complaints? Grossman is also an option.
Thanks
By Paul on Sep 20, 2011
Ray,
Need some help 0-2. injuries stalling me along with Big Ben slow start, and cant pick right combo of RB.
1 QB, 2 RB
Big Ben or Freeman?
Leaning towards Tate and Mathews week3
over Jackson, Tolbert, or Caddilac
Or would you go Tolbert and Mathews til Jackson gets healthy. Would have won both weeks with those two Chargers.
By Ray Flowers on Sep 20, 2011
Paul – I dont make weekly calls until Weds buddy – gotta wait and see the injury reports.
In general – Big Ben nearly all weeks.
Tate is a weekly starter with Foster out.
Mathews quickly catching up to Tolbert.
Caddy quickly losing value after a poor outing, and Sjax close to playing.
By Ty on Sep 20, 2011
Ray…looking for your expert advice. 12 team PPR. Rice and Tate as my current RB1 and 2 and basically junk after that (Lynch, LT, Delone Carter)…Fitz and VJax at WR1 and 2, then Thomas, Ford, Bess and MSW…Schaub and Bradford at QB, Finley at TE. Two questions…one, should I add a 2nd TE or find a plug & play for week 8 (Fred Davis is on wire)…two, looking at picking up Helu, Fred Davis, David Wright, Decker off waivers and wondering what order I should put them in since I only have two roster spots currently available. Obviously I need some help…thanks for any you can offer!
By Ray Flowers on Sep 21, 2011
Ty- Here’s what I would do.
1) You dont need to carry a second tight end with Finley on your roster. However, I’d still pick up Fred Davis who has been great so far. Then, turn around and trade him for some RB depth. Your group is, sorry to say it, awful. There’s no way you can lean on that group and win unless Foster and Addai both end up missing the season.
2) I’d dump LT and add Helu.
3) I’d drop Ford and add Decker. Ford could be huge, but he’s having trouble getting healthy.
By wesley on Sep 21, 2011
I am a felix jones owner, would u drop pierre thomas for murray or choice
By Ray Flowers on Sep 21, 2011
Wesley – It’s a tough call. I’d stick with Thomas. IF Jones goes down for good, then I’d target murray, but for now I’m gonna stick with PT Cruiser. Wouldn’t fault you if you made the move, though hopefully Murray would lead the way and not choice if jones was out.
By wesley on Sep 21, 2011
meachem , lance Moore and mccluster available on waivers, who should i grab
By Ray Flowers on Sep 22, 2011
Wesley – It would be nice if you said hello or thanks or something vs. just barking out commands for me to follow.
By Alan on Sep 22, 2011
Ray,
Who should I start at Flex in PPR? (Flex can be RB, WR, TE)
Options are:
Ahmad Bradshaw @ Phi
Felix Jones vs. Wash
Willis McGahee @ Ten
Lance Moore vs. Hou
David Nelson vs. NE
Fred Davis @ Dal
I’m starting:
QB: Stafford
RB: Rice, Forte
WR: Fitzgerald, Marshall
TE: Graham
Thanks for all the advice
By Ray Flowers on Sep 22, 2011
Alan – Can’t trust Jones’ healthy, or Moore quite yet. I don’t trust McG — maybe I have trust issues? j/k
I’d go Bradshaw this week if I wanted to play it safe. If I was a risk taker, I’d roll with Nelson.
By wesley on Sep 22, 2011
Im sorry ray, Ill take care of u buddy. Im always in a hurry and I forget those meaningful words
By Matt K on Sep 22, 2011
Ray, should I start D.thomas or McCluster in flex, or start them both and take out burelson?
Also, New Orleans or Giants Defense this week?
By Ray Flowers on Sep 22, 2011
Matt K – If your league is a PPR, I’d go McCluster over Thomas. If it’s a none PPR, I’d go Thomas. I’d also leave Burleson active.
By Chris on Sep 22, 2011
NON ppr
I drafted MENDENHALL over TURNER and MJD as my second RB after RICE. in your opinion will he be a top 10 RB this year and finish ahead of the other two? thx in advance
CH
By Alan on Sep 22, 2011
Hey Ray,
I’m looking for your expertise at kicker. I have Sebastian Janikowski. With his foot trouble and legal issues of late, I was thinking of dropping him and picking up Jason Hanson in Detroit and possibly playing the matches week by week. What are your thoughts?
By Ray Flowers on Sep 22, 2011
Chris – It’s been two weeks. I’ve been writing about this issue for, well two weeks now. Don’t panic. If I had my draft a month ago I’d have taken Mendenhall over Turner and MJD. If I had a draft today, I’d still say the same thing.Have patience. Mendy will be fine.
By Ray Flowers on Sep 22, 2011
Alan – I can’t say you have a bad plan. Hanson, with that offense, is a strong play, and he too has a big leg. With the issues with SeaBass, this isn’t a bad direction to go in.
By Bob G on Sep 22, 2011
Hey Ray,
14 Team PPR. Have an offer of Mark Ingram for Daniel Thomas (I have Thomas). I have Rice and Hillis as my starters and all three are off in Week 5 so I need a couple of RB for week 5. Thoughts? BTW, love the show on XM.
By Ray Flowers on Sep 22, 2011
Bob G- Glad you love the show… I mean everyone does. j/k Seriously, thanks for the compliment.
I’d rather have Ingram than Thomas. The Dolphins have said all along that they want Bush to be heavily involved, so I’m not going to take Week 2 as the new baseline. Thomas will certainly have a role, potentially a substantial one, but so will Bush. The reason I’d prefer Ingram is because he should be the goaline back, whereas we think Thomas will be. Also, the Saints have a better offense that will score more points. Finally, Thomas really struggled with blitz pick up during the preseason, so he needs to work on that area.
I could be wrong here, but my gut says you want Ingram.
By Alan on Sep 23, 2011
Ray,
I have an offer in my PPR league.
I’m giving up Felix Jones and Lance Moore for Greg Jennings. Would you do this deal?
I have:
RB: Rice, Forte, Bradshaw, McGahee
WR: Fitzgerald, Marshall, Nelson, Amendola
By Ray Flowers on Sep 23, 2011
Alan – I dont love the idea of having 2 WRs from one team – Nelson and Jennings – though that could be the Nelson with the Bills.
As for the deal, Jones is an injury mess. Moore I like a lot, he should be pretty strong as we move forward.
how many guys do you start each week?
By Alan on Sep 23, 2011
If you signed off the the deal Felix Jones and Lance Moore for Greg Jennings, I’d pick Helu up off the waiver wire.
Btw, you’re advice through the baseball season and now football has been so helpful. Thanks a lot.
Sorry Ray, I was referring to David Nelson in Buffalo.
I start 2 RB, 2WR and a FLEX.
By Ray Flowers on Sep 23, 2011
Alan- So it Felix Jones/Moore for Helu/Jennings.
I have very little faith in Jones. Don’t doubt the talent, but the guy is brittle.
I say make the deal, especially since David Nelson should be a fine pickup off waiver.s
Glad I’ve been able to help out as well.
By Ryan on Sep 24, 2011
Hey Ray, I have Sidney Rice on my bench who has the torn labrum issue. Burleson, David Nelson and LaFell are all available. Pick up one of those guys or stand pat? Thanks.
By Ray Flowers on Sep 24, 2011
Ryan – I like Rice, who doesn’t with his skills. However, with his offense (i.e. tarvaris jackson), I can’t suggest keeping him over Nelson and Burleson. If it’s a PPR add Nelson.
By Ryan on Sep 24, 2011
It’s non-ppr: still make the move to Nelson?
By Ray Flowers on Sep 24, 2011
Ryan – Add Burleson in non PPR, Nelson in PPR.
By Matt on Sep 24, 2011
12 team PPR; we play 2 WR per week; no flex position – of these 5 WR which 2 WR should I play this week? Steve Smith (Carolina), Devery Henderson, Brandon Lloyd, Santonio Holmes, Mike Williams (TB)? Thanks!
By Ray Flowers on Sep 24, 2011
Matt – I’d go with Steve Smith and Santonio Holmes.
By Matt on Sep 25, 2011
Ray – thanks, those were my choices as well but rough week as all of them scored less than 10 pts this week – maybe next week will be my week! Love the show by the way and do not let the rotoexperts get to you – they make fun of you on their show because they are jealous!
By Ray Flowers on Sep 25, 2011
Matt – Sorry things didn’t work out, but tis the breaks as you said.
Thanks for the support as well. Everyone wants to be me. lol
By Alan on Sep 27, 2011
Hey Ray,
Someone in my league is suffering at RB with Foster, S. Jackson, R. Bush, B. Scott.
Was thinking about buying low on Foster, what are your thoughts on him and doing this?
Would you try and offer McGahee or Felix Jones for him?
Thanks,
Alan
12 Team PPR
Start: 1QB, 2RB, 2WR, FLEX[RB, WR, TE], 1TE, 1D, 1K
QB- Stafford, Freeman
RB- Rice, Forte, Bradshaw, F. Jones, McGahee
WR- Fitzgerald, Marshall, L. Moore, Amendola, Nelson
TE- Graham, F. Davis
By Ray Flowers on Sep 27, 2011
Alan – I would offer either Jones or McGahee for Foster in a heartbeat. McG is old, and when Moreno is healthy it will be a timeshare. Jones has elite talent, but he just can’t stay healthy. Tate has looked great, but Foster was the best back in football last year – the Texans haven’t forgotten that.
By Alan on Sep 27, 2011
Thanks a lot for signing off on going after Foster.
I’m doing Defense by weekly match-ups. I had the Cardinals for week 3.
I know you usually don’t do your weekly projections till Wed but who would you look to use for week 4 at Defense?
Titans (@Cle), Texans (vs.Pit), Redskins (@StL), Giants (@Ari),
Bucaneers (vs.Ind), Vikings (@KC), Cardinals (vs. NYG)
By Ray Flowers on Sep 27, 2011
Alan – MIN, NYG, TB, TEN
By wesley on Sep 27, 2011
i was just wondering whats you think about Moreno? should i hold on to him or drop him?
thanks again ray
By Ray Flowers on Sep 27, 2011
Wesley – Totally depends on what your options are, and if you have a strong backfield in place. Moreno is certainly a more talented runner than McGahee… if he can get and stay on the field of course.
By wesley on Sep 27, 2011
Well im in a 12 team ppr
guys on waivers
LT i have greene also
lance moore
brandon jacobs
ryan grant
marshawn lynch, would you drop moreno for any of these free agents thanks
By Ray Flowers on Sep 27, 2011
Wesley – I don’t like the idea of dropping Moreno at all. Still, Jacobs is a better option right now. I’d add him. Grant also looked to be in beast mode the other day, so he’s a solid add in place of Moreno.
By Chris on Sep 28, 2011
Ray,
Would you trade MENDENHALL RB for Chris JOHNSON RB striaght up? I would be getting CJ. thanks in advance.
Chris
By Ray Flowers on Sep 28, 2011
Chris – This is a deal where I would like to get both backs. I’d rather have Johnson than Mendenhall, but it’s a thin margin.
By Alan on Sep 29, 2011
Hey Ray,
I have 2 lineup questions for you:
1) Should I start Bucaneers or Vikings Defense this week?
2) Who should I start at my Flex position in a PPR: Marshall or Bradshaw?
Thanks a lot
By Rob on Sep 29, 2011
Hi Ray,
I’m searching for consistency at WR on the wire. 14 team PPR so free agency is very limited. Available are Amendola and Damian Williams. I recently picked up Ford and Massaquoi and also have Mike Williams (Seattle).
Would you drop Ford, Mass or M. Williams to pick up Amendola, D. Williams or both?
Also, I picked up Kendall Hunter and Whitehurst (we start two QB so taking a flier that he’ll get the call to replace Jackson at some point). What do you think of these two adds? My two starters are Romo and Campbell so Whitehurst would be a bye-week option or trade bait.
By Ray Flowers on Sep 29, 2011
Alan – Both D’s have great matchups, but give me the Bucs who will be face a Painter led Colts club. At the flex, go with Marshall.
By Ray Flowers on Sep 29, 2011
Rob – Consistency on the WW for a WR in 14 tm league? Honestly – you’re not likely to find that.
In a PPR setup, Massaquoi has little value.
Williams has even less. He won’t score, and the guy has caught 10 balls for 74 yards over his last five games.
I’d drop Williams for Amendola.
Whitehurst is junk. Even if he gets the starting gig, your QB2 will be about as bad as any in the lg.
Hunter is a better pickup. Looks like he could be in for a 50/50 split this week with Gore ailing.
By Alan on Sep 29, 2011
Ray,
Who do you like to produce more this season K. Hunter or Helu?
By Ray Flowers on Sep 29, 2011
Alan – It’s all about the roles, which is why it’s so hard in fantasy football. I’d say Helu because I think he will get more touches on a weekly basis. It really depends on who goes down – Gore or Hightower.
By Alan on Sep 29, 2011
Ray,
Thanks, I picked up Helu but wasn’t sure about Hunter and your advice reassures me that I made the right choice.
By Rob on Sep 29, 2011
Hi Ray,
I have a lineup question for you:
RB: Blount
RB: Greene
Flex: Moore
WR: A. Johnson
WR: Mike Thomas
With the Jets going up against the Ravens and Colston flirting with a return, I’m not too high on Greene or Moore (if Colston does not play, Moore’s solid in my mind). Would you keep them in the starting lineup or move things around with B. Jacobs and J. Ford on the bench? Full PPR…
Thanks!
By Phil on Sep 29, 2011
Hi Ray,
I need WR 3 this week from
Sidney Rice
Stevie Johnson
Reggie Wayne
Dexter McCluster
Robert Meachum
By Ray Flowers on Sep 30, 2011
Wouldn’t it be nice if you needed help if you actually said please or thank you? Just a thought everyone.
By Rob on Sep 30, 2011
You don’t get enough credit, we all should know that by now. What you do for everyone on this site is above and beyond anything else out there! Your detailed analysis and projections are literally the only reason I came in first in my two baseball leagues this year and a large part of why I’m 3-0 to start the football season! Please continue to help where you can, and thank you for all you’ve done. Keep on keepin on with the neighbor’s wife and I think you should give Kyle a gnome for Christmas this year. He’d like that
By Ray Flowers on Sep 30, 2011
Rob – I always hesitate to play a guy in his first game back, so that makes me nervous about using Ford.
I’d stick with Moore over Jacobs, but if you are worried about Colston’s return, its not an awful idea to go with Jacobs. I dont have a problem with that.
By Phil on Sep 30, 2011
My bad Ray. You are right to point out my poor manners. Please accept my apology for the lapse. Thanks in advance.
By Ray Flowers on Sep 30, 2011
Rob- Thanks my friend. I know everyone, well pretty much everyone, understands the labor of love this is for me. I just ask that people take the time to throw out something nice. After all, I am doing this for FREE. I don’t get paid a dime for answering tweets, emails or questions here on my site. I do it just cause I’m a nice guy.
Neighbor’s wife has been traveling too much for work. Barely seen her the past two weeks.
Kyle would look good with a gnome in his new front yard, I agree.
By Alan on Oct 3, 2011
Ray,
I’m in a 12 team PPR looking to improve my bench at RB, WR, TE.
I’m thinking of dropping Helu and Amendola and add 2 of the following off the waiver wire
RB: Ridley, Torain, K. Hunter, Hardesty
WR: Cruz, Torrey Smith, G. Little,
TE: Do I drop Fred Davis for Jared Cook?
Here is my roster:
QB: Stafford, Freeman
RB: Rice, Forte, Bradshaw, McGahee, Helu
WR: Fitzgerald, Jennings, Marshall, D. Nelson, Amendola
TE: Graham, F. Davis
What are your thoughts?
Also, thanks for all your advice during the baseball season. You helped me win my 10 team fantasy baseball league.
By Ray Flowers on Oct 3, 2011
Alan – Drop Amendola and add Cruz.
Drop Helu and add … tough call. You’re trading one backup for another. I hate to not give an answer, but I honestly dont know. Depends on health of teams RB1′s, as well as usage. At this point I would rather have Torain over Helu, though Torain has never proven that he can stay healthy.
Keep Fred Davis over Cook.
By Alan on Oct 4, 2011
Ray,
Who would you want as your backup TE in a PPR league:
Ben Watson or Fred Davis?
My starter is Jimmy Graham.
By Phil on Oct 4, 2011
Ray,
Help! I don’t know what to do with Reggie Wayne. I drafted him as my WR1 and obviously he isn’t going to be that. Do I roll with the skills and hope that he and Painter/Collins get enough going to make him a WR2/3, spot play him or try to bundle him in a trade for an upgrade? My best bet for a bundle is with Javid Best but he hasn’t quite put up the numbers I would have hoped for enticing trade bait. This is 12 team 1/2 point PPR. I am happy with my other two starting WR ( we play 3 WR) so my bench options after Wayne are Meachum and McCluster. Forte and Peterson are anchoring the RB production. I am leaning towards a trade if I can pull it off but maybe you might think I’m giving up on Wayne to soon. An example would be Wayne + Best for Miles Austin or Brandon Lloyd. Many thanks for your thoughts.
By Ray Flowers on Oct 4, 2011
Alan – Easy call for me – go Davis. Watson will continue to lose some looks in the red zone to Evan Moore, so I’d go with Davis who is younger and more athletic as well.
By Alan on Oct 5, 2011
Ray
I missed out on Cruz on the waiver wire, someone else got him. I’m still wanting to drop Amendola and these guys are out there on the wire, who would you suggest adding in a PPR league:
Montario Hardesty
Malcolm Floyd
Torrey Smith
Greg Little
By Ray Flowers on Oct 5, 2011
Alan – Dump Amendola. Looks like he could be done for the year. None of the options you listed are exciting. Since you are looking for WR help, take a shot on Smith, but I gotta be honest with you – he’s not going to be a consistent WR3 from week to week, it’s just not happening.
By Ray Flowers on Oct 5, 2011
Phil – Wayne, with the loss of Peyton, has gone from a WR1 to best case scenario a WR2, but more likely a WR3. Those QBs just can’t get him the ball. Problem is, almost everyone else realizes that too leaving his trade value as poor. Wayne/Best for Austin is a decent call, but that’s really going all in, and it would also kill your depth at RB. I wouldn’t do that deal if it was my team. And if you are wondering, I’d rather have Austin over Lloyd – by a fair amount.
By wesley on Oct 5, 2011
Whats going on ray,
need help real shallow 12 team league
we only start 1 wr, 1 rb, w/t,and a w/r
my WR’s are Fitz, Sidney rice, Austin and Andre
RB’S wells, Greene, and blount
would you drop greene for Boldin????
thanks again
By Ray Flowers on Oct 5, 2011
Wesley – Another day, another dollar my friend. That’s what the kids say, right?
For Week 5 Fitz at WR, RB will be Beanie Wells.
Dallas doesn’t play, Johnson is out at WR, so you don’t have a choice there.
By Phil on Oct 5, 2011
Thanks Ray. I went after Austin, Fitzgerald and R. White with a lesser RB thrown my way just for safety. Hopefully one of those 3 teams bites. Much appreciated as always.
By Andrew on Oct 5, 2011
Ray- just had my hockey draft (stoked!)…wanted a grade from the master…10-teamer, had #1 pick
Forwards: Ovechkin, Getzlaf, Sharp, Thorton, JVR, Gaborick, Havlat, Horton, Neal, Grabner, Gerbe, Ott
D: Markov, Gonchar, McBain, Timmonen, Widemen
G: Miller, Brodeur, Reimer
Obv went F-heavy…you know the scoop on Markov? Bad pick possibly…
Thanks!
By Ray Flowers on Oct 5, 2011
Andrew – You’re bursting with talent up the middle. If Sharp gets healthy, wow. At wing, Gaborik and Havlat have immense talent, but tough duo to take together given their injury history. Also makes choice of Horton, coming off big concussion issue, a risk.
On D your basically average. Markov has no return date at the moment, though his knee appears to be doing better.
In net, no complaints there.