ESPN Challenge

Congratulations for those who won your fantasy football leagues.  For those still searching for a title, try to redeem yourself with the ESPN Playoff Challenge. For this playoff challenge, you draft a lineup of 9 offensive players, who have varying values, with an overall salary cap of $50 to spend. You draft players three times during the playoffs; once for the wild card round, once for the divisional playoff round, and once for the conference and Super Bowl round combined. For the wild card and divisional playoff rounds, it doesn’t matter if your players lose, as you’re only keeping them for one week. Draft players who are playing in this round – in other words, don’t draft players on a bye. For the third and final round you’ll want to draft players that you are projecting to play in the Super Bowl. As you draft, look for teams that are playing at home, stick to the studs, weaker defenses to chew on, and try to estimate potential shootouts. These are all great strategies to use when drafting.

QB: Andrew Luck, Ben Roethlisberger

Andrew Luck has been arguably the best quarterback in the NFL this season. You may only get one shot at Luck if the Colts lose this week, so I would use him up. The Colts also have an awful running game, so Luck should have plenty of chances to throw the ball down field.

Ben Roethlisberger is underrated every season, but he puts up great numbers yet he has a low value. Roethlisberger has put up 8 games with over 300 passing yards and is definitely worth a spot in your lineup.

RB: Justin Forsett, Jeremy Hill

Justin Forsett has been a hugely reliable running back this season. Weeks 15 and 16 were a little scary, but he proved to everyone he’s still the same in week 17 by racking up 119 rushing yards. Forsett should shine in the playoffs and continue his great play.

Jeremy Hill totaled 47 carries, 291 yards, and 3 touchdowns in weeks 15 and 16 combined. He should continue to take the bulk of the carries and red zone touches in the playoffs. Hill also has a low value – grab him.

WR: Calvin Johnson, Antonio Brown

There is no decision here – Calvin Johnson should be in your lineup this week. You can’t miss out on the one and only Megatron. Johnson will continue to be a clear cut top option and Stafford’s go to guy in the playoffs.

Antonio Brown has followed up his breakout 2013 season with an even more amazing season in 2014. Brown has put up a double digit fantasy points game in every game this season except two. Brown has the most fantasy points in the NFL for wide receivers this season. You don’t want to miss out on Brown.

TE: Greg Olsen

Greg Olsen isn’t an animal like Rob Gronkowski or an up and coming star like Travis Kelce, but he always has decent seasons. This year Olsen has been better than ever. The Panthers will most likely not win in the playoffs, so this your shot at a superstar tight end.

K: Adam Viniteri

The Colts offense has been crazy good this season and have given Viniteri plenty of opportunities to put up huge fantasy numbers. He’ll kick indoors and he’s ranked 3rd in kickers fantasy points this season. Vinateri is definitely worth having in your lineup.

D: Carolina Panthers

The Panthers defense is starting to heat up for the playoffs and should be a great option. The Panthers defense has put up three consecutive double digit fantasy point games and in week 17 put up 30 fantasy points against one of the top offenses in the Falcons. The Panthers aren’t necessarily a safe bet, but they could come through in the clutch.

Sit/Start for Week 17

If you’re like me, your team is playing for a championship in week 17. My ESPN league championship is played over weeks 16 and 17. I’m currently down 10 points, therefore my final linuep of the year must be perfect. Some of my big stars including Jamaal Charles, Greg Olsen, and Tom Brady let me down in week 16. I’ll have to make some tough lineup decisions including playing Phillip Rivers over Brady, and Antonio Gates over Olsen. For your teams, you have to look at stats because they don’t lie. Unexpected players can help you win your league because at this point, it’s all up to one game. Guys like Tony Romo, Kelvin Benjamin, Mark Ingram, and Torrey Smith have been underrated and can be in your starting lineup. On the flip side, there are players who have been inconsistent and have awful week 17 matchups, including Sammy Watkins, Bills defense, DeSean Jackson, and Zac Ertz. This is it, so don’t let it slip.

Start

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo

Ever since Romo hurt his back he has been crazy good. Five out of Romo’s last six games have consisted of 3 or more passing touchdowns. Romo has also put up 7 games of 20 points or more this season which is more than Rivers, Matt Ryan, Russell Wilson, Brady, and Drew Brees. Romo has a clear-cut perfect matchup this week against his arch rival Washington Redskins. The Redskins have given up the most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks this season. They also have given up 10 touchdowns thrown in the last three games. Romo faced them earlier in the season but got hurt, so he’s in for a rebound game. Romo is a locked in QB1.

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin

Benjamin’s rookie ride has been consistent throughout the whole season. Unlike most unknown receivers and tight ends from the year before, Benjamin has stayed steady with his touchdowns. His first 8 games included 5 touchdowns and his last 8 he’s scored 4. Benjamin has a favorable matchup this week against the Falcons. H lit them up back in week 11 by grabbing 9 receptions for 109 yards and a touchdown. The Falcons also rank 29th against opposing wide receivers and have given up over 200 yards to WR’s in 4 consecutive games. Benjamin is a solid WR2 for week 17.

 Sit

Buffalo Bills wide receiver Sammy Watkins

Watkins has had a rollar coaster ride type of season and has been a hugely irritating fantasy player. Watkins has recorded four 100 yard games which is more than Benjamin, Alshon Jeffery, Roddy White, and Mike Evans. However, he’s followed every 100 yard game expect one with 2 or fewer fantasy points. Watkins is also facing possibly the toughest matchup of the year in the Patriots. Watkins is going to have to go one on one against Darrell Revis in New England. Earlier in the season Watkins caught 2 passes for 27 yards against the Pats. Watkins is a WR4 and is not safe to start in any formatted league.

Buffalo Bills Defense

The Bills defense have had a terrific season this year. They have recorded 2 interceptions in 3 consecutive games (not including week 16) against stud quarterbacks such as Peyton Manning and Aaron Rodgers . The Bills defense is also ranked #1 in total fantasy points this season. The Bills came off of a huge win against Aaron Rodgers and the Packers with 18 fantasy points in week 15, then lost to the lowly Oakland Raiders in week 16.  Last time the Bills defense faced the Pats offense in week 6, they gave up 37 points and -2 fantasy points in Buffalo. Now they are going into New England who have given up a total of -15 fantasy points to opposing defenses at home. The Bills are not a safe pick for this week and are a D2.

 

Sit/Start for Week 16

It’s panic time for the remaining fantasy members. Who do I start? Who do I sit? Who’s going to have a good week? It’s super important to play not only you’re best players, but the hot players as well. Players like C.J. Anderson, Joique Bell, Martellus Bennett, and T.Y. Hilton have been playing great lately. If you don’t have any of these stars, then matchups are severely important. Also, look for guys like Steven Jackson and Travis Kelce and try to start them. I know it’s been said a lot, but matchups are extremely important at this point and could lose you a title if you don’t pay attention.

Start

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce

Even though Kelce has only scored one touchdown in his last 6 games, he’s been pretty consistent this year, averaging 6.5 fantasy points a game (ranked 9th for all tight ends). It’s been frustrating with his backup Anthony Fasano pulling in most of the touchdowns, but it has been clear the last few weeks that Kelce is Smith’s favorite target. Kelce has led the team in catches and yards the last two games combined. He is facing the Steelers this week who rank 27th against opposing tight ends and have given up a touchdown to a tight end in 6 consecutive games. Kelce’s chances of scoring a touchdown and dominating the targets once again is high. Kelce is a mid range TE1.

Atlanta Falcons running back Steven Jackson

Steven Jackson has had a surprisingly good year. He has 6 rushing touchdowns this season, which was ranked 9th in the NFL going into week 15. Jackson had 41 total fantasy points through the first 7 games of the season, yet he has had 69 total fantasy points in the last 8 games. He has also upped his carries by 32 since week 7. Jackson has had 7 double-digit fantasy games this season, which is more than Giovanni Bernard, Alfred Morris, and Mark Ingram. He’s also had 5 double-digit fantasy games in the last 7 weeks. Jackson is facing the Saints who rank 30th against opposing running backs and have given up 6 rushing touchdowns in the last five games. Jackson is a mid range RB2.

Bench

San Diego Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen

Allen has had an up and down season this year. He has struggled severely against good secondaries and opening up space. Before this past week’s game, Allen was tied for 11th with Jeremy Maclin in receptions, but a lowly 10.3 yards per reception. Allen also has a really tough matchup this week against the 49ers who rank 6th against opposing receivers. In weeks 12-14, the 49ers gave up a total of 17 catches, 0 touchdowns, 217 yards, and 17 fantasy points to fantasy wide receivers. With the Chargers offense including Phillip Rivers struggling lately, Allen isn’t a good bet against a stingy defense in the 49ers. A new update also says that Allen was forced to leave last week’s game due to an ankle injury. Allen is a mid range WR3 for week 16.

Houston Texans Defense

The Texans defense has been great lately, by putting up a total of 37 fantasy points in their last three outings. This defense has averaged 10.7 fantasy points in their last six games along with 4 double-digit performances. However, two of their last three games faced teams that are in the top 5 of giving up the most fantasy points to opposing defenses, so it makes sense that their defense played well. The Texans defense is in for a tough matchup in week 16 against Baltimore. The Ravens have given up a total of -2 fantasy points in their last four games. They are also ranked 4th against opposing defenses. It’s unlikely that the Texans will post negative points, since they’ve only had one negative outing, but they’re not in for a big week. The Texans defense should be benched.

 

 

Sit/Start for week 15

The playoffs have began and it’s extremely important to make sure your starters are able to be trusted. This week’s column is going to be about which players to sit and which to start. The players I picked are Jay Cutler, Kenny Stills, Jeremy Hill and Coby Fleener. These are very skillful players; however, I believe some will rise to the occasion, while others will not. Matchups are very important in the playoffs. Even if a player has been playing well, if he has a real tough matchup, you may want to think about benching him. Also, another important tip for the playoffs is to see if your player already played the team he’s playing this week and check to see if he performed well or not.

Start

Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler

Cutler has had a chaotic up and down season. Along with Cutler’s 6 games over 20 fantasy points, he’s also put up three games under 10 fantasy points. He has had two strong games in a row though by totaling 621 yards with 4 passing touchdowns. Cutler is on track to end the season strong with some favorable matchups. Week 15  will be against the Saints who rank 27th in the NFL against opposing quarterbacks, including three games with over 400 passing yards. Cutler is a QB1 for week 15.

New Orleans wide receiver Kenny Stills

Stills was one of the top pickups after his break out performance against the Steelers in week 13. Before Brandin Cooks got injured, Stills was irrelevant and averaged a miniscule 4.7 fantasy points a game. The last three weeks with Cooks out injured, Stills has averaged 11 points a game! New Orleans surprisingly got destroyed by the Carolina Panthers last week, with Stills only having three catches for 23 yards. Expect Stills and the Saints to retaliate against the Chicago Bears this week. The Bears rank 25th against opposing wide receivers and have let up plenty of deep bombs (which Stills is great at). With Stills gaining Brees’s trust over the last few weeks and becoming one of his more reliable targets, Stills is a low value WR2.

Sit

Cincinnati Bengals running back Jeremy Hill

Jeremy Hill has been a huge force ever since Giovanni Bernard went down. Following Hill’s great play lately, he has a tough matchup this week against the Browns. Last time the Bengals played the Browns, the Bengals got destroyed and Hill totaled 3 total fantasy points with a fumble. A road game against a team who dominated the Bengals and battling touches with Bernard, Hill is not in for a big game. When Bernard was out for weeks 9-11, Hill averaged 15.3 fantasy points a game including two games over 150 yards and averaged 20 rushes. The last three games with Bernard healthy, Hill has averaged 8.3 fantasy points and 13 rushes. Hill will be a low value RB2 for week 15.

Indianapolis Colts tight end Coby Fleener

Fleener has displayed sprouts of potential this season, but it didn’t really come together until week 11 against the Patriots where he caught 7 passes for 144 yards. When Dwayne Allen went down in week 11, Fleener was a popular pick up. With the Colts facing the Jaguars in week 12 and Allen hurt, Fleener was expected to see an expanded role. However, he disappointed fantasy owners with only 2 catches for 28 yards. He then took control of a poor defense at Washington in week 13 and lit them up with 2 touchdowns. Fleener is about to face the Texans who rank second against opposing tight ends, which is not a good sign for his fantasy value. Following Fleener’s big play lately, star middle line backer Brian Cushing should shadow him.  Fleener is a low value TE2.

Pick ups and cuts for the playoffs

As the fantasy football season winds down it’s important to take a close look at all of your players. You need to decide which players are worthy of starting and the ones who aren’t. You can’t play the guys you like or the guys you randomly predict; you need to look at the stats and the matchups and decide. Your starters should have provided trust and durability throughout the season because you don’t get second chances in the tournament. Each of these three players and the Rams defense are either heading into the right or wrong direction for the coming playoffs.

Detroit Lions running back Joique Bell

Joique Bell just came off of his best game of the season in week 13 against the Bears, scoring 2 TD’s. Bell also scored his first touchdown since week 7. With Reggie Bush all banged up and Theo Riddick doing damage in the passing game only, Bell should continue taking the workload on the ground. Bell should keep up his great play against three easy teams in a row against the run. He will face the Buccaneers (22nd against the run), Vikings (26th), and the Bears (who Bell just lit up). Bell will be an inconsistent RB2 for the rest of the season, and could dip down to a RB3 or go up to a RB1, depending on the health of Reggie Bush.

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Reggie Wayne

Reggie Wayne has been an inconsistent mess this season and cannot be trusted. After two strong games against the Giants and Patriots by totaling 22 fantasy points, Wayne was awful in a perfect matchup against the Jaguars in week 12. Wayne has scored only 2 touchdowns this whole year and has averaged a measly 6.0 fantasy points per week. Wayne is also ranked 43rd among all wide receivers in total fantasy points. T.Y. Hilton has easily proved to be Andrew Luck’s top option by hauling in more catches, yards, and touchdowns. If Wayne keeps on pace, then this will be the first time since 2002 and 2003 that he’s managed two seasons in a row with under 1,000 yards. Wayne just passed his 36th birthday this month and has proven he isn’t a fantasy threat anymore. Wayne is free to be cut in 8 or 10 man leagues without hesitation.

Dallas Cowboys kicker Dan Bailey

It was a truly amazing ride for Bailey through the first 7 games of the season by averaging 10.9 fantasy points. Bailey was a top 3 kicker and owned in almost every league. However, that has changed. Still a top 5 kicker, he hasn’t had a game since week 6 where he’s kicked over 1 field goal. While Bailey averaged 2 field goals through his first 7 games, he’s now averaged only 1 field goal in his last 6 games. Bailey hasn’t even put together a double-digit fantasy game since week 6, which is tied for worst streak out of the top 26 ranked kickers. Now almost heading into the playoffs, it may be time to look for a better kicker. Better sleeper kickers to go for are Matt Bryant and Shaun Suisham.

Saint Louis Rams Defense

The Rams defense has been awesome the last few games while facing some of the toughest offenses in the NFL including the Broncos, the Chargers, and the 49ers. The Rams have averaged 14 fantasy points through the last four games. After producing only 1 sack through the first six games of the season, the Rams have had 27 sacks since! They have also totaled 7 interceptions in the last 4 games, topping the Seahawks, Eagles, and Lions. Even with the Rams proving themselves worthy of a starting role no matter who they face, they have some favorable matchups ahead of them. They are going to face the Raiders (24th against opposing defenses), Redskins (27th and have let up a total of 33 points in the last two games), and the Cardinals (17 points surrendered in their last two games, and the Giants (19th).