FANTASY FOOTBALL
Fantasy football | Very little margin for error as season winds down
BY STEVEN SCHWADRON
stevenschwadron@yahoo.com
As trade deadlines loom and most leagues head back into divisional games, every fantasy game, every decision, every roster move is magnified. A loss or two in the final weeks start eliminating teams -- like mine in one league.
Analyzing matchups is a grueling task. With the hardships of fantasy, there is nothing worse than not starting the right player -- especially if it costs you a W. Sometimes I wish I had no depth, in order to help make my decisions easier.
At this time of the season, you still need to pay close attention to the waiver wires. Sure, you might not need a player, but you should consider blocking other pickups.
Last week, I was off on Brent Celek and right about Peyton Hillis and Mark Bradley.
Hillis is a better play in TD leagues and should score this week against the Falcon. Bradley, a solid WR3/flex play, has become a must-start. For example, I've got a plethora of WRs -- Roddy White,Housh,Ocho Cinco,Wes Welker and DeSean Jackson -- in my playoff-bound distance-scoring league, but picked up Bradley to prevent others from getting him.
I've also looked ahead at the schedules, and the Chiefs' offensive players, as shown last week, will continue to make noise. When real NFL teams have nothing to play for, they want to evaluate what they have. It's clear the Chiefs might have found their QB of the future in Tyler Thigpen to go along with Dwayne Bowe, Tony Gonzalez and the now healthy Bradley.
One of the league's more disappointing players is Santonio Holmes. If he is going to bust out, this has to be the week. It is hard to bench him, especially this week against the Chargers, whose pass defense is averaging a league-worst 264 yards per game. Stick with him one more week. As for the hit-or-miss Chargers receiving corps, I wouldn't start any this week against the Steelers.
Another player causing grief is Joseph Addai, who has reverted to his brittle reputation. He can redeem now that he appears healthy, and I believe this is the week Addai goes for 125 yards and two touchdowns against the Texans.
Now that the Falcons' Michael Jenkins is gaining consistency and alleviating pressure on White, Matt Ryan is absolutely a QB1 and should be relied upon the rest of the way. Expect a bounce-back game from Aaron Rodgers this week. You do have to start Tony Romo if you have him, but I'd give him a week before he can carry your team.
One loyal reader was wondering if he should bench Maurice Jones-Drew against the Titans D in favor of Ricky Williams. It might not be a bad call, but I can't let my studs ride pine down the stretch, and the Titans have allowed eight rushing TDs, whereas teams such as the Ravens and Bucs have allowed one TD each. You can't sit Adrian Peterson, the best RB in the league, against the Bucs, but you shouldn't count on Derrick Ward as a flex play this week against the Ravens.
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