Fantasy Nation Week 5

[eagle eye]

With the total disconnect between Josh Freeman and Tampa head coach Greg Schiano something had to give. Especially since Freeman wasn't even active in last Sunday's game. Monday morning Freeman demanded a trade and now on Wednesday Freeman has been released by the Buccaneers. The Bucs tried to trade Freeman but a satisfactory deal could not be made so they gave Freeman his outright release. Freeman's successor Mike Glennon was not overly impressive debut last week but some of that can be traced back to the Arizona Cardinals defense. Even with bye weeks under way now Glennon should not be on the fantasy radar just yet.

Here's the list of September's Player of the Month honorees:

AFC Offensive Player of the Month: Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning

AFC Defensive Player of the Month: Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Justin Houston

AFC Special Teams Player of the Month: Broncos kick returner Trindon Holliday

NFC Offensive Player of the Month: New Orleans Saints tight end Jimmy Graham

NFC Defensive Player of the Month: Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman

NFC Special Teams Player of the Month: Minnesota Vikings kick returner Cordarrelle Patterson

Offensive Rookie of the Month: Houston Texans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins

Defensive Rookie of the Month: Buffalo Bills linebacker Kiko Alonso

Tonight's game is Buffalo at Cleveland. My fearless forcast is this, Browns win outright smothering the Buffalo offense with their suffocating D and I'm drinking the Kool-Aid on Brian Hoyer. The spread in the game is Cleveland by 4.5 points and I'm giving the points and taking Cleveland.

Fantasty starts tonight Cleveland
> QB Brian Hoyer
> WR Josh Gordon
> TE Jordan Cameron
> Cleveland's Def/ST

Play with caution: RB Willis McGahee - McGahee is in his third week on the roster and should be getting into game shape by now. He has had the most touches so far in the running game but the least success. The Bills run defense isn't anything to write home about so he should have an opportunity to have a bit of a break out. Flex option only.

Sleeper pick: RB Chris Ogbanaya - The former Texas RB was instrumental in the passing game last week against Cincinnati actually outscoring McGahee in PPR leagues.

Fantasy starts Buffalo

> I'm only going to recommend EJ Manual and Fred Jackson only as last resorts. CJ Spiller is a game time decision if he plays. Jackson could be a flex player but he suffered a mild sprain last Sunday and he likely won't be 100%.

[eagle eye]

Here is my list of fantasy starts/sits for this week. Comments or questions can be done right here.

QB Starts

> Phillip Rivers
> Peyton Manning (duh)
> Michael Vick
> Eli Manning (both defenses are not good right now. looking for a shootout)

Sleeper Pick - Matt Schaub (despite what he did to lose the game last week he did throw for 355 yards against Seattle. Schaub has something to prove and San Fran is where he will have to start.)

QB Sits

> Terrelle Pryor
> Colin Kaepernick
> Alex Smith (Tennessee's D is a beast)
> Joe Flacco

RB Starts

> Ray Rice (bound to break out soon)
> David Wilson (the Eagles D will allow DW to finally have a good game.)
> Maurice Jones-Drew
> DeMarco Murray (Murray has run well the past two weeks and it's the only way to keep Manning off the field)

Sleeper Pick - Trent Richardson (Seattle gave up a lot to Foster/Tate last week and T-Rich is flying solo with Bradshaw out)

RB Sits

> Ryan Mathews
> Darryl Richardson
> Chris Johnson (Chiefs a beast against the run)
> Stevan Ridley (LeGarrett Blount should be on your roster)

WR Starts

> Eric Decker
> DeSean Jackson
> Victor Cruz
> Hakeem Nicks
> Danny Amendola

Sleeper Pick - Justin Blackmon (first game back after 4 game suspension)

WR Sits

> Anquan Bolden
> Reggie Wayne
> Austin Collie (has an injury waiver in his contract)
> Roddy White (still not healthy)

TE Starts

> Julius Thomas
> Jimmy Graham
> Jared Cook
> Greg Olsen
> Jason Witten

Sleeper Pick - Martellus Bennett (Bears will need Bennett to attack the Saints D)


TE Sits

> Vernon Davis (I'm all in on the Texans D this week.)
> Brandon Myers (this guy will be on this list until he does something)
> Zach Miller (Colts have defended opposing TEs very well so far)
> Colby Fleener


If you need a kicker because yours is on bye try Caleb Sturgis. Strong leg and very accurate. Should get opportunities vs Ravens.

[boomer]

Josh Freeman is a prime example of how bad the Buc's season is going. Schiano is a mess and for the Cowboys fans who are hard on Garrett be glad we don't have that mess to deal with. So lets look at the injuries we have this week . Thanks to all the guys who helped with the research and special thanks to
@walterfootball.

Fantasy Football Injury Reports: Quarterbacks

Jake Locker, Titans
10/1: Jake Locker is out for a few weeks.

E.J. Manuel, Bills
10/4: E.J. Manuel could be out 6-8 weeks.

Terrelle Pryor, Raiders
10/4: Listed as probable.

10/2: Terrelle Pryor will start.

10/1: The Raiders expect Terrelle Pryor to play.





Fantasy Football Injury Reports: Running Backs

Ahmad Bradshaw, Colts
10/4: Will be out for several weeks.

10/2: Listed as doubtful.

Fred Jackson, Bills
10/2: Fred Jackson is listed as probable.

10/1: Fred Jackson is expected to play Thursday, but could be limited because of a knee injury. He practiced on a limited basis Tuesday.

Steven Jackson, Falcons
10/5: Ruled out for Sunday's game.

10/3: Steven Jackson missed Thursday's practice.

10/1: Steven Jackson missed practice Tuesday. He hasn't been medically cleared yet.

Eddie Lacy, Packers
10/4: Listed as probable.

10/3: Eddie Lacy is practicing.

10/1: Eddie Lacy has been declared "full go."

Darren McFadden, Raiders
10/4: Listed as doubtful.

10/3: Darren McFadden missed practice Wednesday and Thursday.

Marcel Reece, Raiders
10/4: Listed as questionable after being limited on Friday.

10/3: Marcel Reece practiced on a limited basis both Wednesday and Thursday.

Stevan Ridley, Patriots
10/4: Ruled out for Sunday's game.

10/3: Stevan Ridley missed practice both Wednesday and Thursday.

C.J. Spiller, Bills
10/3: C.J. Spiller is expected to play according to Adam Schefter.

10/2: C.J. Spiller is listed as questionable. He'll be a game-time decision.

10/1: C.J. Spiller's status is up in the air after an ankle injury. He had a limited practice Tuesday.





Fantasy Football Injury Reports: Wide Receivers

Danny Amendola, Patriots
10/5: Danny Amendola is a game-time decision after traveling with the team to Cincinnati.

10/4: Danny Amendola is listed as questionable. He was limited again Friday.

10/3: Danny Amendola was limited in Thursday's practice.

10/2: Danny Amendola practiced Wednesday.

10/1: ESPN Boston wrote that Danny Amendola has a "good chance" of finally suiting up Sunday.

Miles Austin, Cowboys
10/4: Listed as doubtful.

10/3: Miles Austin-Jones missed practice again Thursday.

10/2: Miles Austin-Jones missed practice Wednesday.

10/1: Miles Austin-Jones has a chance to play this week after missing Sunday's contest with a hamstring.

Marlon Brown, Ravens
10/4: Listed as questionable after being limited Friday.

10/3: Marlon Brown missed Thursday's pratice.

Malcom Floyd, Chargers
10/1: Malcom Floyd is expected to miss a month.

Stephen Hill, Jets
10/5: Stephen Hill will play Monday night.

10/4: Stephen Hill was present for practice Friday, but was in a non-contact jersey.

10/3: Stephen Hill missed Thursday's practice.

10/1: Expected to be out with a concussion, according to the New York Post.

Santonio Holmes, Jets
10/1: Santonio Holmes is going to be out for about a month with a hamstring.

Lance Moore, Saints
10/4: Ruled out for Sunday's game.

10/3: Lance Moore missed Thursday's pratice.

Cecil Shorts, Jaguars
10/4: Cecil Shorts missed practice again Friday, but he's expected to play.

10/3: Cecil Shorts missed Thursday's practice. If he doesn't practice Friday, don't start him.

10/2: Cecil Shorts left Wednesday's practice with a groin, but he's expected to be fine.

Roddy White, Falcons
10/4: Roddy White is listed as questionable. He'll probably play, but he suffered a setback.





Fantasy Football Injury Reports: Tight Ends

Jermichael Finley, Packers
10/4: Listed as probable.

10/2: Jermichael Finley has been cleared to practice.

10/1: Jermichael Finley missed Monday's practice with a concussion.

Rob Gronkowski, Patriots
10/5: Ruled out for Sunday's game.

10/4: Listed as questionable, but not expected to play.

10/3: Limited in Thursday's practice.

10/1: Rob Gronkowski's camp is pushing for a Week 6 return.

Marcedes Lewis, Jaguars
10/1: Out indefinitely with a calf injury.

[boomer]

Lets look at some guys who we consider starters this week.

Here are some of the guys that were covered on 60 mins sports this weekend as guys whose value will inrease for the season.

Here's my list of players that I think will increase in value going forward:



• Tom Brady: completing 67 percent of passes the past two weeks, reinforcements coming. Gronks look to be back next week and Danny boy will play this week.

• Giovani Bernard: might be a tough get because chances are his owner is a believer, but the touches keep increasing. Pray for this young man his girlfriend scares the heck out of me , it's going to be a long road for him of that I am sure.

• Danny Woodhead: averaging 4.7 yards per carry, at least seven targets a game over the past three and now getting red zone carries. Not a typical running back, but getting the job done in San Diego in a way Ryan Mathews is not. His value will start to climd exponetially as his role is expanded with the Bolts, think D. Sproles 2.0. Don't forget that this is a two time Harlon Hill trophy winner, the Division II version of the Hiesman.

• Doug Martin, Trent Richardson and Alfred Morris: Better days ahead for three of the best running backs in the NFL. If I can get any of them for less than top-seven value, I'm doing it.

• David Wilson: schedule gets a lot easier the rest of the way, as only two of the teams he'll face are currently top 12 in run defense. We will know more today but how long can a head coach cut off his nose to spite his face?

• Antonio Brown: Of the Steelers' 12 remaining games, only two are against opponents in that are top-10 in limiting points to wide receivers. The line seems to be recovering from the early season hits it took. Ben had 300 yards passing in the loss to the Vikes.

• Torrey Smith:Averaging 10 targets a game, including the most deep targets in the NFL; the touchdowns will come. Keep an eye on the matchups and play him as a WR#1 when Jacoby comes back.

Lets look at some guys who are great plays this week.



Philip Rivers, Chargers: At least 22 points in three of four games this year, he's top-10 in the NFL in yards, yards per attempt, passing touchdowns. A shoddy defense and struggling run game means he'll continue to throw, and he's playing Oakland. If you need an RG III replacement this week, here he is.

Lets stay with the same game:

Terrelle Pryor, Raiders: It's not just the matchup that's tasty (San Diego is 29th versus the pass and gives up the most points to opposing quarterbacks), but it's the rushing, too: The Chargers are allowing 5.2 yards per carry, third-most. Here is a QB that has to run and will have the room to do it.


Andrew Luck, QB, Colts (vs. Seahawks)
As tough as Seattle's defense is, Matt Schaub did throw for 355 yards.

Tom Brady, QB, Patriots (at Bengals)
Brady is getting more and more comfortable each week, and Cincinnati's secondary is banged up.

Matthew Stafford, QB, Lions (at Packers)
Teams have thrown for an average of 323 yards against the Packers.

Tony Romo, QB, Cowboys (vs. Broncos)
Tony Romo will be throwing often in a shootout.

Eli Manning, QB, Giants (vs. Eagles)
Eli Manning will be able to rebound versus the dreadful Eagles.

Ok how about a few running backs there has not been anything harder to predict this year.

Chris Johnson, Titans: He leads the NFL in red zone carries, is third in total carries and I expect Tennessee to lean on him even more with Jake Locker out. You can run on Kansas City (they're allowing 5.4 yards per carry), so expect the touchdown drought to end this week.

Eddie Lacy, Packers: Pick a stat, any stat: Lions allow third-most fantasy points to opposing running backs, tied for fourth-highest yards per carry, tied for third-most rushing touchdowns. Very simply, Saturday is your last day to buy low on Eddie Lacy. Starks is out and Franklin is coming of a more seriose injury, buy low if you can.

David Wilson, Giants: If he can't do it against Philly.......

Rashad Jennings, Raiders: Thought Jennings looked solid after taking over for McFadden last week, and it's a good matchup. San Diego is allowing 5.2 yards per carry this season, third-most in the league. And its 5.3 yards on zone read carries, which is good since I expect Terrelle Pryor to play in this game. Sneaky PPR play here as well. Raiders running backs are tied for sixth in the league in targets.

Bilal Powell, Jets: Over 100 total yards in two straight, double-digit fantasy points in three straight, I expect him to be the focal point of the offense, with much of the Jets receiving corps banged-up. The Falcons have given up at least 15 points to opposing running backs in every game except the Rams , so I like Powell's chances at double digits here.

WR who will be hot this week

Victor Cruz, Giants: He's red-hot, the Eagles are not so much. Kelly went from toast of the town to bum in 2 quarters of football. Eagles have allowed the most receptions and touchdowns to opposing wide receivers this year and they don't have anyone that can keep up with Cruz, who torches them every time he plays them.

Kenbrell Thompkins, Patriots: See Tom Brady comments above.

Coby Fleener, Colts: Since Week 2, after Dwayne Allen's injury, Fleener is top-10 in tight end targets and receptions and top-six in yards and red zone targets and has two scores in three games. Seattle is 18th in yards allowed to tight ends. I was high on him last week and will continue to be I think that this is the guy you want out of best of the rest. He is starting to fulfill the promise that was thought to be in last years forcast.

Jordy Nelson, WR, Packers (vs. Lions)
Start any Packer wideout you can get your hands on.

DeSean Jackson, WR, Eagles (at Giants)
Here is the flip side to the Giants Eagles game. the lack of DEF for the giants will equall a rebound game for DeSean Jackson coming up against one of the worst back sevens in football.

Hakeem Nicks, WR, Giants (vs. Eagles)
Hakeem Nicks dropped three passes last week because of a dislocated finger. He should be able to rebound.


Torrey Smith, WR, Ravens (at Dolphins)
See above

Eric Decker, WR, Broncos (at Cowboys)
A weekly WR2 play despite being the No. 3 wideout. I love the Cowboys but they still have not figured the Tampa 2 out.

DEF
Defense/ST have been putting up alot of points this year. I have won several games early this year by playing the right matchups. I think this play will continue to be important as long as the RB position remains hard to predict week to week.

Some quality waiver-wire additions include the Falcons, who will clobber Geno Smith and his terrible receiving corps. The Rams are also worth a shot because the Jaguars are garbage.

Top 10

Browns (vs. Bills)
Falcons (vs. Jets)
Rams (vs. Jaguars)
Chiefs (at Titans)
Ravens (at Dolphins)
49ers (vs. Texans)
Seahawks (at Colts)
Cardinals (vs. Panthers)
Dolphins (vs. Ravens)
Panthers (at Cardinals)

Thanks for the reads guys and if you have any questions post them here, we will get you an answer.

[eagle eye]

Of the 5 teams in the NFL that were unbeaten The Broncos, The Chiefs, The Saints, The Seahawks and the Patriots there are still 3 unbeatens.

The winners are:
The Broncos in a full fledged shootout with the Cowboys. Broncos won 51-48. (That ain't no typo!)
The Saints in a smack down of da Bears in Chicago. Saints wins 26-18.
The Chiefs beat Tennessee in a defensive struggle. KC wins 26-17. (Jamaal Charles has big day.)

The losers are:
The Seahawks get the loss they should have last week. Indianapolis takes care of business 34-28.
The Patriots finally ran out of luck on a rainy day in Cincinnati. Bengals win a snoozer 13-6.

By the same token, the teams that were 0-4 going into the weekend are still oh-fer.
Jacksonville goes down to the Rams 34-20.
The Giants were just as inept in a division game against the Eagles. Eagles win 36-21.
The Steelers didn't play this week and are standing on 0-4.
Tampa Bay also didn't play and they too are 0-4.

Not-so-funny note: Cleveland are tied for the division lead with a 3-2 record. The reason was mainly due to the emergence of QB Brian Hoyer whose 2013 is over since he suffered a torn ACL in the first half of the game last Thursday against the Bills. Brandon Weeden held on to help the Browns beat the Bills but the fantasy value of Josh Gordon and Jordan Cameron may have gone down. It was stunningly obvious the difference between Hoyer and Weeden. Hoyer is more decisive and he gets rid of the ball quicker than Weeden. Weeden is playing for his job and he'd better be better than he's been so far in the last year and 5 games.