Thursday, September 13, 2012

Happster's Fantasy Report: Week 1



This year's report is going to be a little different in that it is not going to focus exclusively on who to pick up each week, but will instead, expand to cover all topics around fantasy football each week, it also might contain helpful information on who to pick up, but there are no guarantees!

The first week of fantasy is behind us! And because of the NFL’s all-consuming desire for money, Week 2 will be here in a few hours. So there is not a moment to lose in dissecting the things that went wrong and the things that went right in the inaugural week.

2,000 yards was so much easier in 2009...
First off, can we all just agree that Chris Johnson is all that he’s ever going to be? So the guy peaked when he was 24, big deal, he got his 2,000 yard season and now he’s come back down to earth and he’ll be a mediocre fantasy asset at best. If I had him, I’d move him as soon as he had a decent game with over 100 combined yards and a TD. I’m looking at you first-round CJ2K drafter, he’s not good, and you should have drafted Darren McFadden, its ok to admit you’re wrong; it’s the first part of the healing process.

“But Happster! The Titans got beat down on and had to throw the ball a ton!” says first-round drater, clutching his 2009 Steve Slaton Jersey. “Chris Johnson is totally awesome!” 

“If you have an elite running back you feed him the ball no matter what the score is, because if he’s elite, he can score from anywhere on the field. Let us also remember that Johnson had 11 carries for (wait for it!) 4 yards. He averaged 0.4 yards a carry. Seriously, this guy is not elite, here is a list of running backs drafted after Johnson in most fantasy leagues who I’d rather have today:

  1. Adrian Peterson
  2. Matt Forte
  3. Darren McFadden
  4. DeMarco Murray
  5. Alfred Morris

I'm still a top-10 qb, I promise!
Second, I will be the first to admit that Cam Newton will not repeat his 2011 numbers until at least 2013. Let’s face it, the Panther’s coaching staff is not known for their creativity and despite Newton’s iceman demeanor he is still a sophomore quarterback in the NFL. He is still explosive and I wouldn’t necessarily look to move him, but he’s not going to finish in the top-5 at QB. But some things are goign in Cam's favor. Carolina rushed 13 times for 10 yards against Tampa Bay last week and DeAngelo Williams rushed for -1 yards on six attempts with Jonathan Stewart not even playing. Going forward, who do you think they are going to depend on to handle the rock? (If you said Kealoha Pilares you’re wrong, he’s a WR despite his team-leading 1 rush for five yards) It’s going to be Cam, and rushing yards are always a welcome addition to a QB’s bottom line.

Just like it isn't 2009 for Chris, it's not 2009 for Kevin!

Third, Kevin Smith might have been the steal of the draft. The Lions have an amazing offense that is almost all pass…almost. Because they pass so much the lanes are opened for Kevin Smith to produce some great numbers. It is my opinion that he will be a solid RB2 for the entire year. Considering he was drafted at the end of the 10th round in most leagues. I think he was a great value on draft day and, more importantly, he'll be a great value going forward.

Gratuitous picture from the Saintsations bikini shoot

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