Happster's Market Report: Week 12

The 2011 year has been horrific when it comes to injuries and the above is just a small list of players who are out for the season, have missed significant time, or look to miss some time going forward, it’s not pretty.

Hopefully, the rest of the season will go better, but there are never any guarantees, therefore, we need to look at ways to mitigate any damages our teams receive from players going down with injuries. That’s why this week’s market report has an eye on players that should produce for the rest of the fantasy season.

Buying:

Matt Leinart, QB – Houston Texans

Before you start leaving hateful comments, hear me out: Leinart is on his last contract before the UFL gives him a call and he is in an excellent situation. Andre Johnson should be returning to the lineup and Arian Foster (and occasionally Ben Tate) is there to keep the pressure off of him. This is a much better situation than Arizona ever was and if Leinart is going to do something, it’s now or never. I’d pick him up if I was a former Schaub owner with no long-term alternative. Plus, in the final five weeks of the fantasy season (assuming your championship game is in Week 16…it is, isn’t it?) the Texans play teams ranked in the bottom six for fantasy defenses twice, both Week 15 (vs Car) and Week 16 (@ Ind). Leinart could be just the guy to lead you to fantasy glory…if nothing else I hear he’s great in a hot tub…

Matt always wondered why no one would play with him in Arizona...

C.J. Spiller, RB – Buffalo Bills

Ok, so Fred Jackson’s corpse isn’t even cold yet (and honestly, is probably not even dead), but it’s hard to deny Spiller’s talent. Fred Jackson is not a spring chicken, in fact he’s already hit the expiration date for running backs (he turned 30 last February). So in the event that Mr. Jackson goes down, Spiller will be there to pick up the slack. Additionally, Spiller has been a good receiver, and with Ryan Fitzpatrick’s obvious arm strength limitations, there are plenty of opportunities for check-downs.

Selling:

Frank Gore, RB – San Francisco 49ers

So you aren’t really going to trade Frank Gore. Probably because:

A)    He’s the best guy on your team and you feel like you’ll never get the value in a trade deal that you think you should get.

B)    Your trade deadline has already passed.

I’m not saying Gore is bad, and I’m not really even advocating that you trade him (I actually, totally am, go get someone else for him, preferably someone younger). What I do think is that he has a really horrendous set of matchups for the remainder of the fantasy season. Especially during Weeks 15 & 16 which are the most important weeks of the whole season. In those weeks Mr. Gore faces Pittsburgh and then travels to Seattle. Playing in Seattle is a nightmare for running backs (so is playing against San Francisco, but no one starting Marshawn Lynch will be in the championship game). All in all, Gore could put up some good numbers, but the deck is stacked against him and you’ll need help from your supporting cast to put up a win.

Penny Stocks:

Joe McKnight, RB – New York Jets

In typical American fashion, it will take a “Mc”Knight to save the Jets’ kingdom, and the fact that this knight is named “Joe” is just gravy. But awesome name aside, the kid has some great talent and gives the Jets’ offense a versatility that could only been dreamed of when Shonn “I’m so glad I never, ever, had you on any of my fantasy teams” Greene is on the field. With Tomlinson over-the-hill and possibly injured, McKnight might be a great value pick up that yields some good numbers in the fantasy playoffs.

Nate Burleson, WR – Detroit Lions

The has-been wide out has actually produced some good numbers over the past few weeks and is looking to increase those number this week when the Lions host the Packers on Thanksgiving. The Packers give up lots of yards in the air so Stafford will be spreading around the love like the mashed potatoes at the kitchen table, with slightly less yummy results. A great pickup for this week and the next two following (at New Orleans and vs. Minnesota).

Happster's Market Report: Week 12

The 2011 year has been horrific when it comes to injuries and the above is just a small list of players who are out for the season, have missed significant time, or look to miss some time going forward, it’s not pretty.

Hopefully, the rest of the season will go better, but there are never any guarantees, therefore, we need to look at ways to mitigate any damages our teams receive from players going down with injuries. That’s why this week’s market report has an eye on players that should produce for the rest of the fantasy season.

Buying:

Matt Leinart, QB – Houston Texans

Before you start leaving hateful comments, hear me out: Leinart is on his last contract before the UFL gives him a call and he is in an excellent situation. Andre Johnson should be returning to the lineup and Arian Foster (and occasionally Ben Tate) is there to keep the pressure off of him. This is a much better situation than Arizona ever was and if Leinart is going to do something, it’s now or never. I’d pick him up if I was a former Schaub owner with no long-term alternative. Plus, in the final five weeks of the fantasy season (assuming your championship game is in Week 16…it is, isn’t it?) the Texans play teams ranked in the bottom six for fantasy defenses twice, both Week 15 (vs Car) and Week 16 (@ Ind). Leinart could be just the guy to lead you to fantasy glory…if nothing else I hear he’s great in a hot tub…

Matt always wondered why no one would play with him in Arizona...

C.J. Spiller, RB – Buffalo Bills

Ok, so Fred Jackson’s corpse isn’t even cold yet (and honestly, is probably not even dead), but it’s hard to deny Spiller’s talent. Fred Jackson is not a spring chicken, in fact he’s already hit the expiration date for running backs (he turned 30 last February). So in the event that Mr. Jackson goes down, Spiller will be there to pick up the slack. Additionally, Spiller has been a good receiver, and with Ryan Fitzpatrick’s obvious arm strength limitations, there are plenty of opportunities for check-downs.

Selling:

Frank Gore, RB – San Francisco 49ers

So you aren’t really going to trade Frank Gore. Probably because:

A)    He’s the best guy on your team and you feel like you’ll never get the value in a trade deal that you think you should get.

B)    Your trade deadline has already passed.

I’m not saying Gore is bad, and I’m not really even advocating that you trade him (I actually, totally am, go get someone else for him, preferably someone younger). What I do think is that he has a really horrendous set of matchups for the remainder of the fantasy season. Especially during Weeks 15 & 16 which are the most important weeks of the whole season. In those weeks Mr. Gore faces Pittsburgh and then travels to Seattle. Playing in Seattle is a nightmare for running backs (so is playing against San Francisco, but no one starting Marshawn Lynch will be in the championship game). All in all, Gore could put up some good numbers, but the deck is stacked against him and you’ll need help from your supporting cast to put up a win.

Penny Stocks:

Joe McKnight, RB – New York Jets

In typical American fashion, it will take a “Mc”Knight to save the Jets’ kingdom, and the fact that this knight is named “Joe” is just gravy. But awesome name aside, the kid has some great talent and gives the Jets’ offense a versatility that could only been dreamed of when Shonn “I’m so glad I never, ever, had you on any of my fantasy teams” Greene is on the field. With Tomlinson over-the-hill and possibly injured, McKnight might be a great value pick up that yields some good numbers in the fantasy playoffs.

Nate Burleson, WR – Detroit Lions

The has-been wide out has actually produced some good numbers over the past few weeks and is looking to increase those number this week when the Lions host the Packers on Thanksgiving. The Packers give up lots of yards in the air so Stafford will be spreading around the love like the mashed potatoes at the kitchen table, with slightly less yummy results. A great pickup for this week and the next two following (at New Orleans and vs. Minnesota). 

Broncos cut Orton; will a playoff contender pick him up?

The Denver Broncos cut quarterback Kyle Orton on Tuesday, a move which solidifies Tim Tebow's status as the team's starter and opens up the possibility of an Orton return to Chicago, where he could possibly fill-in for an injured Jay Cutler.

ESPN's Adam Schefter was first to report the news. The Denver Post later reported that Orton and his agent, David Dunn, began pushing the Broncos for the release once Cutler went down with a thumb injury. The Broncos complied, giving Orton a sort of mercy release.

"This was the right decision for our football team," Broncos coach John Fox said in a statement. "We feel good about our quarterback group, and this gives Kyle an opportunity to help another team and showcase his talents."

Orton played the first five games of the season for Denver before he was replaced by Tebow at halftime in Week 5. The seventh-year veteran was 1-3 on the year, throwing for eight touchdowns and seven interceptions. He was traded to the Broncos in 2009 as part of the Jay Cutler mega-trade with Chicago and is owed $2.5 million for the remainder of this season. Any team that puts a waiver claim on Orton will owe him that salary.

Which team will it be? Chicago seems like a natural fit; Orton played his first four seasons in the Windy City and helped lead the team to a playoff berth in his rookie season. Other playoff contenders with injured starters, like the Houston Texans and Kansas City Chiefs, could also be in play. Both those teams are ahead of Chicago on the waiver priority list. (First team to claim him gets him.) Or perhaps Mike Shanahan will try to make Orton his next ex-quarterback in Washington.

Getting rid of Orton suggests Denver is content to ride out the season with Tim Tebow. Or if he falters like his coach and general manager seem to hope, the Broncos will try out Brady Quinn as the starter.

Source: Yahoo! Sports

Author: Chris Chase

Happster's Market Report: Week 11 (sort of)

I must apologize to all of my readers for my tardiness this week. It has been a surprisingly busy week, mostly do to the fact that I've been recovering from an epic meltdown after Monday Night Football this week, that was perfectly imitated by this girl:



So lets just say it's been a tough week and leave it at that...

Because of the short week and the fact that most of you have already picked up your free agents this week (and if you haven't all the good ones are gone...trust me, they're gone), I'm going to pass on an actual market update this week. To make it up to you I plan on having a larger column next week for Thanksgiving with tips for the rest of the season.

To tide you over I'll leave you with a picture of a forgotten hero:

This gentleman was named Brett Favre! Ask your father about him...

Happster's Market Report: Week 10

Buying

Laurent Robinson, WR – Dallas Cowboys

As most of you have no doubt heard, Miles Austin looks to be out of action for another 2-4 weeks. Which, for those playing at home, means that he might not be back until the fantasy playoffs begin for most leagues. The Cowboys are probably not going to stop throwing and we all know Dez Bryant is liable to go down at any moment so who’s left? That would be Laurent Robinson. The fifth year wide receiver out of Illinois State looks to step up and fill the vacancy. He’s a talented wide receiver who has already been the Cowboy’s leading receiver once this season (week 9). So go out and grab him if he’s still available.

Roy Helu, RB – Washington Redskins

I’m sorry. I really am. Seriously, this guy is going to totally burn you, or more precisely he’s going to Shanahan you. But his situation is just too good to pass up. Ryan Torain is still very much in the mix despite only getting two touches last week and he’s likely to be the lead rusher next week (and Helu the week after that). So pick him up if you need him, because he is very talented and could bust out a huge game every week, but don’t expect consistent numbers.

Selling:

Beanie Wells, RB – Arizona Cardinals

I’m actually a big fan of Beanie, but he is hurt and playing like it. He doesn’t have that burst of speed that he normally had and was held in check by the Rams, the 32^nd ranked rushing defense. If you can, it would be worth it to trade Wells now while his trade value is still pretty high, especially, considering that the best thing for Wells would probably be a week or two out of the lineup.

Chris Johnson, RB – Tennessee Titans

Oh yeah, still trading this guy for anyone with a pulse. After last week’s performance you might actually get an accepted offer too…

Penny Stocks:

LaRod Stephens-Howling, RB – Arizona Cardinals

When Wells finally goes down, someone will have to run the ball for the Cardinals, and Stephens-Howling is that guy. He has not had much in the way of opportunities this year, but has done pretty well when given the opportunity (6.5 YPC). If you have extra roster space he might be worth holding onto. At the very least, keep an eye on him.

Christopher Ivory, RB – New Orleans Saints

Sean Peyton is very similar to Mike Shanahan in that he never seems to give any one running back on his roster the starting amount of carries. Well trading Reggie Bush and losing Mark Ingram to injury leaves Peyton with only Chris Ivory or Pierre Thomas, and considering Sean Peyton hates Thomas, Chris Ivory might just be a great pickup for the discerning manager who is looking for a running back with high upside. Consider Ivory a great flex option.

Happster's Market Report: Week 10

Buying

Laurent Robinson, WR – Dallas Cowboys

As most of you have no doubt heard, Miles Austin looks to be out of action for another 2-4 weeks. Which, for those playing at home, means that he might not be back until the fantasy playoffs begin for most leagues. The Cowboys are probably not going to stop throwing and we all know Dez Bryant is liable to go down at any moment so who’s left? That would be Laurent Robinson. The fifth year wide receiver out of Illinois State looks to step up and fill the vacancy. He’s a talented wide receiver who has already been the Cowboy’s leading receiver once this season (week 9). So go out and grab him if he’s still available.

Roy Helu, RB – Washington Redskins

I’m sorry. I really am. Seriously, this guy is going to totally burn you, or more precisely he’s going to Shanahan you. But his situation is just too good to pass up. Ryan Torain is still very much in the mix despite only getting two touches last week and he’s likely to be the lead rusher next week (and Helu the week after that). So pick him up if you need him, because he is very talented and could bust out a huge game every week, but don’t expect consistent numbers.

Selling:

Beanie Wells, RB – Arizona Cardinals

I’m actually a big fan of Beanie, but he is hurt and playing like it. He doesn’t have that burst of speed that he normally had and was held in check by the Rams, the 32^nd ranked rushing defense. If you can, it would be worth it to trade Wells now while his trade value is still pretty high, especially, considering that the best thing for Wells would probably be a week or two out of the lineup.

Chris Johnson, RB – Tennessee Titans

Oh yeah, still trading this guy for anyone with a pulse. After last week’s performance you might actually get an accepted offer too…

Penny Stocks:

LaRod Stephens-Howling, RB – Arizona Cardinals

When Wells finally goes down, someone will have to run the ball for the Cardinals, and Stephens-Howling is that guy. He has not had much in the way of opportunities this year, but has done pretty well when given the opportunity (6.5 YPC). If you have extra roster space he might be worth holding onto. At the very least, keep an eye on him.

Christopher Ivory, RB – New Orleans Saints

Sean Peyton is very similar to Mike Shanahan in that he never seems to give any one running back on his roster the starting amount of carries. Well trading Reggie Bush and losing Mark Ingram to injury leaves Peyton with only Chris Ivory or Pierre Thomas, and considering Sean Peyton hates Thomas, Chris Ivory might just be a great pickup for the discerning manager who is looking for a running back with high upside. Consider Ivory a great flex option. 

Market Crash...almost

For those of you, who have Ahmad Bradshaw on your team, today must have felt like a terrible roller-coaster ride. Initial reports this morning indicated that the New Jersey Giants' running back had broken a bone in his foot and was out indefinitely.

However, it seems that this is just not true. The reality of situation is that Bradshaw did break a bone in his foot...but he is still slated to play in Week 9.

Giants' coach Tom Coughlin said that "He [Bradshaw] has played that way in the past. I don’t know what the determination is just yet. We’ll have to wait and see."

It is, obviously, a great time to acquire Brandon Jacobs if he happens to be in your league's free agency pool. Another very interesting name is Danny (DJ) Ware, the 3rd RB on the Giants' roster. Ware is an undrafted, fourth-year player out of Georgia who has only rushed for 206 yards in his career. So why get him? Because Brandon Jacobs couldn't be an every down back if the defense wasn't allowed to tackle. The guy just does not have it in him. Therefore, if Bradshaw does miss any time, Ware becomes a very interesting prospect. Consider him a penny stock with high upside.

In any case, if you do have a share or two in Bradshaw, it would be very interesting to see if he practices on Friday. Worst case scenario: You’ll need a late-starting backup to put in for him. The Giants play the Patriots at 4:15 EST on Sunday.