Happster's Market Report: Week 14

Buying:

Marion Barber, RB – Chicago Bears

Tulane: Now accepting applications for Head Coach

Marion the Barbarian is back! Be prepared for frightfully middling performances and disappointment all around! The Bears have been all Forte this year, which has been fantastic for my Tulane pride, but now that Forte is down for the rest of the fantasy season someone is going to have to step up and play, and, the only option in Chicago is Barber. Now, will he be great? Probably not, because frankly, he’s not nearly as skilled as Forte is and will not give them the dynamic options that the former Green Waver could bring. However, he will be the primary back and he has shown some life this season, so definitely grab him if he’s still available. He could be just what you need to get to your league’s Championship game.

Brandon Saine, RB – Green Bay Packers

I’m not huge on Saine simply because the Packers are an atrocious run team and no Green Bay running back can be claimed to have “won” you a game this season. However, with Starks down and Ryan Grant being a perpetual disappointment, Saine could be the man to have as the Pack look to lock down a perfect season. What makes Saine even more interesting is that Rodgers stated that he had the “best hands on the team”. Those are some big words from a quarterback who has a ton of good targets.

Selling:

Chris “Beanie” Wells, RB – Arizona Cardinals

This is only for this week, so don’t cut him, but find someone else to run the ball. The Niners have been absolutely ferocious in stopping opposing rushers and despite some decent performances by Wells in the last couple of weeks, this one could look something like: 45 yards, 1 TD. Not exactly exciting.

Penny Stocks:

Rashied Davis, WR – Detroit Lions

The Lions are wounded after losing three out of four games since their bye. They need this win in a big way and the Vikings are just the team to give it to them. The Vikings secondary has been one of the worst in the NFL this season, mostly due to injury, but nonetheless, their pain is your gain. Assuming that both Calvin Johnson and Nate Burleson are both taken in your league, than Rashied Davis is your guy. He is most definitely going to be the slot receiver this week with Titus Young being disciplined for last week’s errors. Definitely worth a flyer if you need a WR3.

Washington Redskins Receivers

Sorry, he's not an option...

I normally don’t do this; but, because of the size and makeup of the various leagues out there, I felt it would be best to remind fantasy players: that yes, there is a professional football team in the greater Washington, DC area; and yes, they do have wide receivers. This week, they are playing the Patriots, who have the league’s worst passing defense. Therefore, your targets, in order are: 1) Santana Moss, 2) Jabar Gaffney, 3) Anthony Armstrong, and 4) Terrance Austin. Now I wouldn’t normally recommend Austin, but Fred Davis is out for the rest of the fantasy season and Grossman will be forced to ineffectively utilize all of his available targets. But honestly, for anyone south of a 16-team league, Austin is probably too expensive at any price. 

Happster's Market Report: Week 14

Buying:

Marion Barber, RB – Chicago Bears

Tulane: Now accepting applications for Head Coach

Marion the Barbarian is back! Be prepared for frightfully middling performances and disappointment all around! The Bears have been all Forte this year, which has been fantastic for my Tulane pride, but now that Forte is down for the rest of the fantasy season someone is going to have to step up and play, and, the only option in Chicago is Barber. Now, will he be great? Probably not, because frankly, he’s not nearly as skilled as Forte is and will not give them the dynamic options that the former Green Waver could bring. However, he will be the primary back and he has shown some life this season, so definitely grab him if he’s still available. He could be just what you need to get to your league’s Championship game.

Brandon Saine, RB – Green Bay Packers

I’m not huge on Saine simply because the Packers are an atrocious run team and no Green Bay running back can be claimed to have “won” you a game this season. However, with Starks down and Ryan Grant being a perpetual disappointment, Saine could be the man to have as the Pack look to lock down a perfect season. What makes Saine even more interesting is that Rodgers stated that he had the “best hands on the team”. Those are some big words from a quarterback who has a ton of good targets.

Selling:

Chris “Beanie” Wells, RB – Arizona Cardinals

This is only for this week, so don’t cut him, but find someone else to run the ball. The Niners have been absolutely ferocious in stopping opposing rushers and despite some decent performances by Wells in the last couple of weeks, this one could look something like: 45 yards, 1 TD. Not exactly exciting.

Penny Stocks:

Rashied Davis, WR – Detroit Lions

The Lions are wounded after losing three out of four games since their bye. They need this win in a big way and the Vikings are just the team to give it to them. The Vikings secondary has been one of the worst in the NFL this season, mostly due to injury, but nonetheless, their pain is your gain. Assuming that both Calvin Johnson and Nate Burleson are both taken in your league, than Rashied Davis is your guy. He is most definitely going to be the slot receiver this week with Titus Young being disciplined for last week’s errors. Definitely worth a flyer if you need a WR3.

Washington Redskins Receivers

Sorry, he's not an option...

I normally don’t do this; but, because of the size and makeup of the various leagues out there, I felt it would be best to remind fantasy players: that yes, there is a professional football team in the greater Washington, DC area; and yes, they do have wide receivers. This week, they are playing the Patriots, who have the league’s worst passing defense. Therefore, your targets, in order are: 1) Santana Moss, 2) Jabar Gaffney, 3) Anthony Armstrong, and 4) Terrance Austin. Now I wouldn’t normally recommend Austin, but Fred Davis is out for the rest of the fantasy season and Grossman will be forced to ineffectively utilize all of his available targets. But honestly, for anyone south of a 16-team league, Austin is probably too expensive at any price. 

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).