Monday November 14, 2011 - 1:10 PM

Four Quarters: A little Fantasy help

By Michael Hurcomb | Fantasy Writer
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It's nice to hear Titans quarterback Matt Hasselbeck is thinking of Fantasy owners. At least that is the story Tennessee running back Chris Johnson is sticking with.

Johnson capped off his season-best 130-yard rushing performance Week 10 at Carolina with his second rushing touchdown of the season, which came after Hasselbeck ran out of gas at the 1-yard line late in the fourth quarter following a 21-yard scramble.

As the two passed each other in the media room following the Titans' 30-3 win, Hasselbeck walked out and yelled, "Fantasy points!"

"Matt told me I was on his Fantasy team, and that he stepped out at the 1 to help me get in the end zone," Johnson said with a laugh. "So everyone has to thank Matt and all the Fantasy owners."

While we do thank Hasselbeck for making CJ2K a relevant Fantasy option again, perhaps bigger thanks should go out to Arizona backup quarterback John Skelton, who is giving Larry Fitzgerald owners a reason to finally celebrate.

Fitzgerald has scored at least one touchdown in each of the last two games Skelton has replaced the injured Kevin Kolb, which included a surprising 146-yard, two-touchdown outburst Sunday against a "vaunted" Eagles secondary.

Victor Cruz has been the only other receiver to score twice against Philadelphia this season, and Cruz, Fitzgerald and Laurent Robinson are the only receivers to break 100-plus yards against the Eagles.

"We saw we got favorable coverage, (Skelton) gave me a shot and I told him I appreciate it," said Fitzgerald, whose sentiments are surely shared by Fantasy owners who watched their star receiver struggle for consistency with Kolb under center.

First Quarter -- Surprises of the Week

Tony Romo throwing three first-half touchdowns against the Bills was a bit shocking, seeing how Buffalo had allowed just one quarterback -- Tom Brady -- to throw for more than two touchdowns coming into Week 10 ... Tim Tebow totaled 18 Fantasy points and did so completing just two passes against Kansas City ... Marshawn Lynch has opened November with consecutive 100-yard games, and it's even more impressive that he did it in Week 10 against a Ravens defense that came into Sunday allowing running backs to average 3.4 yards per carry and 10.5 Fantasy points per week ... Rashard Mendenhall became the first running back with multiple rushing touchdowns against Cincinnati this season ... Look at the names that were among the Top 10 Fantasy-scoring receivers for Week 10. They were Denarius Moore, Laurent Robinson, Damian Williams, Vincent Brown, Jacoby Jones and Harry Douglas. Only Robinson was started in more than 6 percent of Fantasy leagues ... Ravens tight end Ed Dickson had more touchdowns (two) in Week 10 than he had total (one) in his first eight games ... Jacob Tamme also proved in Week 10 that he didn't need Peyton Manning to become a Fantasy relevant option again.

Second Quarter -- Busts of the Week

Matt Cassel hit an all-new low with just 93 passing yards against Denver on Sunday. For a second straight week, Cassel faced the pass defense allowing the most Fantasy points to quarterbacks. Cassel, who left the stadium Week 10 sporting a cast on his right hand, responded with one touchdown and 346 passing yards in those two games ... Panthers rookie sensation Cam Newton was kept out of the end zone -- both passing and rushing -- for the first time in his young career Sunday against the Titans ... Matthew Stafford needed just one game after the bye to tie his season total in interceptions, which was four coming into Week 10 ... The first time BenJarvus Green-Ellis played the Jets he torched them for a season-high 136 yards and two touchdowns. This time around he was held to 8 yards on eight carries ... Darren Sproles didn't record any Fantasy points and touched the ball just six times against Atlanta ... Bills wide receiver Steve Johnson couldn't deliver Fantasy owners even one point Week 10 ... Eagles receiver Jason Avant was frantically added off Fantasy waivers as he stepped into the starting lineup after DeSean Jackson was benched for disciplinary reasons. He rewarded those owners that gambled on him with one catch for 2 yards ... Chargers receiver Vincent Jackson followed up his three-touchdown outburst in Week 9 with one catch for 22 yards against Oakland on Thursday ... Fred Davis owners are back to banging their head against the wall as the Redskins' top tight end turned in a second straight disappointing performance ... The Cowboys racked up 44 points and plenty of offense, but tight end Jason Witten was held to five catches for 37 yards.

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Third Quarter -- Injury Report

Michael Vick faced one of the worst pass defenses in the NFL in Week 10, but unfortunately finished with eight Fantasy points. A big reason for the bad performance was Vick sustained two broken ribs on the second play of the game, which contributed to his passing woes. To make matters worse for the Eagles, they also lost Jeremy Maclin to hamstring and shoulder injuries in the loss ... Texans quarterback Matt Schaub rolled his ankle in the rout of the Bucs and one of his favorite targets -- tight end Owen Daniels -- went down with a hyperextended knee ... Jets running back LaDainian Tomlinson hurt his leg in the fourth quarter of Sunday's loss to the Patriots ... Frank Gore was shut down by the Giants and then sidelined in the second half with a knee injury. He came into the game nursing an ankle injury ... The Broncos are down to their third-string running back after Willis McGahee hurt his hamstring and Knowshon Moreno hurt his knee in the first half ... The Seahawks receiving corps took a hit as Sidney Rice and Doug Baldwin both sustained concussions against Baltimore ... Redskins rookie Leonard Hankerson had a breakout performance against the Dolphins before sustaining a hip injury ... Bengals rookie A.J. Green caught a touchdown and hurt his knee on the same play against the Steelers ... Falcons rookie Julio Jones still can't shake his hamstring problem, as he suffered a setback against the Saints.

Fourth Quarter -- Early Look Ahead

The Thursday game this week is N.Y. Jets at Denver ... Four teams are also on a bye this week: Indianapolis, New Orleans, Pittsburgh and Houston ... Cincinnati's run of divisional games continues in Week 11 as now they make the trek to Baltimore after losing to Pittsburgh on Sunday ... An intriguing interconference battle is San Diego at Chicago. The Bolts will try to end a four-game losing skid on the road, while Chicago will look to push its winning streak to five games ... The Sunday night game will be the first matchup between the Eagles and the Giants in New York since Philadelphia's miracle comeback last December that ended with a DeSean Jackson punt return for a touchdown. Jackson might have another chance to make some history in the Meadowlands since he will likely return to action in Week 11 after sitting out Week 10 for team disciplinary reasons. The Giants already won earlier this year at Philadelphia.

Overtime -- Q & A

Do I approve this trade: Cam Newton, Ahmad Bradshaw and Vernon Davis for Andre Johnson, Steven Jackson and Rob Gronkowski? -- Alaa Hammad (Twitter)

MH: One of the more popular questions in Fantasy right now is the trade value of Johnson, who has missed six games with a hamstring injury. While he has missed a ton of time, Johnson's Fantasy value doesn't change. He is still a high-end option when healthy. But what's intriguing is that Johnson is being put on the trade block in Fantasy leagues since teams need help now and can't wait for Johnson's expected return in Week 12 with playoff berths on the line.

With that said, I would not approve this trade. I can get behind Newton for Johnson straight up, but the rest of it is lopsided toward the Jackson/Gronkowski side. Bradshaw does have as much value as Jackson when he is healthy, but that's the problem. There is no telling when or if Bradshaw returns this season and Jackson is coming off three straight 100-yard performances. While Davis did score in Week 10, Gronkowski still has twice as many Fantasy points as Davis in standard formats.

I would love a list of sleeper defenses for Week 11 since the Texans are on a bye. -- Mike Raunig (Twitter)

MH: Miami (vs. Buffalo), St. Louis (vs. Seattle), Jacksonville (at Cleveland), Cleveland (vs. Jacksonville), Atlanta (vs. Tennessee) and New England (vs. Kansas City). All of these defenses are owned in less than 45 percent of CBSSports.com leagues.

I'm getting tired of Vincent Jackson's up and downs. Should I trade for Denarius Moore? -- Tim Hartman (Twitter)

MH: In years past, it would have been silly to make this trade, but you might be onto something here Tim. Moore has been targeted 20 times since Carson Palmer has taken over the starting quarterback job the last two games for Oakland. Jackson is still a top target in San Diego as well, but his inconsistency has frustrated Fantasy owners to no end. He still ranks as a top 10 Fantasy wide receiver, but obviously most of his points have come in two big games.

The other part of this trade evaluation is remaining schedule. The Chargers have some tough defensive battles left with Chicago, Jacksonville, Baltimore and Detroit. Oakland has a more favorable schedule with Minnesota, Miami, Green Bay, Kansas City and San Diego left on the docket.

Taking that into account with Moore now being a top target for Palmer, it's not crazy to think that Moore could catch Jackson in Fantasy production this year. But it's a gamble. Moore is still a rookie receiver and Jackson is a proven veteran. This definitely seems like a knee-jerk reaction to one player having a great week and the other one not so much. I would try to acquire Moore, but perhaps package other players in a trade.

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Winslow a 'rotational player?'
Kellen Winslow, TE, SEA
5/25/2012

News: Kellen Winslow became a Seahawk recently, and he's spoken highly of his new team. But it remains how they'll use him and how often they'll use him. According to SiriusXM NFL Radio, a league personnel executive believes that Winslow's best days are behind him. "We talked to the Bucs before the draft and talked about (Winslow) further internally," said the source. "We just didn't think he could be more than a rotational player at this point (in his career) after examining his tape and performance."

Analysis: Winslow had 75 receptions for 763 yards and two TDs in 2011 and has caught at least 66 passes in each of his last three years while not missing a game. There is definitely a perception that he's old and over the hill, which his receiving average (10.2 yards per catch last year) supports. And he joins a crowded tight end corps in Seattle, but should be a fairly regular player in the offense. Problem is, he hasn't been productive enough to be considered reliable for Fantasy use week after week. He's fine as a No. 2 Fantasy TE worth a late pick, but don't expect him to put up huge numbers.

Charles to rest until camp
Jamaal Charles, RB, KC
5/25/2012

News: The Kansas City Star reports that the Chiefs will rest running back Jamaal Charles until training camp in late July. He is not expected to participate in their minicamp as he continues to rehab and work his way back from a torn ACL suffered last September. Head coach Romeo Crennel hopes Charles will be cleared in time for camp.

Analysis: Charles has been vocal about being ready for the season, calling himself hungry and passionate to return to form. But the fact remains that he's coming off of a major injury and isn't promised to have any of the explosiveness he had before he got hurt. Tack on the Chiefs' addition of Peyton Hillis (Charles thinks Hillis will get the tough yards and goal-line work like Thomas Jones was supposed to previously), and there's a limit to Charles' 2012 expectations. So long as Charles proves that he's ready to roll, Fantasy owners should be optimistic. Assuming he's fine, Charles will be worth taking in the early rounds on Draft Day, but more as a No. 2 Fantasy RB. Plan on drafting Charles between 25th and 35th overall in all leagues.

Source: Nicks could return before camp
Hakeem Nicks, WR, NYG
5/25/2012

News: ESPN reports that a source familiar with the broken bone in Hakeem Nicks' foot says the receiver might miss four-to-six weeks recovering from the injury and not the 12-week timeframe the Giants said on Thursday. Nicks fractured the fifth metatarsal of his right foot during an OTA practice. The team is hoping to have him back at some point during training camp and the preseason.

Analysis: Unless the diagnosis on Nicks' foot changes, we're not believers that he'll be ready in six weeks and thus long before the start of training camp. Nicks' teammate, Prince Amukamara, took 15 weeks before he was comfortable practicing last year according to the Newark Star-Ledger and he had the same injury. Nicks has had all sorts of issues with hamstrings, knees and his feet over the years. So long as he is healthy for the start of the season and gets some work in camp and a preseason game or two, the injury is more of a reminder that he's injury prone and less of a factor on his 2012 season. We'll see if this lasts into late August and the regular season; for now expect his stock to slip in drafts. He'll be a Round 3-4 choice as a low-end No. 1/high-end No. 2 Fantasy receiver.

Roethlisberger admits to issues with new playbook
Ben Roethlisberger, QB, PIT
5/25/2012

News: Ben Roethlisberger's transition to new offensive coordinator Todd Haley's playbook is not going as smoothly as Steelers fans had hoped. Roethlisberger said Thursday that so far it's been "frustrating at times" but that he's going to put in "extra work" to understand what Haley wants him to do. "I think coach (Haley) really wants to challenge us," Big Ben said on a radio interview, per the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. "Me, maybe, in particular, I think he felt like I was real comfortable with the old offense, which ... I don't know why that's a bad thing. But I'm not the head coach."

Analysis: There's all sorts of talk that Haley wants Roethlisberger to stay in the pocket to avoid excess hits and that Haley wants to run the ball more. We're not sure how this is going to play out, but we do think there's a chance Roethlisberger could attempt a ton of passes given that Rashard Mendenhall is out and Isaac Redman, while talented, might not be a 20-touch back from week to week. Much of the offense might fall on Roethlisberger's shoulders. We consider Big Ben a low-end No. 1 Fantasy QB in all leagues well worth a mid-round pick.

Bradford's ankle 'getting there'
Sam Bradford, QB, STL
5/25/2012

News: Rams quarterback Sam Bradford said his left ankle, injured in October at Green Bay, is nearly 100 percent. "It's getting there," he said. "It feels better every week -- less soreness, more things I can do. It's definitely on the right track."

Analysis: There's no questioning his arm as several Rams receivers, including their rookies, have been in awe over his passing skills. Bradford is continuing to learn the Rams' new offense and says it's close to the West Coast offense he ran two season ago. But with a so-so offensive line and an unproven receiving corps, now's not the time to call Bradford a breakout candidate. He should have some good games, but no one should consider him either a Fantasy starter or a blue chip prospect. For now we're resigned to calling him a late-round pick as a good, not great, No. 2 quarterback.

Titans' Palmer breaks down QB battle
Matt Hasselbeck, QB, TEN
5/25/2012

News: It's no secret that the Titans will have a competition for the starting quarterback job between veteran Matt Hasselbeck and second-year gunslinger Jake Locker. What remains to be seen is when they'll name a starter. Offensive coordinator Chris Palmer told the media Thursday that the job is up for grabs, that no preseason starts have been promised and that the coaching staff will pick a winner based on who can lead the team to wins, starting in Week 1 against the Patriots. Palmer said that while Locker's mobility is very appealing, Hasselbeck's experience and body of work from last season also gives him a chance to remain the starter. "Jake may not give all the other guys the opportunity to make plays like Matt does, but Jake can make plays with his legs," Palmer concluded. "When you add up how many plays Matt can make with the team and how many plays Jake can make with the team then you kind of have an idea who's going to give us the best chance to win."

Analysis: Hasselbeck started every game for the Titans in 2011 and threw for 3,571 yards with 18 scores and 14 interceptions. But when Locker did play, he did well, passing for four touchdowns with no interceptions and rushing for 56 yards on eight carries with a touchdowns run. Locker's completion percentage continued to be an eyesore (34 of 66 passing for 51.5 pct.), but the stats speak for themselves. Unless Locker can really prove that he's progressed as a passer, Hasselbeck is likely to take this job -- though there's no promise he'll start every game. Neither Titans QB should be drafted with anything more than a late-round pick. We'll keep you posted on the battle.

Lloyd already up to speed with Pats
Brandon Lloyd, WR, NE
5/25/2012

News: New Patriots receiver Brandon Lloyd has been impressive during the team's OTAs, but many people expected that. After all, Lloyd is on his third stop with offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels and knows the playbook and play calls like the back of his hand. Lloyd has been so impressive that the Boston Globe reports that Patriots quarterbacks have been looking for him all week because he's been exactly where he needs to be on every play. Lloyd was coy when it came to his role and his goals for this season but gave a pretty simple explanation on why he wanted to follow McDaniels to New England. "You find something good, you stick with it," he said. "I think that's the case for everybody, with everything in life."

Analysis: Lloyd had 51 catches for 683 yards and five scores last year in 11 games in St. Louis when McDaniels was the offensive coordinator, and that came on the heels of a 77-catch, 1,448-yard, 11-touchdown season with McDaniels in Denver. He'll probably see a dip in opportunities because he'll share the field with so many other great weapons there. But he should still be about as productive as a No. 3 Fantasy receiver and should be drafted as such with a mid-round pick.

Tamme: Hillman looks good
Ronnie Hillman, RB, DEN
5/25/2012

News: In an interview with Moving The Chains on SiriusXM NFL Radio, new Broncos tight end Jacob Tamme gave an encouraging scouting report on rookie rusher Ronnie Hillman. "He seems to have a lot of quickness," Tamme said. "I've got to see him carry a few and catch some passes, he seems like a guy who can really move and sort of be a threat from the scatback-type position."

Analysis: Yep, that sounds like Hillman, who averaged over 130 total yards per game in 2011 with 20 total touchdowns while breaking some of Marshall Faulk's records at San Diego State. Hillman isn't a big back (5-foot-9, 200 pounds) but definitely plays bigger than he is. He's done good work between the tackles but is better known for his lateral agility and breakaway speed. Landing in Denver is nice since he won't be stuck behind a young back for long -- Willis McGahee will turn 31 in October and Knowshon Moreno is coming off of a torn ACL. We could see Hillman contribute this season, especially if he can perfect his pass blocking and receiving skills. Expect him to be taken late in all seasonal drafts as well as with a mid-to-late pick in dynasty/keeper leagues and a second-round pick in rookie-only formats.

Tamme talks offense, role
Jacob Tamme, TE, DEN
5/25/2012

News: In an interview with Moving The Chains on SiriusXM NFL Radio, new Broncos tight end Jacob Tamme sounded very excited to follow quarterback Peyton Manning to Denver from Indy, adding that he "looks great." Tamme's also excited about the direction of the new offense, calling it a mix of what he did with Manning with the Colts and what offensive coordinator Mike McCoy wants to do. On the topic of his specific role with the Broncos, Tamme didn't want to give away much but did offer what he thinks is great about being a tight end. "I'm comfortable in slot and love that, but I would say I lined up on the line of scrimmage more than everywhere else [with the Colts]," Tamme said. " ... We should be able to move around and what we're going to do offensively, hopefully, we'll be able to move around some. I think that's what's great about playing tight end these days, you get to do everything. It's what makes the position a lot of fun."

Analysis: If we're reading between the lines, the Broncos could use Tamme as a tight end, slot receiver and H-back this season, all roles he's capable of playing as evidenced by his time in Indianapolis. Being comfortable with Manning is also built-in thanks to their relationship back in Indiana. Tamme had just 177 yards on 19 catches in 2011 with one score, but he worked behind starter Dallas Clark in a Manning-less Colts offense. In 10 games without Dallas Clark in 2010, Tamme caught 67 passes for 631 yards and four touchdowns. Expect him to have some Clark-like potential and thus get swiped with a middle- to late-round pick in drafts this summer as a borderline No. 1/No. 2 TE.

Hill lines up as starter in OTAs
Stephen Hill, WR, NYJ
5/25/2012

News: Jets rookie receiver Stephen Hill lined up opposite Santonio Holmes with the first-team offense during their recent OTAs. He caught a 75-yard touchdown pass from Mark Sanchez, burning cornerback Kyle Wilson in the process, according to the Newark Star-Ledger.

Analysis: The Jets aren't going to have a dominant pass attack, so that could limit Hill's production. But he does have the chance for plenty of playing time, which is a plus. He's worth a late-round pick in seasonal formats, a middle- to late-round pick in dynasty/keeper leagues and a Top 20 pick in rookie-only drafts.

More Updates

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2	Drew Brees, NO, QB
3	Tom Brady, NE, QB
4	Cam Newton, CAR, QB
5	Matthew Stafford, DET, QB
6	Philip Rivers, SD, QB
7	Eli Manning, NYG, QB
8	Tony Romo, DAL, QB
9	Michael Vick, PHI, QB
10	Peyton Manning, DEN, QB
All Rankings

1	Arian Foster, HOU, RB
2	LeSean McCoy, PHI, RB
3	Ray Rice, BAL, RB
4	Maurice Jones-Drew, JAC, RB
5	Matt Forte, CHI, RB
6	Marshawn Lynch, SEA, RB
7	Ryan Mathews, SD, RB
8	Chris Johnson, TEN, RB
9	Adrian Peterson, MIN, RB
10	Steven Jackson, STL, RB
All Rankings

1	Calvin Johnson, DET, WR
2	Wes Welker, NE, WR
3	Roddy White, ATL, WR
4	Larry Fitzgerald, ARI, WR
5	Hakeem Nicks, NYG, WR
6	Greg Jennings, GB, WR
7	Victor Cruz, NYG, WR
8	A.J. Green, CIN, WR
9	Mike Wallace, PIT, WR
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All Rankings

1	Rob Gronkowski, NE, TE
2	Jimmy Graham, NO, TE
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5	Jason Witten, DAL, TE
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7	Vernon Davis, SF, TE
8	Jermichael Finley, GB, TE
9	Brent Celek, PHI, TE
10	Fred Davis, WAS, TE
All Rankings

1	Stephen Gostkowski, NE, K
2	Mason Crosby, GB, K
3	Sebastian Janikowski, OAK, K
4	David Akers, SF, K
5	Garrett Hartley, NO, K
6	Dan Bailey, DAL, K
7	Jason Hanson, DET, K
8	Neil Rackers, WAS, K
9	Alex Henery, PHI, K
10	Nate Kaeding, SD, K
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1	49ers, DST
2	Texans, DST
3	Ravens, DST
4	Giants, DST
5	Steelers, DST
6	Seahawks, DST
7	Eagles, DST
8	Packers, DST
9	Jets, DST
10	Patriots, DST
All Rankings