Week 4 Matchups

[Drax]

Wow, what a weekend this should be. Most fun especially considering the educated smack talk we've had so far. Very cool. :mrgreen:


Palmer v Tom Collins - Should be a close matchup, as both should have their way with weakened secondaries. Edge: Slightly to Erudite, as Rudi should finally break out big, where LJordan will have some issues with Dallas D.
Glenn v Jimmy Smith (what are the odds that both my opponents this week are starting Kerry Collins AND Jimmy Smith; too weird) - Glenn against Oak, and Smith against Denver. Edge: Drax - Glenn will get some looks downfield, where Smith will be the primary focus of the Denver secondary.
Kevin Curtis v D Mason - #2 WR for StL against depleted NYG secondary (seems to be a trend this season *sigh*), or Derrick Mason against depleted NYJ secondary. Edge: Drax, as who will get the ball to Mason?
LT v Correy Dillon - When RBs collide, except in this case, it's one of the two best backs in the league facing a weak NE D, v an older back who's had issue compiling yds against a stout run D in SD. Edge: Drax (much bigger edge than someone is willing to predict... :lowlol:)
M Moore v Tiki - Atl's given up some major rushing yardage in each of their games. StL has held their opponents to ~80yds rushing (excluding SF, which doesn't really qualify as a pro football team :D) and 0TDs. Tiki should be able to reach the century mark rushing, tho'. Both backs are pass-catching threats. Edge: Moore, slightly.
Travis Taylor v Fitz - Both are the go-to guys in their respective offenses, as well as prime red zone targets. Edge: Push. Both should have productive days.
Rackers v Kasay - Rackers will likely have multiple FG chances, where Carolina should be able to score at will, thanks to the Delhomme-Smith connection. Edge: Drax.
Baltimore D v NYJ D - Duelling D's. NYJ have a green QB to match their team's colors, and an aging RB who has had issues ... doing anything this year. Bal D has been embarassed in two games and have something to prove. Meanwhile the Bal offense has an angered Jamal Lewis who also has something to prove, but has no supporting cast besides a #1 receiving threat in TE Todd Heap and a #2 receiving threat in Mason, against a weak-secondary NYJ team. Edge: Drax, big-time. (Argue if you want, Erudite. Might be entertaining to read. :D)
There you have it. The reasons the First Place team in our league will be the Bastige Avengers, come Tues morning. :lowlol: :mrgreen:

[Shiz]

I am not going to comment until a proposed trade happens or not.

[Serani]

Oh please. You have NOTHING to worry about. 99% of the scoring portion of my team is on BYE this week. :P

[Erudite]

Okay, let’s have a look.

Palmer v Tom Collins - Should be a close matchup, as both should have their way with weakened secondaries. Edge: Slightly to Erudite, as Rudi should finally break out big, where LJordan will have some issues with Dallas D.
Collins will have an edge against any quarterback he faces this year, except maybe P. Manning or McNabb. This week is no exception. San Francisco lit up Dallas last week, and they have nothing close to the receiving threat that is Moss. This is a big edge to me.

Glenn v Jimmy Smith (what are the odds that both my opponents this week are starting Kerry Collins AND Jimmy Smith; too weird) - Glenn against Oak, and Smith against Denver. Edge: Drax - Glenn will get some looks downfield, where Smith will be the primary focus of the Denver secondary.
I would rather start Ward in this spot, but he’s on a bye. What Drax is failing to consider is that Smith’s CB opponent this week is Champ Bailey. Mr. Bailey has dinged his hamstring and will be a bit slower this week if he plays at all. Furthermore, Dallas will look to control the clock via JJ on the ground this week. That all adds up to an edge to me.

Kevin Curtis v D Mason - #2 WR for StL against depleted NYG secondary (seems to be a trend this season *sigh*), or Derrick Mason against depleted NYJ secondary. Edge: Drax, as who will get the ball to Mason?
Mason did okay last week with Wright throwing him the ball (8 catches, 60 yards, 1 TD), and I have no reason to believe he won’t be a factor in this week’s game as well. Wright can’t be any worse than Boller, at any rate, and I’ll always give a #1 an edge over a #2, so I keep the edge here as well.

LT v Correy Dillon - When RBs collide, except in this case, it's one of the two best backs in the league facing a weak NE D, v an older back who's had issue compiling yds against a stout run D in SD. Edge: Drax (much bigger edge than someone is willing to predict... )
Yeah, Drax has an edge here. I don’t think it’s going to end up being THAT big, though. NE is weak in the secondary, so Gates should have a big game. They still have one of the best front sevens in the league, though, so if LT2 gets points it’ll be on screens and dumpoffs. I don’t expect huge rushing numbers from him. I don’t expect huge numbers from Dillon either, though, so yeah…edge to Drax.

M Moore v Tiki - Atl's given up some major rushing yardage in each of their games. StL has held their opponents to ~80yds rushing (excluding SF, which doesn't really qualify as a pro football team ) and 0TDs. Tiki should be able to reach the century mark rushing, tho'. Both backs are pass-catching threats. Edge: Moore, slightly.
Edge, Moore? Over Tiki? You’re serious? Tiki is playing in a balanced offense, with receiving threats in Burress and Shockey to take the pressure off of the run. Minnesota is struggling without top wideout Nate Burleson, and Atlanta will stack to stop Moore. I see this as a significant edge to me.

Travis Taylor v Fitz - Both are the go-to guys in their respective offenses, as well as prime red zone targets. Edge: Push. Both should have productive days.
I actually see this as an edge for Drax. With Warner out, Arizona is looking at McCown throwing the ball. And Fitz is really the second option in the desert behind Boldin, while Taylor is Minnesota’s top receiver as long as Burleson is out. Plus, I expect Atlanta to focus on Moore, leaving Taylor some room to work.

Rackers v Kasay - Rackers will likely have multiple FG chances, where Carolina should be able to score at will, thanks to the Delhomme-Smith connection. Edge: Drax.
I rarely see kickers as more than a push. That said, San Fran hasn’t shown much defensive stopping power yet this year, so I expect Rackers will be putting up more PATs than FGs.

Baltimore D v NYJ D - Duelling D's. NYJ have a green QB to match their team's colors, and an aging RB who has had issues ... doing anything this year. Bal D has been embarassed in two games and have something to prove. Meanwhile the Bal offense has an angered Jamal Lewis who also has something to prove, but has no supporting cast besides a #1 receiving threat in TE Todd Heap and a #2 receiving threat in Mason, against a weak-secondary NYJ team. Edge: Drax, big-time. (Argue if you want, Erudite. Might be entertaining to read. )
Funny that you should describe CMart as “an aging RB who has had issues … doing anything this year.” Let’s check Jailbird Jamal’s stat line so far. Hmmm. 26 carries for 57 yards, 5 receptions for 36 yards, no touchdowns, and a fumble. I think the Jets D is truly, truly frightened. Again, they’ll stack against Jamal and make Wright beat them. Good for me, as I’m starting Mason, but I still think the Jets win this low-scoring game between two hobbled offenses and worse-than-advertised defenses. As for the defense matchup – I call it a push.

Yahoo projects me as a 17-point winner. I’m a little less confident. I think I win by 5 to 10.

[Drax]

Heh, won't argue anymore with you Erudite. We'll just have to see. I think this game will be separated by less than 5 pts, with both sides scoring bigtime points, and me coming out the victor, but again we'll just have to see.

Instead of arguing anymore, I'll just post some blurbs (posted this morning, well after I said what I said; interesting how well I agree with a couple experts :mrgreen:) I found on the ESPN Fantasy site:

Carson Palmer 275/0/0 (Passing Yards/Rushing/Receiving) 3/0/0 (Passing TDs/Rushing TD/Rec TD)
Might be able to choose his final numbers this week

Houston?s defense has one good cover man (CB Dunta Robinson), a rangy centerfielder (FS Marcus Coleman) and a remaining group of mediocre players and question marks. The Texans can?t muster a pass rush (even by sending extra defenders), but they are no better off trying to flood Palmer?s passing lanes because their linebackers are downhill guys who don?t cover well and because Palmer has a strong, accurate arm and an arsenal of weapons


Kerry Collins 320/0/0 3/0/0
Will take some hits--but give out more

Collins isn't mobile and his protection has been inconsistent, but he has done a better job of handling pressure so far this season. Knowing how Dallas coordinator Mike Zimmer likes to be aggressive and how ill-suited his safeties are to deep coverage (remember the Washington game?), the Cowboys probably will come after Collins at least some of the time. Collins will take some shots when Dallas sends extra defenders, but he has the arm to take advantage of the single-coverage matchups he gets, and WRs Randy Moss and Jerry Porter will exploit any mistakes in the secondary--and there will be mistakes--regardless of the coverage.
...


Mewelde Moore 0/65/35 0/0/0
Now the man in the Vikes' run game


Atlanta's offense isn't a major threat, so Minnesota should get the opportunity to commit to the run--if the Vikings so choose. And because the Falcons will be worried enough about Minnesota's downfield weapons and QB Daunte Culpepper's ability to connect with them, Moore should get to run against a lot of base seven-man fronts. The Vikings' offensive line still is a mess, but it at least has a major size advantage over the Falcons' front and can fatigue that group if it works to that end. At the very least, Moore will be dangerous on screens and draws because he has good vision and quick feet and will be able to use the Falcons' speed and aggressiveness against them


Tiki Barber 0/80/30 0/0/0
Swiss Army Knife back will get his yards

The Giants have a number of options if the Rams move SS Adam Archuleta into the box and are able to put a lid on Barber early. One is to throw him screens, which takes advantage of his soft hands and excellent open-field elusiveness; the other is to run draws, which exploits the tendency of the Rams? ends to line up wide against passing alignments. St. Louis has played the run well so far this season, but Barber is versatile enough to get his numbers one way or another


Terry Glenn 0/0/80 0/0/1
Should be able to get deep once or twice

Glenn has been getting open downfield off play action and trickery, but he isn't very productive on shorter routes and much of his game will go to pot if Oakland can get pressure on QB Drew Bledsoe. That doesn't seem likely, though the Raiders do have some young DBs capable of running with Glenn, who isn't a very savvy route runner. He might only get a few shots this week, but we like his chances

Jimmy Smith 0/0/60 0/0/0
Veteran receiver records catches, no big plays

Early indications are that Champ Bailey (hamstring/shoulder) will play against the Jags. If Bailey is on the field, expect him to spend most of his time shadowing the ageless Smith. With the Jags' defense capable of shutting down Denver's offense, Byron Leftwich won't be given many dangerous downfield passing chances. Smith will still be a popular Jake Plummer {Should've been Byron Leftwich, obviously} target but he'll struggle to reach the endzone

Ravens D/ST
It?s a free-for-all against hapless QB Bollinger

Let's hope that Mrs. Bollinger doesn't watch this game, because it could get very, very ugly for Master Brooks. Making his first-ever NFL start, Bollinger will face one of the NFL's most aggressive and talent-laden defenses. Baltimore will load up to stop RB Curtis Martin and the run, which should be even more doable because of injuries on the offensive line. And even while relying on a scaled-down passing attack, Bollinger will struggle to complete passes in the face of the Ravens' pass rush and rarely will get big-play opportunities.
..


NYJ D/ST


Fatigue and Ravens' rushing attack will limit production
With QB Anthony Wright in Baltimore?s lineup, there always is a chance for turnovers. But with Jets No. 3 QB Brooks Bollinger making his first-ever NFL start, New York?s defense probably will spend big minutes on the field, sapping its strength and dulling its pass rush and playmaking ability. And against a conservative Ravens rushing attack, fantasy points figure to be hard to come by anyway



Kevin Curtis 0/0/65 0/0/2
Ready to go off after WR Bruce goes down


Curtis, who has been on the cusp of joining Indianapolis WR Brandon Stokley as the NFL?s only third receivers regularly worth considering in most fantasy leagues, would get the start if WR Isaac Bruce (toe) sits out. Curtis has good speed, agility and hands and adequate size, and Giants CB Will Allen is a burner who just doesn?t have much of a feel for the game. If QB Marc Bulger gets time, Curtis has the ability to set up Allen for multiple big plays




Derrick Mason 0/0/65 0/0/0
Low expectations of Ravens? offense just got lower


With Baltimore content to pound away with RB Jamal Lewis (and more capable of doing so this week), New York's safeties will need to get involved in run support. Mason, who likely will be covered by CB Ty Law, faces a tough matchup and may not turn in a starter-caliber fantasy performance. Baltimore's other receivers are unproven, though, and the trusty Mason should at least be QB Anthony Wright?s first read on most pass plays.
...


Just thought these were interesting comparisons, given our discussions this week. Good luck in this week's game! I hope, for your sake, you're right on your predictions! (Tho' I, and apparently others, know better... ;) :lowlol:)

[Shiz]

I am confident in a win this week against Serani:

Eli vs McNair: McNair against a tough IND pass defense will make Eli look good at home versus St Louis.

Branch vs Burress: A good game for Eli with be a good game for Burress. Hard to know which Pats WR will get the points in any week.

Stokely vs Williamson: Both WRs are on teams with struggling passing games.

Johnson vs Ducket: No contest for Rudi.

Jordan vs Hicks: No contest for Jordan against the 3rd string 49ers RB.

Crumpler vs Brady: Never heard of Brady, but Crumpler has been disappointing so far.

Davis vs Galloway: Time for Houston's running game to break out.

I should win by 20 points, but one never knows.

[Erudite]

Hey Drax.

We forgot to match LJ Smith against Antonio Gates - and even I have to admit that's a significant edge to you. So maybe closer than I had anticipated after all. :|

[Drax]

Whoever wins, it'll be a fun matchup all-around.

And in retrospect to the past couple days, I kinda hope you win. I've gotten a little too obsessive with this stuff, and need a swift kick to the head. :mrgreen:

(Still keeping in my best players, tho'. Not totally humbly insane. :lowlol:

Heh, just realized... Maybe I'm noptov's lapdog. :! :eek!: :lowlol:)

[Erudite]

Meh. Kerry Collins really let me down. And 23 points from your kicker? Sheesh!

Congrats, Drax!

[Serani]

I was completely shocked when I logged in to the league last night. Holy crap, I beat Shiz?!?!?!?

Well, color me surprised!

[GravenStone]

Holding a slender lead over Noptov. I just need Ahman Green to continue his extremely mediocre season, and for GB to not go on a field goal spree to reach the hallowed ranks of .500. :roll: :lowlol:

[Shiz]

I was completely shocked when I logged in to the league last night. Holy crap, I beat Shiz?!?!?!?

Well, color me surprised!

That's what I get for getting all cocky. :* Really disappointed in my RBs.

[Drax]

Congrats, Drax!
Thanks! I was kinda worried when I logged in in mid-afternoon and saw our teams duking it out, both around the 49pt mark. Thought it would go in your favor with the Ari-SF game, with you playing Fitz (who I was also playing on my team in my other league; talk about a conflict of interest! :D).

Still, it's possible that Kasay could have a fantastic night, if the passing game stalls against GB. Unlikely but still possible. It's not like SF has a great defense, yet they held Ari to practically all FGs... I'd be totally fine if Kasay scores 22 pts tonight!

[Barrack]

Well, blah...

my second close loss, at this rate I'll be surprised if I ever win one.

Ah well, I did come in saying I just wanted to see how I would do :D

[Drax]

Well, Barrack, I think your team has a fighting chance this week, and you have a worthwhile starting roster too. :D

G'luck!

[Barrack]

Wow, I did win, whoda thunk it :lowlol:

[Caranthir]

So did Lycos. No more winless teams. :D

Me, I'm happy with how things went this week, except for the fact that I picked up a great RB pickup who promptly broke his ankle after rushing for 2 TDs, ending his season.

I'm having horrible luck with RBs beyond my two starters this season.

[Serani]

I was so messed up over my Geology (that I'm still something like 4 chapters behind in, btw), that I completely forgot to switch my teams back. And half my backup was on bye the week. :*

Next week will be better. Really.

Ahem.

[Drax]

Should be able to pull off a win tonight, tho' a 44-32 game is too close for my liking. (Fortunately, I have LT, Fast Willie, and Gates going tonight against Randle El (who I have starting in my other league, while my opponent has LT and Fast Willie and McCardell; bleh, talk about a mess... :roll: :lowlol:).)

The most disappointing aspect is that I have 36 pts sitting on my bench, 21+ to Terry Glenn and 15 or so to C-Mart, who scored his first two TDs of the year. Could've used those points later in the year, I bet... *sigh* :lowsmile:

[Raveneye]

Congrats Barrack, Indy's D really lifted you this week.

I'm getting to be quite dissapointed in my team's overall performance lately. While some players are consistant performers (Edge, Johnson, Bulger, Graham) others are streaky (Jones, Dunn, Smith) or downright MIA most weeks (Wiggins, Clayton, both defenses). Unfortunately, none of them is bad enough to really give up on (OK, maybe Clayton) and even if I did there are precious few replacements on the wire these days.

I'm managing a team that looks good on paper, is expected to perform well each week, and yet cannot field consistant results. Wow, just like a real NFL team! :smile:

[Caranthir]

Did we just tack onto last week's thread or is this thread mistitled? It's week 5, right?

[Drax]

Did we just tack onto last week's thread or is this thread mistitled? It's week 5, right?
This was originally a Week 4 thread. But who's counting? :roll: (Besides you, Car... :D)

[Shiz]

I was not optimistic and was accurate.