Brandon Lloyd - time to bench him (1 Viewer)

[Raiderfan32904]

Bradford misses practice, unlikely to play Sunday

Dec

16

12/16/2011 2:05:47 PM | More

Quarterback Sam Bradford missed practice Friday and again was walking around Rams Park in a protective boot according to Kathleen Nelson of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. So, barring a medical miracle being performed on his left ankle, Bradford appears unlikely to play Sunday, when the Rams host the Cincinnati Bengals.

"We're about the same. It will be tough to get him to the game, but we're not giving up hope," coach Steve Spagnuolo said. Bradford was listed as doubtful on the injury report.

Because of the thumb injury to A.J. Feeley, who has been ruled out Sunday, Kellen Clemens appears likely to get the start.

Currently ranked up in WR2 area by Bloom in PPR, but Bloom states in his comments section: "Big Downgrade if Clemens starts"We'll have to see how far he plummets in the rankings, but I agree and remember his one catch game of a couple of weeks ago. Now's the time to bench Lloyd and look for a flier.

 

[kyoun1e]

Considering D. Moore and other waiver options (R. Cobb, D. Baldwin, D. Aroshamadu) over him.

In a PPR league, I'm just looking for something that will net me 10 pts at this point. Can't get a goose egg in the semis.

KY

 

[Stompin' Tom Connors]

I'm really trying not to overthink this, but it's hard.

Maybe it's overrationalization, but I think the game where Lloyd had just one catch was against a really prepared 49er team who bracketed him all game. Lloyd only had two freaking targets that game and was inexplicably sitting on the bench for most of the 4th Q.

In all cases this is an aberration. Lloyd is adept at getting the ball, which helps when the QB isn't as accurate or steady in the pocket. He's also the team's best weapon from the line of scrimmage. If Bradford sits, maybe the extra practice Clemens gets in will have helped his timing with Lloyd to a point.

CIN has a pretty good pass D, and though they give up TDs they can generate great pressure and sacks. But Lloyd is the kind of talent who can get above and beyond these challenges by his athleticism. I just can't predict if he will be a victim of more gameplanning against him by a CIN team who surely watched a lot of tape this week of the 49er game, and a victim of an inexperienced and far inferior QB under center.

Between Lloyd and other options like Hillis, Kahlil Bell, or picking up a Nate Washington off the board (all of whom could be on the losing end of the stick in terms of sharing opportunities with others at their position), I am tempted to just stick with Lloyd, even though my gut tells me it's folly.

 

[rockaction]

Traded R. White for B. Lloyd back a while ago when Bradford was supposedly healthy. Yikes. Cincinnati's secondary is much more suspect than people think (which should also give people pause about T.J. Yates's prospects going forward), but this is really bad news, and the point above about Cinci's defensive line is a good one, especially with Carlos Dunlap on the mend. Lloyd is a great receiver, but it's going to be awfully tough if he's bracketed and Kellen Clemens is supposed to get him the ball. He also will likely not be on the field during three-score or greater garbage time situations, as I noticed he was not on the field after Lynch scored last week. According to Pro Football Focus, he ran only twenty-five routes or so all game. While watching the game on Monday, I also noticed that Danario Alexander was the wide receiver in certain running situations, and at times had replaced Lloyd on the field, which likely means that play-action passes off of those particular running sets will go Alexander's way.

A serviceable backup QB is one thing, but Kellen Clemens is a different thing altogether. Run your own team and all that, but this week doesn't look good. And with Pittsburgh on the road next week, it looks even worse.

 

[Stompin' Tom Connors]

He also will likely not be on the field during three-score or greater garbage time situations, as I noticed he was not on the field after Lynch scored last week.

I get this, as it's what happened two weeks age. But it's completely counter-intuitive.Why, if you're down a few TDs in a game, would you de-emphasize your passing game? Why would you take your best players off the field? The Rams surely aren't just giving up on the season and sitting stud players in case of injury when they are down by three scores with a full quarter to go, are they?

 

[Lascelle]

I've got Lloyd riding the pine in my semifinal matchup in favor of taking lottery ticket rides on both James Jones & Randall Cobb.

This will likely be my lineup on gameday unless I talk myself into doing something silly like starting Eddie Royal.

If I was protecting a projected lead I might play this differently... but I'm behind so this move makes the most sense.

I'm also starting the Bengals D/ST this week against Clemens & company.

 

[Ice Cream Man]

Benching Lloyd in favor of Austin, Stevie, and Steve Smith. Would start him if I didn't have another good option. 6/60 with a decent shot at a TD.

 

[rockaction]

He also will likely not be on the field during three-score or greater garbage time situations, as I noticed he was not on the field after Lynch scored last week.

I get this, as it's what happened two weeks age. But it's completely counter-intuitive.Why, if you're down a few TDs in a game, would you de-emphasize your passing game? Why would you take your best players off the field? The Rams surely aren't just giving up on the season and sitting stud players in case of injury when they are down by three scores with a full quarter to go, are they?

Heh. They could be. I can't possibly know. NFL Matchup just unanimously picked the Bengals' D over Brandon Lloyd (if you haven't seen the show, it seems to be sort of a fantasy-geared question where Sterling Sharpe, Millen, Theismann, etc. take a player against a defense and discuss who they believe will be the winner of the match-up). They specifically pointed out how good Lloyd was, but said without a QB and an offensive line, he was in trouble. What's crazy is when Denver traded Lloyd, I actually thought they might regret it, given their schedule and the weakness of the AFC West. I can't imagine what Denver would look like with Decker in the slot and Lloyd and Thomas wide.

 

[Brock Middlebrook]

Bradford ain't so great. LLoyd was better off with Feeley.

 

[farroki]

Playing Lloyd with confidence. I think he'll get targeted enough to be serviceable in PPR. Probably won't get a TD but it didn't stop him from racking up 13 points last week. Lloyd is very talented and might be a safety net for Clemens. I think they'll try to utilize Lloyd as much as they can. JMO.

 

[Jimboozie]

who else they gonna throw to?

i'm keeping him in over boldin, baldwin, and damian williams (not the best options, i know)

 

[Naramie]

I'm benching Lloyd in favor of either L. Robinson or Austin Miles (haven't decided yet) simply because their matchup is better and Cowboys really need to win.

I've played Lloyd all season and was happy to see him goto the Rams a team that actually threw the football, he seemed to make a difference albeit they still lost a ton of games. Unfortunately his ceiling is pretty limited due to their garbage o line and it's inability to protect the QB. He'll get his targets that's for sure, so I think he's an alright play.

 

[kyoun1e]

Playing Lloyd with confidence. I think he'll get targeted enough to be serviceable in PPR. Probably won't get a TD but it didn't stop him from racking up 13 points last week. Lloyd is very talented and might be a safety net for Clemens. I think they'll try to utilize Lloyd as much as they can. JMO.

With confidence? What are you confident about? Netting 4 catches for 40 yards?I just don't see much upside here. Clemens is a complete wild card here and could be a Gabbert like disaster for all we know. STL offensive line is absolutely terrible which doesn't help. It will be tough for Lloyd to get targets if it's constantly a three and out situation. And while Lloyd may get targets, will they be "quality" targets? Unless Clemens and Lloyd somehow have some out of left field chemistry here, anyone counting on Lloyd is most likely to see Lloyd's floor vs. any upside this week. KY

 

[Topes]

Benching Lloyd in favor of Austin, Stevie, and Steve Smith.

I'm benching Lloyd in favor of either L. Robinson or Austin Miles (haven't decided yet) simply because their matchup is better and Cowboys really need to win.

Oh, I wish my choice was so easy. For me to bench Lloyd, I'd have to start Mike Williams TB, Denarius Moore or Anthony Fasano in his place.Basically, that boils down to Mike Williams TB.

Replying to Brandon Lloyd - time to bench him - Too harsh? I generally don't care for such absolute statements.

I'm trying to look at the bright side of starting Lloyd. Looking over Kellen Clemens career stats was not helpful at all. Brutal.

 

[Shermanator]

Im starting Gaffney over Lloyd this week. I hate fantasy football

 

[kyoun1e]

I'm trying to look at the bright side of starting Lloyd. Looking over Kellen Clemens career stats was not helpful at all. Brutal.

Wow. Clemens last meaningful action was with the Jets in 2007. 5 TDs to 10 Ints. Wonderful.

KY

 

[raidersfan]

Benching Lloyd in favor of Austin, Stevie, and Steve Smith.

I'm benching Lloyd in favor of either L. Robinson or Austin Miles (haven't decided yet) simply because their matchup is better and Cowboys really need to win.

Oh, I wish my choice was so easy. For me to bench Lloyd, I'd have to start Mike Williams TB, Denarius Moore or Anthony Fasano in his place.Basically, that boils down to Mike Williams TB.

Replying to Brandon Lloyd - time to bench him - Too harsh? I generally don't care for such absolute statements.

I'm trying to look at the bright side of starting Lloyd. Looking over Kellen Clemens career stats was not helpful at all. Brutal.

I'm in a similar situation with Mike Williams, Lloyd or Nate Washington as my WR2 options. I have steven jackson as my flex, who I think should outperform those 3 (PPR), and I have no desire to start 2 Rams in the playoffs with that Cinci matchup, even though I was doing so for several weeks.I think Lloyd's matchup is tough, and though Bradford hasn't been great this year, Clemens is a real downgrade there. As mentioned above Cinci will get pressure and the Rams will struggle moving the chains.

I think Williams will actually have opportunity since they will be behind and need to air it out, and he's still getting at least 7-8 targets a game. He's the "safe" bet to get 6-60 or something along those lines, with hopefully a TD thrown in. Freeman is healthy so that also helps. Nate Washington is tempting but two of his three stellar games came with Locker in there and it looks like Hasselback is starting. To me he is the boom/busst (have D Moore on my bench which is also tempting as boom/bust, but that would be getting too cute in the playoffs starting him) but not sure I can afford the bust this week as I've already had Roddy White but up 35 points on me.

 

[Topes]

I think Williams will actually have opportunity since they will be behind and need to air it out, and he's still getting at least 7-8 targets a game. He's the "safe" bet to get 6-60 or something along those lines, with hopefully a TD thrown in. Freeman is healthy so that also helps.

Nothing seems safe about either guy (Mike Williams or Brandon Lloyd) to me.Though Williams slightly bests Lloyd in targets and completions, he falls short on yardage and TDs this season.

Freeman should play, but isn't exactly healthy.

In my scoring system, Williams had put up six true stinkers (including negative points in Week 2), compared to three for Lloyd.

Contrary to folks saying Bradford being out isn't an issue, Lloyd has put up three relatively weak outings in the weeks in which Bradford did not play at all. Weeks 7 & 8 weren't too bad, but 13 was very bad. Against the tough SF defense.

Mike Williams or Brandon Lloyd is shaping up to be a coin flip. I thought the same last week. I chose Williams, and it was the wrong choice.

But this here thread should get some more information about Kellen Clemens. Anybody got any information on how he looked in practice yesterday?

 

[footballnerd]

I'm in a similar situation with Mike Williams, Lloyd or Nate Washington as my WR2 options. I have steven jackson as my flex, who I think should outperform those 3 (PPR), and I have no desire to start 2 Rams in the playoffs with that Cinci matchup, even though I was doing so for several weeks.I think Lloyd's matchup is tough, and though Bradford hasn't been great this year, Clemens is a real downgrade there. As mentioned above Cinci will get pressure and the Rams will struggle moving the chains.I think Williams will actually have opportunity since they will be behind and need to air it out, and he's still getting at least 7-8 targets a game. He's the "safe" bet to get 6-60 or something along those lines, with hopefully a TD thrown in. Freeman is healthy so that also helps. Nate Washington is tempting but two of his three stellar games came with Locker in there and it looks like Hasselback is starting. To me he is the boom/busst (have D Moore on my bench which is also tempting as boom/bust, but that would be getting too cute in the playoffs starting him) but not sure I can afford the bust this week as I've already had Roddy White but up 35 points on me.

If Jake Locker plays, you might strongly want to consider Washington vs a weak IND Def. Locker loves the guy and all his passing TDs this year have gone to Nate.

 

[Stompin' Tom Connors]

Playing Lloyd with confidence. I think he'll get targeted enough to be serviceable in PPR. Probably won't get a TD but it didn't stop him from racking up 13 points last week. Lloyd is very talented and might be a safety net for Clemens. I think they'll try to utilize Lloyd as much as they can. JMO.

With confidence? What are you confident about? Netting 4 catches for 40 yards?I just don't see much upside here.

Clemens is a complete wild card here and could be a Gabbert like disaster for all we know. STL offensive line is absolutely terrible which doesn't help. It will be tough for Lloyd to get targets if it's constantly a three and out situation. And while Lloyd may get targets, will they be "quality" targets? Unless Clemens and Lloyd somehow have some out of left field chemistry here, anyone counting on Lloyd is most likely to see Lloyd's floor vs. any upside this week.

KY

Not looking for upside, looking for relative floor. And I do think that 4/40 is that floor, with 5/50 a little more probable. Throw in about a 30% chance for a touchdown works out to be ~10 points in my PPR league -- exactly what I would want with Lloyd in at the flex/WR3.I don't think "quality" targets matter either, as Lloyd is the kind of receiver who can go up and get the ball in a large radius around him -- the ball does not need to be thrown to him on a rope. This helps seeing as Clemens will likely be under a good amount of pressure and will need to deliver the ball quickly.

The one real threat (aside from Clemens just throwing pick after pick) is that Lloyd is used the same way as he did two weeks ago -- one measley catch and sitting the 4th quarter. Would love to know more from homers/people who watched that STL/SF game for more insight as to why.

The key for me is how probable that situation will be. If Lloyd has the opportunity for 6-8 targets and 4-5 catches, I still think he's utile in a PPR. But only if the Rams use him.

 

[kyoun1e]

Playing Lloyd with confidence. I think he'll get targeted enough to be serviceable in PPR. Probably won't get a TD but it didn't stop him from racking up 13 points last week. Lloyd is very talented and might be a safety net for Clemens. I think they'll try to utilize Lloyd as much as they can. JMO.

With confidence? What are you confident about? Netting 4 catches for 40 yards?I just don't see much upside here.

Clemens is a complete wild card here and could be a Gabbert like disaster for all we know. STL offensive line is absolutely terrible which doesn't help. It will be tough for Lloyd to get targets if it's constantly a three and out situation. And while Lloyd may get targets, will they be "quality" targets? Unless Clemens and Lloyd somehow have some out of left field chemistry here, anyone counting on Lloyd is most likely to see Lloyd's floor vs. any upside this week.

KY

Not looking for upside, looking for relative floor. And I do think that 4/40 is that floor, with 5/50 a little more probable. Throw in about a 30% chance for a touchdown works out to be ~10 points in my PPR league -- exactly what I would want with Lloyd in at the flex/WR3.I don't think "quality" targets matter either, as Lloyd is the kind of receiver who can go up and get the ball in a large radius around him -- the ball does not need to be thrown to him on a rope. This helps seeing as Clemens will likely be under a good amount of pressure and will need to deliver the ball quickly.

The one real threat (aside from Clemens just throwing pick after pick) is that Lloyd is used the same way as he did two weeks ago -- one measley catch and sitting the 4th quarter. Would love to know more from homers/people who watched that STL/SF game for more insight as to why.

The key for me is how probable that situation will be. If Lloyd has the opportunity for 6-8 targets and 4-5 catches, I still think he's utile in a PPR. But only if the Rams use him.

I'd be curious to know what WRs you'd be willing to start over Lloyd considering your optimism.Not sure I agree with your 4/40 floor. I'd say his floor is 4 pts in a PPR league considering his one catch for 30ish yards recently. That certainly COULD happen.

It's my semis. I'm facing some serious firepower. My ATL D takes some pressure off me and I've got Romo/Felix tonight. Still, even if those first three perform above expectations I don't feel Lloyd as "safe." There are a ton of WRs out there that can get me 8-10 pts...just see Bloom/Dodds predictions.

Risk vs reward ratio just doesn't feel right here with Lloyd.

KY

 

[Hipple Long Ware & Peete]

I've got Lloyd riding the pine in my semifinal matchup in favor of taking lottery ticket rides on both James Jones & Randall Cobb.This will likely be my lineup on gameday unless I talk myself into doing something silly like starting Eddie Royal.If I was protecting a projected lead I might play this differently... but I'm behind so this move makes the most sense.I'm also starting the Bengals D/ST this week against Clemens & company.

woah STC. really? I can't imagine sitting Lloyd for Cobb, possbly Jones, but even then I'm going LLoyd.

 

[Hipple Long Ware & Peete]

Playing Lloyd with confidence. I think he'll get targeted enough to be serviceable in PPR. Probably won't get a TD but it didn't stop him from racking up 13 points last week. Lloyd is very talented and might be a safety net for Clemens. I think they'll try to utilize Lloyd as much as they can. JMO.

With confidence? What are you confident about? Netting 4 catches for 40 yards?I just don't see much upside here.

Clemens is a complete wild card here and could be a Gabbert like disaster for all we know. STL offensive line is absolutely terrible which doesn't help. It will be tough for Lloyd to get targets if it's constantly a three and out situation. And while Lloyd may get targets, will they be "quality" targets? Unless Clemens and Lloyd somehow have some out of left field chemistry here, anyone counting on Lloyd is most likely to see Lloyd's floor vs. any upside this week.

KY

Not looking for upside, looking for relative floor. And I do think that 4/40 is that floor, with 5/50 a little more probable. Throw in about a 30% chance for a touchdown works out to be ~10 points in my PPR league -- exactly what I would want with Lloyd in at the flex/WR3.I don't think "quality" targets matter either, as Lloyd is the kind of receiver who can go up and get the ball in a large radius around him -- the ball does not need to be thrown to him on a rope. This helps seeing as Clemens will likely be under a good amount of pressure and will need to deliver the ball quickly.

The one real threat (aside from Clemens just throwing pick after pick) is that Lloyd is used the same way as he did two weeks ago -- one measley catch and sitting the 4th quarter. Would love to know more from homers/people who watched that STL/SF game for more insight as to why.

The key for me is how probable that situation will be. If Lloyd has the opportunity for 6-8 targets and 4-5 catches, I still think he's utile in a PPR. But only if the Rams use him.

I'd be curious to know what WRs you'd be willing to start over Lloyd considering your optimism.Not sure I agree with your 4/40 floor. I'd say his floor is 4 pts in a PPR league considering his one catch for 30ish yards recently. That certainly COULD happen.

It's my semis. I'm facing some serious firepower. My ATL D takes some pressure off me and I've got Romo/Felix tonight. Still, even if those first three perform above expectations I don't feel Lloyd as "safe." There are a ton of WRs out there that can get me 8-10 pts...just see Bloom/Dodds predictions.

Risk vs reward ratio just doesn't feel right here with Lloyd.

KY

The rams stink. They will be playing from behind. They will be throwing. No way in hell LLoyd records one catch sans injury here.

 

[Topes]

The rams stink. They will be playing from behind. They will be throwing. No way in hell LLoyd records one catch sans injury here.

In week thirteen, they stunk.They were playing from behind for 50 minutes of the game.

Lloyd had one catch.

Will it happen again? Not likely.

Is it a "no way in Hell" scenario? Not at all.

The Rams really and truly and horribly stink. And they've added Clemens to the mix. That's the problem.

 

[Topes]

woah STC. really? I can't imagine sitting Lloyd for Cobb,

No matter how bad the Rams stink, neither can I.

 

[Stompin' Tom Connors]

Playing Lloyd with confidence. I think he'll get targeted enough to be serviceable in PPR. Probably won't get a TD but it didn't stop him from racking up 13 points last week. Lloyd is very talented and might be a safety net for Clemens. I think they'll try to utilize Lloyd as much as they can. JMO.

With confidence? What are you confident about? Netting 4 catches for 40 yards?I just don't see much upside here.

Clemens is a complete wild card here and could be a Gabbert like disaster for all we know. STL offensive line is absolutely terrible which doesn't help. It will be tough for Lloyd to get targets if it's constantly a three and out situation. And while Lloyd may get targets, will they be "quality" targets? Unless Clemens and Lloyd somehow have some out of left field chemistry here, anyone counting on Lloyd is most likely to see Lloyd's floor vs. any upside this week.

KY

Not looking for upside, looking for relative floor. And I do think that 4/40 is that floor, with 5/50 a little more probable. Throw in about a 30% chance for a touchdown works out to be ~10 points in my PPR league -- exactly what I would want with Lloyd in at the flex/WR3.I don't think "quality" targets matter either, as Lloyd is the kind of receiver who can go up and get the ball in a large radius around him -- the ball does not need to be thrown to him on a rope. This helps seeing as Clemens will likely be under a good amount of pressure and will need to deliver the ball quickly.

The one real threat (aside from Clemens just throwing pick after pick) is that Lloyd is used the same way as he did two weeks ago -- one measley catch and sitting the 4th quarter. Would love to know more from homers/people who watched that STL/SF game for more insight as to why.

The key for me is how probable that situation will be. If Lloyd has the opportunity for 6-8 targets and 4-5 catches, I still think he's utile in a PPR. But only if the Rams use him.

I'd be curious to know what WRs you'd be willing to start over Lloyd considering your optimism.Not sure I agree with your 4/40 floor. I'd say his floor is 4 pts in a PPR league considering his one catch for 30ish yards recently. That certainly COULD happen.

It's my semis. I'm facing some serious firepower. My ATL D takes some pressure off me and I've got Romo/Felix tonight. Still, even if those first three perform above expectations I don't feel Lloyd as "safe." There are a ton of WRs out there that can get me 8-10 pts...just see Bloom/Dodds predictions.

Risk vs reward ratio just doesn't feel right here with Lloyd.

KY

4 points in most PPR leagues @ 0.5/rec is 2 catches and 20 yards. That seems too paltryI totally get that Lloyd put up a stinker two weeks ago. I get that he faces a similar situation and that it could happen again.

But looking at all his performances this year, I think that 1 catch game is the exception, not the rule, and if he does put up a stinker, it's likely to be less of a total abomination like 2 weeks ago given the Rams will need to throw from behind, and they are playing a division foe and are less likely to just lie down.

3 admittedly very big Qs rely on this assumption --

[*]Can Clemens be any way effective getting the ball to his receivers?

[*]Will CIN D be in Clemens face all game (or, can the Rams's O line pass protect effectively)?

[*]Will the Rams actually use Lloyd and the passing game effectively (or, will they actually keep tossing it to try and get points in garbage time)?

So I wouldn't call what I have for Lloyd optimism -- there are plenty of WRs I would start before him. Besides the obvious, guys like Bowe, Wallace, Cruz, Brandon Marshall, Vincent Jackson, and Demariyus Thomas are guys I would sit Lloyd for.

But I think the risk/reward in guys like Nate Washington/Damian Williams, Torrey Smith, Jacoby Jones, Gaffney, Mike Williams are relatively the same with Lloyd. Situationally, some may have better matchups, but Lloyd is simply too talented and can reach an acceptable floor even in a bad situation.

I am really thinking about the TEN receivers -- one of them will have a huge game, the other likely solid, and picking which one of them carries its own risk -- I think that Lloyd can be as effective as the lesser of the two performers this week for TEN, and as a WR3/flex, that is good enough.

Time will tell, and definitely open to hearing more thoughts either way.

 

[Stompin' Tom Connors]

I've got Lloyd riding the pine in my semifinal matchup in favor of taking lottery ticket rides on both James Jones & Randall Cobb.This will likely be my lineup on gameday unless I talk myself into doing something silly like starting Eddie Royal.If I was protecting a projected lead I might play this differently... but I'm behind so this move makes the most sense.I'm also starting the Bengals D/ST this week against Clemens & company.

woah STC. really? I can't imagine sitting Lloyd for Cobb, possbly Jones, but even then I'm going LLoyd.

Not me, that was Lascelle, and I tend to agree with you, HLWP -- I would definitely be playing Lloyd over Cobb. I would be thinking about Jones, but in a PPR, I think the balance swings a little Lloyd's way because of the way the ball gets spread around in GB.

 

[Topes]

I totally get that Lloyd put up a stinker two weeks ago. I get that he faces a similar situation and that it could happen again.

But looking at all his performances this year, I think that 1 catch game is the exception, not the rule, and if he does put up a stinker, it's likely to be less of a total abomination like 2 weeks ago given the Rams will need to throw from behind, and they are playing a division foe and are less likely to just lie down.

3 admittedly very big Qs rely on this assumption --

[*]Can Clemens be any way effective getting the ball to his receivers?

[*]Will CIN D be in Clemens face all game (or, can the Rams's O line pass protect effectively)?

[*]Will the Rams actually use Lloyd and the passing game effectively (or, will they actually keep tossing it to try and get points in garbage time)?

So I wouldn't call what I have for Lloyd optimism -- there are plenty of WRs I would start before him. Besides the obvious, guys like Bowe, Wallace, Cruz, Brandon Marshall, Vincent Jackson, and Demariyus Thomas are guys I would sit Lloyd for.

But I think the risk/reward in guys like Nate Washington/Damian Williams, Torrey Smith, Jacoby Jones, Gaffney, Mike Williams are relatively the same with Lloyd. Situationally, some may have better matchups, but Lloyd is simply too talented and can reach an acceptable floor even in a bad situation.

I am really thinking about the TEN receivers -- one of them will have a huge game, the other likely solid, and picking which one of them carries its own risk -- I think that Lloyd can be as effective as the lesser of the two performers this week for TEN, and as a WR3/flex, that is good enough.

Time will tell, and definitely open to hearing more thoughts either way.

Well, there was the 1 catch game against SD, but he was on another team then, and was coming off an injury.They're playing the Bengals.

I've entertained the possibilities. I'm rolling against Lloyd this week, sitting him for Mike Williams, as I have to make that decision like now.

Y'all almost talked me back into starting him. I do think it's kind of a crap shoot. If Bradford or Feeley were starting, I'd be rolling with Lloyd and not looking back.

Sure, Lloyd could put up a huge day. I'm just comparing what the CIN defense has allowed over the past 4 weeks to what the DAL defense has allowed, and that kind of puts me toward the Mike Williams situation. Neither is an attractive option this week, by any stretch.

 

[farroki]

Confidence in the sense that I think he'll get AT LEAST 4/40 and maybe 6/80 or possibly even 7-8 catches for 90+ yards and a score.

Bradford wasn't exactly lighting it up hopping on 1 leg getting sacked left and right and Lloyd netted 13 points.

Let's face it, he and Jackson are their only real options on offense. They will get it to Lloyd as much as they can.

This is why I am confident in him over other options like Cobb.

 

[Topes]

I would definitely start him over Tampa Mike Williams (0) this week, if I could go back in time.

 

[Stompin' Tom Connors]

Bradford misses practice, unlikely to play Sunday

Dec

16

12/16/2011 2:05:47 PM | More

Quarterback Sam Bradford missed practice Friday and again was walking around Rams Park in a protective boot according to Kathleen Nelson of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. So, barring a medical miracle being performed on his left ankle, Bradford appears unlikely to play Sunday, when the Rams host the Cincinnati Bengals.

"We're about the same. It will be tough to get him to the game, but we're not giving up hope," coach Steve Spagnuolo said. Bradford was listed as doubtful on the injury report.

Because of the thumb injury to A.J. Feeley, who has been ruled out Sunday, Kellen Clemens appears likely to get the start.

Currently ranked up in WR2 area by Bloom in PPR, but Bloom states in his comments section: "Big Downgrade if Clemens starts"We'll have to see how far he plummets in the rankings, but I agree and remember his one catch game of a couple of weeks ago. Now's the time to bench Lloyd and look for a flier.

FWIW, Dodds/Tremblay/Norton still have him in lower WR2 (depending on league size and system, of course) but Bloom followed through with a huge downgrade. Hmmm.....I'm willing to take lumps if I'm wrong, but for me, the other guys right now that I could start or are on the wire compared to Lloyd are:

Hillis (timeshare, hasn't proven himself worthy of a greater role to Shurmur so upside is limited)

Donald Brown (is de facto first back but IND will need to abandon the run, as always)

Nate Washington (great upside, but has dinged ankle, just returned to practice late week, can see him as a decoy to Damian Williams)

Doug Baldwin (Also with upside, CHI's secondary is middling)

Randall Cobb/Donald Driver/Robert Meachem -- all have decent matchups, but ball is spread out too much for reliability)

Jacoby Jones (possible upside with AJ out, can Yates be as dependible and will HOU prefer to run run run?)

So there could be upside out there -- Hillis and Washington are the two that seem to have the best upsdie -- but not anyone that screams to me that I should switch out Lloyd.

We'll see if a good night sleep changes my mind, but at this point I'm rolling with Lloyd quasi-comfortably.

 

[maxwjom0]

Has Clemens been on the roster all year? From ESPN.....

Clemens is the likely starter this week after impressing the coaching staff last week in preparing for a possible start. He is right off the street though, so don't expect miracles.

 

[allnight33]

I've got Lloyd benched this week for more than likely Garcon (would be Spiller if it wasn't for Miami run d). One note I might add that helped a little in my decision to bench Lloyd is that SJax is my #2 RB...

 

[kyoun1e]

3 admittedly very big Qs rely on this assumption --

[*]Can Clemens be any way effective getting the ball to his receivers?

[*]Will CIN D be in Clemens face all game (or, can the Rams's O line pass protect effectively)?

[*]Will the Rams actually use Lloyd and the passing game effectively (or, will they actually keep tossing it to try and get points in garbage time)?

Three pretty big questions.With Clemens under center, what's more likely? Lloyd sees his floor of say 3/40? Or hits his ceiling which is MAYBE 6-80-1?

I'd say floor.

And in the semis, I'm not sure that's acceptable.

A couple other points to consider:

1) Cinci NEEDS this game.

2) They will pound Benson.

Everyone keeps saying "STL will be down big and will have to throw." Well, yeah, but it's hard to generate Lloyd points when Cinci is chewing up the clock and Clemens is going three and out.

My Romo/Felix/ATL D have me out in front sharply and I'm considering "playing it safe" with Lloyd, but I'm not even sure the above floor is "safe" and with little upside. Facing Megatron, Brady, and Graham to name a few today, I feel like I need some upside potential.

Here are the guys I'm looking at:

* D. Baldwin @CHI -- Not sure he's any better than Lloyd. Seattle away from home, touch CHI D, run Lynch run.

* R. Cobb @KC -- Boom or bust. Cobb's floor is probably 1/10 and upside 5/100/1. Upside is tempting, but floor is probably lower than Lloyds.

* D. Aromashodu vs NO -- Intriguing option. Based on targets and performance the last two weeks, I'd think his floor is similar to Lloyd's and with higher upside against a NO secondary that rots.

* D. Moore vs DET -- Palmer probably dying to get Moore back and this could be a shootout, but it's unknown how many snaps he's going to play. If I knew Moore was close to 100% and playing his usual snaps I'd probably swap D. Moore in for Lloyd.

This may come down to what I view as the bigger unknown or risk -- Clemens vs. D. Moore health.

KY

 

[Horses Mouth]

Garage time catches

 

[Topes]

Has Clemens been on the roster all year? From ESPN.....

Clemens is the likely starter this week after impressing the coaching staff last week in preparing for a possible start. He is right off the street though, so don't expect miracles.

Picked up off waivers, after Houston cut him, I think on December 8.

Garage time catches

He might be in the garage all day.

 

[-jb-]

keep him in. he might see 20 targets.

 

[phowler13]

Fwiw deciding between him, s moss, and t smith ppr league. Leaning towards moss

 

[Slapdash]

It's him or the WW for me sine I only carry three and his other competition was Tampa Mike so I'm rolling the dice with Llyod. Doesnt look good for him today though.

 

[kyoun1e]

I don't think I have a choice...think I have to go with Lloyd.

Just don't think I can trust D. Moore to play a full game / stay in the game. Only other late game option would be T. Young and that's another serious roll of the dice.

Think I have to hold my nose and take the plunge on Lloyd.

All I want for xmas is 10 points from Lloyd in PPR.

 

[Stompin' Tom Connors]

I slept on it. I'm starting Lloyd.

Definitely not comfortable with it. I think there is a little more probability he has a ho-hum to crappy day than a standard to decent day.

I asked my 8 and 5 year olds, and though they pick solely by whether the player's sounds cooler, they unanimously voted for Hillis, so I got that Karma working against me.

But I have little other options. I can't trust Hillis although my gut tells me he is due, and I suspect Nate Washington -- even with Hasselbeck -- will not be as effective as Damian Williams given Washington's ankle.

Will live and die by this decision as my game will be incredibly close.

Fire it up, Lloyd.

 

[Raiderfan32904]

I slept on it. I'm starting Lloyd.

With those options, I don't blame you. I'd do likewise. I'm lucky to have a decision of Bowe vs Lloyd, and I think it's an easy call. Washington may be just as good as Lloyd, but your kids are wrong that Hillis is the way to go. Browns are going to get brutalized.

 

[Stompin' Tom Connors]

I slept on it. I'm starting Lloyd.

With those options, I don't blame you. I'd do likewise. I'm lucky to have a decision of Bowe vs Lloyd, and I think it's an easy call. Washington may be just as good as Lloyd, but your kids are wrong that Hillis is the way to go. Browns are going to get brutalized.

Thanks, man. At least the game is on here in SEA, so I can watch in person if my decision was sound, or start drinking early if it's not.I wish I had Bowe, that is indeed a total non-brainer. Orton may fire some life in the chiefs, and even if they can't keep up, there will be PLENTY of garbage time that Bowe will have as they try to score from behind.I am considering throwing Bowe in over either Brandon Marshall or Vincent Jackson in another league. May do so over Jackson.

 

[mquinnjr]

I have struggled with this all week, but I think there is too much chance as posted above that Clemens goes 3 and out all day and Lloyd does not put up the points we all need in the semi's. I am starting VJax and Antonio Brown and leaving him on the bench in my one league, and starting him uncomfortably in my other since my options are MWTB and Damian Williams in that league and I have to start 3 WR's.

Let's go win some semi-final

 

[Stompin' Tom Connors]

I have struggled with this all week, but I think there is too much chance as posted above that Clemens goes 3 and out all day and Lloyd does not put up the points we all need in the semi's. I am starting VJax and Antonio Brown and leaving him on the bench in my one league, and starting him uncomfortably in my other since my options are MWTB and Damian Williams in that league and I have to start 3 WR's.Let's go win some semi-final

That would kill me too. I would be thinking hard about Damian Williams if I had the luxury of playing him. For those of us taking the tumble with Lloyd, at the very least we can take solace in numbers that, to borrow from Pianoman Billy Joel's "Goodnight Saigon:""We will all go down together...."

 

[Stompin' Tom Connors]

OK, so at least Lloyd's now at the same place he got to in the SF game.

ETA: OK, now that's 2 catches.

 

[footballnerd]

just hit the 4/40 floor

 

[Stompin' Tom Connors]

just hit the 4/40 floor

And now broke through it -- 5/42, 7.5 points in my scoring system. If he keeps this pace, he could contrbute exactly what I expected/hoped he would.One thing is for sure -- Clemens is looking far from awful out there, as are the Rams in general. This bodes well for the 2nd half. I hope.

 

[The Godfather]

In retrospect, I should have started lance moore over him.

 

[Stompin' Tom Connors]

In retrospect, no one really can claim they got this one right, though the jury is leaning a lot more to the guys who benched him.

For those who started Lloyd, he at least got you some points for your flex, though likely not enough to really make a difference. He did not put up the paltry 1-2 catches for 20-25 yards thanks to Clemens's and the Rams's incompetence

For those who benched him, it depends how your risk/reward panned out. For me, all my other options -- Donald Brown, Peyton Hillis and even Kahlil Bell would have outperformed him