heavy wind/snow games...implications for PIT/CLE thurs (1 Viewer)

[themeanmachine]

.....once they get a lead they will have very little reason to throw the ball...

But, they have laid an egg in the 4th quarter so many times this season that I think they will look to put up as many points as possible, running or throwing (if they can throw effectively). I don't see them going into a run game/defensive mode with a 10pt lead in the 2nd half, they are going to build it as much as possible.

 

[Stompin' Tom Connors]

Big Ben did throw three scores in particularly nasty conditions (described as "snow, swirling winds, chilly temperatures and a marshy field") in their home loss to Jacksonville back in 2007 (Week 15). Can't speak for just how windy it was, though.

Incidentally, he threw for less than 150 yards. 3 scores will make even a nasty weather day turn into a fantasy bright spot.

I could foresee a scenario where Mendenhall does most of the work between the 20s and Ben throws some short yardage scores to Miller and Spaeth.

Heath Miller is the one receiving option in this game I'd have to seriously question someone benching this week.

Really? I'm considering doing just that, and benching him for Fred Davis vs OAK.

 

[Your Mom]

Holmes owner.....I just can't see starting him this week.......too many reasons NOT to start him and very few reasons TO start him....I know they are playing Cleveland and on paper it looked like a great matchup, but that weather is just crazy....I see Pitt dominating this game with defense and running the ball....I don't think they will NEED to throw as I think they win the battle of field position all night (Clev won't be able to move the ball) and pound the running game at CLEV.....once they get a lead they will have very little reason to throw the ball...If I sit Holmes and he blows up......I can live with that If I start him and he lays an egg......not sure I could live with that knowing what I knew before the game.......

I know cleveland is awful, but Pittsburgh isn't the Pittsburgh of last year. They aren't that good. They have lost to the raiders and Bears. I don't think they will have the game in hand as you are thinking. That being said, who do you have to start over Santonio?I personally am starting Santonio as my flex over Cedric benson and am 100% confident in doing that. I got other WRs I am starting and feel confident he will outscore them. S. SMith (NYG) and maybe Sims-Walker.

 

[Your Mom]

.....once they get a lead they will have very little reason to throw the ball...

But, they have laid an egg in the 4th quarter so many times this season that I think they will look to put up as many points as possible, running or throwing (if they can throw effectively). I don't see them going into a run game/defensive mode with a 10pt lead in the 2nd half, they are going to build it as much as possible.

Agree

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

Quick FYI,

I live pretty much on Lake Erie in a southern suburb of Detroit and the wind here has died down significantly, add in that the sky is crystal clear.

 

[culdeus]

From an IDP perspective are Defensive Ends downgraded due to this with less long passing?

 

[jagbag]

I think its relevant to this thread to hear who is playing the guys in this game and for whom. IMO.

I will start Ben over Palmer.I will probably start MSW over Holmes though. I don't want to put all my eggs in one basket.

 

[Stinkin Ref]

There has not been any Snow or Precip at all today in Cleveland. In fact the sun was out at times. Although its extremely overcast now & snow could be on the way, but if I had to guess, any snow would only hit east of the city. So, field conditions should be absolutely normal (not slick or mushy) for this game. However, it is extremely windy & quite cold. I think long passing & kicking games will most definitely be affected. But, as long as the snow continues to stay away the running games & short passing games for both teams should be fine.

if all of us can sit back and say there will be no deep passing, but a ton of running and short passes.....you would think the coaches and teams will see this as well.....and game plan to stop that....PIT probably can do that ....Clev not so much.....therefore the advantage goes to PIT in the battle of field position and running game....PIT will probably not need to pass in this game.....

 

[Sammy B]

Calling All Ben Owners... get up and go outside for a walk, take a few deep breathes and then ask yourself, are you going to sit Ben against Cleveland? These are GUSTS people not constant hurricanes winds. Looks like the winds are going to be slowing a little as the game continues (see forecast)

8 pm21° F

Cloudy/Wind4° F10%51%From WSW

26 mph

15-minute details available through 8 pm.

9 pm19°F

Snow Shower / Wind1°F40%50%From WSW

26 mph

10 pm19°F

Snow Shower / Wind1°F40%50%From WSW

25 mph

Very little.

 

[Yankee23Fan]

So, is it still gusts up to 40 but a constant 20 or so? Is that where we are now?

 

[PoolShark]

Not that it helps anyone else, but I'm pretty much resigned to benching Ben. I have Vince Young (yes, I know about the new injury situation), and also Garrard. With 2 potential choices going forward, I just don't think its worth the risk of Ben laying an egg. As someone mentioned earlier, it would be a lot easier to take if Ben lights it up on my bench (with other guys in waiting who might do the same Sunday) than it would be to live with a goose egg at starting QB for the first week of the playoffs.

I was also going to roll with Wallace as my #3 WR (since Ward is likely hampered if not out) in place of a gimpy & lately useless Hester, but now I'm not going there either. Same logic as above - I just don't think it's worth the risk. If you start them and they bomb, you're burnt. If they do ok (or even great) at least you have a chance to make it up later...

 

[Stinkin Ref]

Holmes owner.....I just can't see starting him this week.......too many reasons NOT to start him and very few reasons TO start him....I know they are playing Cleveland and on paper it looked like a great matchup, but that weather is just crazy....I see Pitt dominating this game with defense and running the ball....I don't think they will NEED to throw as I think they win the battle of field position all night (Clev won't be able to move the ball) and pound the running game at CLEV.....once they get a lead they will have very little reason to throw the ball...If I sit Holmes and he blows up......I can live with that If I start him and he lays an egg......not sure I could live with that knowing what I knew before the game.......

I know cleveland is awful, but Pittsburgh isn't the Pittsburgh of last year. They aren't that good. They have lost to the raiders and Bears. I don't think they will have the game in hand as you are thinking. That being said, who do you have to start over Santonio?I personally am starting Santonio as my flex over Cedric benson and am 100% confident in doing that. I got other WRs I am starting and feel confident he will outscore them. S. SMith (NYG) and maybe Sims-Walker.

lets say Holmes is currently my flex....these are my other options....took out my other for sure startersRB Darren McFadden OAK 9 RB Justin Forsett SEA 7 RB Rock Cartwright WAS 8 RB Ryan Moats HOU 10 RB Mike Bell NO 5 WR Mario Manningham NYG 10 WR Austin Collie IND 6 WR Mike Wallace PIT 8 WR Chris Chambers KC 8 TE John Carlson SEA 7 a few options I like better....a few I don't.....don't get me wrong, I hate sitting Holmes......I just think it is the safe play here in the first week of playoffs.......and not that it matters....but my opponent has Ben and he is sitting him.....so if Imiss out, it's not a double whammy....

 

[Knobs]

I have Big Ben and Brees. I've actually benched Drew for Ben a few times this year - that's how good Roethlisberger has been.

Not this week...too much risk with the wind. I realize I have a luxury most do not but imo there aren't many qb's I would have over Big Ben this weekend.

I'd play Roethlisberger this weekend over any qb not named Peyton/Brees/Warner. He's been an absolute stud this year, he's going against a team that has a terrible defense, and that terrible defense is decimated with injuries.

The only concern is the wind. While that is a big concern, this team is a team that relies heavily on the pass. Holmes is a guy that can take a short pass to the endzone. Ward and Miller are both sure handed guys that make excellent red zone options.

Big Ben may not pass for 400 yards but I think he has a good a shot as anyone to pass for numerous touchdowns...and really, that's what we're all after.

 

[footballnerd]

So, is it still gusts up to 40 but a constant 20 or so? Is that where we are now?

Hour by hour

 

[Your Mom]

Holmes owner.....I just can't see starting him this week.......too many reasons NOT to start him and very few reasons TO start him....I know they are playing Cleveland and on paper it looked like a great matchup, but that weather is just crazy....I see Pitt dominating this game with defense and running the ball....I don't think they will NEED to throw as I think they win the battle of field position all night (Clev won't be able to move the ball) and pound the running game at CLEV.....once they get a lead they will have very little reason to throw the ball...If I sit Holmes and he blows up......I can live with that If I start him and he lays an egg......not sure I could live with that knowing what I knew before the game.......

I know cleveland is awful, but Pittsburgh isn't the Pittsburgh of last year. They aren't that good. They have lost to the raiders and Bears. I don't think they will have the game in hand as you are thinking. That being said, who do you have to start over Santonio?I personally am starting Santonio as my flex over Cedric benson and am 100% confident in doing that. I got other WRs I am starting and feel confident he will outscore them. S. SMith (NYG) and maybe Sims-Walker.

lets say Holmes is currently my flex....these are my other options....took out my other for sure startersRB Darren McFadden OAK 9 RB Justin Forsett SEA 7 RB Rock Cartwright WAS 8 RB Ryan Moats HOU 10 RB Mike Bell NO 5 WR Mario Manningham NYG 10 WR Austin Collie IND 6 WR Mike Wallace PIT 8 WR Chris Chambers KC 8 TE John Carlson SEA 7 a few options I like better....a few I don't.....don't get me wrong, I hate sitting Holmes......I just think it is the safe play here in the first week of playoffs.......and not that it matters....but my opponent has Ben and he is sitting him.....so if Imiss out, it's not a double whammy....

Not that you asked, or even care what I think, but I will say it anyways. IMO all those guys you have left is very capable of laying a goose egg. Mike Bell would be the only one I would consider. I don't think you have a safe play in that bunch. I couldn't sit Holmes if I were you.It's your team and I could be 100% wrong, but that is what I am thinking.

 

[C-Bound]

So, is it still gusts up to 40 but a constant 20 or so? Is that where we are now?

Hour by hour

I assume that means CONSTANT at those wind speeds? I also wonder if the defenses might load up the boxes trying to force the offenses to pass in this game. Could at least be a big PPR game for guys like Holmes...

 

[footballnerd]

Would you rather have constant 22 with 40 mph gusts or constant 30 with 40 mph gusts? Seems like the bigger discrepancy would throw the ball off more if it occurs during a pass.

 

[Stinkin Ref]

Holmes owner.....I just can't see starting him this week.......too many reasons NOT to start him and very few reasons TO start him....I know they are playing Cleveland and on paper it looked like a great matchup, but that weather is just crazy....I see Pitt dominating this game with defense and running the ball....I don't think they will NEED to throw as I think they win the battle of field position all night (Clev won't be able to move the ball) and pound the running game at CLEV.....once they get a lead they will have very little reason to throw the ball...If I sit Holmes and he blows up......I can live with that If I start him and he lays an egg......not sure I could live with that knowing what I knew before the game.......

I know cleveland is awful, but Pittsburgh isn't the Pittsburgh of last year. They aren't that good. They have lost to the raiders and Bears. I don't think they will have the game in hand as you are thinking. That being said, who do you have to start over Santonio?I personally am starting Santonio as my flex over Cedric benson and am 100% confident in doing that. I got other WRs I am starting and feel confident he will outscore them. S. SMith (NYG) and maybe Sims-Walker.

lets say Holmes is currently my flex....these are my other options....took out my other for sure startersRB Darren McFadden OAK 9 RB Justin Forsett SEA 7 RB Rock Cartwright WAS 8 RB Ryan Moats HOU 10 RB Mike Bell NO 5 WR Mario Manningham NYG 10 WR Austin Collie IND 6 WR Mike Wallace PIT 8 WR Chris Chambers KC 8 TE John Carlson SEA 7 a few options I like better....a few I don't.....don't get me wrong, I hate sitting Holmes......I just think it is the safe play here in the first week of playoffs.......and not that it matters....but my opponent has Ben and he is sitting him.....so if Imiss out, it's not a double whammy....

Not that you asked, or even care what I think, but I will say it anyways. IMO all those guys you have left is very capable of laying a goose egg. Mike Bell would be the only one I would consider. I don't think you have a safe play in that bunch. I couldn't sit Holmes if I were you.It's your team and I could be 100% wrong, but that is what I am thinking.

funny....I just looked at those guys again and not one (except for Carlson) did I draft.....thats what having Westbrook, Leon Washington, Larry Johnson, Chris Henry, Galloway,and Bowe, etc will do to you........ lol....still can't start Holmes......

 

[fflnut]

Holmes owner.....I just can't see starting him this week.......too many reasons NOT to start him and very few reasons TO start him....I know they are playing Cleveland and on paper it looked like a great matchup, but that weather is just crazy....I see Pitt dominating this game with defense and running the ball....I don't think they will NEED to throw as I think they win the battle of field position all night (Clev won't be able to move the ball) and pound the running game at CLEV.....once they get a lead they will have very little reason to throw the ball...If I sit Holmes and he blows up......I can live with that If I start him and he lays an egg......not sure I could live with that knowing what I knew before the game.......

I know cleveland is awful, but Pittsburgh isn't the Pittsburgh of last year. They aren't that good. They have lost to the raiders and Bears. I don't think they will have the game in hand as you are thinking. That being said, who do you have to start over Santonio?I personally am starting Santonio as my flex over Cedric benson and am 100% confident in doing that. I got other WRs I am starting and feel confident he will outscore them. S. SMith (NYG) and maybe Sims-Walker.

lets say Holmes is currently my flex....these are my other options....took out my other for sure startersRB Darren McFadden OAK 9 RB Justin Forsett SEA 7 RB Rock Cartwright WAS 8 RB Ryan Moats HOU 10 RB Mike Bell NO 5 WR Mario Manningham NYG 10 WR Austin Collie IND 6 WR Mike Wallace PIT 8 WR Chris Chambers KC 8 TE John Carlson SEA 7 a few options I like better....a few I don't.....don't get me wrong, I hate sitting Holmes......I just think it is the safe play here in the first week of playoffs.......and not that it matters....but my opponent has Ben and he is sitting him.....so if Imiss out, it's not a double whammy....

Not that you asked, or even care what I think, but I will say it anyways. IMO all those guys you have left is very capable of laying a goose egg. Mike Bell would be the only one I would consider. I don't think you have a safe play in that bunch. I couldn't sit Holmes if I were you.It's your team and I could be 100% wrong, but that is what I am thinking.

I too am having a hard time making the decision about starting Holmes tonight. My other option is Antonio Bryant against NYJ or someone like Devery Henderson. In another league I may start TO over him. I hate pulling Holmes from my lineup, but as the previous poster said, think I'd rather watch him blow up and have someone in his place who scores a fair amt of pts instead of having Holmes in my lineup and getting a goose egg.

 

[Your Mom]

It will be interesting. hopefully it all works out for everyone.

Lets go Santonio.

 

[Sigmund Bloom]

From ClevelandBrowns.com writer Zac Jackson on Twitter:

At stadium. Temps below freezing and wind howling. HOWLING. Colder than possible to explain for Thursday Night Football.

 

[davidwb]

Just great -- i was going to sit Ben and start Vince Young because of the weather...but now Young has tweaked his knee.

Aaaaargh! Do I take the chance on Ben in the "HOWLING wind?"

 

[Clash of the Titans]

my receiving core on one of my playoff teams has been decimated with injuries/etc...i have bowe.......hester.......nicks....wayne...ward...and i picked up deven thomas this week due to all the extenuating circusmstances....my options are limited ....if ward is playing i am rolling with him..........he's the ultimate gamer...

 

[jurrassic]

I was already benching big Ben, now I wonder if I should bench Mendenhall.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

Am I wrong or does it just look cold? There isn't piles of snow coming downa nd I don't see any wind ripping thru the faces of the reporters on the field...saw an equipment guy running off and he seemed fine.

Big Ben and crew might still make a go of it tonight in the air yes/no?

 

[editor47]

rachel nichols live (and hot as usual) ... hair is almost still.

 

[Tony Jabroni]

Really about to go all-in after reading this, just a gut feeling:

J Harrison over Beanie Wells

and

About to put Santonio in over V Jax even with Rivers as my QB.

#### it, it's only $ and my playoff life....

 

[duece2626]

http://www.weather.com/outlook/events/nfl/...m=NFL_teamsched

 

[EBF]

Pretty much obligated to start Ben and Holmes in two of my money leagues. Crossing fingers.

 

[Your Mom]

Am I wrong or does it just look cold? There isn't piles of snow coming downa nd I don't see any wind ripping thru the faces of the reporters on the field...saw an equipment guy running off and he seemed fine.Big Ben and crew might still make a go of it tonight in the air yes/no?

It looked windy, but i didn't think it was anything to be too concerned about. The gusts are going to suck, but they are just gusts.

 

[footballnerd]

From WSW at 29 mph

gusting to 50 mph

 

[Ministry of Pain]

Am I wrong or does it just look cold? There isn't piles of snow coming downa nd I don't see any wind ripping thru the faces of the reporters on the field...saw an equipment guy running off and he seemed fine.Big Ben and crew might still make a go of it tonight in the air yes/no?

It looked windy, but i didn't think it was anything to be too concerned about. The gusts are going to suck, but they are just gusts.

I'm looking at Hanson right now onthe field and hi hair aint blowing a bit, neither is the guy across form him that he is inteviewing...Just sayin.

 

[culdeus]

Remember that some stadiums do a better job of dealing with the wind than others. Especially if it's coming in perpendicular to the sideline. Video being shot from the stadium live does not appear to look that bad.

 

[TheWick]

I'm pretty sure if there was a spot on the field where the wind wasn't as bad....thats where the reporters would be reporting from

 

[Your Mom]

Am I wrong or does it just look cold? There isn't piles of snow coming downa nd I don't see any wind ripping thru the faces of the reporters on the field...saw an equipment guy running off and he seemed fine.Big Ben and crew might still make a go of it tonight in the air yes/no?

It looked windy, but i didn't think it was anything to be too concerned about. The gusts are going to suck, but they are just gusts.

I'm looking at Hanson right now onthe field and hi hair aint blowing a bit, neither is the guy across form him that he is inteviewing...Just sayin.

I agree with you. Hopefully what we see is right.

 

[duece2626]

I live in Canton (45 min south of Cle), and if the weather is anything like it is here, then there will be issues.

 

[Magnum]

It's going to be painful if the game starts.....winds are mild........and Ben leads the team down the field and passes for a TD.

 

[LA Football Fan]

Really wanted to start Holmes at flex...I need the upside in the playoffs. I've also got Justin Fargas, Jerious Norwood or Housh...I know those would be safer, but any case for sticking with Holmes?

 

[prosopis]

Start Holmes without hesitation. Way to much over thinking in here.

 

[Your Mom]

Really wanted to start Holmes at flex...I need the upside in the playoffs. I've also got Justin Fargas, Jerious Norwood or Housh...I know those would be safer, but any case for sticking with Holmes?

If you read the earlier posts you will see a couple people in your favor and others against. The way those other 3 are playing, I don't see much upside there.

 

[Chaka]

Can we get a weather update? It's been at least 30 seconds since the last one.

 

[Dragon1952]

Sustained winds of 20-25 mph are more powerful than some of you might think. It's not like cruising the strip at 25 mph and it feels like you're barely moving. Afterall, a football weighs barely 1 lb.

 

[OnTheReg]

I'm debating between Holmes and Meachem in a PPR. Leaning towards Meachem now that Ward is playing. Any thoughts?

 

[Chaka]

Can we get a weather update? It's been at least 30 seconds since the last one.

Got it. That was close.

 

[duece2626]

Start Holmes without hesitation. Way to much over thinking in here.

Gore, Meachem or Holmes? Need 2. Touch call, IMO

 

[duece2626]

I'm debating between Holmes and Meachem in a PPR. Leaning towards Meachem now that Ward is playing. Any thoughts?

I currently have Meachem in over Holmes. I may also bench Gore for Holmes if I'm feeling giddy.

 

[Prinefan]

Start Holmes without hesitation. Way to much over thinking in here.

This. I'm starting Holmes with no hesitation. FYI Eisen just said on NFL netwrk that Ward is going to go for it.

 

[Dr. No]

in a PPR i'm debating between meachem, holmes, or Tomlinson.

I have to pick 2 of three....

holmes would be a no brainer without this weather...

this is probably the most i've thought about a lineup choice all year.

in my 2nd league i'm debating on Harrison vs. Julius Jones or Britt.. in a 0.5 PPR for WR's and 0 PPR for RB's... again.. very tough.

 

[Chaka]

I think it's time to move this thread to the AC forum.

 

[Goldfinger007]

Man I got Big Ben as my starting QB. My only other option is Hassleback and I hate putting my first playoff game on his shoulders. Vince is on the wire though.Anyone know where you can see how Big Ben does in bad weather?

I have the same decision