Ryan Matthews -- Week 15 (1 Viewer)

[greenline]

I know Matthews has had a good stretch, but I am having trouble understanding the FBG projection of 15 points for him this week given that he is facing Baltimore. 16 carries for 73 yards is a hefty 4.6 YPC. Throw in a handful of receptions as well?

The Ravens are a real tough matchup and I'd love to believe that Matthews is a Top 10 play at RB for this playoff week, but I'm not seeing it. What am I missing?

 

[=Smackdown=]

I don't see it either. The early rank has him at #7.

Don't see how I can start him over the likes of Reggie Bush and/or Marshawn Lynch

 

[Squintz82]

Ravens haven't been that tough on the road or that strong against the run lately. Not to mention the SD WRs are healthy and Rivers has been looking better, which has helped Mathews a lot.

 

[sycamore]

Baltimore is not San Francisco. They've allowed 6 rushing TDs and a couple hundred yard games. I can see 90 total yards (60 rush, 30 receiving) and a touchdown for Mathews.

 

[Hoosier16]

I didn't see it either. The yardage may be about right but I think they have the TD split between he and Tolbert reversed. Mathews is being given .6 TDs and Tolbert .2. Even during his good stretch, he has only scored 1 TD (to Tolbert's 4). Reversing those seems more appropriate giving Mathews 12.7 and Tolbert 6.8 and moving Mathews down to about 15.

 

[shadyridr]

Baltimore is not San Francisco. They've allowed 6 rushing TDs and a couple hundred yard games. I can see 90 total yards (60 rush, 30 receiving) and a touchdown for Mathews.

5 of those TDS have come from the 7 yd line and in. Meaning those would all be Tolbert opportunities.

 

[scrumptrulescent]

Ravens haven't been that tough on the road or that strong against the run lately. Not to mention the SD WRs are healthy and Rivers has been looking better, which has helped Mathews a lot.

Defenses need to respect the pass now against SD....safeties backing up off the line. Definitely helping the running lanes.

 

[greenline]

Ray Lewis (toe) will practice this week and is still expected to play against the Chargers Sunday, confirms ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Lewis remains on track to return this week from his four-game absence. Before going down, Lewis hadn't missed a game since 2007. He's averaging 7.5 tackles per game this season. Dec 14 - 10:32 AM

Source: Adam Schefter on Twitter

 

[TheFootballJesus]

Bloom's ranking seems a lot more realistic. It still might be giving him too much credit.

I'm starting him in both leagues I have him because I completely lack any other options.

 

[scrumptrulescent]

Bloom's ranking seems a lot more realistic. It still might be giving him too much credit.

Dodds had been on it a lot more than Bloom this season as far as my players have gone....that includes Mathews' production.

 

[greenline]

I just don't feel it on Mathews. Even the week that M. Lynch had good production, SEA fed him the ball with 32 carries, for 3.4 YPC and his longest run was 8 yards. I can't imgine SD will follow that formula.

 

[Squintz82]

I just don't feel it on Mathews. Even the week that M. Lynch had good production, SEA fed him the ball with 32 carries, for 3.4 YPC and his longest run was 8 yards. I can't imgine SD will follow that formula.

And Seattle has nowhere near the passing attack that SD does IMO

 

[Sigmund Bloom]

Ray Lewis being back this week really put cold water on the Mathews outlook this week for me.

Some of the factors that make Mathews a low-to-mid RB2 despite coming in hot (better in PPR) other than Lewis's return include:

- risk of missing plays/shortened game for Mathews b/c of injury increased with hard-hitting Ravens D

- Ravens pass rush against depleted SD OL could make life hard for Rivers, kill drives, create terrible down/distances for run

- Tolbert's persistent role as GL vulture

- feels like SD has had success with RM on toss plays outside the numbers and stretching out defenses, doesn't seem like this will be as effective against BAL's aggressive D with players like Pollard

would love to hear thoughts on these thoughts

 

[mega_rob]

Hey Bloom, I hear you about the hesitation of Mathews vs BAL. How to you feel about starting a K. Smith or D. Bryant over him at the flex spot?

 

[scrumptrulescent]

Ray Lewis being back this week really put cold water on the Mathews outlook this week for me.Some of the factors that make Mathews a low-to-mid RB2 despite coming in hot (better in PPR) other than Lewis's return include:- risk of missing plays/shortened game for Mathews b/c of injury increased with hard-hitting Ravens D- Ravens pass rush against depleted SD OL could make life hard for Rivers, kill drives, create terrible down/distances for run- Tolbert's persistent role as GL vulture - feels like SD has had success with RM on toss plays outside the numbers and stretching out defenses, doesn't seem like this will be as effective against BAL's aggressive D with players like Pollardwould love to hear thoughts on these thoughts

Ray Lewis has turf toe so how effective will he be?-Has it come to this that we're concerned about Mathews just because he's going up against a hard hitting team?-SD OL has given up 1 sack in the last 2 games. (They gave up 3 in the Denver game 3 weeks ago)-I'm not sure what kind of RB is more effective against the Ravens D....the slow battering ram (Tolbert) or the faster slashing rb (Mathews)?-Execution and a suddenly potent passing game could help SD and Mathews on the outside tosses I would think.All things stated about the Ravens D is legit, but it can't be discounted that SD has been an elite offense the past 2 weeks, unstoppable. The Ravens have been awful at times this year and this trip to SD could be trouble for them.

 

[Sigmund Bloom]

Ray Lewis being back this week really put cold water on the Mathews outlook this week for me.Some of the factors that make Mathews a low-to-mid RB2 despite coming in hot (better in PPR) other than Lewis's return include:- risk of missing plays/shortened game for Mathews b/c of injury increased with hard-hitting Ravens D- Ravens pass rush against depleted SD OL could make life hard for Rivers, kill drives, create terrible down/distances for run- Tolbert's persistent role as GL vulture - feels like SD has had success with RM on toss plays outside the numbers and stretching out defenses, doesn't seem like this will be as effective against BAL's aggressive D with players like Pollardwould love to hear thoughts on these thoughts

Ray Lewis has turf toe so how effective will he be?-Has it come to this that we're concerned about Mathews just because he's going up against a hard hitting team?-SD OL has given up 1 sack in the last 2 games. (They gave up 3 in the Denver game 3 weeks ago)-I'm not sure what kind of RB is more effective against the Ravens D....the slow battering ram (Tolbert) or the faster slashing rb (Mathews)?-Execution and a suddenly potent passing game could help SD and Mathews on the outside tosses I would think.All things stated about the Ravens D is legit, but it can't be discounted that SD has been an elite offense the past 2 weeks, unstoppable. The Ravens have been awful at times this year and this trip to SD could be trouble for them.

SD beat up on JAX and BUF the last two weeks. Rivers looked off vs. JAX until John Chick went out and JAX/BUF really have no pass rushers to speak of... Not really putting much stock in SD offense performance the last two weeks as an indicator of how they will do vs BAL. The Ravens know a division title and bye are riding on this game...I also don't think you'll see Lewis be limited. They have been saving him for this one imo...As far as concern for Mathews because of hard-hitting teams, well, yes. How many games has he left early this year (last week yet another)...

 

[Sigmund Bloom]

Hey Bloom, I hear you about the hesitation of Mathews vs BAL. How to you feel about starting a K. Smith or D. Bryant over him at the flex spot?

Smith has a similar outlook with a higher ceiling and bust risk... would lean towards him with full practice tomorrow and on track to startA little worried that Dez may not get many targets and draw Talib... Mathews for sure over him in nonppr, PPR might lean Dez, but it is close.

 

[Tau837]

Ray Lewis being back this week really put cold water on the Mathews outlook this week for me.Some of the factors that make Mathews a low-to-mid RB2 despite coming in hot (better in PPR) other than Lewis's return include:- risk of missing plays/shortened game for Mathews b/c of injury increased with hard-hitting Ravens D- Ravens pass rush against depleted SD OL could make life hard for Rivers, kill drives, create terrible down/distances for run- Tolbert's persistent role as GL vulture - feels like SD has had success with RM on toss plays outside the numbers and stretching out defenses, doesn't seem like this will be as effective against BAL's aggressive D with players like Pollardwould love to hear thoughts on these thoughts

Ray Lewis has turf toe so how effective will he be?-Has it come to this that we're concerned about Mathews just because he's going up against a hard hitting team?-SD OL has given up 1 sack in the last 2 games. (They gave up 3 in the Denver game 3 weeks ago)-I'm not sure what kind of RB is more effective against the Ravens D....the slow battering ram (Tolbert) or the faster slashing rb (Mathews)?-Execution and a suddenly potent passing game could help SD and Mathews on the outside tosses I would think.All things stated about the Ravens D is legit, but it can't be discounted that SD has been an elite offense the past 2 weeks, unstoppable. The Ravens have been awful at times this year and this trip to SD could be trouble for them.

SD beat up on JAX and BUF the last two weeks. Rivers looked off vs. JAX until John Chick went out and JAX/BUF really have no pass rushers to speak of... Not really putting much stock in SD offense performance the last two weeks as an indicator of how they will do vs BAL. The Ravens know a division title and bye are riding on this game...I also don't think you'll see Lewis be limited. They have been saving him for this one imo...As far as concern for Mathews because of hard-hitting teams, well, yes. How many games has he left early this year (last week yet another)...

Ranking by yardage, Baltimore has the second best rushing defense right now. Miami has the third best defense, and Mathews had 16/81/0 rushing (5.1 ypc) and 5/68/0 against them in San Diego.As for how many times he has left games early, consider that he has 230 touches in 12 games... just over 19.2 touches per game. How many RBs average more per game?Just a couple data points that might be of interest...

 

[shadyridr]

#### it. im rolling the dice with mathews over jordy and wallace at my flex. just a gut feeling

 

[GoBirds]

Can't talk myself into benching Lynch or Wells for him.

 

[TheFootballJesus]

I traded for him 4 weeks ago and he's carried my team to the playoffs. Sticking with him

 

[Raider Nation]

He's in at the 2-yard line for once.

Play clock runs down. Timeout.

After the timeout, Tolbert is in. TOUCHDOWN TOLBERT!

It's enough to drive you crazy.

 

[Donsmith753]

You are the Tolbert of my life :(

 

[flapgreen]

Shut this turd down! Go Tolbert!!

 

[Squintz82]

Maybe they figured out Mathews can score too?

 

[shadyridr]

#### it. im rolling the dice with mathews over jordy and wallace at my flex. just a gut feeling

 

[Raider Nation]

Let's see fat Tolbert leap over the pile into the end zone from the 4-yard line.

 

[shadyridr]

Let's see fat Tolbert leap over the pile into the end zone from the 4-yard line.

Save some for next week Mathews!

 

[greenline]

Yikes. Nice call FBG!

I just didn't think the Ravens would allow this in such a critical game. They are so much different on the road. Mathews with 22.9 points last night. Impressive.

 

[FF Ninja]

He's in at the 2-yard line for once.Play clock runs down. Timeout.After the timeout, Tolbert is in. TOUCHDOWN TOLBERT!It's enough to drive you crazy.

Oh man, I'm glad I wasn't watching. That would've been frustrating. But looking at the end of game stat line it is hard to be upset...

 

[scrumptrulescent]

Not much for him up the middle but when the guy cuts back or bounces it outside, lookout. Got around the edge a few times last night for big gains. Loved the goal line love.

 

[Shutout]

Not much for him up the middle but when the guy cuts back or bounces it outside, lookout. Got around the edge a few times last night for big gains. Loved the goal line love.

Me too. PLEASE let it keep rolling next week against Detroit.

 

[Touchdown There]

I know Matthews has had a good stretch, but I am having trouble understanding the FBG projection of 15 points for him this week given that he is facing Baltimore. 16 carries for 73 yards is a hefty 4.6 YPC. Throw in a handful of receptions as well?

The Ravens are a real tough matchup and I'd love to believe that Matthews is a Top 10 play at RB for this playoff week, but I'm not seeing it. What am I missing?

There is only one "t" in Mathews and never bench your studs. It was obvious that San Diego was in a must win and that they were going to bring everything they had last night. Ryan Mathews is healthy. He is the lead back on a very good offense that had home field advantage. He is the 5th RB in PPR scoring formats.When you started this thread, there were already other Ryan Mathews threads. You went out of your way to start this thread and question FBG's projections. You were wrong and should be in here eating some crow like a man.

 

[Touchdown There]

I know Matthews has had a good stretch, but I am having trouble understanding the FBG projection of 15 points for him this week given that he is facing Baltimore. 16 carries for 73 yards is a hefty 4.6 YPC. Throw in a handful of receptions as well?

The Ravens are a real tough matchup and I'd love to believe that Matthews is a Top 10 play at RB for this playoff week, but I'm not seeing it. What am I missing?

Ohhh - and I don't normally rail on people with misspellings. I chose to do so in your case because it was very clear that you are not a Mathews owner. A guy that drafted Mathews and has had him on his roster all year can spell his name. You were playing a week 15 matchup against a team that was starting Mathews and you did not like the projections. It did not deserve a whole new thread of anti-Mathews discussion.

 

[shadyridr]

I know Matthews has had a good stretch, but I am having trouble understanding the FBG projection of 15 points for him this week given that he is facing Baltimore. 16 carries for 73 yards is a hefty 4.6 YPC. Throw in a handful of receptions as well?

The Ravens are a real tough matchup and I'd love to believe that Matthews is a Top 10 play at RB for this playoff week, but I'm not seeing it. What am I missing?

There is only one "t" in Mathews and ever bench your studs. It was obvious that San Diego was in a must win and that they were going to bring everything they had last night. Ryan Mathews is healthy. He is the lead back on a very good offense that had home field advantage. He is the 5th RB in PPR scoring formats.When you started this thread, there were already other Ryan Mathews threads. You went out of your way to start this thread and question FBG's projections. You were wrong and should be in here eating some crow like a man.

I mustve missed your post in here prior to the game.

 

[RUSF18]

Holy overreaction Batman.

 

[Squintz82]

Ravens haven't been that tough on the road or that strong against the run lately. Not to mention the SD WRs are healthy and Rivers has been looking better, which has helped Mathews a lot.

Defenses need to respect the pass now against SD....safeties backing up off the line. Definitely helping the running lanes.

 

[Touchdown There]

I know Matthews has had a good stretch, but I am having trouble understanding the FBG projection of 15 points for him this week given that he is facing Baltimore. 16 carries for 73 yards is a hefty 4.6 YPC. Throw in a handful of receptions as well?

The Ravens are a real tough matchup and I'd love to believe that Matthews is a Top 10 play at RB for this playoff week, but I'm not seeing it. What am I missing?

There is only one "t" in Mathews and ever bench your studs. It was obvious that San Diego was in a must win and that they were going to bring everything they had last night. Ryan Mathews is healthy. He is the lead back on a very good offense that had home field advantage. He is the 5th RB in PPR scoring formats.When you started this thread, there were already other Ryan Mathews threads. You went out of your way to start this thread and question FBG's projections. You were wrong and should be in here eating some crow like a man.

I mustve missed your post in here prior to the game.

I hyper-linked my post to the original Mathews thread, not the "redundant challenge footballguys staff projections thread".

 

[Touchdown There]

Holy overreaction Batman.

Point taken, but do we have to have endless threads on Mathews? I am just reducing the the Shark Pool clutter here. Enough of people whining about Mathews. He is not going to come into this thread and defend himself. Last year he was a rookie and had a bunch of injuries. This year he is the 5th overall RB and is healthy in the playoffs. It is time to give Mathews credit where credit is due.

 

[Raider Nation]

I am just reducing the the Shark Pool clutter here.

Keep up the good work.

 

[Touchdown There]

I am just reducing the the Shark Pool clutter here.

Keep up the good work.

Mathews can keep up the good work.

 

[shadyridr]

I know Matthews has had a good stretch, but I am having trouble understanding the FBG projection of 15 points for him this week given that he is facing Baltimore. 16 carries for 73 yards is a hefty 4.6 YPC. Throw in a handful of receptions as well?

The Ravens are a real tough matchup and I'd love to believe that Matthews is a Top 10 play at RB for this playoff week, but I'm not seeing it. What am I missing?

There is only one "t" in Mathews and ever bench your studs. It was obvious that San Diego was in a must win and that they were going to bring everything they had last night. Ryan Mathews is healthy. He is the lead back on a very good offense that had home field advantage. He is the 5th RB in PPR scoring formats.When you started this thread, there were already other Ryan Mathews threads. You went out of your way to start this thread and question FBG's projections. You were wrong and should be in here eating some crow like a man.

I mustve missed your post in here prior to the game.

I hyper-linked my post to the original Mathews thread, not the "redundant challenge footballguys staff projections thread".

I stand corrected. Good call. I started him anyway