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Bryant Johnson-WR- 49ers Sep. 2 - 3:11 pm et The Sacramento Bee reports that Bryant Johnson is likely to start over Josh Morgan in Week 1."We're really kind of depending on him to step up now and be healthy and ready to go," offensive coordinator Mike Martz said. The newspaper notes that Morgan is expected to play plenty of special teams Sunday, making it unlikely that he'd start at receiver.Source: Sacramento Bee
Philly will play 3 WR's on almost every play with Jackson working the slot. Reggie Brown is gimpy and Hank Basket (not Bassett) will start on the other side for the injured Curtis.Jackson will have more receptions than Baskett and Reggie Brown combined. I know this team, I know this coach and I know they will force feed the rookie on Sunday from the slot.Next week at Dallas may be a little different though......
No one knows. The OP listed Plax as a WR3 and I argued the opposite.Who's drafting Burress as a WR3? Regardless of whether you value him as a WR1/high WR2 or not, anyone who got him as a WR3 can just go ahead and lock in their title cause their league is full ofScoobyDoo said:
Moss, Marshall, Burress.Who's drafting Burress as a WR3? Regardless of whether you value him as a WR1/high WR2 or not, anyone who got him as a WR3 can just go ahead and lock in their title cause their league is full ofScoobyDoo said:
oof...& I thought my mix of Holt, Colston, CJ2 & Steve Smith (the original puncher) was good...Moss, Marshall, Burress.
New team, QB named J.T. O'Sullivan, new offensive coordinator where players are having a hard time picking up the scheme.. Nope. I say Avoid him. But again, it's just my opinion.Deuce said:
Thats quite a group too, wonder how your RB's turned out. I'm relying on LJ and LenWhale. :Xoof...& I thought my mix of Holt, Colston, CJ2 & Steve Smith (the original puncher) was good...Moss, Marshall, Burress.
Great Read LB!
This is gonna be a hijack so I apologize, just want to answer the man's question.Well, to be honest I'm not too happy about my RBs. I just traded Addai (who was my #1 & who has been a keeper for 2 years) in a deal that got me Torry Holt. INDY really scares me this season & Addai's inconsistency & constant coming out of the game last year really bummed me. I know I took a hit in the deal, but it is PPR & this was the deal: Joseph Addai & Nate Burleson for Reggie Bush, Selvin Young, & Torry Holt.Thats quite a group too, wonder how your RB's turned out. I'm relying on LJ and LenWhale. :Xoof...& I thought my mix of Holt, Colston, CJ2 & Steve Smith (the original puncher) was good...Moss, Marshall, Burress.
Great Read LB!
Not bad, good luck.So psyched for some football!!!!!This is gonna be a hijack so I apologize, just want to answer the man's question.Well, to be honest I'm not too happy about my RBs. I just traded Addai (who was my #1 & who has been a keeper for 2 years) in a deal that got me Torry Holt. INDY really scares me this season & Addai's inconsistency & constant coming out of the game last year really bummed me. I know I took a hit in the deal, but it is PPR & this was the deal: Joseph Addai & Nate Burleson for Reggie Bush, Selvin Young, & Torry Holt.Thats quite a group too, wonder how your RB's turned out. I'm relying on LJ and LenWhale.oof...& I thought my mix of Holt, Colston, CJ2 & Steve Smith (the original puncher) was good...Moss, Marshall, Burress.
Great Read LB!
Here are my RBs:
Bush, Reggie NOS (just acquired via trade)
Jones, Thomas NYJ (drafted)
Norwood, Jerious ATL (drafted)
Perry, Chris CIN (waivers)
Washington, Leon NYJ (drafted)
Williams, DeAngelo CAR RB (drafted)
Young, Selvin DEN RB (just acquired in trade)
It's start two RB, 2 WR, w/ a flex. I figure I'll start 3 WRs & play matchups w/ the RBs.
I can't hold them all & frankly don't want to. I'd like to package Perry & Young for a decent RB (maybe Brandon Jacobs).
So Hijack over. Great Read LB (again)!
Hey Hank, thanks for checking out the thread.To answer your question, if I HAD to pick somebody out of this game it would have to come from the Jags b/c I'm convinced Vince Young just plain sucks. Roll the dice on Jag WR Reggie Williams. But you're really twisting my arm here.Good Luck!LB2KIf you HAD to start a JAX/TENN WR,who would you exploit/avoid... or be neutral on?Just curious!Love the column!
don't forget auction leagues. I did a 12-team auction league, and I have Fitz, Andre Johnson, and Burress (with Burleson at flex and Anthony Gonzalez on the bench). With more leagues moving to auctions, you will see many different combinations of players than you would through standard snake drafts.Who's drafting Burress as a WR3? Regardless of whether you value him as a WR1/high WR2 or not, anyone who got him as a WR3 can just go ahead and lock in their title cause their league is full of
Would you play him over Anthony Gonzalez vs. CHI?I'm getting a good feeling about Antonio Bryant now that he is starting alongside Galloway. He and Galloway should be able to do some serious damage to the Saints secondary. I'm saying 60+ yards and a TD? For those who have a flex or are missing Brandon Marshall, he may be worth rolling the dice on in week one.
Me too - Evans, Shockey, and Coles. I think Shockey will be fine. I am more concerned with Coles and Evans.So here are my top five EXPLOITS for week one in no particular order:
1. Nate Burlson, WR, Seattle
2. Joey Galloway, WR, Tampa Bay
3. Patrick Crayton, WR, Dallas
4. Muhsin Muhammad, WR, Carolina
5. Zach Miller, TE, Oakland
Top five AVOIDS:
1. Laverneous Coles, WR, NYJ
2. Tony Sheffler, TE, Denver
3. Lee Evans, WR, Buffalo
4. Jeremy Shocky, TE, N.O.
5. Bernard Berrian, WR, Minnesota
Well that's just terrific. I've got no players from the 'Exploit' list and 3 on the 'Avoid' list. Thanks a lot!
Assuming Galloway plays with his groin, when does the old white tiger begin to show his age?Yeup, it kicks off this Thursday and I can't wait folks. I started doing this thread along with MOP last year and enjoyed every second of it. Some people enjoyed it, and some people ripped it. But the important part is, everyone had fun. I honestly do put in some time and thought to this thread, so I hope everyone enjoys the thread this year.
Each week I will list what I feel are some WR/TE matchups to Exploit/Avoid. I do this on a color coded basis. Green will be the EXPLOITS and Red will be the AVOIDS. So with out wasting anymore time, let's look at week one's matchup!
Washington @ NYG:
Redskin WRs/TEs:: I was high on Campbell at the beginning of the year, but I'm souring on him real fast. They are playing in a West Coast offense this year which of course means they throw the ball a lot, but that week 3 preseason game still sticks in my mind. They had all of there starters out there for there final tune up and they just looked bad. The Giants may have lost Strahan and Osi, but I just don't think the Skins are used to the new system... Yet. Look for better options in week one.
Burress:: Who can forget Burress' performance last year in week one, as he torched the Cowboys for 144 yards and three TDs. Burress has a history of having solid games in week one since joining the Gints. He's scored a TD in each opening game for the G-men and I don't see anything different in 2008. He should perform as a WR3 this weekend.
Toomer/Boss:: I think the Skins and G-men will be using the run game too much for these guys to be involved.
EXPLOIT: Plaxico Burress
AVOID: Toomer/Boss
AVOID: Skin WRs
Seattle @ Buffalo:
Burlson: He could be a nice sleeper this weekend. Hass needs somebody to throw the ball to, and with Nate being the number one target it seems in the offense, I can see him getting 80+ receiving and paying a trip to the endzone.
Taylor/Branch: Taylor has looked good in preseason, but I need to see him in a game that matters before putting him in my starting lineup. There have been reports about Branch playing in week one, but even if he does, he has to be a little rusty.
Evans/Hardy/Reed: The Seattle defense is very underrated in my opinion. Add that to the fact that the Bills will not have their best offensive lineman and a banged up QB, I don't like Buffalo's passing attack. I can see the Bills feeding Marshawn the ball 30+ times this week.
EXPLOIT: Nate Burlson
AVOID: Taylor/Branch
AVOID: Evans/Hardy/Reed:
Detroit @ Atlanta:
White/Jenkins: Roddy is the teams top returning wide out and I think he will continue to produce for the Birds. He and QB Matt Ryan seem to have developed some quick chemistry which will be important for the Falcon passing attack in 2008. Michael Jenkins is full of potential but needs to show some consistentcy.
Calvin Johnson/Roy Williams: Mega Tron and RW should have a field day against a bad Falcon secondary. Calvin was on fire in the preseason games while Roy came on towards the end. The coaching staff wants to run the ball but I don't see them doing that a lot this year because of their defense enjoys giving up a lot of points. Kitna has looked great so far and that can only mean positive things for CJ2 and RW in 2008.
NYJ @ Miami:
Jerricho Cotchery/Coles/Keller/Baker: Favre and Cotch had some early season chemistry going on in the preseason, and I believe it will continue not only for this weekend, but for the rest of the year. I think the Jets may eventually turn themselves into a pass first team, as Thomas Jones has struggled so far this season running the ball from what I can see. Cotchery is the one guy Favre needs to get the Jets offense rolling and I expect a big day from Cotchery. Keller and Baker could be sleepers this weekend as Favre has a history of having success with TEs in Green Bay. Coles has yet to see the field in preseason and there have been reports that he's not happy with the way the team released QB Chad Pennington. He's missed valuable time if you ask me and I just don't see him being much of a factor this weekend.
Miami WRs: I can't recommend any Fins until I see how Pennington looks through the air. I see the Fins running the ball an awfully lot this year, and it starts in week one.
EXPLOIT: Jerricho Cotchery/Keller/Baker
AVOID: Laverneous Coles
AVOID: Miami WRs
Cincinatti @ Baltimore:
T.J. Housh/Ocho Cinco/Henry/Utech: I expect some points in this game, and I see QB Carson Palmer doing some damage this weekend. The Ravens will be without their top cover guy Ed Reed, so Ocho Cinco and Housh will be terroziing the Raven secondary. I really like Utech this weekend as a sleeper. He's looked good within the offense. And Chris Henry has to catch at least one bomb right?
Mason/Williams/Heap: This might be the only weekend this year I recommend these three Raven players. I see Mason getting the majority of the looks and he could be a decent WR3 for this weekend only. If Heap is healthy he could find some pay dirt this weekend too.
EXPLOIT: Housh/Ocho Cinco/Henry/Utech
EXPLOIT: Mason/Williams/Heap
Kansas City @ New England:
Bowe/Gonzo: I've got a bad feeling about the Pats secondary this year. They lost some talent last year due to free agency and I just think they may need some time to gel. Bowe and Gonzo have good matchups this weekend if you ask me, because they will need to throw the ball a ton to keep up with Brady and company. The Chiefs may try to take the air out of the ball, but that may only work for about a half.
Moss/Welker/Watson: Start'em. Moss and Welker should have no problems picking up where they left off last year. Don't believe all of that Brady buzz about him being hurt. Brady will lay that to rest with a 300+ yard 3 TD performance in blow out win for the Pats.
Exploit: Bowe/Gonzo
Exploit: Moss/Welker/Watson
St. Louis @ Philadelphia:
Holt/Avent/McMichael: I see a rebound year for this guy and it will start in week one. Without Bruce in town, Holt should be seeing a ton of targets. I can see Holt getting 85+ yards and a TD. The Philly defense though will be better than most think. I see them shutting down the Ram passing game, but you just can't sit Big Game Torry Holt. He'll find a way to put up numbers this weekend.
Brown/Bassett/Smith: Even without their top WR Kevin Curtis, the Eagles will still have some success through the air against the woeful Rams. The guy I see with the most upside is TE L.J. Smith. McNabb loves to throw to this guy when he is healthy and I like what I've seen from Smith in the preseason so far. He's startable in week one. Reggie Brown may play in week one but may not be effective due to the injured hammy. I think he may need a week or so to get going. Hank Bassett will be replacing Curtis, but not startable. Westy and L.J. will see the targets in week one.
EXPLOIT: Torry Holt
AVOID: Avent/McMichael
EXPLOIT: L.J. Smith
AVOID: Reggie Brown/Hank Bassett
Jacksonville @ Tennessee
This will be a low scoring physical style of football game and I do not expect any Jag or Titan WRs to be worth starting. Expect both teams to grind it out on the ground.
Tampa Bay @ New Orleans:
Galloway/Hilliard/Alex Smith: Bucs WR Joey Galloway has absolutely owned the Saints the past few years. Need proof? Check out last year's meetings. In week two he posted a sick four catches for 135 yards and two TDs. Then he torched them again in week 13 when he caught seven passes for 159 yards. His 2006 and 2005 stats against the Saints are mind boggling as well. In other words, START JOEY! The rest of the crew will have to sit this weekend.
Colston/Henderson/Meachem/Shocky:
All of these guys could be started if you ask me. QB Drew Brees loves spreading the ball around to his WRs. It will be interesting to see how healthy Shocky is for week one. I like him a lot this year, but I need to see him on the field before I'd recommend starting him.
EXPLOIT: Joey Galloway
AVOID: Hillard/Alex Smith
EXPLOIT: Henderson/Meachem
AVOID: Shocky
Houston @ Pittsburgh:
Andre Johnson/Kevin Walters/Owen Daniels: I really like the Texan passing game this year. QB Matt Shaub is developing into a solid QB, and we already know what Andre Johnson can do. Walters catches everything in his sight and then TE Owen Daniels is developing into a nice option in the passing game. I don't see the Texans running the ball a lot this weekend so I expect them to air it out. The Steelers defense will be good this year, but containing Johnson, Walters, and Daniels will be a test for Steeler nation.
Holmes/Ward/Miller:All three here are worth starting in week one. I think Holmes will have the biggest day, but Ward and Miller should be solid as well. The only minor concern I have is how much the Steelers run the ball. If FWP and Mendenhall combine to run for 30+ times, Holmes, Ward, and Millers stats may disappoint.
EXPLOIT: Owen Daniels
EXPLOIT: Hines Ward
Dallas @ Cleveland:
Owens/Crayton/Witten: I like the matchup this weekend for the entire Dallas offense. Owens and Witten are no-brainers and should be in your lineup regardless of the match up. Crayton though could be an interesting play against the Brownies. You have to think the Browns secondary is going to be paying attention to Barber III, Owens, and Witten. I could definately see a deep bomb for six to Crayton. Roll the dice with him if you need a WR3 this weekend.
Edwards/Stallworth/Winslow:Is anyone else worried about the Browns offense this year? I can't help to think they might be a one year wonder. Their offense has looked terrible in the preseason, and no one knows exactly how healthy this team is. Anderson is recovering from a concussion, Braylon has a gash on his foot, and Winslow's knee is always a question. And then there's Jamal Lewis. How's his injury? I see a bit of a let down this weekend in the Dog Pound. Edwards and Winslow may find their way into the end zone, but I for one will not be surprised if they don't. That being said, you can't bench Winslow or Braylon, but you can expect modest numbers.
EXPLOIT: Patrick Crayton
AVOID: Donte Stallworth
Carolina @ S.D.
Steve Smith/Moose/Hackett/Jarrett: The one guy I would watch out of this bunch is Muhsin who has a history with QB Jake Delhomme. As everyone knows, their best WR Steve Smittee is suspended two games which will give guys like Mosse, Jarrett, and Hacket to showcase their skills. I see the Panthers pounding the ball with D'Angelo and JStew, but they may also need to air it out against a potent Bolt's offense. Moose has the best chance to score through the air without Smith around.
Jackson/Chamber/Gates: This is a fine set of WRs for Rivers to throw the ball to this year, but I also think the Panthers have a solid pass defense. So while there is potential for one of these guys to put up decent numbers, don't expect more than 80+ yards and a possible TD either one of these three players. Carolina has traditionally struggled against TEs, so we should be able to find out early how healthy Gates is to start the season. If he's healthy he should find his way to the goal line.
EXPLOIT: Muhsin Muhammad
EXPLOIT: Antonio Gates
Arizona @ San Fran:
Boldin/Fitgerald:History tells us the Fitz is the player that usually dominates the 9er's, not Boldin. San Fran some how always finds a way to bottle up Anquan. Both are solid options Monday night, but just expect Fitz to have the better numbers by the end of the night. "Q" may have his 60-80 yards and a possible score, while Fitz will more likely go over 100 yards and will have at least one trip to the end zone.
Vernon Davis/Ike Bruce/Josh Morgan: I just can't recommend starting these guys yet. Especially with a QB by the name of J.T. O'Sullivan. Look for Gore to dominate from start to finish.
AVOID: Davis/Bruce/Morgan
Chicago @ Indy:
You deserve a one year suspension from your fantasy league if you even think about starting a Bear WR in this game!
Wayne/Harrison/Clark: The usual suspects here. I fully expect Manning to play and torch the Bears. The guy to watch here is WR Marvin Harrison who is coming of a disappointing injury marred season in 2007. He's looked real good so far this year, and I can't think of a better team to plug him into my lineup. Clark owners need not worry that Marvin is back. I still see Dallas being a big part of the offense this year.
EXPLOIT: Marvin Harrison
AVOID: Any and all Bear offensive players
Minnesota @ Green Bay:
Berrian/Rice: Hello Mr. Berrian and Mr. Rice. Let me introduce to you Charles Woodson and Al Harris. They will be watching your every move waiting to lay a vicious hit on the first WR who catches a ball.
Jennings/Driver/Lee: It just won't be the same this year watching Packer games without #4 around. But life goes on and Aaron Rogers has some weapons at his disposal. The Vikes pass defense was plain pitiful last year and I know they've made improvements, but I just don't see the secondary slowing down Jennings, Driver, and Lee. Look for Jennings to beat of his defenders deep and for Driver to rack up his usual 80+ yards and a TD. Business as usual for the Pack Monday Night.
AVOID: Berrian/Rice
EXPLOIT: Greg Jennings/Donald Driver
Denver @ Oakland:
Marshall/Royal/Sheffler: As everybody knows, the best weapon for Cutler and the Broncos in Brandon Marshall will serve his one game suspension this Monday night. That leaves the team with rookie Eddie Royal and TE Tony Sheffler. I like the Bronco passing game this year but not against the Raider secondary which is a very sound group.
Curry/Walker: Nope, I can't recommend these guys. We all know what the Raiders are going to do offensively, run the ball with Fargas, McFadden, and Bush. But there is one player in the passing attack to keep an eye on.
Zach Miller: I like this guy. I like the little bit I saw of him last year and I like what I've seen from him this year. He's got great hands and provides Russell with a nice red zone target. Zach may be able to haul in 50-60 yards receiving and find the end zone for his owners in week one.
AVOID: Marshall/Royal/Sheffler:
AVOID: Curry/Walker
EXPLOIT: Zach Miller
So here are my top five EXPLOITS for week one in no particular order:
1. Nate Burlson, WR, Seattle
2. Joey Galloway, WR, Tampa Bay
3. Patrick Crayton, WR, Dallas
4. Muhsin Muhammad, WR, Carolina
5. Zach Miller, TE, Oakland
Top five AVOIDS:
1. Laverneous Coles, WR, NYJ
2. Tony Sheffler, TE, Denver
3. Lee Evans, WR, Buffalo
4. Jeremy Shocky, TE, N.O.
5. Bernard Berrian, WR, Minnesota
That's a wrap folks. Enjoy and discuss as you wish.
Good luck to everyone this weekend!
I couldn't agree more! If you disagree with something or would like some further feed back make a tangible comment back to open up discussion on it. I really appreciate these guys who take the time to do these types of post! Keep up the great work guys!He pretty much gave a rationale for all of his predictions. I don't know what the point of your post is other than to rip the original poster who actually made a significant contribution to the forum. What type of "tangible proof" are you expecting from his PREDICTIONS?Exploit Antonio Gates? you don't say...
next time pls add some stats to backup your assumptions, instead of the generic 'I feel like Shaub can do well', 'I can see Keller catching a lot of passes vs. Miami'. Give us some tangible proof of why someone will do well or why they will do poorly.
anyone can take a guess
Nice, except for the whole injury thing.
Meh, a TD might have been nice. I like Crayton a lot this year. Meh, TD would have been nice to see.
Expected a bit more from Zach Hit a home run with this call. What the hell? Would have been a better call if he had not caught a 41 yard pass.
Bad call here, Shock looks good in the Saints offense. Not sold on him
First off, it's the first week of the season so it's difficult to gauge certain players. I don't think Moose and Galloway were that bad so I don't think it's fair to gauge those guys as complete failures. Second, I have never claimed that I will hit all five of my Exploits or Avoids. My hope is that I will help people exploit/avoid certain match ups with my analysis. Sorry if 2 out of 5 isn't good enough for certain people who read this thread. I'll try to get 3 out of 5 in week two. Have a good week fellas! Week two is right around the corner!
I think 2 out of 5 given the players you highlighted (off the beaten track for sure) was excellent for week one.Keep up the good work.
Keep up the good work Laughingboy.. I enjoy reading your WR posts & I know you put some solid effort in to them.. not sure what Deuce's Wild was really getting at but I wouldn't worry about it..
