Welcome, Bruno Boys readers, to the first installment of The Two Minute Warning. Sunday’s just around the corner and decisions must be made. However, we’ve still got time to take stock of our situation, and appropriately plan for the coming week as well as the rest of the season. Every Friday, I will be your guide through the observations, ponderings, and hunches of my mind. While some aspects of this article will certainly be beneficial to the standard league owner, a lot of these thoughts are more appropriately received by deep league owners seeking that extra edge. By this time in the week, you’ve seen the Bruno Boys rankings for the coming week, and you’ve heard a lot of analysis on last week’s games. However, you may still seek a flex player for this coming week. Your WR3 that you were really hoping would play come Sunday has just missed Friday’s practice and has the dreaded “game-time decision” label. Relax, I’m here for you. While I’ll offer suggested plays for this week, I’m also going to focus primarily on long-term strategy. You’ll find me mentioning guys to acquire and perhaps stash for future weeks. Fantasy Football teams are not drafted, they’re built over time. That’s why I’m here.
Before we get started, however, I want to ask for a favor from you at the completion of your reading. Please, give me feedback. This article is for you, our loyal patrons. I want this article to be for you. I want to address the issues you want addressed. I want to cover topics you wish to see covered. If you have an idea for a new segment, e-mail it to me, Joel Stubblefield, at jstubblefield@brunoboys.net. If you want the article organized in a different format, just let me know. I look forward to helping you all gain the competitive edge you need to defeat your league mates, whether friends, coworkers, or mortal enemies. So without further ado, let’s begin…
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Advice of the Week:
Don’t underestimate the value of targets and touches when looking for that determining factor between players. Targets and touches equal opportunity, and without opportunity, a player can’t succeed. Likewise, more targets or touches give a player a greater margin of error, further reducing the risk of that waiver wire gem. Anyone seeking the next Marques Colston or Roddy White should always consider targets and touches as you’re combing your league’s free agents.
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Week 1 Observations:
This section will generally consist of one to two sentence blurbs about the games I saw this weekend and what my astute fantasy mind not only noticed, but gave credence. I’ve chosen to break them down by position, so enjoy.
Quarterback
Matt Schaub and Carson Palmer are not this bad. Both have excellent weapons surrounding them in the passing game, and sub-par defenses to allow them plenty of deficits to overcome. Schaub accumulated both touchdowns and many of his yards following the Steelers’ fifth touchdown to make the score 35-3. Palmer was noticeably rusty, but faced a stout defense in the Ravens that was healthy for the first time in quite a while. The result was ugly, but don’t give up hope… both are buy low targets to me. One QB I would be extremely concerned about is Marc Bulger. As an owner last year, I know the pain Bulger owners felt when shackled with that pathetic effort Sunday. Either seek another Quarterback, or seek psychological counseling. Finally, I LOVE the situation Matt Cassel enters in New England. I would not at all be surprised to see him produce starter-worthy numbers. There’s very low expectations, excellent playmakers at the WR position, and a mastermind coach who always gets the most out of his players. Remember, no one had heard of Tom Brady when Drew Bledsoe got hurt either… (No, I’m not saying Cassel is the next Brady, but I’m definitely saying he’s worth a look if you need help).
Running Back:
Michael Turner will finish this season as a top 10 back. If an owner in your league is looking to sell high, but is asking less than that price, by all means buy. Mike Mularkey is the same man that made XFL cast-off Tommy Maddox a competent NFL passer. He knows how to build offenses from scrap heaps, and he’s doing the same thing in Atlanta. Jerius Norwood will keep Turner fresh, and his utterly massive legs will run over many a defense. One guy I would be shopping right now is Maurice Jones-Drew. It’s not the talent that concerns me, it’s the offensive line. Not only was a back-up guard shot this past week, but both starting guards and the starting center are now out for the Jags for the time being. Coupled with the fact that Fred Taylor takes half the work, I’m not sold on Jones-Drew making a big splash at all. If someone’s still paying pre-season prices, sell and walk away.
Chris Johnson is EXTREMELY fast, as we all know, but I still want to see him take a big hit and bounce right back. I worry about his frame, but I’m still buying. Don’t overrate Week 1 for Chris Perry. Yes the game was brutal, but he received 19 touches while back-up Kenny Watson received only four. Unfortunately, this week’s match-up with the Titans will likely be brutal as well, but he’s still a guy I would stash. I’m also buying Pierre Thomas, who surprisingly received 12 touches to Deuce McAllister’s zero. This is the same player that put up over 100 yards rushing and receiving in Week 17 of 2007. Finally, if you’ve got the bench space, by all means stash Ryan Torrain. The former Wildcat was compared to Terrell Davis this pre-season by fantasy hater Mike Shanahan. Considering “starter” Selvin Young received seven carries, Andre Hall got 10, and Michael Pittman seven, one can only assume Shanahan doesn’t feel any are capable of carrying the load. Torrain absolutely is at 6’1”, 225lbs, and injured his elbow, not his legs. After the team’s Week 8 bye, Torrain could be the next Ruben Droughns.
Wide Receiver:
Guys I’m not at all concerned about include Braylon Edwards, Santonio Holmes, Chad Johnson, and TJ Houshmandzadeh. Guys I am concerned about include Torry Holt, Joey Galloway, and Laveranues Coles. The Rams offense as a whole is scary, and while Holt won’t be this bad, I’m concerned he won’t produce like his previous years. Galloway was targeted 13 times this week by Jeff Garcia, but only caught six passes. While he managed 56 yards, I’m concerned this is finally the year that age catches up to the man. Further, the coaching staff continues to praise Antonio Bryant, who just may begin stealing some of Galloway’s thunder. Garcia’s ousting at the quarterback position may also decrease Galloway’s opportunities. Speaking of opportunity, I’m concerned Brett Favre has found his favorite target in Jerricho Cotchery, a guy I would absolutely buy if at all possible. Coles, on the other hand, is a notorious pouter, and currently isn’t on the same page with Favre. I doubt he gets there anytime soon. Sell if you can.
Tight End:
Jeremy Shockey should be the biggest beneficiary of the Marques Colston injury, and should have a healthy dose of receptions and touchdowns as a result. Additionally, I’m buying Anthony Fasano in Miami, as head coach Tony Sporano was a former tight ends coach, and Parcells handpicked Fasano to come to Miami shortly after taking over the team. Considering I can throw a ball farther and harder than Chad Pennington (and you probably can too), Fasano’s looking like an excellent buy. I’m also all over John Carlson for the foreseeable future. Someone has to catch passes in Mike Holmgren’s offense, and Carlson pulled down four for 34 yards in Week 1. I think he continues to emerge in the coming weeks.
Team Defense:
I think the Tennessee Titans and Baltimore Ravens are absolutely legit. While the Ravens were likely drafted in your league, the Titans may not have been. They’re elite. Sure the Jacksonville Jaguars offensive line issues contributed to last week’s dominance by the Titans D. But the sheer dominance of Albert Haynesworth, Kyle Vanden Bosch, and the rest of the Titans front seven was remarkable. If healthy, they’ll continue to dominate teams in the trenches, which tends to lead to obvious passing situations, resulting in sacks, forced fumbles, interceptions, and low scores. Buy and play immediately. I’m not, however, on board with the Philadelphia Eagles defense. While I believe they’ll have their moments, I’m a bigger believer that the Rams offense was accountable for a lot of what we saw in Week 1. If they dominate the Dallas Cowboys in the same way (not going to happen), then I’ll believe.
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Week 2 Immediate Plays:
Here you’ll find a lineup of guys to use this week to fill gaps created by injuries or poor match-ups for your players.
Quarterback:
(Matt Schaub Houston Texans) - While Schaub was discussed above, some will avoid the match-up due to the Ravens defense. I’m still starting Schaub in multiple leagues this week. I believe the Texans will find a way to get Kevin Walter, Owen Daniels, and Steve Slaton open on short to intermediate routes to begin to expose the Ravens rush defense. I also believe he’ll find Andre Johnson enough times to post solid numbers for your team. If you need a QB for this week and Schaub’s available, take the chance.
Honorable Mention: Brian Griese (Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
Running Back:
Pierre Thomas (New Orleans Saints) - I mentioned Thomas above in the recap of Week 1, but I’m expecially a believer for week two. Brandon Jacobs, Derrick Ward, and the Giants’ offensive line made the Redskins look incredibly Vulnerable in Week 1. With the lost of Colston, and the inability of Reggie Bush to run inside, I’m projecting a healthy dose of the stout Thomas. His acumen in the passing game reduces his risk as well, and the Saints should easily control this game. Plug and play if you’re in need of a running back.
Honorable Mention: Brandon Jackson (Green Bay Packers)
Wide Receiver:
Antonio Bryant (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) - Bryant was also mentioned in the above recap, and his new quarterback was an honorable mention for this week’s plug and play. After off-field issues temporarily side-tracked his career, Bryant landed in Gruden’s offense in Tampa and immediately began opening eyes. He showed a solid rapport with Brian Griese in the preseason, and was targeted eight times last week against New Orleans by Jeff Garcia. With Galloway working deep routes, Bryant has the potential to capitalize on a lot of underneath and intermediate receptions. He’s also known for his knack of accumulating yards after the catch. I don’t suspect the undrafted Brent Grimes will present too much trouble for Bryant while 2007 second-rounder Chris Houston is focused on Galloway.
Honorable Mention: Kevin Walter (Houston Texans)
Tight End:
John Carlson (Seattle Seahawks) - I already pimped Carlson above, saying someone’s got to catch the ball for Seattle. Combine that with the fact that current number one receiver Courtney Taylor managed to catch only two of his nine targets, and Hasselbeck should look Carlson’s way plenty in their match-up with the 49ers. Also, Julius Jones as a lead back puts another mark in favor of Carlson’s cause.
Honorable Mention: Robert Royal (Buffalo Bills)
Team Defense:
New York Jets - Stick with me on this one as it’s not for the faint of heart. My biggest risk taken in this week’s column, I believe the Jets will certainly give up points. However, I also believe Matt Cassel will make mistakes. Kris Jenkins at nose tackle is a massive run stopper, and the Jets will force Cassel to beat them through the air. While they could certainly allow 20 plus points, I would not at all be surprised to see 3-4 turnovers generated, as well as 2-3 sacks. Plan accordingly.
Honorable Mention: Seattle Seahawks
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::I said it above, and I'll say it again. Please, give me feedback. If you have an idea for a new segment, e-mail it to me, Joel Stubblefield, at jstubblefield@brunoboys.net. If you want the article organized in a different format, just let me know. And remember to check back next week for the Week 3 edition of "Two Minute Warning" ::
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WEEK 2 RANKINGS (click to view)
Quarterbacks
Running Backs
Wide Receivers
Tight Ends
Kickers
Team Defense
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Past Waiver Wire Articles (click to view)
Waiver Wire - Week 1 (Sunday Edition)
Waiver Wire - Week 1 (Monday Edition)
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