MoFo Fantasy Football - The Playoffs [Archive]

Yoda

12-09-08, 11:20 AM

Well, here we are. Two games; winners face each other next week for the title.

11 Angry Men (10-4) vs. The Replicants (9-5)

It's you and me, Mike. You took the first meeting, 118-108, and I took the second, 115-99, so it's only fitting that we finish out the Best-of-3. ;)

What Favors The Replicants
You mentioned in another thread that you need Forte to go off to help compensate for a weak receiving corps. The Saints have a below-average (though not terrible) run defense, so he should be able to run on them. Going the other way, Chicago's quite good against the run, but then again Reggie Bush's value lies largely in the air, anyway, and the Bears are quite poor against the pass, so you could do some damage on both sides of the ball.

Even if you don't get a huge day out of Forte, you can pretty much count on 20 points out of Peyton Manning against the Lions right off the bat. Maybe more, depending on how quickly they get up. The Lions are horrendous, and Indy still needs every win it can get, so it's not going to take them lightly.

What Favors 11 Angry Men
Though he's not as sure to play (and play well) as Manning, I've got Addai going up against Detroit, too. Of course, he's beem sharing a fair number of carries with Rhodes, is a little banged up, and probably won't play if (when?) the Colts take a big lead. But it's still the Detroit friggin' Lions.

My alternate option here is Marques Colston, who's up against the aforementioned weak Chicago pass defense. Other than that, I've got Thigpen and Gonzalez going up against San Diego's 3rd-worst pass defense league, and there's nothing quite like getting points on both ends of a TD pass.

The Addai-or-Colston choice is a tough one, but I'll probably go with Addai. At least Peyton Hillis was considerate enough to get hurt, or I'd have him vying for this spot, too (and probably taking it).

Best of luck to you, Mike. I couldn't ask for a nicer guy to lose to. :)

The Flying Mongooses (11-3) vs. PW's Odd Squad (9-5)

These two teams met just once in the regular season, in Week 11, and the Mongooses won 116-99.

What Favors The Flying Mongooses
Though Aaron Rodgers is listed at his QB slot right now, I imagine he'll go with Brees against the once-again-aforementioned Chicago pass defense, and he should put up a solid day there.

The biggest matchup, however, is Westbrook, who drew the Browns this week. Yikes. Cleveland's the 5th-worst run defense in the NFL, and it's easy to see Westbrook winning this game single-handedly again.

On the flip side, a couple of PW's studs have so-so matchups -- namely Michael Turner, who's up against the Tampa Bay run defense, who he struggled against in Week 2.

What Favors PW's Odd Squad
After two very disappointing games the last couple of weeks, Clinton Portis could come back in a big way against Cincinnati, which is pretty bad against the run.

Anquan Boldin could have a big game against a below-average Viking pass defense, as well. And, as goofy as it sounds, Rob Bironas of Tennessee should get plenty of work in as the Titans point up some points on Houston's 26th-ranked overall defense.

Good luck to everyone! Here's hoping we get some fun, exciting, injury-free games. :)

Sedai

12-09-08, 11:35 AM

Frank Gore's status is going to play a huge part in all this, as well. If Jacobs is also hurt, I will almost assuredly use Ward instead of Gore, even though he thinks he can play this week at Miami. I think I would rather count on 12 points or so in my swing from Ward than Boom or Bust with a banged up Gore... I am watching reports like a hawk this week...

Here we are in the playoffs, and, like last year, I find myself reliant on the arm of Favre, once again. I need Cotchery to have at least a decent game this week, as I don't seem to have many options, I could try the sneaky play of Dione Branch against a pitiful Rams secondary, but that is sketchy, as well... Coles is banged up again, as is usually the case in week 15 of the season...

Sedai

12-10-08, 11:09 AM

I think I will attempt to play a match-up or two this week, in hopes that I can get a decent WR2 going pon my team. Cotchery and Coles have been quiet, and they are playing in NY, which could be a windy state this weekend...

I have very limited choices, but I think I may sneak in Randall El against a terrible CIN secondary. It's either him or I give Hixon a shot this week...

Housh isn't the strongest play, but he is the third most targeted WR in the league, and I can't bench that...

Yoda

12-10-08, 11:37 AM

Yeah, Housh is ridiculous -- he almost guarantees you a decent day, no matter who crappy the rest of his team is, because Chad Johnson's disappeared, and he's the only reliable target they have.

I'm looking through his point totals, and while he was kind of wild early in the season, he's only had one bad game in the last 11. His (approximate) point totals over that span: 26, 8, 24, 8, 10, 10, 10, 27, 4, 8, 11. Pretty fantastic production; a nearly-guaranteed 8 points, with the occasional breakout. That 4, by the way, was against Pittsburgh.

Sedai

12-10-08, 11:45 AM

Yes, I actually stashed McClain for week 16, if I make it. He will be a good play then, but he has The Steelers this week, so, now way.

That said, I am analyzing The Bears defense, and they seem almost specially geared to stop a player like Bush. The excel vs any sort of screen plays, and have allowed the fewest points to pass catching RBs over the season. It also looks like Ward might get the start in the Giants/Chowboys game, and Dallas has trouble against players like Ward.

If Ward gets the start, I will almost certainly give him the slot, as only one RB has gotten more than 70 yards against The Bears this year, and that would be All Day Peterson. I thought that perhaps Bush would get more passes tossed his way this week, thinking Thomas/Bush would struggle running North to South, but after reading that stat on screen plays, I am thinking he will not have a very big day.

Oh and, BTW, kudos to you for a most excellent snipe on waivers, in Dione Branch, who I was just about to add this morning, until I noticed he was gone... He would have most certainly been in my WR2 slot this week...

Sedai

12-10-08, 11:51 AM

Oh and, as an aside, FFB sure is an odd animal. In my other (shallower) league, I missed the playoffs this year due to bad bench moves in multiple weeks. Just look at my ridiculous depth at RB in that league...

LT
Chris Johnson
Lendale White
DeAngelo Williams (Look at this maniac's stats!)
Jonathan Stewart

Ridiculous. Alas, I always seemed to play the wrong players on the wrong weeks. I put far too much hope in LT this year, and switching him out for D-Will would have saved my season.

Talent in nice, but, savvy bench management seems to be even more important.

Yoda

12-10-08, 12:02 PM

Aye, I'm very unlikely to play Branch (I've lucked into some utterly absurd depth on my bench), but you never know, and I'm not above playing keep-away. ;)

Good call on Ward, I think. I was looking at a number of projections for this week, and some analysts expect him to have a pretty big day. They don't all agree, naturally, but I think he's a safe play that guarantees you around 8 or 9. But, as you say, FFB is pretty crazy.

Interesting observation about the Chicago defense. I admit, I only looked at the surface level stats here, so their poor pass defense number might not benefit Bush, given when you say about screen passes. That must mean that that ranking comes almost entirely from passes somewhat downfield, which is enough to give me pangs of doubt about playing Addai (or Grant) over Colston. Hmmm...

And yeah, that depth in your other league is enough to be almost frustrating. I've had that a bit this year -- it's almost a relief when someone has a terrible matchup or gets hurt, because otherwise you have to obsess about who to play all week! That said, Williams is as hot as they come right now, and in a non-PPR league he'd be the #1 overall RB.

Sedai

12-10-08, 12:12 PM

Bush is such an odd player, that it is hard to guess how he will be used. I guess it depends on how well Brees can stretch the defense. The NO O-line just took a HUGE hit, losing their starting LT, so Brees might have less time to throw, meaning more dump-offs, meaning more Bush. It's so hard to tell. If Jacobs sits, I almost have to start Ward, I think. If he plays, the decision is MUCH tougher...

Sedai

12-10-08, 12:19 PM

Wait a minute... OK, this is why I am in 4th and not 1st place. I have to play BOTH Ward and Bush this week. Gore is hurt! I still have him on my roster, and Singletary doesn't sound optimistic about his chances. Also, Miami is tough vs the run, especially against teams with second rate passing games, like SF.

So...that was easy! ;)

Sedai

12-10-08, 12:23 PM

Something Rosenthal posted on Rotoworld today:

Bears pass defense isn't that bad

http://www.rotoworld.com/images/photos/NFL/NO/NFL_moore_small.jpg

As Lance Moore owners like myself debate whether to start him at Chicago despite his recent downturn, keep this in mind: Chicago's pass defense isn't as bad you think.
Yes, it's "ranked" 28th in pass defense (http://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/chi/2008.htm). But that's quite misleading. It's faced the most attempts in the league, and is actually ninth in net yards-per-attempt allowed. It has intercepted 19 passes, which is second in the league. Add it all up, and the Bears are a slightly tougher than average allowing fantasy points (http://www.rotoworld.com/premium/seasonpass/Football/pointmaster.aspx).

Throw in Drew Brees' relative struggles on the road (7 TDs, 10 INTs, lots of yards), and a weather forecast (http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?CityName=Chicago&state=IL&site=LOT&textField1=41.837&textField2=-87.685&e=1) that will be below freezing with 10-15 MPH winds, and the Saints passing attack is unlikely to go bonkers.
They are still the Saints. Yards and lots of attempts will happen. The Bears are still easier to throw against than run, and Sean Payton usually doesn't need a big excuse to ditch the run game. My initial rankings (http://www.rotoworld.com/premium/seasonpass/Football/QBRBWRankings.aspx?week=15) have Colston and Moore as cautious WR2 options. There just aren't many better plays out there."

Unfortunately, it looks like I must start Bush this week, and it's going to be windy... :(

Also, I will have a pretty good idea of my chances after the game in Thursday, as two of my RBs are playing.

Yoda

12-10-08, 12:33 PM

Yeah, we're going to know a lot going into Sunday's games.

The good thing about Bush is that, even against a tough team, he's the kind of player who can score a decent week's worth of points in a single play. Not the kind of guy I like playing against. :nope:

Sedai

12-10-08, 12:35 PM

Giants just announced Jacobs is not practicing today. Looking good for Ward.

Damn Chris, you have a couple of rough match-ups this week... :yup:

Powdered Water

12-10-08, 08:35 PM

I hope Barber is healthy enough to go on Sunday. I like the kid they have to replace him but Barber has been real steady when he's been in there.

Seds, you must be happy to see Detroit on Peyton Manning's horizon this Sunday.

Well, good luck everyone and here's to hoping Westbrook has another mediocre day this weekend which is really the only reason I beat Swedish last time. The way that guy has been putting up the points I'm going to need a total team effort. 110% even. :p

Yoda

12-10-08, 08:54 PM

Hmmm, which Chris -- me or PW? We both have some -- I've got Slaton going up against the Titans (though he tore them up last time, believe it or not) and Calvin Johnson up against the Indy pass defense.

I'm guessing you meant PW, who has Michael Turner going up against Tampa Bay, Toomer and Boss against Dallas, and Barber against the Giants (even if he is healthy).

Think you're right, PW, about Westbrook. He could just destroy Cleveland, and if he does your path to victory is awfully narrow. I think you'll be lucky if he takes in less than 20. Either way you'll probably need a big day out've Portis (which you very well may get).

It all starts tomorrow night...

Powdered Water

12-10-08, 09:02 PM

At least Turner is going to be at home. Atlanta is terrific at home this year and after the way Carolina ran the ball you know Atlanta is going to try and do the same thing. If they can. I hope so.

Powdered Water

12-10-08, 09:41 PM

I'm sure you probably saw this Seds, but in case you missed it.

49ers coach Mike Singletary announced Wednesday that Frank Gore (ankle) will be a "game-day decision" in Week 15 at Miami.
Singletary called Gore's injury an "inside sprain" of his left ankle, which sounds better than the dreaded high ankle sprain. Gore sat out practice Wednesday and DeShaun Foster will get most of the reps leading up to Sunday. Promoting Thomas Clayton from their practice squad later this week would be an indication that the 49ers are not counting on Gore

Slug

12-10-08, 09:47 PM

Playoffs with games stll left in the regular season?

Swedish Chef

12-10-08, 10:59 PM

Hmmm, two tough matchups here and I don't know who's gonna win either of them.

I think I jinxed myself pretty hard, though, because I've caught myself planning for the championship game already and I think I'm just taking PW too lightly. If Portis and Turner go off, I'm gonna be in bad shape. And yeah, Yoda mentioned it, but I could definitely see Bironas dropping 20 points on me or something ridiculous like that and then I'd really be screwed. Gah, I'm going to lose.

Anyway, good luck to all you surviving MoFos. I'm going with Aaron Rodgers over Brees this week and I may wind up feeling pretty bad about myself if I get eliminated with the best fantasy player sitting on my bench. But, on the other hand, I'm pretty sure Jacksonville sucks and I think Rodgers is a safe bet for at least 2 touchdowns. Those Windy City winds are making me nervous. I guess I'll just have to wait and see.

Yoda

12-10-08, 11:13 PM

Oh boy, here we go...

Just heard that Addai didn't practice today, and that Indy signed Najeh Davenport. Uh-oh. Normally I'd wait and see whether or not Addai practices over the next couple of days, but one of the guys I'd use to replace him (Colston) plays tomorrow.

Before hearing this, I'd all but decided to play Addai, but now it's up in the air. Colston seems like the best choice, but he's awfully hit-or-miss. Davone Bess, on the other hand, is the #1 option in Miami and seems like the safer play; his last three games he's scored 11, 11, and 12 points, even without scoring a single TD. He's going to get a lot of looks and is going up against the 25th-ranked San Fran pass defense.

Could make a case for Deion Branch, too, who had a huge game last week and is up against the Rams this week. He's a bit too risky, though, and there's plenty of upside with Colston, too...so it's probably Colston or Bess, depending on where I come down on the risk/reward tradeoff.

Very surprised, SC, to hear that you're going with Rodgers. Was pretty sure you'd go with Brees, but I think both should put up solid numbers. We'll know soon enough.

Playoffs with games stll left in the regular season?
Aye, that's the only way to do it, really. Otherwise any player whose team doesn't make the playoffs in real life would be useless. Most fantasy leagues only play 13 or 14 games, so that they can avoid playing in Week 17, too, where lots of teams rest their starters or don't put forth much of an effort. This way, the payoffs cover weeks 15 and 16, where most teams are still playing normally.

Yoda

12-11-08, 01:53 PM

Just read that Matt Cassel's father has died (http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news;_ylt=AiR7Aj7I06TU42vRfvBbRjpDubYF?slug=ap-patriots-casselsfather&prov=ap&type=lgns). First person to ask about the fantasy relevance of this goes straight to Hell without passing Go.

Anyway, got until this evening to make my decision. I think I have to assume the worst about Addai at this point, and I think I have to go with Colston in his place. Branch hasn't been back long enough, and even though I'm convinced Bess'll give me a solid 8-9 points, I don't see how I can sit a player with Colston's talent and upside.

And, to be honest, I fear Forte and Manning are going to have huge days, and if they do I'll need a few of my own to keep up. So, Colston's upside wins out over Bess' (perceived) reliability.

Sedai

12-11-08, 02:28 PM

Jacobs moved to doubtful, Sedai's chances moved to Hopeful.

Looks like Coughlin is doing the smart thing, and benching Jacobs for this relatively unimportant game for the Giants. A good move for the giants, and a great move for my fantasy team...

This sends Ward up a good 15 spots in this week's rankings, and makes my swing slot look a whole lot better...

Sedai

12-11-08, 03:13 PM

Wow - Cleveland sure is short of QB options this year. Word has it, Josh Cribbs the RB will be taking snaps in the Wildcat for a fair portion of the game this week. This should be fun! They also have Dorsey, who is 40, and pretty much washed up at this point...

Powdered Water

12-11-08, 09:26 PM

Crap. I think I'm going to get screwed on the Barber thing. I hope something pops on him in the next day or so.

Cassel is already back with the team. I can certainly use him.

Powdered Water

12-11-08, 10:11 PM

Possible bad news for Mr. Seds.

Matt Forte suffered a toe injury on the first carry of Thursday's game.
After trainers looked at the injury on the sidelines, Forte walked to the locker room with a slight limp on the next series. Adrian Peterson has come on to replace him. NFL Network's Adam Schefter reports that Forte's return is questionable. Update: Forte jogged back onto the field to a chorus of cheers at the end of the first quarter and appears set to resume playing.

Powdered Water

12-11-08, 10:15 PM

Looks like Forte just scored though so I guess he must be alright. Can't slip anything past me.

Yoda

12-11-08, 11:14 PM

Gah! Forte had a very poor first half, but that TD pretty much offsets it. Still, he's not tearing it up, so I'll definitely take it.

Yoda

12-12-08, 02:51 PM

Well, I really couldn't have asked for anything better than this. Forte has a decent game with 14.8 points, but suffers a slight injury and doesn't run all over New Orleans, as I'd feared he might. Reggie Bush, despite racking up some decent yardage right off the bat, finish under 6 points.

Meanwhile, Colston comes through in a big way with 17.4 points. Looks like that was the right call, then, though I wouldn't have played him if Addai hadn't become so questionable, so that injury might have been a blessing in disguise.

The funny thing about Colston's game is that I only monitored it until midway through the 3rd quarter, at which time he had about 7 points. At that point I assumed he'd edge up to 8 or 9, which would have been pretty acceptable, but I read the summary a couple of hours later to learn that he caught a TD with 3 minutes left, which was a lovely little surprise.

Also went back and forth with kickers all week, starting with Elam, then switching to Mare, and eventually to Hartley, who put up a very average 6 points.

Anyway, I was hoping to come out of tonight with a small to moderate deficit, given that I had my swing-slot WR and K up against two RBs, and I'm actually leading by 3. So I'll consider myself extremely lucky and just hope that Manning doesn't destroy the Lions too badly. Good luck, Mike!

Vertical Gunn

12-12-08, 06:30 PM

Sedai

12-12-08, 08:38 PM

Yeah, I think that does it for me, unless other players on my team go off! Good decisions, Chris!

I am just getting back online after a severe ice storm up here, btw...

Yoda

12-12-08, 08:42 PM

Yeah, this isn't over yet...some analysts have Manning #1 among all QBs this week, and if one of those is to Clark...well, it can add up in a hurry. But we'll see!

And as much as I'd like to pretend I knew to play Colston, I was by no means sure of it, and would've almost certainly started Addai if the decision hadn't become so obvious.

Figured there might be weather problems up there since you weren't posting about the games yesterday. Glad everything ended up okay.

Sedai

12-12-08, 08:55 PM

Well, I was at a massive event in Boston last night, getting home in the wee hours, and then woke up with no power. Heat then became a priority, which is back on now, but my net just popped up again a lil bit ago.

Yeah, I still have a slim chance, but, I needed big games from both Bush and Forte, and got one from neither. Not a good start. Looking forward to Sunday to finish this off! :)

Powdered Water

12-13-08, 11:55 AM

Barber and Gore have both been labeled with the dreaded "questionable" tag.

My guy is supposed to play; translation: He will play but will be ineffective and split time with his backup.

Gore isn't expected to go; translation: He will play and have a monster day.

Or not.

Yoda

12-13-08, 10:07 PM

Also receiving the "Questionable" tag: Calvin Johnson. Hmm. I'd already been toying with the idea of playing Davone Bess over him, as I'd rather take a near-sure 8 points. But Johnson has put up solid numbers regardless of matchup, and the Lions figure to be behind all game and therefore throwing a lot.

If he's 100%, I just don't think Johnson's the kind of guy you can bench. But if he figures to play at less than 100%, Bess might make for a tempting last-minute replacement...

Powdered Water

12-14-08, 01:21 PM

Ah life as a fantasy owner. How sweet it is eh? So Gore is definitely out. And just posted 10 minutes ago so is Addai, so good move there Chris.

As for my guy... He may play some of the first half. Pffft?!? LAME!

I'm starting Choice and praying for a rain out.

That happens in Football right?

Yoda

12-14-08, 01:25 PM

Yup, Addai and Gore out. Sedai, as usual, way ahead of us, with Gore already on the bench. :)

Of note: Bob Sanders is out for the Colts, too, making Calvin Johnson a much more tempting play all of a sudden. Was probably going to play him over Bess anyway, but this makes me feel a lot better about it.

Powdered Water

12-14-08, 01:31 PM

Their listing Wesrbrook as "probable" and held him out of practice yesterday. Is that good for me or bad? I don't know. He's probably gonna go off again. Some good news I guess is the news that Garcia is out today so hopefully Antonio Bryant used up all of his fantasy points last week.

Yoda

12-14-08, 01:37 PM

Yeah, you drew a horrendous matchup with Westbrook up against Cleveland. You have to hope he doesn't play, they get up huge early and rest him, or lots of your guys come through to offset him. It's hard to see him playing nearly the entire game without racking up 25 or so.

But, hey, that's why they play the games!

Vertical Gunn

12-14-08, 01:47 PM

Of course.

Powdered Water

12-14-08, 01:52 PM

I can't believe I'm going to actually sit and watch The Seahawks versus The Rams this morning.

Maybe I should take up bowling.

Sedai

12-14-08, 01:54 PM

Good luck, all!

I am going to need it!

Yoda

12-14-08, 02:06 PM

Good luck guys! Here's hoping it's exciting and largely injury-free. :)

Except for Manning. I hope he trips coming out of the locker room.

Unrelated: I'm stunned at how rarely the 1 PM games on ABC and CBS have had any of my starters involved. I'd say 80% of the time neither of those two games has any real bearing on my team from week to week. Very strange.

Powdered Water

12-14-08, 02:13 PM

My stat tracker is acting wonky.

Sedai

12-14-08, 02:22 PM

Mine too. It won't break out to a separate window easily, like it usually does. Manning starting slow... not good. Buffalo went three and out and then fake punted for the first down. ARG! Need Jets on the field throwing passes.

Culpepper is OUT for the Lions. Johnson might have a slow day... I hope.

Powdered Water

12-14-08, 02:24 PM

Well this blows. My stat tracker loads up but it isn't updating itself. It just sits there. So yours is acting weird too Seds?

Sedai

12-14-08, 02:27 PM

I am NEVER running two WRs from the same team again. I have played the wrong Jets WR every time. Every damn time! Coles is on fire today...on my bench... Cotchery is... not doing anything.

Sedai

12-14-08, 02:27 PM

Well this blows. My stat tracker loads up but it isn't updating itself. It just sits there. So yours is acting weird too Seds?

It is acting bizarre, for sure.

I take the whole Cotchery thing back... He just scored a TD. :)

Signed,

The Completely fired up and unstable Sedai... I am screaming at the top of my lungs in my living room. LT has decided to clean instead of watching, lol.

Yoda

12-14-08, 02:33 PM

Yeah, same problem here -- won't update by itself. Pfft!

Yeah, just saw the Cotchery TD. Grant and Slaton not running the ball so well early on, either. This could be awfully close...

Thigpen's got 1st and goal on the 1, though, and has been rushing a lot. C'mon, Thiggy!

Yoda

12-14-08, 02:34 PM

Well, Thiggy didn't get one, but Tony Gonzalez did...on a pass from Larry Johnson. Must've been a trick play. I'll take it, but I'm hoping for at least one huge Thigpen-to-Gonzalez TD today. Those are huge -- at least a 13-point swing each time.

Swedish Chef

12-14-08, 02:37 PM

Yeah, Larry Johnson threw the TD. Not to Dwayne Bowe, though.

Powdered Water

12-14-08, 02:37 PM

Well if we're all having trouble then hopefully Yahoo will get it sorted out soon. They don't have an online help chat though.

Powdered Water

12-14-08, 02:38 PM

I just now realized how addicted to Stat tracker I have become. I think I'm a little disgusted with myself. Only a little though.

Sedai

12-14-08, 02:39 PM

I am playing vs Slaton in both leagues today...

Wow, Manning looks TERRIBLE today. Can't do anything vs the Lions... :-/

Yoda

12-14-08, 02:41 PM

Uh, Larry Johnson just completed another pass. What the? Are they using some Wildcat-esque formation today? Who'd have thought I'd have to worry about my QB getting enough touches?

Meanwhile, Slaton has 11 yards on 8 rushes. Yikes. I suspect that'll improve but...yeah...notsogood...

EDIT: another Johnson completion! Wow...this could end up being a very big deal...

Powdered Water

12-14-08, 02:43 PM

Hey Swedish, could you ask Rodgers to throw the ball to Driver more? Per-she-8-it.

Sedai

12-14-08, 02:56 PM

Andre Johnson is really something; he's cutting my DEF to ribbons today...

Yoda

12-14-08, 03:00 PM

Detroit with the ball down just 4 against Indy. Cincy up 17-0 over Washington. Houston up 10-3 over the Titans. Wow...what a day this is shaping up to be...

Meanwhile, I think StatTracker was confused, and was erroneously attributing passes to Larry Johnson. It's got him back down to 1. My guess is that it automatically defaults to the last player to complete a reception, and someone forgot to flick a switch back to Thigpen after Johnson's goal-line toss. Whew.

Powdered Water

12-14-08, 03:02 PM

Ack! Washington is giving up points like they're free or something. Probably means Portis will be getting half the carries he would normally get. Dammit!

This stat tracker thing is killing me!

Sedai

12-14-08, 03:03 PM

Chargers are REALLY gaffing things for me. TUrnover, penalty, penalty, penalty, putting KC on the 5. I think I smell another Gonzo TD... this time from Thigy...

OHHHHHHHHHHH

Intercepted!

Swedish Chef

12-14-08, 03:19 PM

How do you throw for a 40 yard loss?! What does that mean?

Swedish Chef

12-14-08, 03:21 PM

Nevermind

Yoda

12-14-08, 03:21 PM

Yeah, I saw that. They just fixed it -- 40-yard gain. I'd assumed it was just a mislabeled fumble or something weird.

Meanwhile -- Thigpen with a TD pass. Woohoo. And the Colts score again, but once again it's on the ground. I'm lucking out big-time on that front. The Colts are going to get their points, I'm just hoping most of them aren't in the air.

Powdered Water

12-14-08, 03:26 PM

"He's running the wrong way!"

In other news I'm beginning to get my behind booted.

Yoda

12-14-08, 03:27 PM

Megatron. Is. Matchup-Proof.

Sedai

12-14-08, 03:27 PM

I'm calling it in Yoda's favor at this point. I am watching all my player's teams completely fall apart, while teams like Detroit and KC (arguably the two worst teams in the league) play like Super Bowl champs. I am going to shower and head out of the house to my folks place for my Dad's B-day gathering, looking forward to next season's fantasy games, as my season is officially over with this line-up playing the way they are.

C Johnson just got a serious gimme TD, with blown coverage and two absolutely pathetic missed tackles. The Colts are terrible. I needed Manning to have at least two TDs at this point to even have a chance...

Sedai

12-14-08, 03:32 PM

Megatron. Is. Matchup-Proof.

Yeah, you gotta hand it to the guy. Orlovsky is awful, but Johnson snagged the pass and made a big play, thanks to high-school like coverage from Indy, who usually shut down WR1s...

If Johnson had a great QB, he would be the best WR playing, IMO. Well, he is anyway, just not stat-wise..

EDIT - I see how this game works. I whine like a little bitch and my players score...

Powdered Water

12-14-08, 03:39 PM

:rotfl:

Yoda

12-14-08, 03:40 PM

Wow. :eek: I started a reply, left for a minute, and came back. Here was the beginning of the reply: "Or one TD to Clark. That's what I'm dreading...those two-player TD combos are deadly."

Lo and behold, 13-yard TD to Clark. We're all tied up.

Still getting almost nothing out of Grant and Slaton, but they both have a couple receptions, so they're not killing me completely. If they can dink and dunk their way to about 10 points each, I'll take it, but I was hoping at least one of them to get in the end zone. But hey, there's a whole 2nd half to play yet...

Yoda

12-14-08, 03:59 PM

Bironas with a 51-yard FG. He's got 11 points already and PW trails just 68-51, which is significant because neither Cassel or Boldin have played yet. Of course, all bets are off no matter the result today, with Westbrook going on Monday night.

Still, I think both matchups are up in the air at this point...

Powdered Water

12-14-08, 04:00 PM

Touchdown!

Mike Sellers... *sigh* You're killing me Zorn, killing me!

Powdered Water

12-14-08, 04:01 PM

Oooo, its under review, maybe they'll over turn it so Portis can sneak in there.

Powdered Water

12-14-08, 04:04 PM

Unbelievable. They actually overturned the friggin call and they gave the ball to Sellers again! And he fumbled!

No wonder Washington stinks.

Sedai

12-14-08, 04:26 PM

Damn, getting ready to head out and the games are getting good! Did Housh get hurt or something?

Uggg, just noticed Thig rushed one in. Bummer.

Sedai

12-14-08, 04:44 PM

Man, I feel like I would have a chance if Chris didn't have the amazing Larry Fitzgerald still to come...

Yoda

12-14-08, 04:44 PM

Whew. Peyton threw a 39-yard pass to Wayne, but he didn't quite make it in. Next play, Rhodes takes it in instead.

I've been pretty fortunate; 4 Indy TDs, and only one via the pass. Clark is having a ridiculous game; 10 catches for 102 yards and a TD -- 21.2 points.

Sadly, KC's up 11 points, which means they're not really throwing. Here's hoping SD puts one on the board and forces Thiggy back into passing mode.

Sedai

12-14-08, 04:46 PM

Yeah, Lots of yelling just now in my office after that terrible misfortune. I am just not getting the good bounces today! Your team is looking very good. Still, I am within 11 points, so it all comes down to Fitz getting mugged in the parking lot. My brother lives in Arizona, and is on the way to the stadium as we speak. ;)

Clark is doing well for me today!

Yoda

12-14-08, 04:48 PM

Man, I feel like I would have a chance if Chris didn't have the amazing Larry Fitzgerald still to come...
Yeah, that could end up being the difference. Don't want to jump to conclusions, though. I have a bad feeling that Ward's going to put up a pretty solid game for you tonight. I really just need a solid 5-6 out of Pittsburgh and a decent 10-12 out of Fitzgerald, I think.

Unless Manning throws another TD.

Sedai

12-14-08, 04:51 PM

It could happen. That said, Manning is likely to throw more if Detroit scores again...which could be Megatron action. I need another Clark/Manning hook-up...

EDIT: They blew it and had to punt... Let's go Clark/Manning!

Yoda

12-14-08, 04:54 PM

Detroit didn't do anything with it, but we've still got 5:00 on the clock, so we'll see if Manning throws much.

Meanwhile, I still can't believe Grant and Slaton -- no TDs, but they've racked up about 10 and 7 points, respectively, because they have a handful of catches and keep getting touches, even though both are averaging less than 3 YPC. Crazy.

EDIT: oh man, 31-yard strike to Clark, followed quickly by another 10-yarder or so. He's having the game of his life. Point gap down to 7...

Sedai

12-14-08, 04:56 PM

Is anyone else's head about to explode?

WOW! Clark just racked up another 40 yards on two more catches!

Powdered Water

12-14-08, 04:56 PM

I sure wish Portis would score about 10 more points.

Powdered Water

12-14-08, 04:57 PM

You guys are having quite the game!

Sedai

12-14-08, 05:00 PM

That could happen, as the 'skins just returned a punt for 80 yards. Portis could certainly score here...

Yoda

12-14-08, 05:08 PM

Whew. Colts kick a field goal. They weren't likely to throw there, anyway, but you never know.

Meanwhile, Texans up on the Titans by 1. Can't say I'm surprised -- I thought I smelled an upset here earlier in the week. 2:00 minutes left, though, and the Titans have the ball. What a week! Both in our league, and the real one.

Yoda

12-14-08, 05:09 PM

Sick! Titans go for it on 4th and 3 instead of kicking a go-ahead field goal, and Collins overthrows the pass! Houston takes over with a 1-point lead and 2:00 minutes left!

If they hold on, and Pittsburgh wins today, that means we'll play Tennessee next week, we'll actually be the #1 seed. Wow.

Powdered Water

12-14-08, 05:10 PM

Atta boy Burner!

Sedai

12-14-08, 05:11 PM

Calvin Johnson just lost a fumble... The score creeps closer...

I am within 10 now... until the Pitt game starts and they grab 10 points right off the bat...

Yoda

12-14-08, 05:12 PM

Slaton busts free for 34 yards! Totally looked like the play was over, but somehow he stayed on his feet.

Indy game ends. That means it's going to come down to Fitzgerald, the Pittsburgh defense, and a 10-point margin, against Ward and Longwell.

Sedai

12-14-08, 05:13 PM

Gotta go, guys! I'm late.

Yoda

12-14-08, 05:14 PM

Take it easy, Mike. And be safe! :)

Powdered Water

12-14-08, 05:15 PM

Atlanta is having an unbelievable year.

Well, I'm within striking distance. If I can get some serious production from my final 4 guys I hope I can survive Westbrook on Monday.

Powdered Water

12-14-08, 05:15 PM

Have fun Mike! Do check back in won't you?

Powdered Water

12-14-08, 05:20 PM

Did you ever get Stat tracker working Chris?

I am having no luck with it and its driving me nuts. NFL.com has a nice play by play dealie, but I still have to keep hitting refresh at Yahoo.

Yoda

12-14-08, 05:29 PM

Yeah, it started working again a little while ago. Dunno if it's doing so consistently, but it seems better now.

Poor Chiefs...Bowe fumbles a kickoff return with just a few minutes left and the Chargers have taken a 1-point lead with 36 seconds left.

Powdered Water

12-14-08, 05:37 PM

Good start for Cassel to put it mildly...

Powdered Water

12-14-08, 05:39 PM

I thought the Pit/Bal game got flexed to tonight? We have to watch Dallas and NY tonight? Bah!

Yoda

12-14-08, 05:41 PM

Cassel throws a 20-yard TD pass to Moss. He's got 14 points in half a quarter and PW has a 2-point lead.

If I'm lucky enough to advance today (definitely not certain! No, fate, I am not tempting you...), I'm not sure who I'd rather play. PW's team was probably the best during the regular season, but Portis is struggling. And, matchup-wise, Swedish has Drew Brees going up against the Detroit-friggin'-Lions next week.

So, I'm not sure who to pull for here. Really hate that Brees matchup, though.

Powdered Water

12-14-08, 05:44 PM

Yeah and hopefully that continues, I have a feeling that Westbrook is going to have another monster day. I think I'm going to need every single point I can get.

Yoda

12-14-08, 05:47 PM

Definitely. Barring injury, the guy might as well be guaranteed 15 or so. And if he plays most of the game, 20 seems pretty likely, too. But you might have a bigger margin than that by the end of the day, too, with the way Cassel and the Patriots are kicking Oakland around.

Good news for both of us: the Vikings have jumped out to a 21-0 lead on Arizona -- with Tavaris Jackson at QB! Which means the Cards should be throwing most of the game (not that they weren't going to, anyway). Methinks both Boldin and Fitzgerald will put up some strong numbers.

Powdered Water

12-14-08, 05:55 PM

If they can hold onto the friggin' ball that is. I really don't think much of the Card's I wouldn't be at all surprised if they are one and done. They are the Cardinal's after all.

They sure as heck have a couple of fantastic receivers though.

Powdered Water

12-14-08, 06:02 PM

Right on. Oakland just scored, now the Pats will keep pouring it on. Not that they wouldn't anyway. Belichick seems to like to thuroughly trounce teams when he gets the chance to do so.

Yoda

12-14-08, 06:58 PM

Yup. Belichick's lack of sportmanship is your gain. ;)

Meanwhile, my silver-lining theory about Arizona has been bunk so far -- they're traiing 28-7 in the third, their only TD going to Urban. Boldin has 4 catches for 25 yards (with a lost fumble), and Fitzgerald has 1 catch for 9 yards. Yikes.

Meanwhile, you're up 16 on Swedish at the moment. Boldin figures to reel a few more in, and though the Pats are up 35-14, Cassel's still only at the half, and should be able to put up a few more points. Even with modest production from both the rest of the way, you could be looking at a 25 point margin heading into tomorrow night's game.

If you get up near 30, I like your chances against Westbrook and Akers. Anything around 25 or lower could be cutting it awfully close, though. This is assuming Akers puts up around 6 or 7.

Powdered Water

12-14-08, 07:09 PM

I'm going to have Cassel's lovechild.

Yoda

12-14-08, 07:23 PM

I'm sure a lot of fantasy owners are building shrines as we speak.

Meanwhile, Steelers fumble deep in their own territory, and the defense holds again. 9-3 Baltimore. This defense is great on paper, but greater still when you consider how many times the offense and special teams have put them in impossible situations.

Powdered Water

12-14-08, 07:46 PM

Nice! They just switched from the Denver game to the Pittsburgh game... Sweet!

A lot of time left too.

Sedai

12-14-08, 08:24 PM

Congrats Chris! Barring a stellar, multi-TD game from Ward, you have this locked up! AT Sis's place, just checking in on her laptop.

Yoda

12-14-08, 08:36 PM

Thanks, Mike. I'll be watching Ward to make sure, just in case. It was a great game and genuinely exciting all day.

Great season for you -- you drafted a great team. You took a chance on Manning that paid off big, recognized that guys like Gore would be all the more valuable in a PPR league long before I had any clue, and you made the playoffs even while getting tremendously unlucky with Houshmanzadeh. I really appreciate you pushing for this league, and for helping myself and other owners out, given that a number of us were new to this. :) It was quite nice of you.

Anyway, it looks like you're going to put up a real strong point total, too. Looking like all four playoff teams will top 100 this week, too, which seems appropriate! :)

Powdered Water

12-14-08, 08:40 PM

I see the Steelers got lucky again. :D

Yoda

12-14-08, 08:41 PM

Meanwhile, tonight's going to be interesting, because if Boss and Choice put up even a few points each, PW will be taking a 30+ margin into the Monday night game. If either of them gets in the end zone, it could be more like 35, which would really put the pressure on Westbrook to have a huge day, even if Akers puts up a strong 9 or 10.

Cassel had a ridiculous day, Turner put up 25 (despite just 1 TD), and Bironas, like we talked about, had a big day with 14 pts on 4 field goals. Throw in a pretty sub-par day from Chris Johnson, and PW might actually withstand whatever onslaught Westbrook brings tomorrow night.

So, no congratulations yet, but I think Powdered's got to be happy with his chances at this point.

Yoda

12-14-08, 08:43 PM

I see the Steelers got lucky again. :D
I knew that was coming. ;) I admit, I didn't expect the play to be overturned, but it was outrageously close. While they were reviewing it I thought "man, if they win like this, Raven fans are never gonna let us hear the end of it." Sadly, lost in the controversy (if there's much) will be that a) our defense was unbelievable again, and b) that play came at the tail-end of an incredible, do-or-die 92-yard drive.

Pretty stressful being a Steeler fan these last two weeks, but I'll take it. The fact that we're 11-3 with the number of injuries we've sustained, and the schedule we've had, is genuinely amazing.

Powdered Water

12-14-08, 08:47 PM

I'm up for a rubber match. How about you?

Is there someone I can bribe into giving me about another 50 points or so? That way I don't have to sweat it out so much tomorrow. I sure hope both of my little fellows get in the zone.

Yoda

12-14-08, 08:57 PM

I'm up for a rubber match. How about you?
That's up to Mr. Westbrook, but if he's okay with it, sure.

Is there someone I can bribe into giving me about another 50 points or so? That way I don't have to sweat it out so much tomorrow.
Yeah, it'll probably be somewhat close. But you don't need a ton from your guys today to be in a very good position to win. If Choice OR Boss get in the end zone, you're probably looking at a high 30s margin, which means that even if Akers has a pretty good day, Westbrook would need to put up something like 28 or more. Unfortunately for you, he can absolutely do that.

But hey, we'll know soon enough!

I sure hope both of my little fellows get in the zone.
Are we still talking about fantasy football, or are you trying to conceive?

Powdered Water

12-14-08, 09:04 PM

:laugh: My little guys. I love this whole fantasy thing. Moving all of my little guys around. Sweating and swearing at the computer... Goodtimes indeed.

Sedai

12-14-08, 09:49 PM

Chris gets to have more fun tonight, constantly watching Ward creep along, closer and closer... I had to do this last year right before I went into the Super Bowl, as I watched Nick Folk creep my Semi-Final opponent's score ever closer to my final week 15 total. I won by 1 point, then losing in the Super Bowl due to Favre (my starting QB at the time) playing in a sleet and wind filled stadium. I still kick myself for not playing Gerrard, who would have won me the Bowl...

Luckily, this year it looks like a fair and square loss for me, which is MUCH easier to deal with. I made the right decisions, but my team just got outplayed.

That said, LT's Gang, the team she auto-drafted and I managed all year is in the Super bowl in our other league! It was a great way for her to get familiar with some players, as well as begining to understand football, a sport she disliked before this season started. She is now up to speed on a lot of players, and will be ready to join MoFo's league next year with us.

She has players like Adrian Peterson, Steve Smith, Jay Cutler, and Antonio Gates, and has performed consistently all season.

I feel to sixth in my shallow league, after Tomlinson busted out for me all year.

Two out of three isn't bad, and I learned a lot more about the game this year. I am just sorry we are coming to the end of it all...

Good luck to the two Super Bowl contenders here in the MoFo league!

Swedish Chef

12-14-08, 10:02 PM

Well, I'm not ready to concede just yet, but it's looking pretty good for PW and his odd squad. If I had played Olsen over Shockey at TE like I thought about doing, I'd feel a little better about my chances, but I made the wrong choice. Good job, Powdered. And thank The Sweet Zombie Jesus Marion Barber started for the Cowboys tonight.

Swedish Chef

12-14-08, 10:08 PM

And if I lose by one point because I played Rodgers over Brees, I'm gonna feel like hot zoo garbage.

Powdered Water

12-14-08, 10:12 PM

Yeah those experts are always right on the money aren't they?

Barber looks fine to me... of course as I'm typing this Choice goes for 22 yards, so maybe I'm a genius after all.

Swedish Chef

12-14-08, 10:12 PM

Looks like Tashard Choice is still gonna get a lot of touches tonight, even though he's not officially starting.

Yeah, and he just caught a twenty yard screen.

Powdered Water

12-14-08, 10:17 PM

Either way, I still think I'm going to need a lot more from both of these guys. Your man Westbrook is probably going to have a big night tomorrow.

I may need therapy.

TONGO

12-14-08, 10:19 PM

Good job to Slug for knocking me out. It was fun, but I wish this ended better for me. Next year Im gonna win it all!

Powdered Water

12-14-08, 10:21 PM

Yeah man. I hope to see you here next year T, I know you're not a huge fan of this forum but its been a pleasure having you here.

Powdered Water

12-14-08, 10:35 PM

I wish someone would step on Barber's toe.

TONGO

12-14-08, 11:00 PM

Yeah man. I hope to see you here next year T, I know you're not a huge fan of this forum but its been a pleasure having you here.

Thanks PW, but actually the MoFo is the only forum I post at now.

Good job Yoda on your win.

Powdered Water

12-15-08, 12:20 AM

And Tashard goes in for the Touchdown! Yes!

Sedai

12-15-08, 12:42 AM

Congrats Chris and PW for your semi-final victories, and good luck in the finals next week!

Chef and I will square off for the third place trophy, as well.

Swedish Chef

12-15-08, 02:20 AM

And if I lose by one point because I played Rodgers over Brees, I'm gonna feel like hot zoo garbage.

Well, at least I don't have to worry about that situation now.

Anyway, while I'll still be rooting for Brian Westbrook to score seven touchdowns and for David Akers to boot a 94 yard field goal tomorrow, I guess I'll also add in here that the better team won in our matchup and I wish both PW and Yoda luck in the championship.

Swedish Chef

12-15-08, 02:21 AM

And Tashard Choice? Really? Did I just get beat by Tashard flippin Choice?

Yoda

12-15-08, 11:20 AM

Not yet, but it looks like you might. It's that kinda season. Most of us have more than one player in our playoff lineups that we'd never heard of at the start of the season. I'm playing Tyler freaking Thigpen over Ben. So it goes, as I'm quickly learning.

That said, you never know, and I'm sure we'll all be watching tonight. It's not out of the question, though you need a good game out of Akers. This, for example, would net you 51 points for a tie:

Akers
3 field goals (two of them 40+), 2 XP (13 points)

Westbrook
110 rushing yards, 6 catches for 60 receiving yards, 3 TDs (38 points)

Not unheard of. Westbrook's had 110 and 131 rushing yards the last two weeks, and had 72 receiving yards last week. Four TDs in the first game, and two in the last one.

Just sayin'. At the very least, this should help give PW a heart attack, which may make him forget to set his lineup next week.

Swedish Chef

12-15-08, 07:11 PM

I want Westbrook and Akers to completely crap out tonight because if I wind up miraculously cutting PW's lead to single digits, I will never forgive myself for starting Shockey over Olsen.

mikeython1

12-15-08, 07:55 PM

Im with you on that one Chef no Westbook!!!!!!!!! If he gets over 10 points im out of the playoffs!!! He is due for a shi-ty game!!

Sedai

12-15-08, 07:57 PM

I would say you out of the playoffs. VERY slim chance he won't top 10 points. Nigh impossible, even. He would have to get hurt for that to happen...

mikeython1

12-15-08, 08:00 PM

I know I am just trying to be optimistic.

Sedai

12-15-08, 08:06 PM

You could clock his knee or something...

You ...didn't hear that here...

Sedai

12-16-08, 03:21 PM

It's from another league, but I just have to tell this story...

I played three leagues this year, and I am in the Super Bowl this coming week in one of them. The other game this past week turned out to be a big upset, with the heavily favored guy (who had just one loss on the season) losing by a small margin, thanks to Westbrook having a short day.

So, I am lined up against a pretty decent team running players like Romo, Reggie Wayne, and Randy Moss.

The story is, though... This guy has Reggie Bush, and he had Pierre Thomas on his bench as a back-up. Inexplicably, after last week's game, he dropped Thomas, and now has Bush in his line-up. Of course, I snagged him immediately when I saw this crazy move, and the waiver cleared for me.

The Saints play Detroit this week.

Huzzuh???

I was worried about 'ol Chris Johnson playing against The Steelers this week... I now have Adrian Peterson, MoJo, Chris Johnson, & Pierre Thomas to chose from...

This is actually LT's team, that I have managed for her all year.