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denouement

12/31/2014

We all have made it, fantasy enthusiasts.

The long season is finally at a close.

Week 17 of the NFL season, to me, is like the denouement of a story.

A typical story map starts with a beginning, has a rising action, builds to a climax and then ends with a denouement, or a final resolution.

Fantasy football is a lot like a story.

The beginning is the draft where the fantasy season starts. The rising action is the fantasy regular season: filled with twists, turns, trades made, games won and games lost. The climax is the playoffs. Everything builds up to that pivotal semifinal matchup where you either win and go on for the championship, or lose and end up playing for pride.

The denouement is week 17. Many leagues have already crowned a championship and are done playing games. Week 17 is the first time of the season, in my opinion, where the drama of the NFL is greater than the drama of fantasy football.

With most leagues finished, attention turns to the pro football regular season finale, to see who will play in the NFL's second season and who will go home.

Win the season over, it's time to take stock and see where you finished in your league (or in my case leagues).

Three of my leagues were inactive in week 17. I finished eighth out of 14 teams, third out of six teams and sixth out of 12 teams in those three leagues. All three of them were leagues I made the playoffs, but failed to win in the quarter or semifinals.

The three leagues that did play in week 17 went 2-1. I was able to save face and avoid last place in one league, but finished 11th out of 12 teams. After coming so close to the playoffs in my money league, I finished seventh out of 10 teams. Finally, in my best finish of the season, I finished fourth out of 12 teams.

I'd be lying if I said I wasn't disappointed by this season. I had much higher expectations for the year, but unfortunately was unable to achieve them.

Whether you were able to come away with the championship this year, fell just short, or just never got off the ground this season, you have a reason to celebrate: The NFL playoffs are finally here!

How did your fantasy season go? I'd love to hear about it! Email me at 14tange14@gmail.com.

Be sure to check back early in 2015! I'm going to evaluate my Waiver Wire Picks of the Week, to see the highs and lows of the year.

Happy New Year, fantasy fans!

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Playing for pride

12/24/2014

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So you lost in the first round of the playoffs.

It's ok. You can't win them all.

But just because you aren't playing for a title anymore doesn't mean you can't play for pride.

Third place is better than making the playoffs and losing out. Plus, in a lot of money leagues, third place could mean your season ends with (at the very least) your money back.

So there's still a lot of incentive to play in your third place game if you've failed to make your championship game.

Then there's games that keep you out of the league's cellar.

One of the most devilish trends in fantasy football is punishing the league's loser for finishing in last place. Some of the punishments range from slight indignity, to complete and utter humiliation. I've seen a league that required the loser to get an embarrassing tattoo on their upper thighs. I've seen a league that required the loser to recreate a music video (they picked Sia's Chandelier this year if you haven't seen it yet).

So while winning might give you some pride, not losing might save you from a good deal of shame/heckling from the other members of the league.

Finally, most importantly, there's the big one. The championship game. If your team made it this far, congrats! Now you have to clear the final hurdle standing in your way to fantasy glory.

As for me, with no teams winning in the playoffs, I was left solely playing for pride, with mixed results.

I finished in third place in my family league thanks to big days by Cincinnati Bengals running back Jeremy Hill and San Francisco 49ers running back Frank Gore.

I also look like I will avoid finishing in last place in the Rambler Sports Locker league, thanks to a big comeback from San Diego Chargers' quarterback Phillip Rivers.

Unfortunately, that's where the luck runs out.

I lost a game by a point and a half in a PPR league, to finish eighth and dead last among playoff teams.

I also followed up my .16 point loss with a five point loss in the same league. Bengals' wide receiver A.J. Green was injured on the second series of the game and netted zero points for my team.

I'm trailing in my other two leagues by 12 and 20 points, respectively.

While I may have finished in the playoffs in four leagues, it looks like my ceiling for this year is a disappointing third place. Oh well.

In the championships and need last minute advice? Finish with a disappointing season? I want to hear about it! Email me at 14tange14@gmail.com!

Nick's Waiver Wire picks of the Week:

Note: Many fantasy championships are already over, but if you're playing in week 17, these players could help put you over the top. Only play them if you're desperate, however.

1) Charles Johnson, Minnesota Vikings Wide Receiver

Johnson has looked like fellow receiver Cordarrelle Patterson was supposed to be this year. Since receiving regular playing time since the Vikings' week 10 bye, Johnson has caught 23 passes for just under 400 yards and two touchdowns. This week, the Vikings take on the Chicago Bears. A team who has been both hurt and ineffective all over the defensive side of the ball this year. He's available in 83 percent of ESPN leagues, so you should be able to grab him.

2) Andre Williams, New York Giants Running Back

Williams has exploded over the last few weeks running the ball 68 times for 285 yards and a touchdown. While his reception numbers aren't as impressive, Williams will likely do well against a Philadelphia Eagles team that let the Seattle Seahawks gash them on the ground a few weeks ago. And the Dallas Cowboys two weeks ago. And the Washington Redskins last week. Notice a pattern? Williams will have a big day. He's available in just over 50 percent of EPSN leagues, so do what you can to get him.

3) Colts D/ST

Yes, they were just embarrassed by the Dallas Cowboys last week. Yes, they have five games this season where they have scored negative points. However, those games were not against the Tennessee Titans, the opponent the Colts will take on this week. The Titans are hopeless, helpless, and have completely fallen apart. They pose little threat to the playoff-bound Colts. The Colts Defense is available in 80 percent of leagues, so if you're desperate for a defense, this is the one to grab.

Good Luck, fantasy experts. And may my teams lose, so yours don't have to.

Merry Christmas to all! Hopefully Santa brings you a fantasy trophy this year!

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Jay Cutler'd

12/17/2014

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I've been playing Russian Roulette the last few weeks in one of my fantasy leagues.

So far, I've survived and even thrived.

But this last week, my luck ran out.

I've been playing Chicago Bears' Quarterback Jay Cutler.

I originally drafted him in the eighth round, as one of the last starting quarterback drafted. At the beginning, it wasn't too bad. Cutler wasn't on the level of Aaron Rodgers or Peyton Manning, but he was still a serviceable quarterback.

Then the wheels started to come off.

Quickly, before things got out of hand, I grabbed Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer off the waiver wire.

Two weeks later, Palmer tore his ACL and was done for the year.

With the waiver wire cupboard barren, I was forced to continue to play Cutler, despite my reluctance to.

I was able to win in spite of him, but sooner or later, I knew he would doom me.

Of all the times to have it happen, it had to be in the fantasy playoffs.

Going into the Monday Night Football game that put Cutler's Bears against the New Orleans Saints, Cutler had not one, not two, but THREE interceptions.

Despite two late touchdowns, Cutler was unable to get my team into the lead when I needed him to most.

But that isn't what bothers me the most.

What bothers me the most is that not only did I lose, I lost by .16 points. That's point-one-six points. As in a yard and a half more from any one of my running backs or wide receivers and I would have won.

Instead, Cutler's three picks sunk my team and any hopes of making it to the championship game.

And now Cutler's been benched, so what little hope I had in winning the consolation matches is gone as well.

This week as a whole was crushing.

Two weeks ago, I messed up by not playing Aaron Rodgers and losing. This week I lost, in part, because I played Rodgers.

That's because Rodgers had, statistically, the worst game of his CAREER against the Buffalo Bills.

Plus Julio Jones was a last-second scratch and I didn't have time to swap him out.

Finally, my two-week playoff matchup ended in disastrous defeat. Not only did I fail to make up the 14 point difference, I slipped even further, losing by 62.

This week was the worst of the season, and possibly, my entire fantasy football career. I went 0-6. That's right, six losses and not a single win.

Early in the season? You can come back from it.

With three weeks left? It's all over.

I've been bumped from contention in all six of my leagues, and now I'm left playing for pride.

What's your horror story as the season winds to a close? How close were you to making the championship? Email me at 14tange14@gmail.com for some commiseration!

Nick's Waiver Wire Picks of the Week:

1) Toby Gerhart, Jacksonville Jaguars Running Back

Gerhart was off to a less-than-impressive start in Jacksonville before he got injured in week 5, giving rise to Denard Robinson. However, now Robinson is injured and Gerhart is healthy. If he can find the end zone against a mediocre Tennessee Titans' defense, he could prove to be a good pickup for a team desperate for a running back. Owned in just 16 percent of leagues, he should be available for you to grab.

2) Harry Douglas, Atlanta Falcons Wide Receiver

This one is entirely dependent on the health of fellow receiver Julio Jones. If Jones is good to go, Douglas won't be a good play. However, if Jones doesn't play, Douglas is absolutely the Falcons receiver you want in your lineup. He's also owned in just 16 percent of ESPN leagues, so you should be able to grab him and see what happens with Julio.

3) Lance Dunbar, Dallas Cowboys Running Back

Again, this one is dependent on injury. If DeMarco Murray is sidelined with the broken hand he sustained last week, then Dunbar is a player you want to roll with. The Indianapolis Colt's defensive line has been a weak spot for the team all season, and Dunbar could be in for a big day both running and catching the ball. He's around in 95 percent of ESPN leagues, so he should be around for you to grab.

Good luck, fantasy experts! And may my teams lose, so yours don't have to.

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Second Chances

12/10/2014

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You did it! You made the playoffs!

You drafted with the knowledge of an expert. You pulled off a trade not even an NFL General Manager could make. You fought your way through the regular season, and emerged as a favorite to win the league.

And last week your team blew it.

Your star player suffered a minor injury.

You left a player on the bench that had a career day.

Your last minute waiver wire pickup busted.

You finished the week with less points than your opponent.

It's all over right? Wrong!

In the playoffs, there IS such a thing as a second chance.

In ESPN standard leagues, the playoff matchups last two weeks each. This allows teams that had one bad week the chance to redeem themselves and prove that they are worthy of making it to the next round of the playoffs.

In my only ESPN league that I made the playoffs in, this two-week playoff is my saving grace. I was outscored 111-125 due to poor weeks by Cleveland Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon and Denver Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas. I also made a questionable call to play Arizona running back Marion Grice, who didn't nab a single point in the Cardinals' win over Kansas City.

But I'm only 14 points down! I have a chance to redeem myself this week.

If you're the lucky manager who is leading this week, now is NOT the time to get cocky. My first-ever fantasy football playoffs were ruined in the second week of a semi-final matchup by thinking I couldn't lose.

I was up 40 points going into the second week of the playoffs, and I didn't really bother to weigh my options with my lineup because I thought it didn't matter.

My opponent went on to have an awesome week while my team was much less-than-impressive. I lost, but could have won if I had actually set my lineup.

Point being, you spend the whole year trying to put forth your optimal lineup. Don't let the playoffs be the time you feel you don't have to.

Unfortunately, not all leagues are set the same way.

My 14-team Green Bay Packers fan league has one-week playoffs with the top eight teams making the second season.

The one week Colt's quarterback Andrew Luck had the worst fantasy game of his season (the league has settings based on completions which make them different than a standard league), and the week Denver Broncos tight end Julius Thomas says he's going to play, but doesn't see the field is the week I take on a team that goes on to score the most points in the league this week.

Not even Julio Jones, who put in a herculean effort with 11 catches, 259 yards and a touchdown could pull me back into contention.

So that leaves me with half of my leagues still alive to hoist the fantasy championship trophy this year.

Have a bad first week? Need roster advice? Email me at 14tange14@gmail.com. I'd love to have a "mailbag" section of this column.

Nick's Waiver Wire Picks of the Week:

1) Jonathan Stewart, Carolina Panthers running back

FINALLY the Panthers realize Stewart's talents. After playing second fiddle to D'Angelo Williams for a good portion of the last few years, Stewart is finally starting to see the bulk of carries. And he's been doing great things with them. Over the last two weeks, Stewart has over 200 yards plus a touchdown. With Cam Newton's status uncertain after a car crash early on Tuesday, the offense will likely lean on Stewart even more. He's still available in 47 percent of ESPN leagues, so you still might be able to catch him while he's hot.

2) Johnny "Johnny Football" Manziel, Cleveland Browns quarterback

Why not? He's available in 90 percent of leagues and was just named the starter for the Browns this week. I'm not saying play him, but if you're in a keeper league, he might be what you want for next year (or later). Plus he might actually do well over the next few weeks. I'm not saying start him (unless you're seriously desperate), but hey, he might not be the worst pickup you make this year.

3)Kerwynn Williams, Arizona cardinals running back

Ask how, ask now. Ask Kerywnn Williams. Awful puns aside, Williams looks like he's the guy to replace Andre Ellington who is out for the year. Williams crossed the century mark against the Chiefs last week, vastly out-producing the other options at the position. While Cardinals' Head Coach Bruce Arians has said that Stepfan Taylor is "the guy" going forward, it's hard to imagine Williams not getting the ball after a solid performance. He's owned in .2 percent of ESPN leagues. That's point-two percent. You should have no problem picking him up if you're desperate for a running back.

Good luck fantasy experts! And may my teams lose, so yours don't have to.

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fantasy eulogy

12/3/2014

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Friends. Rivals. Fantasy football aficionados everywhere.

We are gathered here today to mourn.

Mourn the touchdowns that were called back. The injuries that sidelined players. The poor choices we, as owners, made.

We come here today to mourn those fantasy football teams that failed to make the playoffs.

There are many reasons why teams don't make the playoffs.

Not every trade works out. Sometimes the waiver wire fails you.

Or, in my case, your first round pick could have been Adrian Peterson, who missed the season after week one for legal issues.

Maybe your draft strategy was off. Maybe you picked a player that did nothing all year in favor of a player that went on to have career numbers.

Or maybe you spent almost a quarter of your auction balance on a number two wide receiver on a team that is currently 5-7 like I did.

Maybe your team was just unlucky.

Every year, at least once, I play the top-scoring team of the week and score the second-most points of any team in the league. If I was playing any other team, I would have won, but because I had to play that one team that had a hot week, I lost.

Such is life in fantasy football.

While your seasons are over, may your memories live on for the next four weeks in the purgatory known as the "consolation bracket." While you have no hope of victory, you can still snatch a shred of dignity from the jaws of utter defeat.

While there may be no hope for glory, it is still a chance to play on. To do your team's due diligence and attempt to not end up in last place.

Amen.

For those in the upper echelon, now is the time. Time to put your thinking caps on and make the most of your matchups. This is not the time to get cute with a matchup. If you have LeSean McCoy, you best be playing LeSean McCoy this week, unless, by some miracle, you have some seriously better options out there.

This is your team's time to shine! We are four short weeks away from declaring fantasy champions all across the country. Will your team be one of them? Or will you be writing eulogies for the missed opportunities you had along the way?

Miss the playoffs? Tell me what went wrong! Make the playoffs? Tell me what went right! Need help picking players for your big matchup this week? No Problem! Email me at 14tange14@gmail.com and I'll answer all of your fantasy questions!

Nick's Waiver Wire Picks of the Week:

1) Daniel Herron, Indianapolis Colts Running Back

Another week, another Colts running back takes center stage. While the organization continues to waste carries on notable bust Trent Richardson, Herron has been good in relief of the injured Ahmad Bradshaw. Herron is averaging over seven yards per carry over the last two weeks and found the end zone last week. If you're as desperate at running back as I am in a few leagues, Herron could be a good option going forward. Since he's still available in over half of ESPN leagues, you should be able to pick him up.

2) Tre Mason, St. Louis Rams Running Back

Mason exploded last weekend for three touchdowns and over 150 total yards. While the rookie didn't get a chance to prove himself until week 6, he has been getting a large number of carries since and has been making the best of them. With games against the Washington Redskins and New York Giants still on the docket, Mason could really provide some lift to a mid-level running game. His only downside is that he is only available in about 29 percent of ESPN leagues. Don't plan on getting him, but use him if you do.

3) Jarvis Landry, Miami Dolphins Wide Receiver

Mike Wallace is being paid a lot of money in Miami to not produce consistent numbers. Over the last few weeks, QB Ryan Tannehill has been looking towards Landry about as much as he looks at his de-jure No. 1 option. Landry has risen to the challenge, catching 20 passes for over 150 yards and three touchdowns over the last three weeks. With three home dates still on the schedule, Landry could really see some big numbers down the stretch. Available in over 70 percent of ESPN leagues, he should be around to help you reach your goal.

Good luck, fantasy experts! And may my teams lose, so yours don't have to.

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Playoff PUSH

11/26/2014

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One of my favorite things about the NFL around this time is looking at playoff scenarios. ESPN has a "Playoff Predictor" feature that allows anyone to predict the rest of the NFL season and see what teams would make the playoffs if what you predicted played out.

I LOVE the Playoff Predictor. Last season, when the Jacksonville Jaguars started 1-9, but won three straight games in a week AFC, there was still a solid chance that the team could make the playoffs. The list was rather long, but it was entirely possible for it to happen. The Jags went on to lose their last three games, but it was still an entertaining thought while it was still possible.

For me, the same love for predicting the playoffs in the actual NFL carries over to fantasy football.

Also for me, many of my playoff hopes and dreams rely on some of these precarious situations that need to play out for me to make the playoffs.

I went 5-1 last week. It was a good week in which I was desperate for wins.

In standard leagues, the top four teams make the playoffs. Luckily for me, I'm currently in two leagues where the top six or top eight teams will advance.

In those leagues, a win will get me in where a loss will likely send me home. One of those leagues will see me taking on one of the worst teams in the league. Unfortunately, the other league will have me playing against the second-best team. I'm feeling confident about those two leagues, but with my luck, I'll probably lose at least one of those games.

I've locked up a spot in my family league, despite benching Rodgers two weeks ago in that brutal loss.

I've been eliminated in the league I was fortunate enough to draft Adrian Peterson with my number two overall pick. Honestly I'm surprised I managed a 5-7 record with no first-round pick after week two.

Now is where things get interesting.

In my 12-team standard league, I am 7-5 after starting 5-2. Even with this recent slump, if I win this week, and another team loses, I will make the playoffs. If I lose or the other team wins, I'll be on the outside looking in.

The biggest stretch for me to get into the playoffs is in my money league. I'm currently 6-6 and in sixth place. This week, I play the team that's in fifth place. I hold the tiebreaker over the team in fourth place. In order to lock up a playoff spot, I need to win AND the team in fourth needs to lose. Unfortunately, the team in fourth is playing a two-win team that I don't think has updated his team since week three.

It's going to take an absolute miracle on par with the miracle needed to get the Jaguars into the playoffs last year.

We'll see how it all plays out over the next few weeks, but I think it's safe to say that I'll likely miss out on the playoffs in around half of my six leagues.

Are you on the fringe of the playoffs? Have you locked up your spot? Out indefinitely? Let me hear about it! Email me at 14tange14@gmail.com! I promise a response!

Nick's Waiver Wire Picks of the Week:

1) LeGarrette Blount, New England Running Back

Man things change quickly when Bill Belichick is in charge. One minute, Jonas Gray is running for four touchdowns against the Colts, the next moment, Gray doesn't get a single touch against the Lions. Apparently, Gray was five minutes late to a team meeting earlier in the week. Enter LeGarrette Blount. Blount was released from the Steelers two weeks ago after becoming angry with the Steelers organization for not giving him touches. The Patriots gave him plenty: 12 rushes for 78 yards and two touchdowns in his first game with the team. Available in 80 percent of leagues, Blount looks like he will be the feature back in the Patriots running game going forward.

2) Marcedes Lewis, Jacksonville Jaguars Tight End

I know in a lot of my leagues, tight end is a thin position. Marcedes Lewis could be a good fill-in. Lewis was on short-term injured reserve, and missed ten weeks. Lewis was back last week and had a less-than-exciting performance against the Colts. However, with a favorable schedule coming up, Lewis might be in line to see more targets and reception. If you're desperate, he's available in 83 percent of leagues.

3) Latavius Murray, Oakland Raiders Running Back

Murray exploded onto the scene with two touchdowns and 112 yards in Oakland's first victory of the season. While he did sustain a concussion, if he returns, it's hard to believe the Raiders won't give Murray the opportunity to improve upon such a dominating performance. He's around 90 percent of leagues so pick him up if you need a running back.

Good luck fantasy experts! and may my teams lose, so yours don't have to.

And Happy Thanksgiving! Remember that there are three great games, so remember to set your lineups early!

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Grudge Match

11/19/2014

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Every season, every team looks at the schedule and circles one or two games.

Division rivals. Defending champions. Tough matchups.

These games are the ones that any given team take more serious than any others.

It's their "grudge match" so to speak.

Every year, my grudge match happens to come against my girlfriend, Megan. We talk a TON of trash throughout the year (all in good fun, of course) until the week where we inevitably play each other.

Last year, for example, she posted on my Facebook wall her team was projected to beat mine. When my team actually pulled off the win, I posted the picture of my win to her Facebook wall.

Last week was, of course, my grudge match: Megan vs. me.

Almost predictably, given the way this season has gone, I lost.

My two running backs, Oakland's Darren McFadden and Atlanta's Steven Jackson combined for 60 yards and two completions for eight points.

One of Megan's running backs, Kansas City's Jamaal Charles, had at least eight points in the first quarter of his 159 yard, two touchdown day.

Had I managed to win my grudge match this week, I might be able to salvage the season in one league. However, at 4-7, my dreams of the playoffs have been dashed.

It's extremely important to win grudge matches. They might count the same on the score sheet, but man is it gratifying when you can beat a rival and frustrating when you can't manage a win.

In another league, a poor Sunday Night Football showing from Colt's quarterback Andrew Luck brought me to the very edge of elimination.

Two other strong victories solidified my place in the second season.

I finished the week with yet another average 3-3 week. With the playoffs fast approaching, I need my teams to start getting things together, or it's going to be a short stay in the postseason for me.

How did you fare in your grudge matches this season? What's your playoff picture looking like? Email me at 14tange14@gmail.com!

Nick's Waiver Wire Picks of the Week

1) Jonas Gray, New England Patriots Running back

Have yourself a day Jonas Gray. Did anyone see his four-touchdown day against the Colts coming? I sure didn't. Gray just established himself as a dominating force on a New England team that is banged up at running back. He'll step into the feature back role from now on, and my bet is he will do very well. He's still around in 41 percent of leagues, but I can guarantee you he's one of the hot items on the waiver wire this week.

2) Jordan Matthews, Philadelphia Eagles Wide Receiver

Lost in the Eagles' crushing defeat to the Green Bay Packers is that Matthews had another good game with Mark Sanchez throwing him the football. In the last three weeks, Matthews has caught 15 balls for just under 280 yards and FOUR touchdowns. Somehow Matthews is still around in 45 percent of leagues. If he is in yours, grab him.

3) Alfred Blue, Houston Texans Running Back

So long as Arian Foster is sidelined with a groin injury, Blue is the way to go. Blue exploded for 150 yards last week against a decent Cleveland Browns team. With two dates against Jacksonville and another against Tennessee, Blue might become the next Ben Tate of the Houston Texans. In other words, a great change of pace back, capable of stepping into a number one runner spot if Foster gets hurt. Blue can still be found in 44 percent of leagues, so grab him now while you can.

Good luck Fantasy experts! and may my teams lose, so yours don't have to.

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bad decisions

11/12/2014

2 Comments

"What have I done."

That's the question I asked myself as I watched the Bears-Packers Sunday Night Football game.

As a Packers fan, you'd think I'd be happy to see Aaron Rodgers shred the Bears defense to the tune of six first-half touchdowns, and you'd be right.

But, in the second half, I got a text from my cousin, who I was playing against this week: Boy did you make a mistake sitting Rodgers.

I did WHAT?

I SAT RODGERS?!

In disbelief, I ripped open my laptop to see if it was just a cruel joke. Sure enough, there was Rodger's six touchdowns and 370 yards gone to waste.

The quarterback I played? Carson Palmer. Not usually a BAD decision, per say, except for the fact that this week he tore his ACL and didn't finish the game.

To add insult to injury, had I switched my quarterbacks, I would have easily won. Instead I lost, sending my team to last place in that league.

This marks -- bar none -- the worst decision I have EVER made in fantasy football.

Just because it was an auto-drafted six-team league, I got cocky and didn't really bother to check my team beyond switching out players on their bye week.

This is a cautionary tale: no matter how much you think you have a game in the bag, it is no excuse to slack off and not take everything seriously.

Bad decisions happen. It's excusable if you took the time to weigh your options and then pick wrongly. We're not psychic, after all.

But if you don't take the time to choose carefully, you have no one to blame but yourself.

Every win in fantasy is sacred. Every loss could be the one that sends you home.

I finished this week 2-4 and wondering what could have been if I had put the necessary time and effort into my team.

Make an earth-shatteringly bad decision like I did? Need some roster advice? Let me know at 14tange14@gmail.com. One of these days someone will reach out, I know it!

Nick's Waiver Wire Picks of the Week

1) Mychal Rivera: Oakland Raiders Tight End

The last three games, Rivera has averaged seven catches for 60 yards and a touchdown. With only one game left on the schedule that the Raiders actually have a legitimate chance at winning (week 16 against Buffalo), there's a good chance that they'll be down and throwing often. In a PPR setting, Rivera is a player you should be able to start with confidence. Since he's only taken in 40 percent of ESPN leagues, you should be confident in your chances of picking him up.

2) Mike Evans: Tampa Bay Buccaneers Wide Receiver

Another player from a team that has no hope for the rest of the season. They'll also be playing from behind a lot, and rookie Mike Evans has emerged as a decent target. Over the last two weeks, Evans has caught 14 passes for 249 yards and three touchdowns. In the next few weeks, Evans will get to play the Redskins, Bears and Panthers who have surrendered large chunks of yards to wide receivers, so he's a player that can make an impact as the season winds down. He's only around in 29 percent of leagues, so get him while you still can.

3) Ryan Mathews: San Diego Chargers Running Back

Mathews has been out since sustaining a knee injury in week two. With his return, he'll provide a boost to a Chargers team that has been extremely injured at running back all year. He gets to start his comeback against the Raiders: a team he rack up 119 yards and a touchdown against last year. He's around in 55 percent of ESPN leagues, so don't hesitate to pick him up.

Good luck, fantasy experts! And may my teams lose, so yours don't have to.

2 Comments

Saviors in waiting?

11/5/2014

1 Comment

Another week gone, another middle-of-the-road performance.

Honestly, 3-3 isn’t bad. Especially considering that six teams were on bye, including the Packers, Bears, Lions and Falcons.

Those are four teams with a LOT of fantasy power on them.

So, considering that most of my teams were at a severe disadvantage, 3-3 is pretty decent.

I just…I just have higher hopes for them, you know?

I need a sleeper. No. I need a fantasy savior.

I need Josh “The Flash” Gordon.

Gordon has been sitting on the bench in all six leagues for nine weeks now…waiting to take the league by storm.

And he’s just a couple weeks away from doing so.

Why has he been sitting for so long?

Well, the fact that he’s been suspended all nine weeks hasn’t really given me an opportunity to play him.

Yes, the Cleveland wide out has spent the last half of the season sitting out for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy.

He led the league in receiving last year, despite sitting out the first two games for (again) violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy.

He also had Brandon Weeden and Jason Campbell throwing him the ball for a good portion of last year.

This year, there’s a healthy Brian Hoyer throwing the pigskin in Cleveland.

In the two games that Gordon and Hoyer played in last year, Gordon caught 14 passes for 210 yards and a touchdown. Unfortunately for Gordon (and the city of Cleveland), Hoyer tore his ACL early in week five and failed to finish out the year.

This year, the Browns are competitive and will desperately need Gordon’s skill set if they want to make the playoffs for the first time since 2002. They’re going to throw to him, and throw to him often.

He’s still available in 41 percent of leagues. If he’s out there, get him and get him now.

Hopefully Gordon picks up right where he left off from last year and pushes my fantasy teams over the edge this week.

But Gordon isn’t the only potential fantasy savior out there. Another player might be returning to action in the near future. I’m speaking, of course, of Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson.

Now, I’m not going to say a thing about the NFL domestic violence policy, or if AP’s actions were right or wrong.

What I am going to say is that when AP is on the field, he is a top-three fantasy running back.

With Peterson agreeing to a plea that avoids jail time, he is potentially only a few weeks away from returning to action on a Vikings team that is down but not out yet.

If Peterson does return to action, he could provide the necessary lift for any team lacking in running backs.

He’s available in 45 percent of ESPN leagues. That says, to me, to go for it. On the chance he does play, he’s going to make anyone who picked him up happy.

Have a player you’re hoping is your fantasy savior? Need roster advice? Send me an email at 14tange14@gmail.com. I promise a response and your question will appear in next week’s column!

Nick’s Waiver Wire Picks of the Week:

Other than AP and Josh Gordon, of course.

1) Terrance West: Cleveland Browns running back

Look out NFL fans, there’s a new sheriff in the backfield. After Ben Tate failed to put together any sort of momentum over the last few weeks (averaging 1.2 yards per carry in that time), the Browns turned to West to be the workhorse. West delivered with 48 yards and a reception touchdown. Look for West to shoulder the load going forward. People are picking him up fast, though; he’s only available in 53 percent of ESPN leagues.

2) Mark Sanchez: Philadelphia Eagles quarterback

No, I’m not crazy. The former New York Jet has redefined himself under Chip Kelly’s guidance in Philly. He looked comfortable coming off the bench for the injured Nick Foles and leading the Eagles to a win over the Texans. This week, Sanchez takes on a Carolina Panthers team that has looked unimpressive on the defensive side of the ball so far this year. He’s only taken in 16 percent of ESPN leagues, so if you’re desperate for a quarterback, it might be time to party like it’s 2008 again with Sanchez.

Good luck, fantasy experts! And may my teams lose so yours don’t have to!

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Midseason slump

10/29/2014

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Good teams go through it.
Good Players go through it.
Everyone goes through it.

The "mid-season slump."

You think that everything is going good, you're riding high and then BAM: Losing streak.

The Seattle Seahawks went 1-2 in weeks 13-16 last year.
The Baltimore Ravens went 1-4 to end the season in 2012.
The New York Giants lost five of six near the end of 2011.
The Green Bay Packers lost three of four early on in 2010.

What do all these teams have in common?

They went on to win the Super Bowl that year.

These similarities are the only thing that are keeping me sane after last weekend's fantasy football

games.

I finished one and five.

It was supposed to be a big week for me. I was playing teams ranked near the top in three leagues. I lost every one of those games.

The only game I managed to win was against a team that's won three games all year. Hardly a statement win.

This week was, by far, the worst week of the season.

Two weeks ago, my teams looked primed for the playoffs. Now? only one team clings to a playoff spot, while the wheels are coming off of my other teams in a hurry.

It's do-or-die from this point forward. Every loss could mean missing the playoffs.

However, this might not get any easier this upcoming week. Many of the teams I face have records
equal or greater than mine.

So we'll have to wait and see what happens. Hopefully I can get a little lucky and build some momentum for a playoff push.

Lose a tough game? Need some roster advice? Email me at 14tange14@gmail.com! I respond to all emails, and your question will appear in next week's column!

Nick's Waiver Wire Picks of the Week:

1) Doug Baldwin, Seattle Seahawks Wide Receiver

The Percy Harvin trade sent shockwaves through the league. Very few teams trade away the best offensive weapon they have. But that's exactly what the Seahawks did: sending Harvin to the Jets for picks in next year's NFL draft. Baldwin is now Russell Wilson's number one guy. He's only taken in 55 percent of leagues, so now is the time to get him, while you still can.

2) Dennard Robinson, Jacksonville Jaguars Running Back

I'll admit. I was a bit skeptical after the former Michigan quarterback ran for 100 yards against the Browns. But then he did it again against the Dolphins. If he can do it against a Bengals team that has been less-than-impressive against the run? well we might have a burgeoning fantasy stud on our hands here. He's only taken in 30 percent of leagues, so you should be able to nab him.

3) Martavis Bryant, Pittsburgh Steelers Wide Receiver

Wow. Did anyone see Ben Roethlisberger getting six touchdowns against a Colts team that shut out Cincinnati the week before? I certainly didn't. Two of those were caught by this rookie speedster. He's caught touchdowns in consecutive weeks, but you might want to wait on starting him to see if he's consistent. You'll still want to pick this guy up though, and since he's around in 97 percent of leagues, you should be able to do so no problem.

Good luck, fantasy experts! And may my teams loses so yours don't have to

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