Courtesy of: Denver Post
Question: What’s better than one of your favorite Baltimore based sports websites sharing expert fantasy football advice and commentary every week of the NFL season?
Answer: TWO of your favorite Baltimore based sports websites sharing expert fantasy football advice and commentary every week of the NFL season!
No one ever said less is more…well, actually, lot’s of people have said less is more, but as sports fans and columnists, we disagree. We say more is more, and so that’s exactly what we’re bringing you…more. As part of a season long collaborative effort to bring you the most comprehensive fantasy football coverage around, The Sports Column and I Hate JJ Redick are suiting up for a weekly battle royale.
Each week, TSC’s fantasy expert Jim Chaney and IHJJR’s fantasy guru Ross Dunham will share their knowledge and advice in the form of a fantasy pick ‘em. Each combatant will select a fantasy roster in alternating fashion that includes 1 QB, 1 RB, 1 WR, 1 TE, and 1 DEF that will go head to head for fantasy supremacy. I know what you’re thinking, “How hard can it be when you’ve got the whole league to pick from…my pet rock could pick Aaron Rodgers and Adrian Peterson every week!” First of all, you have a pet rock? Really guy? Second of all, you’re right; that would be pretty easy, wouldn’t it? This is why our experts will be picking their rosters from the pool of flex options and fringe fantasy starters.
Look, you don’t need us to tell you that Calvin Johnson is a good option this week against the Vikings. Or that Jimmy Graham seems like a good start at the razor thin TE position. But you may be on the fence about guys like Lamar Miller, Ahmad Bradshaw, or Tony Romo. That’s where the gurus come in. Along with each pick will be a brief explanation behind why they feel confident enough to start these players and that may be just the insight you needed to pull the trigger.
Jim and Ross will compile preview and recap columns each and every week and you will be able to follow their competition all season long at both The Sports Column and I Hate JJ Redick, for your reading pleasure. So without further ado, let’s take a look at the week 1 picks in 2013’s Battle of the Blogs!
Ross (1st pick): QB, Andrew Luck (vs. OAK): At home against a Raiders defense who was absolutely putrid in the preseason. Oakland allowed scores in 16 of 18 first half drives this preseason, not including a kneel down. Much has been said about the Colts being more conservative on offense this year but I just can’t see it happening in week one. Luck will have a huge week.
Jim: QB, Tony Romo (vs. NYG): If you followed my drafting advice and waited on a QB, there’s a decent chance you ended up with someone like Romo. Guess what? That’s not a bad thing. Last year, Romo broke his career high in passing yards and nearly reached the 5,000 yard mark. As Dez Bryant emerged as one of the league’s top pass catchers in the second half of 2012, Romo saw his fantasy production skyrocket as well, tallying over 20 fantasy points in 4 of his final 6 games. Last year vs. the Giants, Romo averaged 21 fantasy points in their two meetings, despite throwing 5 INTs in that span. I expect less mistakes from Romo this time around which should result in a nice week for the Cowboys QB.
Jim: RB, Steven Jackson (@NO): Does anyone deserve a change of scenery more than S-Jax? The guy’s been pounding out 1,000 yard seasons for terrible teams for years and now, finally, gets to play with a productive offense. A rejuvenated Jackson is one of the few every down backs still around in today’s pass friendly NFL and his new team, the Atlanta Falcons, love to run the ball inside the red zone. Combine that with the fact that New Orleans was last in the NFL last year in rushing yards allowed and just saw Jonathan Vilma head to the IR, and you have a recipe for a top 5 running back performance from Jackson this week.
Ross: RB, David Wilson (@DAL): When Andre Brown went down with a broken leg, Wilson’s stock shot way up in the fantasy world. In a primetime game against a division foe, Wilson will have a breakout performance and show why he’s the number one back in New York. The Giants offense is again going to be one of the best in the NFL this year and I expect Wilson to be at the forefront of that attack.
Ross: WR, DeSean Jackson (@WAS): Jackson completely underwhelmed last year with his production. Coming into 2013, he’s the only viable threat outside for the Eagles against a suspect secondary in Washington who had the 30th ranked pass defense in 2012. The ball will find Jackson on Monday night. His ability to take the top off the defense as well as catch short screens and turn them into home runs makes him a must play in week one.
Jim: WR, Eric Decker (vs. BAL): With Peyton Manning at the helm last year, Decker notched his first 1,000 yard season and totaled 13 TDs. Had it not been for the addition of a certain former Patriots slot receiver, we’d be talking up Decker as a top 10 WR this year. But let’s not write him off so quickly. Sure, Decker is bound to see some production head Wes Welker’s way this year, but that may be a good thing. Against a Ravens’ secondary in week 1 that is still searching for an identity, Decker may benefit the most among Manning’s three main weapons as they attempt to container Demaryius Thomas outside and Welker across the middle. Look for Decker to rack up some numbers in this one as the Broncos try and avenge their brutal playoff loss from last year.
Jim: TE, Vernon Davis (vs. GB): Last year we saw two versions of Davis with Colin Kaepernick under center; one who wasn’t even the most productive tight end on his own team in the regular season and one who emerged as a dangerous threat in the playoffs. I might be going out on a limb here but I think we see the latter this season. The 49ers plan to use Davis as a hybrid WR this year and I think in week one we’ll see just how dangerous Davis can be.
Ross: TE, Jordan Cameron (vs. MIA): Cameron and Brandon Weeden developed a strong rapport during preseason, and with Josh Gordon suspended for the first two games, Cameron will see plenty of passes coming his way no matter the opponent. Be fully confident in starting him.
Ross: DEF, Colts (vs. OAK): They’re playing my beloved Raiders, enough said.
Jim: DEF, Rams (vs. ARI): Here is an underrated unit that many people dismiss due to past experience. A very strong front seven that can get a lot of pressure on the QB is a perfect recipe against a not-so-mobile Carson Palmer. The secondary isn’t great, but if Palmer is pressured enough, he’s bound to throw a pick or two.
Team TSC Team IHJJR
QB- Tony Romo QB- Andrew Luck
RB- Steven Jackson RB- David Wilson
WR- Eric Decker WR- DeSean Jackson
TE- Vernon Davis TE- Jordan Cameron
DEF- Rams DEF- Colts
