Courtesy of: CBS Sports
After three straight victories by TSC’s own Jim Chaney, The Sports Column takes a commanding 3 game season lead into week 9 of the NFL and Fantasy season. Last week’s matchup was practically unfair as Team TSC trounced Team IHJJR to the tune of 66-8. Two negative performances by Michael Vick and the Jets’ Defense did in Ross’s team and he hoped to bounce back this week and avoid the dreaded negative points. This column is running a little late this week due to some additional obligations that delayed its release, but as you’re about to see, poor Ross Dunham fell victim once again to the terrible DEF pick. Here were our selections for week 9, all of which played yesterday.
(This week’s preview was compiled by Jim Chaney of The Sports Column.)
Ross (1st Pick)- QB: Terrelle Pryor- Last week, Pryor showed what he could do with his legs when given the opportunity with his 93-yard TD run. After that, however, he didn’t do anything else for fantasy owners. I don’t think there’s any question that Pryor will be able to build upon his big play potential and transform it into a consistent fantasy production day against a weak Eagles defense.
Jim- QB: Jake Locker- Locker came back in week 7 against the 49ers and blew up with a 300+ yard performance and 2 TDs to go along with just the first INT he’d thrown this year. His knee issue has had the bye week to help in its recovery and he looks poised to pick up where he left off against the Rams this week. Locker, before being injured, had been a very solid fantasy QB, limiting mistakes and occasionally posting big numbers. I think he’ll continue to improve and this could be a big week for him.
Jim- RB: Ryan Mathews- It seems crazy, but Mathews has actually been an above average running back for the past few weeks leading up to the Chargers bye in week 8. This week he brings his back to back 100 yards games to Washington where everyone and their brother can run on the Redskins. He’s become less involved in the passing game with Danny Woodhead around, but his carries and YPC look better and better, making him a solid play again this week.
Ross- RB: Trent Richardson- He’s been one of the biggest busts at RB this season, but then again there’s been plenty of others who haven’t had the type of season people expected them too. Richardson is still the number one back on a very solid Colts offense and the Texans over the last five games have averaged one TD to opposing RBs. It’s not a sexy play by any means, but it’s likely that he’ll get a couple of goal line carries and punch it in.
Ross- WR: Golden Tate- I was going to go with Terrance Williams, but I felt he is a must start in most fantasy leagues now with his recent production, so I’ll roll with Tate here. Sidney Rice is out for the season, and Percy Harvin is still questionable for this week’s game. Tate had a monster game on Monday night and now is the Seahawks most viable threat outside. Seattle will have the ball a lot in this game and that could mean a big game is in Tate’s future.
Jim- WR: Dwayne Bowe- Maybe it’s the Halloween candy talking, but I think Bowe could have a big week. Fist of all, the matchup couldn’t be better. Like, literally, it couldn’t be because Buffalo is giving up the most fantasy points to WRs this year. I know he’s been a huge disappointment, and some of that stems from Alex Smith just doing the bare minimum at QB, but I think Smith could be good this week as well and finds Bowe for a TD. If you happen to own Bowe, hope for the big week (like I am) and then trade him away ASAP!
Jim- TE: Coby Fleener- This is a gut call, I have to be honest. The matchup is just “ok” and Fleener has not been actively involved in this offense to this point in the season. That being said, I think the Reggie Wayne injury brings opportunity and the bye week has given the Colts a chance to figure out who will fill his shoes. I don’t trust Darius Heyward-Bay enough to be that guy, and I think the relationship between Luck and Fleener helps nudge him into the territory of 8-10 targets this week.
Ross- TE: Timothy Wright- I can’t help but compare Wright and Fleener’s story lines here. Both offenses lose wideouts for the season, and both guys expect to see more production as the year progresses because of that fact. Wright has been a sporadic play for most if you’re choosing to do so. But in reality, the TE position as a whole has been a boom or bust outside of Jimmy Graham and Jordan Cameron. Wright will see more targets headed his way, and with Sherman locking up Vincent Jackson, there could be an opportunity for points here against Seattle.
Ross- DEF: Raiders- The Raiders have arguably been the most surprising team to be halfway decent this year. Their defense has implemented eight new starters and has actually played well this season considering that fact. They’ve recorded five interceptions over their last three games, and with Nick Foles and the reeling Eagles offense headed to Oakland, this could be a game that propels the Raiders to a 4-4 record.
Jim- DEF: Cowboys- The Cowboys have been the definition of boom or bust this year. In their past 4 games they’ve tallied -7, 11, 15, and 1 fantasy points. But if DeMarcus Ware can come back this week to take on the terrible Minnesota Vikings, they could have a “boom” type of week. The Vikings have not been able to find an answer at QB this year and with Christian Ponder back under center, Dallas could easily be looking at 5 sacks and a couple of picks in this game
Year To Date:
Team TSC: 5-2-1
Team IHJJR: 2-5-1
