2009 Fantasy Football Who Should I Start Thread?

[albionmoonlight]

For my third RB/flex spot:

Larry Johnson (Kansas City at Baltimore) OR
Derrick Ward (Dallas at Tampa Bay)

I have not watched the Chiefs or the Bucs this preseason. Anyone have a read on these players? Is Ward supposed to get a lot of touches? Is Johnson the clear #1 in KC? Thoughts?

At QB:

Tony Romo (Dallas at Tampa Bay) OR
Matt Shaub (Jets at Houston)

I am 95% certain that I am going to start Romo here, but if anyone had a "for the love of God, don't do that" argument to make, I am all ears.

[henry296]

Even if Johnson is the clear #1, i'm always leary about starting vs. Baltimore even if Ward might split carries 3 ways.

[stevew]

May as welll post too-

I have these guys set in stone Slaton/Thomas Jones at RB, and Fitz/Jennings at WR.

Out of these guys, I need a flex
Anthony Gonzalez
Antonio Bryant
Lendale White
Cedric Bensen
Leon Washington
FRED JACKSON

[Danny]

Not Bryant, assuming its not a PPR league, probably Bensen

[henry296]

Steve - probably like either Benson or Gonzalez.

What about Fred Jackson vs. Jerricho Cotchery?

[stevew]

Oh, I forgot, I have Fred Jackson too.

[Danny]

Again, assuming it's not PPR, then if unsure always go with the starting running back. In general, it's generally more consistent production.

[henry296]

I should add that my league is a 1 pt for every 2 receptions, no half points.

[albionmoonlight]

Originally Posted by stevew

May as welll post too-

I have these guys set in stone Slaton/Thomas Jones at RB, and Fitz/Jennings at WR.

Out of these guys, I need a flex
Anthony Gonzalez
Antonio Bryant
Lendale White
Cedric Bensen
Leon Washington
FRED JACKSON

I think that I'd go with Benson. I think that he's going to have a good year (I was upset when someone took him 2 round too early in my fantasy draft; I was hoping to steal him.).

On the one hand, I think that Gonzales is your safest option. But, when given a choice, I think that you really have to weigh RB a lot higher for the flex position.

So, if I were you, I'd go Benson, but I think that it would be defensible to go Gonzales.

[bigmouth]

Originally Posted by albionmoonlight

For my third RB/flex spot:

Larry Johnson (Kansas City at Baltimore) OR
Derrick Ward (Dallas at Tampa Bay)

I have not watched the Chiefs or the Bucs this preseason. Anyone have a read on these players? Is Ward supposed to get a lot of touches? Is Johnson the clear #1 in KC? Thoughts?

At QB:

Tony Romo (Dallas at Tampa Bay) OR
Matt Shaub (Jets at Houston)

I am 95% certain that I am going to start Romo here, but if anyone had a "for the love of God, don't do that" argument to make, I am all ears.

johnson is the clear number 1 but he is behind a god awful line. it looks like he's also coming out on third down passing situations for jamal charles.

[Thomkal]

Got pulled into a auction draft at the last second, drafting tonight. I haven't strongly followed preseason news or various teams, so I'm unsure in some cases who might be starting for some teams. Anyone know of a site that has up-to-date projected starters for each team?

[Doug5984]

We play 2 RB / 2 WR / 1 Flex (TE counts as WR)
I have Larry Johnson and Dwayne Bowe- both playing Balt, that worries me a lot.
On my bench I have- Donald Brown, Chester Taylor, Cadillac Williams, Earl Bennett, Donald Driver, Lee Evans, Anthony Gonzalez, & Chris Henry

Should I pull both off the starting roster and go with 2 from the bench- I'm a little weary to go with A Gonzo since I also have Peyton Manning & Reggie Wayne (I know I have to many colts but they all slipped in the draft- I will live and die by the colts this year)

[albionmoonlight]

Originally Posted by Doug5984

We play 2 RB / 2 WR / 1 Flex (TE counts as WR)
I have Larry Johnson and Dwayne Bowe- both playing Balt, that worries me a lot.
On my bench I have- Donald Brown, Chester Taylor, Cadillac Williams, Earl Bennett, Donald Driver, Lee Evans, Anthony Gonzalez, & Chris Henry

Should I pull both off the starting roster and go with 2 from the bench- I'm a little weary to go with A Gonzo since I also have Peyton Manning & Reggie Wayne (I know I have to many colts but they all slipped in the draft- I will live and die by the colts this year)

I think that too much can be made of matchups. You want to play your best players. Your Johnson/Williams decision is exactaly my Johnson/Ward decision. Until we see what Tampa Bay is going to do, I am hesitant to start any of their RBs.

I mean, you have to think that Johnson is going to get at least 10 carries. I don't think that I can say that about anyone on Tampa's offense.

I do think that I might look at replacing Bowe. Maybe Evans? I'm not convinced that T.O. has anything in the tank, so Evans is probably their #1 receiver.

[Doug5984]

Originally Posted by albionmoonlight

I think that too much can be made of matchups. You want to play your best players. Your Johnson/Williams decision is exactaly my Johnson/Ward decision. Until we see what Tampa Bay is going to do, I am hesitant to start any of their RBs.

I mean, you have to think that Johnson is going to get at least 10 carries. I don't think that I can say that about anyone on Tampa's offense.

I do think that I might look at replacing Bowe. Maybe Evans? I'm not convinced that T.O. has anything in the tank, so Evans is probably their #1 receiver.

Yeah it's a tough call, like you said Johnson will get the touches- just not sure on Bowe- although he is the only receiving threat they have. This early in the season I might have to just go with the talent and see what happens, Baltimore's defense might lose a couple steps this year- so who knows.

[Qwikshot]

Yahoo Keeper League (Initial Season)

1QB: Schaub (S), Orton
2RB: C. Johnson (S), Ray Rice (S), Darren McFadden, Derrick Ward, Earnest Graham and Donald Brown
2WR: A. Johnson (S), G. Jennings (S), A. Gonzalez, Percy Harvin
1 W/R: ?

Do I start McFadden vs San Diego or Gonzalez vs Jacksonville?

This really is a woeful Raiders team, San Diego allowed about 16.6 points last season vs runningbacks per game (8th best).
Jacksonville allowed 20.4 points per game last season versus wide receivers (20th overall) and this will be against a potent Colts team.

* all data compiled from rotoworld.com

So to me, it makes sense to risk starting Gonzalez even though it's an offense that spreads the ball around, against McFadden who may be the primary offense against a top defense that will potentially shut him down, he's not even considered the winner for tailback, but it is guestimated he'll see about 15 rushes and 5 receptions (again data compiled from rotoworld.)



Points in this league are
1 point per 10 yards (running or receiving)
6 points per TD (throwing, catching, receiving)

K: Josh Brown
Def: Chicago


The league is split down the middle of using the W/R between running back and receiver.
Thanks

[albionmoonlight]

Originally Posted by Qwikshot

Yahoo Keeper League (Initial Season)

1QB: Schaub (S), Orton
2RB: C. Johnson (S), Ray Rice (S), Darren McFadden, Derrick Ward, Earnest Graham and Donald Brown
2WR: A. Johnson (S), G. Jennings (S), A. Gonzalez, Percy Harvin
1 W/R: ?

Do I start McFadden vs San Diego or Gonzalez vs Jacksonville?

This really is a woeful Raiders team, San Diego allowed about 16.6 points last season vs runningbacks per game (8th best).
Jacksonville allowed 20.4 points per game last season versus wide receivers (20th overall) and this will be against a potent Colts team.

* all data compiled from rotoworld.com

So to me, it makes sense to risk starting Gonzalez even though it's an offense that spreads the ball around, against McFadden who may be the primary offense against a top defense that will potentially shut him down, he's not even considered the winner for tailback, but it is guestimated he'll see about 15 rushes and 5 receptions (again data compiled from rotoworld.)



Points in this league are
1 point per 10 yards (running or receiving)
6 points per TD (throwing, catching, receiving)

K: Josh Brown
Def: Chicago


The league is split down the middle of using the W/R between running back and receiver.
Thanks

I'd say Gonzales. Who knows what the Raiders will do. At least Gonzales will be out there.

[NoSkillz]

Pretty standard league: PPR for receivers and 1/2 point per reception for running backs. BOLDED PLAYERS are my picks for starting this week...

QB (1): Ben Roethlisberger or Kyle Orton
RB (2): LaDainian Tomlinson, Stephen Jackson, Clinton Portis, LenDale White, Ricky Williams, Shonn Greene
WR/TE (3): Brandon Marshall, Santana Moss, Torry Holt, Percy Harvin, Jeremy Maclin, Mark Clayton, Juaquin Iglesias, Kellen Winslow
Flex - RB/WR/TE (1): Clinton Portis
K - Kris Brown
DEF - Seattle

I'm obviously super deep at RB but relatively weak at QB and WR. I think the only possible change is if Brandon Marshall is a go - do I take Torry Holt out or Winslow?

[Flasch186]

Alright, Do I start:

Larry Johnson against the Ravens or tim hightower against the Niners

AND

Do I start Roddy White against the Dolphins or Hines Ward against the Titans

[Ronnie Dobbs2]

I'd go Hightower/White.

QB: Roethlisberger (vs. TEN) or Flacco (vs. KC)
RB: Benson (vs. DEN) McFadden (vs. SD) or Moreno (@CIN)

[claphamsa]

ok, im in a PPR league, 2 RB 2 WR and a flex

i have ochosinco, andre johson, justin gage, devry henderson, and michal jenkins as my recievers
i have willie harris, LJ and jacobs, chester tayler and ricky the puffer as my RBS

i think 85 johns, fast willie and jacobs are obvious, the flex... LJ?

[albionmoonlight]

Originally Posted by claphamsa

ok, im in a PPR league, 2 RB 2 WR and a flex

i have ochosinco, andre johson, justin gage, devry henderson, and michal jenkins as my recievers
i have willie harris, LJ and jacobs, chester tayler and ricky the puffer as my RBS

i think 85 johns, fast willie and jacobs are obvious, the flex... LJ?

Henderson is a big play guy. He has less value in a PPR league.

[MikeVic]

I like to decide who to start on my own the majority of the time, but I find it very difficult at the beginning of the season...

I have Pierre Thomas in two leagues, and I'm assuming right now he isn't playing. Even though I'd love if he was since he's facing the Lions.

Anyway, in his place I don't know who to start for one league:
Hightower or LenDale White.

Keep in mind that I have Chris Johnson as my other starting RB... I have Hightower starting, but on ESPN LenDale is being started way more than Hightower...??

[Izulde]

Flex:
TE Anthony Fasano @ ATL
QB Jason Campbell @ NYG
WR Ted Ginn, Jr. @ ATL
WR Kenny Britt @ PIT

Really torn between these four.

[MikeVic]

Originally Posted by Izulde

Flex:
TE Anthony Fasano @ ATL
QB Jason Campbell @ NYG
WR Ted Ginn, Jr. @ ATL
WR Kenny Britt @ PIT

Really torn between these four.

I'd say Ginn has the highest upside. I'd eliminate Britt right away.

[Ronnie Dobbs2]

PPR? 4 pt TD passes?

[Izulde]

Originally Posted by Ronnie Dobbs2

PPR? 4 pt TD passes?

1 point per reception, 6 points per TD in all areas

[Ronnie Dobbs2]

I'd probably go for Campbell then. QBs tend to point more than RB/WR in 6pt TD pass leagues. Fasano over Ginn in a PPR as well.

[ISiddiqui]

I got a Fantasy trade question. Since this was asking about starts, I'll keep it here. I have Greg Olsen at TE. Someone in my league wants to make a trade. I probably would ask for a WR in return. Here are the WR & TE in my league:

Me:

Greg Olsen (TE)
Anquan Boldin (WR)
Brandon Marshall (WR)
Antonio Bryant (WR)

Deion Branch (WR) - Reserve
Mark Clayton (WR) - Reserve

Him:

Visanthe Shiancoe (TE)
Larry Fitzgerald (WR)
Santonio Holmes (WR)
Santana Moss (WR)

Michael Crabtree (WR) - Reserve
Percy Harvin (WR) - Reserve

Oh, and this is going to be a keeper league. Obviously going to involve Olsen for Shiancoe, but then was thinking of offering Clayton or Bryant for Holmes, though even then I'm not sure if that would work. Maybe Olsen, Bryant, and Boldin for Shiancoe, Fitzgerald, and S. Moss (yeah, that's a dream, I know )?

[Samdari]

Originally Posted by Izulde

6 points per TD in all areas

You should draft QBs as 1 and 2 every season in this league if you can play one at flex.

But Campbell is probably the best of a mediocre lot - no matter who they are playing.

[Thomkal]

Originally Posted by MikeVic

I like to decide who to start on my own the majority of the time, but I find it very difficult at the beginning of the season...

I have Pierre Thomas in two leagues, and I'm assuming right now he isn't playing. Even though I'd love if he was since he's facing the Lions.

Anyway, in his place I don't know who to start for one league:
Hightower or LenDale White.

Keep in mind that I have Chris Johnson as my other starting RB... I have Hightower starting, but on ESPN LenDale is being started way more than Hightower...??

It looks like Beanie Wells is going to be the starter for the Cards at this point, and they aren't exactly a run first team to begin with, so I'd likely go with White over Hightower. White's the backup to Johnson of course, but the Titans run more and so he will likely have more chances than Hightower.

[RomaGoth]

I made this trade today:

Receive

RB Adrian Peterson
RB Michael Bush
WR Devin Hester

Lose

RB Darren McFadden
RB Frank Gore
WR Anquan Boldin


I didn't want to lose Gore or Boldin, but Peterson is too good to pass up, at least in my opinion.

Thoughts?

[Ronnie Dobbs2]

Too much to give up.

[molson]

Originally Posted by albionmoonlight

For my third RB/flex spot:

Larry Johnson (Kansas City at Baltimore) OR
Derrick Ward (Dallas at Tampa Bay)

I have not watched the Chiefs or the Bucs this preseason. Anyone have a read on these players? Is Ward supposed to get a lot of touches? Is Johnson the clear #1 in KC? Thoughts?

At QB:

Tony Romo (Dallas at Tampa Bay) OR
Matt Shaub (Jets at Houston)

I am 95% certain that I am going to start Romo here, but if anyone had a "for the love of God, don't do that" argument to make, I am all ears.

Originally Posted by RomaGoth

I made this trade today:

Receive

RB Adrian Peterson
RB Michael Bush
WR Devin Hester

Lose

RB Darren McFadden
RB Frank Gore
WR Anquan Boldin


I didn't want to lose Gore or Boldin, but Peterson is too good to pass up, at least in my opinion.

Thoughts?

Who else do you have at RB? Peterson/Whoever else you have is probably a big upgrade over McFadden/Gore. And it needs to be to make up for what you're losing from Boldin to Hester.

It's pretty close, but I'd probably make the trade and sink or swin with Peterson, who is a much surer bet than anyone involved in this trade.

[RomaGoth]

Originally Posted by Ronnie Dobbs2

Too much to give up.

I kind of felt that way too, but Boldin is questionable to play (of course he WILL play, but if he has injuries again this year, who knows what can happen), and Gore has had injury problems too (year before last and in college).

Not sure about the usefulness of Michael Bush unless McFadden gets hurt or just stinks up the place (and Fargus does the same). Devin Hester may have some value as the only real receiving threat in Chicago and a return man.

Also, my QB situation is horrid. It was a live draft but I missed it due to other commitments. I have Cassel (injured), Roethlisberger (meh for fantasy stats), and Pennington....

I needed some more points on my roster and I am hoping AP gives me those, and then some. He should have a field day this weekend against the Browns defense. I also have Forte in the backfield, so I feel I have a couple of nice RB's at least.

[Ronnie Dobbs2]

If your team is shallow, I wouldn't go around trading whatever good players you have for one player.

I see that trade as the
~8 RB
~20 RB
~8 WR

for
1 RB
~40 WR

[molson]

Originally Posted by RomaGoth

Also, my QB situation is horrid. It was a live draft but I missed it due to other commitments. I have Cassel (injured), Roethlisberger (meh for fantasy stats), and Pennington....

That is pretty damn horrid.

I think maybe I'd consider adding another fringe QB if anyone is available (and maybe drop a fringe RB, since you have to bet the farm on Peterson at this point anyway). With 4 fringe QBs, you can sometimes piece together decent production week-to-week if you play the matchups right (depending on the size of your bench)

[claphamsa]

Originally Posted by albionmoonlight

Henderson is a big play guy. He has less value in a PPR league.

yeah, never really thought of starting henderson, hes likely to get cut for a kicker in week 8!

but i figured id include everyone

[Ronnie Dobbs2]

RG - what do your WRs look like? What QBs does the other team have? Maybe you could add a QB to the equation. Do you start a flex?

[RomaGoth]

Ok, here is my full roster:


QB - Chad Pennington
QB - Ben Roethlisberger
QB - Matt Cassel

RB - Adrian Peterson
RB - Matt Forte
RB - Fred Jackson
RB - Derrick Ward
RB - Jerious Norwood
RB - Michael Bush

WR - Dwayne Bowe
WR - Antonio Bryant
WR - Devin Hester
WR - Laveranues Coles
WR - Chansi Stuckey

TE - Visanthe Shiancoe
TE - John Carlson

Def - Tampa Bay
K - Lawrence Tynes

I have most definitely had better teams. In fact, this is one of the worst I have ever had.

*sigh*

[Ronnie Dobbs2]

I missed that you'd already made the trade, my bad. I would have been less harsh.

Personally, with your QB situation and the fact that the league is very deep, I would drop Pennington and pick up an "upside" QB. I don't think Pennington will be as good as last year. Is there anyone promising available (Edwards? Flacco? Hill?)? You could think outside the box on a lottery ticket (Stafford? Leinart?) Do you start 2 QB or 1?

[Sublime 2]

For my #2 RB I need to pick from:

Larry Johnson @ BAL
Ray Rice vs KC
Cadillac Williams vs DAL

Then for my flex (WR/RB) I need to pick from:

The two losers from above
Santana Moss @ NYG
Anthony Gonzalez vs. JAX
Lance Moore vs. DET
Ginn Jr. @ ATL

Bolded is who I'm thinking. I drafted Cadillac because it looks like he won out the starting position, but I know TB is looking at more of a 3 headed monster at RB, so who knows. I also have Lynch, who I expect to be my starting back beside Slaton, for week 4+.

[RomaGoth]

Originally Posted by Ronnie Dobbs2

I missed that you'd already made the trade, my bad. I would have been less harsh.

Personally, with your QB situation and the fact that the league is very deep, I would drop Pennington and pick up an "upside" QB. I don't think Pennington will be as good as last year. Is there anyone promising available (Edwards? Flacco? Hill?)? You could think outside the box on a lottery ticket (Stafford? Leinart?) Do you start 2 QB or 1?

Saun Hill and JaMarcus Russell....I think Hill would be a good pickup.

[RomaGoth]

I dropped Pennington and Norwood for Hill and Matt Leinart (if Warner goes down, Leinart might be a great pickup).

[Samdari]

Originally Posted by Sublime 2

For my #2 RB I need to pick from:

Larry Johnson @ BAL
Ray Rice vs KC
Cadillac Williams vs DAL

Then for my flex (WR/RB) I need to pick from:

The two losers from above
Santana Moss @ NYG
Anthony Gonzalez vs. JAX
Lance Moore vs. DET
Ginn Jr. @ ATL

Bolded is who I'm thinking. I drafted Cadillac because it looks like he won out the starting position, but I know TB is looking at more of a 3 headed monster at RB, so who knows. I also have Lynch, who I expect to be my starting back beside Slaton, for week 4+.

This one is easy. Ray Rice is going to start behind a great OL against a lousy run D. LJ is running behind a lousy OL against a great run defense. If I were you, I would try to trade LJ for anything you can get, before he has the first of many 30 yard games this weekend.

Moss is not a bad choice. He is, at least a #1 WR. I don't have much faith in Campbell though. I'd pick Gonzalez, but I can see the reasoning in starting Moss. Although, if you do go with LJ as your #2 RB, certainly Rice should be your flex.

[Ronnie Dobbs2]

Would you start any of these over Portis (@NYG)?

Mike Bell(vs. DET), Darren Sproles(@OAK), Donald Brown (vs. JAX)

[Samdari]

Originally Posted by Ronnie Dobbs2

Would you start any of these over Portis (@NYG)?

Mike Bell(vs. DET), Darren Sproles(@OAK), Donald Brown (vs. JAX)

Ack. I like Portis, but that's a tough matchup. Personally, I would stick with Portis, unless I found out that Pierre Thomas was going to be inactive. Right now, we just can't be sure of any of the others getting a real opportunity. And we know Portis will get that.

[RomaGoth]

Originally Posted by Ronnie Dobbs2

Would you start any of these over Portis (@NYG)?

Mike Bell(vs. DET), Darren Sproles(@OAK), Donald Brown (vs. JAX)

A good rule of thumb is to always start your starter unless he is hurt. I saw this somewhere and try to live by it. Portis will get more touches, and should have at least an average game, while the other guys may not play much, if at all.

[Ronnie Dobbs2]

Bell would only be an option if Thomas was out. That's no question.

It's .5 PPR and we get good points (1 for 20) for return yardage, which is why Sproles might be attractive.

[albionmoonlight]

Even if Thomas is out, Bell will still split time with Bush. And the Saints have so many weapons. I suppose, if the game gets out of hand early, the Saints will probably rest Bush and Thomas in the second half and pound the ball with Bell.

All of which is to say that, if everything breaks perfectly, Bell will get as many touches as Portis is likely to get if everything goes normally.

[MikeVic]

Not sure who to start:
Santana Moss
Ten Ginn Jr
Steve Breaston
Percy Harvin

I had Moss starting, but now it seems Boldin will be hampered so I think Breaston is a better start now...?