Better Lucky Than Good…Week #7 Picks

Oct 20, 2010

Philadelphia Eagles' Jeremy Maclin (18) Catches A Touchdown Pass In Front Of Atlanta Falcons Defender Brent Grimes (20)

Even a blind squirrel will find a nut every once in awhile. Last week proved that theory. After a less than stellar first 6 weeks of the fantasy league season, we finally realized above average production with most of our picks. It was gratifying to “hit” on many of our ”starters”, especially those that are usually relegated to backup status.

Now, having puffed out our chest, we need to take a minute and get back to reality. Our picks at quarterback weren’t controversial and there were other players who clearly had better days. We went with Eli Manning (wrong brother) and were significantly disappointed. He went 20 for 30 for 177 yds. Yes, he did complete 2 for tds and did not throw a pick or lay the ball on the turf. But, playing at home against a Lions defense that has been porous against the pass, you would have expected a 300+ yd. performance. Now our other selection, Tony Romo, could have been thought of as a stretch given the fact that they were playing on the road against an equally desperate Vikings squad. But the fact is that the Cowboys have been a top 3 offense pretty much all season long and their now 1-4 record doesn’t match their talent. Romo went 24 for 32 for 220 yds. He threw 3 tds. but also 2 interceptions that proved costly.

Our running backs were very productive given who we selected. First of all, major props to Stephen Jackson and the rest of his Rams teammates. He ran for 109 yds., caught 1 pass and scored 1 td. Maybe these numbers don’t seem too great given the performances of Chris Johnson and Ray Rice, but they are a nice fantasy points that would help any owner. Secondly, we went with Ahmad Bradshaw who gave us another solid effort with 133 yds. rushing and 2 catches for another 10 yds. Lastly, we took a flyer on the Steelers’ Mendenhall who contributed to a balanced attack with 84 yds on the ground with 1 td., and 3 receptions for 15 yds more.

The star of our weekend was Jeremy Maclin of the Eagles. Catching 7 balls for 159 yds and 2 scores he clearly outclassed other receivers as a true “stud”. That doesn’t take anything away from our other picks of Michael Crabtree (4 balls for 57 yds. and 1 td.) and Johnny Knox who pulled in 5 passes for 120 yds. Our tight end picks were both good and bad. Antonio Gates had only 2 catches for 12 yds (far below his averages) while Heath Miller responded to Big Ben’s return with a very key 2 catches for 50 yds and 1 score.

Just can’t figure out how the Colts at home are held to 1 td and 4 fgs against the visiting Chiefs one week and this same KC defense falls asleep against the Texans and gives up 5 tds without a fg attempt. Obviously our pick of Neil Rackers did not provide us with those few extra fantasy points we all crave but he didn’t lose us any either, converting on all 5 extra points. And finally, we’d need a full blown investigation into how the Bears defense could play so well in prior weeks and yet turn in an absolute clunker against a so-so Seahawks team. How big of a disaster was it? 0 sacks and 0 turnovers. Our other choice were the Giants who did manage to account for 2 sacks and 3 turnovers against the Lions.

So with restored encouragement (and a bit of bravado) we offer these picks for week #7. I like Alex Smith of the Niners to have a decent game and help San Fran get its second win. Also like Matt Cassel of the Chiefs at home against the Jags and Drew Brees at home against the Browns.

At running back, go with Chris Johnson against the Eagles, Ray Rice against the Bills and Marion Barber against the Giants. We like Roddy White of the Falcons and Wes Welker of the Pats. Also take a chance on Miles Austin (really believe the Cowboys are going to finally start to play winning football). The tight end situation this upcoming week is a bit cloudy. With no speed threat against the Titans, look for Kolb to throw underneath to Brett Celek often. We also are taking Zach Miller of the Raiders who will likely have Kyle Boller under center and therefore be running a limited playbook.

Oh let’s see….take Mason Crosby of the Packers and Jeff Reed of the Steelers. Both are facing adequate defenses that should yield enough field goal attempts to produce added fantasy points for their owners. And finally, take the Ravens defense to make enough big plays to satisfy our fantasy needs.

Here’s hoping that blind squirrel “bumps” into a few more oak trees along the way….