Conn-Job: It’s Hard Work Being An Expert
Sitting at No. 2 overall in the experts contest, I guess expectations are rising. Everywhere I turn, it’s “Should I make this trade?” or “Is Mendenhall the real deal?” or “Does your back hurt from carrying 411fantasy.com every week?” I can only put out so many fires, folks. That said, I’m not feeling entirely confident in my picks this week. Quarterbacks should be fairly easy, but it’s hard leaving guys like Roethlisberger and Schaub of the list. And I may be getting a bit too frisky with some other selections. Without further ado, here are my Week 7 top players, plus my multiple choice answers.
One for the money, two for the show (photo by espn.com)
Quarterback
Tom Brady, New England
Peyton Manning, Indianapolis
Matt Ryan, Atlanta – This is my wild card this week. Schaub and Big Ben are two of the hottest QBs in the league right now, but the Ryan-to-White combo is heating up and the Cowboys don’t give up many rushing TDs.
Drew Brees, New Orleans
Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay – Should be among the top listed, but I have a feeling Grant may steal one of his TDs, leaving him just shy of Top 5 worthiness. Still, a juicy match up that cannot be ignored.
Running Back
DeAngelo Williams, Carolina
Matt Forte, Chicago – I think the Bengals just lost another defensive lineman.
Thomas Jones, N.Y. Jets – I’m betting Rex Ryan doesn’t pass it 46 times against the Raiders this week.
Ryan Grant, Green Bay – This is the line in the sand for Grant. **** or get of the pot, Ryan.
Jonathan Stewart, Carolina – Maybe I’m a bit high off of the Jets performance against the Bills last week, but Williams and Stewart are the league’s best 1-2 combo and the Panthers’ only reliable weapons. 100 yards and a touchdown is expected. Anything more = Gurulicious.
Wide Receiver
Andre Johnson, Houston
Reggie Wayne, Indianapolis
Roddy White, Atlanta – Again rolling with the Falcons. Hoping the hot streak continues.
Randy Moss, New England
Wes Welker, New England
Tight End
Tony Gonzalez, Atlanta – See also Ryan and White.
Jason Witten, Dallas
Antonio Gates, San Diego
Dallas Clark, Indianapolis
Greg Olsen, Chicago – Thought of H.Miller and Daniels, but Olsen is catching fire much like Miller did a few weeks ago.
Kicker
Stephen Gostkowski, New England
Jason Elam, Atlanta
Nate Kaeding, San Diego
Mason Crosby, Green Bay
Jeff Reed, Pittsburgh
Defense
Philadelphia
Green Bay
New England
Indianapolis
N.Y. Giants – Prediction? Pain.
Which one of these quarterbacks will have the most fantasy points?
Matt Cassel
Marc Bulger
Shaun Hill
Chad Henne
Chargers defense just too soft. Hill has a shot, but Texans can build a lead and force Hill out of his game.
Which one of these running backs will have the most fantasy points?
Matt Forte
Rashard Mendenhall
Joseph Addai
Steve Slaton
Originally thought this was an even group, but the status of Cincy’s D-line gives Forte a clear edge. Addai may be in his sweats by the fourth quarter.
Which one of these wide receivers will have the most fantasy points?
Hakeem Nicks
Austin Collie
Andre Caldwell
Lance Moore
Collie gets the start and has Peyton Manning, which is enough to push him past the others.
Which one of these defenses/special teams will have the most fantasy points?
Chicago
Carolina
San Diego
Buffalo
Was leaning Bears, but can’t ignore the fact that Buffalo is rolling out QB Ryan Fitzpatrick.
Which one of these running backs will have the most fantasy points?
Leon Washington
Larry Johnson
Justin Fargas
Jonathan Stewart
Almost went L.J., but my Stewart premonition is too strong. Truth be told, I like all four backs to have above average games. Stewart is the only one with the potential to be great.
