FANTASY FOOTBALL ARTICLES

This is a quick look at fantasy schedules given the defensive performances of the first eight weeks of the season.

Remember - this is purely a statistical review using the actual numbers from the first five weeks of the season. Whether or not you agree with which teams ended up as good or bad defenses, the numbers so far are real. For this time, I have broken down it down into Passing Schedules and Running Back Schedules. Initially I had separated wide receivers from tight ends but that is inaccurate given the diversity of how teams use the tight end (or don't). Once I combined those positions, they were almost a mirror to the quarterbacks. In past years, there was much more rushing by quarterbacks and receiving by running backs but both are down dramatically compared to only a few seasons ago. So, Passing Schedules cover just that - the entire passing game however teams elect to use their receivers.

Easy games are when a team faces a defense that is either in the top ten for allowing fantasy points (Easy) or in the top ten for preventing fantasy points (Tough). Each schedule is reviewed to determine the number of times it will be facing an "easy' or "tough" defense either in relation to the passing game or running backs.

For a look at how schedules could effect the vital fantasy playoff weeks, this is the breakdown for those weeks you cannot take a bad game from players and a great performance - that could mean a trophy is in your future. Remember too though - passing numbers in December are almost always among the lowest of the year thanks to weather and the presence of plenty of game film for teams to figure out offenses.

The next breakdown is for the running backs and considers not only rushing yards and scores, but also receiving yards and touchdowns as well. They are down from years past, but they are still significant to warrant inclusion. The following shows you which teams seem to have an easier - or tougher - track to making the fantasy playoff weeks.

Lastly, the ever important schedules for running backs when it matters the most. Those tailbacks are never more golden than the final weeks when they give the consistent, high point games that can spell the difference between the champion and the ... what's his name again?.... Oh man... who remembers second place anyway?