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FANTASY FOOTBALL IN-SEASON FEATURES

Upon Further Review - Week 3
David Dorey and John Tuvey
September 25, 2009
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In order to help our members better use the starting information that The Huddle provides, the intent of this page is to discuss perceived differences between The Start Bench List and Predictions and Projections . The players below were identified by multiple members. The two reports are written by two different people so differences are always possible, but at least this page should help you make up your mind about these players on your roster.

Michael Turner (@ NE)- Projection: 50 yards, SBL Rating: S2

Turner has the biggest perceived disparity between the projected stats of only 50 yards and an S2 rank that he should be a solid start. Dorey is concerned that Turner has started slowly and that the schedule is getting worse. His concern is also that the Patriots rushing defense plays better at home regardless of the LB injuries that lead Tuvey to think Turner could have a solid game here. Tuvey saw the Jets have success running against the Patriots, though those numbers were split between two backs; Turner doesn't share as much of the workload and would thus be in line for a larger share of the yardage as well. He also saw Turner have success on the road against a very good run defense in Minnesota last year—and without Richard Seymour, Tedy Bruschi, Mike Vrabel and Jerod Mayo, no longer sees the Patriots as falling into that category. With Turner, he almost never catches a pass so his value relies solely on running the ball. Dorey's concern also stems from the pattern of last year where Turner was much more effective in home games than in road games (2008 - 39% of yards and only 22% of the scores came away from Atlanta). Consensus: Turner remains an S2 because he is Turner - a stud running back who can break a long run at any time. The projections pay homage to the nature of Turner on the road and while that may be most likely based on all the variables, the fact that Turner faces a defense that is missing linebackers means that Turner has some upside this week. His role is also going to be dependent on the game situation as well since he doesn't double as a receiver when/if the Falcons fall behind. Unless you have another back who has a markedly better matchup, Turner is still worthy to start from his upside.

Dwayne Bowe (@PHI) - Projection: 50 yards , SBL Rating: S3

50 yards and a "S3" are pretty much the same thing. Bowe has yet to be the most targeted wideout for the Chiefs though they have relied on him for two scores. He has yet to turn in more than 56 yards and faces the Eagles who are smarting from being slapped by the Saints in front of the hometown crowd. The projection is in line with what he has done other than the touchdown which as a single play event is unreliable. S3 designation notes that after scoring against the Ravens and Raiders—statistically two of the better pass defenses, at least heading into the season—it's tough to see Bowe being bench fodder because of a perceived tough matchup. He is a risk, he will be the focus of the secondary. This is really not a discrepancy and the Chiefs are not exactly the Saints. Consensus: Borderline starter material more likely to have a bad game than a good one.

Kevin Smith (vs. WAS) - Projection: 60 rush, 40 receive, SBL Rating: S3

100 total yards sounds maybe more like a S2 than a S3. Tuvey says that a touchdown is not likely and Dorey agrees. He also says that the Lions will not abandon the run so Smith " should have the opportunity to put up helpful yardage." Both point out that Jackson ran for 107 yards against the Skins in Washington last week. Perhaps the perceived difference is that the projection considers that Smith had seven receptions for 50 yards when they played last year and that yardage pushes him more into S2 territory. Consensus: Smith is not an S1 this week but he isn't in a bench situation either. He should be good enough to be S3 with his rushing stats and if the Lions use him as a receiver in the past, he'll be good for a S2 but there is risk involved. Said another way - he is a lock for S3 and has upside for being a S2.

Michael Bush (DEN) - Projection: 40 rush + 1 TD, 10 receive , SBL Rating: B

50 total yards is an S3 at best so it is the addition of the touchdown that must be the issue - it throws Bush up higher on sorted projections with fantasy points. Tuvey points out that Bush has some upside here but a minority share of carries. He finds that Bush should be a bench player because he's not likely to get enough work to make him worthy of being a fantasy starter. Dorey points out " why would you not stack the line against the run when playing the Raiders?" and that he expects mediocre stats but a chance for a touchdown by Bush. Consensus: Bush is a poor start and at best we have suggested his main value stems from being able to score a touchdown which was described as "a chance". There is no real contradiction here but what makes for perhaps some disparity is that the total game score is determined and Dorey felt that Oakland would get one touchdown. The idea it would be by the pass seems less likely than from a rushing attempt. That a single play, that is a coin flip between Bush, McFadden and potentially Justin Fargas who may be available. Bush is a poor start with a higher chance of being even worse than better.

Start Bench List Ratings:
S1: Start 'em Tier One (Stud / Great matchup) U: Upside player (Possible sleeper)
S2: Start 'em Tier Two (Solid matchup) X: Unclear situation / Could go either way
S3: Start 'em Tier Three (Borderline / Barely) B: Bench 'em (Bad Matchup / Too much risk)
Predictions and Projections:
The projections are what is mostly likely to occur given everything that has recently happened added to the current team dynamics. They consider total rushing and passing yardage and scores and then distribute them between the most active starting players based on how the track record of the offense and the opposing defense along with variables like injuries, depth chart changes, venue, weather and so on.

COMMENTS (page 2 of 3)
DMD
Posted Sep 25, 2009 2:20pm EDT
We decided that this piece should have one voice and one direction for a player since that is what people wanted. It just so happens this week that we did not differ as much as we will in the future. I am sure at some point John and I will just agree to disagree. Even then I think that brings some value since it is like a hung jury - no concensus means much higher risk.
DaveParker
Posted Sep 25, 2009 2:19pm EDT
This is a feature that has been needed for a while now. Thanks for responding to the need. As with any forecast from any source the "glass can be half empty or half full" on many players and their matchups. This feature now provides depth to the varying internal opinions and is VERY helpful in making a final decision on our own team. Thanks again.
JoeJoe
Posted Sep 25, 2009 1:45pm EDT
They've already given their individual takes in their individual articles. What good would it do to just repeat them here? What samson is descibing has already been done. If you want to know what John thinks, read the SBL - David, read his game writeups. I think the intent here is to discuss perceived differences between the two, not to re-justify each individual prediction.
Samson
Posted Sep 25, 2009 1:22pm EDT
The idea behind this feature is great, but the flow and format leave a lot to be desired. It comes across very staccato and like a consensus defense of how both are simultaneously right . . . which does nobody really any good.

I would rather DD post his complete rationale for his rating, and then Tuvey do the same. Then let the Huddlers decide which argument makes more sense to them, rather than interspersing them clumsily and then trying to draw a consensus conclusion for the Huddler. Give us your opinions, your reasoning, and let us use our judgment.
Seppukufalls
Posted Sep 25, 2009 12:42pm EDT
I was disappointed in this new feature. too me it sounds like an offshoot to try to keep people happy who complain when they start a highly valued player from the huddle and that player does poorly.

Fantasy Football is not set in stone, and you have to take into consideration multiple factors for every skilled player in every game.

the huddle provides the tools but ultimately people have to man up and make the best informed decision they can.

the only additional information that i felt was relevant in this article when compared to the original start/bench list and player predictions & projections was the bench mark of 100 total yds makes an "s2"

a more useful feature would be to have sortable player projections with the start/bench nomenclature included as a seperate page that becomes available on saturdays or sundays. this way people like me who look at both can be lazy and look at 1 page instead of cross referencing both lists on multiple tabs.

Otherwise keep up the good work ! thanks!
Wayne
Posted Sep 25, 2009 12:36pm EDT
I like the feature. More players, please.
STEPHEN
Posted Sep 25, 2009 11:48am EDT
GREAT NEW FEATURE, I WOULD SUGGEST MORE PLAYERS TO DISCUSS WITH LESS WORDS FOR EACH
Jon
Posted Sep 25, 2009 11:36am EDT
This is a great addition....

Question for any and all --- I was offered TO for McFadden in a .5 ppr league, start 2 wr, 2 rb, wr/rb .... have barber, dmc, mcgahee, rice at rb.. wayne, housh, mason, harvin at WR .... DMC has den/cle in weeks 15/16

In that scenario -- would you trade dmc for TO?
Gunny B
Posted Sep 25, 2009 11:28am EDT
I really like this new feature! Rather than "banking on one opinion", you get the info in the PP and opinion in the SBL and with this new feature; justification on why the Experts think so! Great job Guys!!
Spacey
Posted Sep 25, 2009 11:15am EDT
What about Vince Jackson? S2 with only 50 yards?
Shane
Posted Sep 25, 2009 10:42am EDT
I like the new feature!
yowzer
Posted Sep 25, 2009 9:59am EDT
In a flexible lineup ppr league, I have a choice between 2nd RB or 4th rcvr. 2nd RB is a pass catcher in a RBBC situation. Rcv'r choice is between old and healthy or main target nursing a groin. Kept it general for sake of discussion but that's typically how I roll.
 
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