Wednesday, November 19, 2014

Fantasy Football Starts/Sits (WK12)

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***Scoring Format: CBS Sports

Starts -

Quarterbacks:

Colin Kaepernick- CK7 will always have the potential to put up double digital fantasy points against favorable matchups. Washington have allowed the 4th most fantasy points per game (23.5). While allowing 20 Passing TDs and only forcing 3 Interceptions.

Jay Cutler - I don't believe that Chicago gonna run away with this game. I also believe this game with come down to which QB make less mistakes. Nevertheless the matchup suggests , Cutler is useable option in week 12. The Bucs have allowed the 6th most fantasy points per game (21.9). Of course Cutler is known to screw us fantasy folks over on a weekly basis. So if you don't have anyone better to use , then roll the dice.

Josh McCown- Over the past 2 weeks , the Bucs been hot and the passing game is the big reason for it. The Bears have looked like schoolgirls trying to defend the pass in 2014. I would like to see them try to cover those oversized Wide Outs of the Bucs. JC should have a good day through the air. As the Bears have allowed the 2nd most fantasy points per game to QBs (25.3).

Running Backs:

Denard Robinson- Robinson have quickly turned into one of the most reliable running backs. Literally overnight, and hilarious part was barely anyone noticed it initially. He is a legit RB2 with RB1 upside vs the Colts. Indianapolis have allowed the 5th most fantasy points per game (22.6). The Colts on average have allowed 95 yards & 1 TD per game.

Eddie Lacy - After a slow start , Eddie Lacy have gone all beast mode. And ironically so have the Green Bay Packers offense. Trust me I don't think my Vikings will change that. The Vikings have allowed the 7th most fantasy points per game (21.4). On average , the Vikings have allowed 100 yards & just under 1 TD per game to running backs on the ground. While allowing 45.6 yards per game through the air.

Justin Forsett- Forsett is like second choice girl you took to prom. I mean who expected Forsett to be an top 10 back after 11 games? Raise your hands. Like I thought. The Saints haven't been overall effective against the run. As they have allowed the 12th most fantasy points per game (20.4) to running backs. Start him.

Wide Receivers:

Mike Evans- Evans is the hottest Wide Out in the NFL over the past three games. While scoring 2 TDs since in that span (5 in total) , and he's just a rookie. The Bears have allowed the 17th most fantasy points per game (22.2) , not exactly impressive. But Evans is hot and I love riding those hot Wide Outs.

Alshon Jeffery - I don't believe Jeffery an must start , but I do believe he an legit WR2 in the Chicago offense. The Bucs have allowed the 3rd most fantasy points per game (27.7) against Wide Outs. Jeffery haven't lived up to his draft status clearly , but I still believe he could very useful in upcoming weeks. Starting this week.

Josh Gordon- Gordon returns to the field in week 12 against the Atlanta. Look I am gonna keep it simple, you stashed him weeks ago. No way in hell you gonna turn on him now. Especially considering how little competition he's have in Cleveland at WR. The Falcons have allowed the 8th most fantasy points per game (25.3) against Wide Outs.

Tight Ends:

Larry Donnell- Donnell scored his first touchdown since well in awhile last week against San Fran in week 11. The Cowboys have allowed the 4th most fantasy points per game (10.9) against Tight Ends. I like him as a serviceable High TE2/ Low TE1 in most formats.

Jason Witten- Jason haven't lived up to his draft status , but when presented with a favorable matchup he have delivered. The Giants have allowed the 8th most fantasy points per game (9.5) against Tight Ends.

Sits -

Quarterbacks:

Andy Dalton- Dalton bounced back nicely in week 11 after nightmarish week 10. I still don't trust him , unless the matchup is favorable. The Texans been somewhat hot and cold against Quarterbacks in 2014. The Texans have allowed the 15th most fantasy points per game (20.4) against QBs. His inconsistency is the concern I have with Dalton. Sit him.

Russell Wilson- Over the last few weeks , The Seahawks have gone back to an heavy run offense. Against Cardinals I expect it to continue. Mainly because its the  Seahawks identity. The Arizona have allowed the 7th fewest fantasy points per game (17.1) against QBs. Not to mention , Russell completion % is significantly down to the league average. Also the Cardinals have allowed fewer Touchdowns then Interceptions. Sit him.

Robert Griffin III- I think RGIII an super talented dude , but not in the current Washington offense. The 2012 offensive system fitted him to a tee. That's the big different between now and then. The Titans have allowed the 5th fewest fantasy points per game (17.1) to QBs.

Running Backs:

Jonas Gray- Gray had a monster performance against indy in week 11. But this is the New England backfield though. Anything can happen. Add on the Lions have allowed the 8th fewest fantasy points per game (14.4) to running backs. He isn't elite , therefore isn't matchup proof. Sit him.

Chris Ivory/Chris Johnson- In my opinion neither back bring great upside. Normally I don't like starting RBs which faces an unfavorable matchup..With two RBs splitting carries makes it a no brainer. The Bills have allowed the 6th fewest fantasy points per game (13.9) to running backs.

Lamar Miller- Miller is a okay runner when given a favorable matchup. Usually deliver top 20 results at his position. Unfortunately he faces the Broncos who have allowed the 10th fewest fantasy per game (14.7). I could be wrong , but I don't expect a lot from him. At best 80 yards rushing. Similar to week 11 outcome.

Wide Receivers:

Larry Fitzgerald- I was so close to jumping back on the Fitzgerald bandwagon and at the final minute of the final hour Carson Palmer got injuried. Now there is an average QB with above average supporting cast. Yeah lets see how that work out. In the meantime , Fitz is dealing with a injury. Yeah and he facing the Seahawks who have allowed the fewest fantasy points per game (16.2) to Wide Outs. Sit him.

Wes Welker- Welker been a extremely disappointing from a season stand point. Even with an banged up offense , I don't trust him. The Dolphins have allowed the 6th fewest fantasy points per game (18.7) to Wide Outs. There better choices out there to use. Sit him.

Dwayne Bowe- Alex Smith and the KC offense isn't about beating you with large yardage to Wide Outs. It about dumping it off to Charles. Exactly what have happened. To no surprise , DBowe have been pretty inconsistent all season long. Also worth mentioning non-studs usually don't fair well on TNF. Oakland have allowed the 8th fewest fantasy points per game (20.4) to Wide Outs. Sit him.

Tight Ends:

Jordan Cameron- I love Cameron , great Tight End. May be something special one day. But he isn't an TE1 startable option with just coming off an injury. Also the return of Josh Gordon makes his value decrease. The Falcons have allowed the 6th fewest fantasy points per game (5.5) to Tight Ends. Yeah there better options out there at a better value.

Jermaine Gresham- Gresham scored twice in week 11. But he hardly an legit option. Cincy isn't big on throwing to Tight ends in their current offensive system or throwing the ball much at all. To make matters worst , Houston have allowed the 8th fewest fantasy points per game (5.7) to Tight Ends. Sit him.

**All stats from FFToday

Links to previous Starts/Sits -

Starts/Sit - Week 1

Start/Sits - Week 2

Starts/Sits - Week 3

Starts/Sits - Week 4

Starts/Sits - Week 5

Starts/Sits - Week 6

Starts/Sits - Week 7

Starts/Sits - Week 8

Starts/Sits- Week 9

Starts/Sits- Week 10

Starts/Sits - Week 11

To see who you should start , also check out William Frang's Rankings . Or of course send us a tweet on TimersSports with your starts/sits questions

Twitter - Matt Aleza

Monday, November 17, 2014

2014 Nascar Review

Welcome to TimersSports

The 2014 season  officially came to a close with Kevin Harvick being named the 2014 Sprint Cup Champ. Its been a wild ride for us. So many memorable moments! From Dale jr statement Daytona win to Harvick dominating championship chase run. This is the final article for the 2014 season. So hope everyone enjoys it!

Here my top 15 moments:

15. Danica Patrick makes statement run at Kansas- Great race. Danica was just lights out. That was the most complete race she ever put together. To me she a decent talent with a lot to prove.

14. Dinger finally wins - An race I went to was Watkins glenn. One of the best races in 2014. The Dinger had the dominated car that day. It was clear early on he wasn't gonna be deny an win.

13. Kyle Larson finishes 10th at Bristol - One of the most impressive performances I ever seen by a rookie was Larson at the first Bristol. He ran top 5 most of the race. But faded to 10th after a slow pit stop.

12. Brad Keselowski wins Talladega ; Pisses off majority of the fanbase - BK proves champs don't quit. Props to him.

11. Kenseth goes all crazy on BK after Charlotte race - On of the craziest things you ever will see is Kenseth attacking someone.

10. Gordon wins at Indy - Great race. This was a great race not because Gordon won. But because 3 years earlier Gordon dominated and got robbed. He wasn't gonna be denied another Indianapolis win.

9. DH skips Fontona due to eye ; Busch takes checkers in a wreck filled event - One of the craziest races of 2014 was the Fontana race. There were least 10 tire failures in that race. Cars literally were getting shot down. In the end Busch holds off Larson and co to win.

8. Terry Labonte makes final career start at Talladega - To the newbies , Labonte retiring wasn't nothing. But to me it was pretty tough. Great racer. Enjoy full retirement Terry.

7. Marcos black eye Casey Mears - Casey Mears angered Marcos Ambrose. Still one of the most hilarious moments in 2014.

6. Dale Jr complete Pocono sweep - I cannot remember the last time Dale completed a season sweep. But against all odds , Dale rose up and proved why he is still one of Nascar best.

5. Harvicking - BK thought he was ducking Gordon , but Harvick wasn't having it. Oh no sir!

4. The return of the 3 - A very special moment indeed.

3. Larson impressive chase run - During the 2014 chase , Larson scored 6 Top 10s. He's a rookie. Impressive.

2. Almirola brings the King back to VL - After a wreck filled race at DIS , Aric pounce on the opportunity and delivered! Its took 15 years , but the King Richard Petty 43 car returned to VL.

1. Tony Stewart makes his return - At Atlanta Motor Speedway , TS made his return to Auto Racing after the tragic event earlier in the year. The moment Tony walked to greet fans..boy that was electrifying.

Those are my personal favorites! But there probably 100s out there. So on Twitter or Facebook , I want to hear some your favorites.

As always check out Nascar Behind the Wall and their final Power Rankings .

Twitter - Jeff Nathans

Saturday, November 15, 2014

Fantasy Nascar Final Ranking

Welcome to Timerssports

Final Rankings -

1. Jeff Gordon
2. Kevin Harvick
3. Joey Logano
4. Denny Hamlin
5. Brad Keselowski
6. Matt Kenseth
7. Jimmie Johnson
8. Kyle Busch
9. Dale Jr
10. Ryan Newman
11. Kyle Larson
12. Kasey Kahne
13. Martin Truex jr
14. Jamie Mac
15. Clint Bowyer
16. Carl Edwards
17. Brian Vickers
18. Greg Biffle
19. Kurt Busch
20. Aj Dinger
21. Paul Menard
22. Austin Dillon
23. Marcos Ambrose
24. Aric Almirola
25. Danica Patrick
26. Trevor Bayne
27. Justin Alliager
28. Ricky Stenhouse jr
29. Casey Mears
30. Michael Annett

Twitter - @MichelleRizzo5

Fantasy Nascar Raceday Thoughts

Welcome to TimersSports

Happy Raceday. Setting your fantasy team can be difficult , especially with everything being factored in. Below our group of experts give their thoughts on today race (Including their final picks).

Michelle Rizzo (@MichelleRizzo5):

- Teams will have to keep up with the track all day long. As the day goes on , your handling may go away with the grip levels and stuff.

-An guy to watch will be Martin Truex Jr. He been hot lately. Homestead a very good track for him.

-I have a feeling least one championship contender get taken out before the checkers.

- Hanlin wins his first championship #TimersSportsBoldPrediction

Garry Briggs Jr (@Gbriggs12):

-Beware of Matt Kenseth! Mr.Consistency himself. I really like MK at Homestead.

-Clint Bowyer is also someone to watch. Very stout record here since joining MWR. Starts 6th Sunday.

-JMac is typically a popular pick with me. However he was listed under my bust list. So far I been  right. Was considerably slow in practice from his usual self.

-Harvick dominates , but bad luck bites him late #TimerssportsBoldPrediction

Matt Aleza (@MattAleza):

-Deep Dark Horse may be Kurt Busch. He been on his game since being eliminated. Looked solid in practice.

-Johnson could surprise people with a win on Sunday. Remember two weeks ago at Texas? Homestead pretty similar track with a sworn out surface.

-Dale jr is a value i like personally. Could be found cheaper then usual in certain format which is set up as a stock market.

- Kyle Larson scores another top 5 #TimerssportsBoldPrediction

Yahoo Lineups -

Michelle: Kenseth , Hamlin , Newman and Bayne

Garry: Gordon , BK , Logano and Dillon

Matt: Gordon , Bk, Logano and Larson

Race Winners:

Michelle- Logano

Garry- Gordon

Matt - Johnson

Fantasy Nascar Update (HST)

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Well here we are the final fantasy nascar update of 2014. One of this site's most important weekly articles. Trust me I just don't slap these things together. I mean this is an all weekend project. Anyhow Homestead is a great track. The fall off isn't hard to find in the lap times during long runs. The key to this weekend race will be keeping up with the track. I personally don't think one single car will dominate. You need a fast car , but also a well handling machine. The guys who have that will be up front no doubt.

A:

1. 24-Jeff Gordon: I thought Gordon had the best car all weekend long. Gordon starts first with the best pit stall. What I love most is his long run speed. No other driver could stay with Gordon on the long in Saturday's practice really. Gordon is my pick to win.

My Overall Ranking: 1st

2. 4-Kevin Harvick: Harvick was good no doubt , but not nearly as good as Phoenix last week. Overall Kevin was stout no doubt. But I thought Gordon was just better. Especially on the long run.  Harvick definitely an top 5 guy heading in though. Thought about ranking him higher , but Harvick had have bad luck this season. Always good idea to give him a little higher ceiling.

My Overall Ranking: 3rd

3. 48-Jimmie Johnson: Last time we raced on this type track , Johnson went to victory lane. Not quite as good at Homestead. But I thought Johnson had one of the best cars by end of final practice. His strength was the long run. Watch out if there a long run at end of the race. He definitely can win.

Overall Ranking: 4th

4. 20-Matt Kenseth: MK was one of the guys I really liked last week at Phoenix. Surprise-surprise I like him this week again. Kenseth always seems to be at good Homestead. MK wasn't the fastest guy on Saturday. But he definitely was one of the most consistent ones. In my opinion MK the safe bet. Good option for folks trying to secure a fantasy championship.

My Overall Ranking: 5th

5. 88-Dale Jr: Like usual , Dale doesn't have the car to beat when initially unloading. But that savy 88 crew knows how to get him competitive by end of final practice. This week no different. I thought he was pretty close to top 5 on their final run. Pretty fast lap times all weekend though. Kept on improving was the key.

My Overall Ranking: 7th

B:

1. 22-Joey Logano: Logano doesn't have a dominate car for Sunday race. But by end of final practice , I thought Joey had a top 3 car overall. Like most weekends , Joey car got better as the weekend went on. Joey was strong on the long run. His consistent top 5s at this type tracks helped me a bit with Logano overall ranking.

Overall Ranking: 2nd

2. 11-Denny Hamlin: I don't think Hamlin gonna outrun Harvick or Logano with pure speed. But in the pits is where Hamlin will make it a level playing field. Hamlin looked solid all weekend long. Denny seems happy with his car overall on Saturday. He showed great amount of speed in every session. Just outside top 5 in my opinion.

My Overall Ranking: 6th

3. 2-Brad Keselowski: I debated weather BK or Hamlin deserved the 2nd B spot. In the end , I was more impressed with Hamlin. Make no mistake Brad K have a car capable of winning this weekend. But honestly I feel like he have a huge target on his back. One of the reasons I didn't ranked him as high. If BK keeps his nose clean , I say he an top 5 guy heading in. Nice overall speed throughout a run.

My Overall Ranking: 8th

4. 31-Ryan Newman: Newman wasn't overly impressive as I was initially expecting. But the 31 car got better as the weekend went on. By final practice , Newman looked decent enough to be an top 12 car. Honestly I don't think that will win him a championship. To me Newman overall potential finish will be the 7th - 12th place range most likely. He just doesn't have the speed (without strategy) to run top 5.

My Overall Ranking: 11th

5. Martin Truex Jr: MTjr is just flat out good at Homestead. I wouldn't be shocked to see him win in all honestly. Or least top 5. Unrealistic given the equipment he currently have. But he looked solid all weekend. He's is an top 15 option with top 10 potential upside.

My Overall Ranking: 13th

6. 1-Jamie Mac: Overall wasn't impressed with Jamie. I expected more out of him to be honest. To me , JMac just doesn't have the speed to be an top 10 threat. When JMac doesn't have top 10 potential in practice , it basically makes him worthless in value wise. There better options out there.

My Overall Ranking: 15th

7. 99-Carl Edwards: To be honest , I don't know what to expect from Edwards. His practice results suggests he's shouldn't be started. But he didn't do any long runs (yep real shocker there) , so cannot say what he actually have. Gamble with him if you must.

My Overall Ranking: 17th

C:

1. 42-Kyle Larson: Larson have been good  all weekend. He was by far top dog in this grouping tier. Despite blowing a tire in the final minutes of final practice. I thought he looked close to top 10 material overall. This worn out surface will benefit him greatly. Larson looks surfaces like this. He's an top 10 guy (or close to it) , use him if got him. At the right price in salary cap league that is.

My Overall Ranking: 10th

2. 3-Austin Dillon: I wasn't very impressed by Dillon. Even though Dillon typically does better in the race then practice. His overall speed was concerning to me. In my opinion he's probably an top 25 option with top 20 upside at best. We all know Newman getting RCR best equipment right now.

My Overall Ranking: 23rd

3. 51-Justin Alliager: Alliager wasn't terrible for level of equipment. But not anything brag about either. Alliager put down lap times just outside of the top 25 mostly. Got to believe that he will run most of the day.

My Overall Ranking: 25th

4. 10-Danica Patrick: Danica looked off overall. Not really what I want in a fantasy pick. I expect her to outperform her practice/qualifying efforts , but by how much is the question. The three options aboves would be the preferred choices.

My Overall Ranking: 26th

Well that's it for myself for the 2014 season! I truly hope my articles/posts were a big help towards your season.

Big thank to fantasy racing talk in the morning  for having me on their show every Monday.

Also big thank to ESPN radio for the mention few weeks ago. Ya'll did not have to do that. Felt famous for a few seconds.

Lastly huge thanks to Nascar Behind The Wall for all their support. I consider NBTW our closest partner.

Twitter - @JeffNathans

Thursday, November 13, 2014

Fantasy Nascar Picks

Welcome to TimersSports

Phoenix Recap: For the fourth straight race in Yahoo , least one of our picks finished one lap down. As we still scored 327 points. But for the 8th straight race we topped 270 points  (3rd time this season we have done that.) Fantasy Live was much better with Harvick , BK and Logano leading the charge. Annett and Sorenson were huge bargain plays.

Look ahead to Homestead: This is always a good race , but I wouldn't be shocked to see a lot of wrecked cars before the checkers. From a fantasy view , this race is critical! Most leagues aren't quite decided yet , so coming away with an massive score is a must. The question is who will exit Homestead with championship glory?

Overall Rankings:

Yahoo Ranking: 200th (99th Percentile)

Fantasy Live Ranking: 182nd (99th Percentile)

Yahoo-

A:

Start: Jeff Gordon (1)

Bench: Kyle Busch (7)

Reason: I had no intentions on benching Gordon this week. So no surprise I am starting him. Gordon nabbing the pole made my decision even easier. I throw Busch on for Q-Pts. Didn't work out. Moving on.

B:

Start: Joey Logano (1) , Brad Keselowski (1)

Bench: JMac (3) , Carl Edwards (3)

Reasons: Another easy decision. Penske > everyone in B tier. This was literally a no brainer.

C:

Start: Kyle Larson (1)

Bench:  Justin Alliager (7)

Reasons: If you have any Larson left then its a no brainer. Larson is by far the best choice in C.

Fantasy Live - Gordon , Logano , Harvick , Mears and Annett

Dark Horse - Clint Bowyer

Race Winner - Jimmie Johnson

To see what drivers we recommend to start..use Michelle's Final Rankings. Just select the higher choices from the list

Twitter - @MattAleza

Fantasy Football Rankings (WK11)

Welcome to TimersSports

Fantasy Football Rankings -

Quarterbacks:

1. Aaron Rodgers
2. Peyton Manning
3. Phillip Rivers
4. Andrew Luck
5. Drew Brees
6. Matthew Stafford
7. Tom Brady
8. Russell Wilson
9. Big Ben
10. Matt Ryan
11. Colin Kaepernick
12. Robert Griffin III
13. Jay Cutler
14. Mark Sanchez
15. Alex Smith

Running Backs -

1. Marshawn Lynch
2. Le'Veon Bell
3. Eddie Lacy
4. Jammal Charles
5. Matt Forte
6. Alfred Morris
7. Ahmad Bradshaw
8. Frank Gore
9. LeSean McCoy
10. Mark Ingram
11. Andre Ellington
12. Steven Jackson
13. Shane Vereen
14. Jeremy Hill
15. Alfred Blue

Wide Receivers -

1. Jordy Nelson
2. Antonio Brown
3. Demaryius Thomas
4. Randall Cobb
5. Jeremy Maclin
6. Calvin Johnson
7. Emmanuel Sanders
8. DeSean Jackson
9. Julio Jones
10. T.Y. Hilton
11. Golden Tate
12. Brandon Marshall
13. Mike Evans
14. Alshon Jeffery
15. Kelvin Benjamin

Tight Ends -

1. Rob Gronkowski
2. Jimmy Graham
3. Julius Thomas
4. Dwayne Allen
5. Antonio Gates
6. Travis Kelce
7. Greg Olsen
8. Larry Donnell
9. Heath Miller
10. Martellus Bennett

Twitter - @WilliamFrang