Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Pickups: 2009 Week 16

December 22nd, 2009 kNuke

Congratulations if you’ve made it this far, it’s Fantasy Super Bowl Week! Before we get going, I’d like to thank everyone who has written and/or tweeted me over this fantasy football season, it’s all greatly appreciated; now on to Week 16.

Injuries to monitor: DeAngelo Williams, Julius Jones, Reggie Bush, Vince Young, Hines Ward, Brent Celek, Matt Ryan, Marc Bulger, Brian Westbrook, and Michael Turner.

QB: Alex Smith is the uber spot starter this week. If you can’t get him and need a QB, Josh Freeman is worth a gamble.

RB: Jerome Harrison should be added after his record day and he has a nice match up against the Raiders, but don’t forget about everyone else; Maurice Morris, Darren McFadden, Mike Bell (if Reggie Bush is out), and Jason Snelling (if the Burner is out).

WR: Josh Morgan had a decent game and looks prime for an even bigger one come Sunday. Devin Aromashodu and Deion Branch have been getting a bunch of looks due to injuries.

TE: Fred Davis, Jermichael Finley, David Thomas (if Jeremy Shockey is out), and Kevin Boss; in that order.

DEF: The 49ers play the Lions this week, which should mean around 3 turnovers.

As always, feel free to hit me up on Twitter.

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Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Pickups: 2009 Week 15

December 14th, 2009 kNuke

Injuries to monitor: Nate Burleson, Kevin Smith (out), Vince Young, Hines Ward, Brent Celek, Matt Ryan, Marc Bulger (out), Correll Buckhalter, Jonathan Stewart, Brian Westbrook, and Michael Turner.

QB: With the Saints and Colts both playing through, there shouldn’t be many owners looking for a QB. If you are and you’re a little crazy, Matt Cassel, Jason Campbell, and (gasp) Brady Quinn are interesting plays this week.

RB: Arian Foster has the best potential this week due to his match up, but Quinton Ganther’s huge game makes him a little safer play. Jason Snelling, Maurice Morris, Chris Jennings, and Darren McFadden are worthy of pickups as well.

WR: Dwayne Bowe is coming off of suspension, meaning he’s worth a pickup and start at 3WR. Kevin Walter is also worth a 3WR start. Antonio Bryant and Kenny Britt are still out there. Devin Aromashodu, Johnny Knox, Greg Camarillo, and Michael Jenkins all had big days, but I wouldn’t have the stomach to start any.

TE: Kevin Boss, Fred Davis, and Jermichael Finley; in that order.

DEF: I’m torn between the Seahawks and Texans this week.

As always, feel free to hit me up on Twitter.

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Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Pickups: 2009 Week 14

December 8th, 2009 kNuke

Injuries to monitor: DeAngelo Williams, Steve Slaton (year), Hines Ward, DeSean Jackson, Brent Celek, Matt Ryan, Marc Bulger (out), Clinton Portis (year), Brian Westbrook (out), Kurt Warner, Michael Turner, and Dwayne Bowe (until Week 15).

QB: Vince Young, Jason Campbell, and Ryan Fitzpatrick look like solid plays on Sunday if you need a QB. Alex Smith is out there as well, but I wouldn’t be able to start him on my Fantasy roster.

RB: Steve Slaton is done for the year so Chris Brown looks like the add in Houston. Clinton Portis is done as well so look to grab Quinton Ganther not Rock Cartwright. Jerome Harrison is another instant add. Jerious Norwood and Justin Fargas deserve attention, but they’re probably not starter worthy.

WR: Devin Thomas will warrant much attention, but if you don’t get him, there are other options. Chris Chambers, Antonio Bryant, and Kenny Britt to name a few.

TE: Jermichael Finley will be the hot pickup, but don’t forget about Kevin Boss, Fred Davis, and Todd Heap.

DEF: Tennessee has a great match up against Kyle Boller. I’d expect some turnovers.

As always, feel free to hit me up on Twitter.

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Wisconsin Badgers vs Hawaii Warriors

December 7th, 2009 kNuke

The Wisconsin Badgers physically dominated the Hawaii Warriors on both sides of the ball in the 51-10 beat down. Wisconsin totaled 301 yards rushing while holding Hawaii to only 197 yards passing. John Clay, Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year, rushed for 172 yards and three TDs.

Offense: Bryant Moniz was off, there was no attempt at a running game, and the offensive line play was poor. Simply put, the offense never showed up.

Defense: Like the offense, the defense never showed up. And even if they did, it wouldn’t have mattered; Hawaii was simply over matched.

Special Teams: Alex Dunnachie and Jovonte Taylor got a lot of practice.

Coaching: Coach Mack set the tone by punting on the first drive of the game; it was all downhill from there.

Final Word: Hawaii was beat by a better team.

Helmet Stickers:
Hawaii Seniors – It was a good 4-game run

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Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Pickups: 2009 Week 13

December 1st, 2009 kNuke

I’m sure you’re aware that the fantasy playoffs are quickly approaching. It’s a good time to start looking ahead to the first week of your Fantasy playoffs.

Injuries to monitor: DeSean Jackson, Brent Celek, Eli Manning, Matt Ryan (out), Marc Bulger (2-6 weeks), Clinton Portis (out), Brian Westbrook (out), Kurt Warner, Ben Roethlisberger, Michael Turner, Julius Jones, Cedric Benson, Calvin Johnson, and Dwayne Bowe (2 weeks).

QB: Vince Young and Ryan Fitzpatrick put up surprising numbers on Sunday. It looks like Young is the guy everyone wants, but I actually think Fitzpatrick looks better from here on out. Along with those two, Matt Cassel looks good in Weeks 14 and 15 while Alex Smith looks solid in Week 16. If you have Peyton Manning, Drew Brees, or Brett Favre, grab another QB, because they may not be playing too much in Week 16.

RB: These guys are above the 50% mark, but only slightly. Go see if they’re available in your league. Jamaal Charles, Justin Forsett, and Fred Jackson (way above). Chris Brown, Jerious Norwood, and Larry Johnson are worth adds as well. LJ won’t be starting for your team once Cedric Benson returns, but if Benson has a setback, you’ll be glad you picked him up.

WR: Chris Chambers needs to be above 50% ownership. Antonio Bryant, Kenny Britt, and Donnie Avery are viable options moving forward as well.

TE: Kevin Boss and Fred Davis are out there. If Todd Heap gets healthy, he’s an interesting play in Weeks 14 and 15.

As always, feel free to hit me up on Twitter.

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Navy Midshipmen vs Hawaii Warriors

November 28th, 2009 kNuke

The Hawaii Warriors survived another week, defeating the Navy Midshipmen 24-17, keeping their Hawaii Bowl dream alive. Warrior nation held their breath after Hawaii failed to convert on 4th down with a little less than 6 minutes remaining. Luckily, poor play calling and terrible clock management helped seal the Hawaii victory. Bryant Moniz’s TD pass to Alex Green in the 3rd Quarter proved to be the difference.

Offense: Moniz was 32-44 for 366 yards and 3 TDs. Moniz was on point for most of the night minus a rough start. He had a few questionable throws, but luckily Navy was unable to capitalize. Most often the Hawaii QBs get into trouble when they lock in on Salas and forget about their progressions.

Kealoha Pilares was the star of the night, catching 8 passes for 108 yards and 2 TDs. Greg Salas added 10 grabs for 147 yards. Pilares plays well against less talented teams so his numbers should not surprise. The offensive line played pretty well, yielding only 2 sacks and giving Moniz ample time to throw. The touchdown at the end of the 1st half was absolutely huge.

Defense: Simply put, the defense won the game, holding Navy to well below its season rushing average. Hawaii did an especially good job at stopping the dive and pitch. Tackling was so-so again, but it was good enough.

Special Teams: Scott Enos made his kicks and Alex Dunnachie did a pretty good job pinning Navy back. Jovonte Taylor was huge again returning kicks; I’m just waiting for him to take one to the house. Can Warrior nation get a Xmas gift early from Jovonte next week?

Coaching: The defensive gameplan was excellent, but the offensive playcalling still needs some work. I thought I saw something that resembled a stop-fade route to Royce Pollard so I’m hopeful.

Now we get to Coach Mack… Coach Mack, what are you thinking? Most of the time, I love the idea of going for it on 4th and less than 2 yards, but not in that situation. Kick the friggin field goal! Make it a two score game and let a defense that’s playing solid win the game. Holy cow…

Final Word: Who would have thought that Hawaii would make it this far in their own little NCAA March Madness pool? One more win equals a Hawaii Bowl berth. Warrior nation has a few more peeps on the wagon after this win.

Helmet Stickers:
Bryant Moniz – 32/44, 366 yards and 3 TDs
Kealoha Pilares – 8 catches, 108 yards and 2 TDs
Greg Salas – 10 catches, 147 yards
Blaze Soares – 12 tackles, 1 sack
R.J. Kiesel-Kauhane, 10 tackles, 1 sack
Hawaii team defense – Held Navy to 248 yards rushing

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Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Pickups: 2009 Week 12

November 23rd, 2009 kNuke

The trade deadline has passed so the Waiver Wire is the lone way to upgrade your team. Also, remember there are three Thursday games; Packers/Lions, Cowboys/Raiders, and Giants/Broncos. Set your lineups early to avoid any mishaps!

Injuries to monitor: Marc Bulger (3-6 weeks), Clinton Portis (out), Brian Westbrook (out), Ladell Betts (season), Matthew Stafford, Kyle Orton, Kurt Warner, Ben Roethlisberger, Reggie Bush, Michael Turner, Julius Jones, Cedric Benson, Ronnie Brown (season), Donald Brown, Calvin Johnson, Sammy Morris, Lance Moore, Antonio Bryant, Marshawn Lynch, and Dwayne Bowe (3 weeks).

QB: For backup purposes only; Matt Cassel, Alex Smith, and Matthew Stafford, in that order.

RB: This list looks eerily similar to last week. Jamaal Charles, Jason Snelling, Justin Forsett, Rock Cartwright, Bernard Scott, and Jamal Lewis. All of these RBs should be well above 50% ownership after this week.

WR: Chris Chambers is going to get looks down the stretch, he’s a solid 2WR. Donnie Avery and Mohamed Massaquoi are worth looks; once again, Robert Meachem is an option if Lance Moore is sidelined.

TE: Kevin Boss, Brandon Pettigrew, and Dustin Keller, in that order. Boss has been getting it done big time the last few weeks.

DEF: Atlanta is your best bet if you’re looking for a matchup play; they got Tampa Bay. If they’re not available, Seattle is up against a Kyle Boller led Rams squad.

As always, feel free to hit me up on Twitter.

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Hawaii Warriors vs San Jose State Spartans

November 23rd, 2009 kNuke

The Hawaii Warriors escaped with a win, defeating the San Jose State Spartans 17-10 in OT. It was an ugly game with six total turnovers, two for Hawaii and four for San Jose State. Both teams had a chance to win the game in regulation, but failed. Leon Wright-Jackson’s 5-yard TD run in OT proved to be the difference.

Offense: Shane Austin was 28-46 for a career-high 299 yards. Austin made some poor decisions and extremely questionable throws, but he did show the ability to squeeze the ball into tough spots and make plays. I’d say that Moniz and Austin are about equal; I’m still holding out hope that the coaches truly re-evaluate the QB situation next year.

Jon Medeiros is clearly the most reliable Hawaii WR. Alex Green averages a fumble per 10-15 carries. Aaron Kia will end his career as the mostly penalized Warrior, ever. Kealoha Pilares needs to ride pine. I’m back on the LWJ bandwagon, but he needs to learn how to catch a pass. At the end of the day, 17 points is not going to get it done.

Defense: The defense played well, but let’s call a spade a spade. San Jose State is not good, not even close to good; maybe the worst team in the nation. There is almost no excuse losing to a backup Senior QB. Still, the defense came up huge causing a fumble at the end of regulation.

Special Teams: Scott Enos needs to be better; his kicks are too low. I feel like Jovonte Taylor could break one at any moment. That running into the kicker penalty could have been huge, but I liked the fact that at least they’re trying to block the kick.

Coaching: Kudos to Coach Mack for going for it on 4th and 5, but 4th and 16 is a little crazy. I’d like to have seen the offense on the field for 4th and 2. Penalties were an issue again, but coaching Aaron Kia at this point is useless. The defense was solid, 10 points is a great game. Loved the shovel passes when they were called, but the offense still needs more imagination; fade, stop-fade, menehune formation, WR-lateral pass… something exciting?

Final Word: Ugly wins are becoming Hawaii’s trademark, but the dream is still alive.

Helmet Stickers:
Jon Meideros – 10 catches for 149 yards
Lametrius Davis – 2 INTs

Side note: I missed the last two games so there are no recaps.

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Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Pickups: 2009 Week 11

November 17th, 2009 kNuke

Bye Bye Bye Weeks… Hello Trade Deadline (Friday for most leagues). A strategy that most experts suggest is trading away flexibility to get one player who will put you over the top. I’m all for that, but I like to have one backup at QB, RB, and WR, because injuries happen; handcuffs work well once the Bye weeks are done.

Injuries to monitor: Michael Turner, Julius Jones, Cedric Benson, Ronnie Brown, Clinton Portis, Brian Westbrook, Donald Brown, Calvin Johnson, Darren McFadden, Sammy Morris, Lance Moore, Antonio Bryant, Jermichael Finley, Josh Cribbs, and Dwayne Bowe (out).

QB: Hopefully you have a starting QB at this point, but if you’re looking for a backup, I’m going to have to push for Matt Cassel for a third week in a row. I’m not a big fan of the guy, but he’s decent as your backup.

RB: Lots of immediate adds this week; I’m going to list them in order. Jamaal Charles, Justin Forsett, Jason Snelling, Darren McFadden, Ladell Betts, Beanie Wells, and Bernard Scott. I really believe Charles will win a lot of leagues before it’s all said and done.

WR: Donnie Avery finally showed up and he’s probably available. Chris Chambers and Justin Gage (injury) are out there as well; Robert Meachem is an option if Lance Moore is sidelined again.

TE: Remember Dustin Keller? It seems like such a long time ago he was on the cusp of stardom. If you really need a TE, he’s worth the gamble. Brandon Pettigrew, Fred Davis, and Kevin Boss are probably out there as well.

As always, feel free to hit me up on Twitter.

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Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Pickups: 2009 Week 10

November 9th, 2009 kNuke

Before we check the wounded and hit the Wire, remember that the trade deadline is quickly approaching.

Injuries to monitor: Clinton Portis, Kevin Smith, Anquan Boldin, Donald Brown, Calvin Johnson, Darren McFadden, Jermichael Finley, Brian Westbrook, Sammy Morris, Lance Moore, Antonio Bryant, and Trent Edwards.

QB: Matt Cassel made me look good last week; I’d double down this week if you need a starter. Josh Freeman will get a lot of adds this week, but I just can’t trust a rookie. I know the Buccaneers will be throwing the ball alot playing catchup, but I just can’t do it. For those that care, Alex Smith is putting up decent numbers; any takers?

RB: Ladell Betts is the instant add as Clinton Portis is probably out next week with a concussion. Jamaal Charles disappointed in his first week as a starter, but with LJ gone, he’s another immediate add. Darren McFadden should be back in action, add him as well. The shelf life of Laurence Maroney is limited, but he’s worth an add even if it’s just for one week. If you have an extra roster spot you won’t need for the next few weeks, feel free to add the previously mentioned LJ and wait to see where he lands.

WR: Chris Chambers and his 2 TDs will attraction alot of attention, but don’t forget about everyone else; Robert Meachem, Devery Henderson, Justin Gage, Mike Wallace, and Donnie Avery are options as well.

TE: After the draft, I thought Brandon Pettigrew would be one of the most relevant fantasy players… I was right for one week. If you need TE help, he’s worth a gamble, but I’d also take a look at Fred Davis and Kevin Boss.

As always, feel free to hit me up on Twitter.

Bye Weeks: Giants, Texans.

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