Monthly Archives: July 2017

Week 17 Fantasy Baseball Circle Of Trust

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Astros 3B/SS Alex Bregman

.325 avg 10 runs scored in last 15 days. Bregman has picked up SS eligibility in some leagues adding versatility.  7 home games this week with 4 vs. the Rays and 3 against the Blue Jays.  Toronto pitchers have a 5.10 ERA and allowed 93 ding-dongs vs. right-handed hitters this season. This young hitter is available in roughly 35% of fantasy baseball leagues.

 

Cardinals 2B/SS/3B Paul DeJong

.333/.385/.583 slash rate the last 7 days. Plays in a 3-game set on the road against Milwaukee and a 4-game matchup in Cincinnati.  Multiple position eligibility and solid OBP should help fantasy owners down the stretch.  DeJong is available in roughly 40% of fantasy baseball leagues.

 

Cardinals RP Trevor Rosenthal

14.36 K/9 this season. Rosenthal in the last 30 days has 17 K and seems to have taken back the closers role from Seung Hwan Oh. Rosenthal is available in over 75% of fantasy baseball leagues.

Week 16 Fantasy Baseball Circle Of Trust

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White Sox 2B/3B Yoan Moncada

4 games with the Cubs and 3 with the Tribe this week. The .111 batting average doesn’t bother me too much since Moncada has only struck out once.  Moncada is available in over 50% of fantasy baseball leagues. Moncada offers a dynamic power/speed combo with soon to be multiple position eligibility. Be ahead of the curve get Moncada in your lineups.

 

Phillies OF Nick Williams

Home matchups with the Astros and Braves this week. Williams is a high-end prospect the Phillies acquired as part of the Cole Hamels trade. Has a .963 OPS so far this season. 17K to 4 BB is a concern, but Williams should still be able to play with Kendrick and Altherr returning soon. Williams is available in 86% percent of fantasy baseball leagues.

 

Nationals RP Sean Doolittle

Has recorded 2 Saves in 3 appearances so far for the Nats. Dootlitte seems to be the early choice for Saves in DC. This hard throwing southpaw is available in nearly 75% of fantasy baseball leagues.

Week 15 Fantasy Baseball Circle Of Trust

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Pirates OF Starling Marte

Returns July 18th from 80-game PED suspension. Marte’s power speed combo should help owners down the stretch run. I was able to snag Marte in 2 of my 5 leagues.  Available in nearly 30% of fantasy baseball leagues.

 

Cubs C/OF Kyle Schwarber

This week Schwarber will blast off. High Team ERA’s vs. Lefties for the Orioles 4.95, Braves 4.48, and Cardinals 4.64) The Cardinals have allowed the 3rd most home runs to left-handed batters with 57. I was able to pick Schwarber up in 1 of my 5 fantasy leagues and quickly rejected a trade offer.  This C/OF is available in 16% of fantasy baseball leagues.

 

Cubs SP Jose Quintana

Moving to a better club in the same city should help Quintana make the adjustment to getting traded. Quintana is available in 14% of leagues and should be a high claim in NL Only leagues.

Why The Jaguars Will Play In Postseason

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Fantasy Football is a year-round hobby for me. The coaching/front office changes, free agency, and draft are all telling signs to help formulate my strategery.  I use the OTA’s, minicamps, and training camp to make adjustments to my strategery.  Thru my research for this upcoming season, I believe the Jaguars will make the postseason in 2017.  The accumulation moves made thru drafting and free agency the last few years will finally come to fruition in 2017.

 

I plan to grab the Jaguars defense as a late option this season. Don’t be surprised if the Jaguars unit is a valuable commodity for fantasy owners. Fact: The Jaguars ranked 6th in total defense with 321.7 yards per game allowed in 2016.  Fact: The Jaguars allowed the 5th fewest passing yards per game at 215.2.  Stopping the run and points allowed were their undoing. The unit ranked 19th at 106.4 yards per game on the ground and gave up an average of 25 points- per-game.  A slight case could be made the unit gave up so many points due to being put in compromising positions from their turnover-prone QB Blake Bortles.  The additions this offseason should help shore up their run defense and cut down on points allowed.

 

DC Todd Wash has talent at all three levels of his defense.  The D-line has run stuffer Abry Jones in the middle along with Malik Jackson and Calais Campbell.  Young DE’s Dante Fowler Jr and Yannick Ngakoue provide an awful lot of speed off the edge.  Myles Jack takes over for Paul Posluszny in the middle, with Posluszny playing on the strong side. Weak-side linebacker Telvin Smith is a tackling machine playing that excels in run defense.  The secondary is led by CB’s Jalen Ramsey and free agent signing A.J. Bouye.  Safeties Barry Church and Tashaun Gipson are solid players to round out the back of this defense.  Don’t be afraid to spend a draft choice on the Jaguars defense this season.  IDP owners already are fully aware of Smith, but should reach up for Jack and Ramsey.

 

Offensively Tom Coughlin and Doug Marrone want to play more smash mouth football with the drafting of Leonard Fournette and the addition of 3 fullbacks Tommy Bohanan, Marquez Williams, and Tim Cook.  I doubt all 3 fullbacks will make the opening roster, but it shows the position will be a competition in camp.  LT Brandon Albert doesn’t grade out as a great run-blocker, but Cam Robinson should blow open some lanes at Left Guard. In 2016, the Jaguars offensive line ranked middle of the pack in run blocking.  Fournette will not leave the yards on the field that Chris Ivory and T.J. Yeldon did.  Ezekiel Elliott numbers are unrealistic for Fournette, but he should dominate this backfield and be a Top 10 RB.

 

The receiving corps is solid with Allen Robinson, Marquise Lee, and Allen Hurns. The big question is if Lee can ever stay healthy.   Robinson is WR 2 with upside, while I’d spend a late round flier on Lee over Hurns.  TE Marcedes Lewis probably won’t put up his career-year numbers of 2010, but will be more involved with Julius Thomas gone.  Lewis could be a waiver pickup if this offense uses him as a red zone threat.

 

QB Blake Bortles is the key to how far the Jaguars will go in 2017. Despite the inconsistent play Bortles had 5 games of 300 yards last season. His TD’s dropped from 35-23 with 19 more passing attempts last season.  Bortles worked with Tom House on his mechanics this offseason.  The Jaguars plan to run the ball more this season and take the pressure off of Bortles. 2016 saw the league adjusted to Bortles’ success from 2015.  Bortles will have to adjust back to the league in 2017 or will have to adjust to being a backup.  I view Bortles as a QB2 with upside and plan on targeting him late in drafts.

 

The upgraded front office with Tom Coughlin in charge will help mold the organization’s young talent in the right direction.  I believe the AFC South will feel the Wrath Of Khan in 2017 and see the Jags playing in the postseason for the first time since 2007.

Early Fantasy Football Musings

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I believe Jaguars and Titans will make the Playoffs this season.

Jaguars QB Blake Bortles will rebound this season. Improved front office, coaching, worked with Tom House on Mechanics. More offensive balance with improved running game. Will be a QB 2 with upside.

 

Titans QB Marcus Mariota

With improved weapons and development Mariota will be the QB I target as part of my yearly strategy to be the last team to take my 1st QB, but first to have 2. Eric Decker has double digit TD in 3 of last 5 seasons.

 

Ravens WR Jeremy Maclin should be able to excel in the slot for the Ravens. Baltimore has led the NFL in pass attempts each of the last 2 seasons. Maclin may have lost some burst down the field, but should excel in the slot. WR3 with PPR upside.

 

Danny Woodhead will be the back to own in Baltimore this year. With Pitta’s hip injury, Woodhead will pick up the slack in the short passing game. Terrance West isn’t much of a threat in the backfield and Kenneth Dixon wasn’t impressive last year. Dixon also will serve a 4-game suspension to start the season.

 

I view Saints WR Michael Thomas as a top 5 WR in fantasy football. Antonio Brown, Julio Jones, Odell Beckham JR. Michael Thomas, Jordy Nelson.

 

Saints WR Willie Snead has put up solid numbers in back-to-back years. Thomas will be a stud, but Snead will have his numbers go up as well.

 

Rams WR Robert Woods may be a popular WR5 this season. Tavon Austin is what he is and Cooper Kupp will play in the slot. Woods will lead Rams in receptions this year.

 

49ers QB’s will target Pierre Garcon early and often. PPR players will enjoy rostering Garcon more so than standard scoring players.

 

Seahawks WR Tyler Lockett dynamic playmaking ability needs to be used more this season. Coming back of broken Fibula and Tibia is something to track. Lockett is an excellent late rd gamble.

 

Packers TE Martellus Bennett set a career-high with 7 TD last season. I believe he easily sets career-high again this season.

 

I’m very torn on where to rank Ty Montgomery. Improved Pass protection could be his key to getting the most playing time. Right now, I’m leaning towards viewing him as a value pick instead of a player to reach up for in drafts.

 

Viewpoints of Kelvin Benjamin have changed dramatically since he came into the league. Went from great red zone threat and value to overweight bust in the eyes of fantasy owners. Its true Benjamin was out of shape last season; I blame the Panthers offense as a whole for falling off instead of blaming just Benjamin. Here’s his numbers.

2014 73 catches 1008 yards 9 TD.

2016 63 catches 941 yards 7 TD.

Don’t be a scorned Benjamin owner that lets him fall far in this year’s drafts. I believe Benjamin will out perform his draft slot.

 

Panthers RB Christian McCaffrey usage is tough to predict. Cam Newton is a runner instead of a check down passer. Switching styles could help Newton stay healthy long term. Would also make McCaffrey much more valuable. The drafting of McCaffrey and Curtis Samuel show a change in offensive philosophy.  Make sure you have solid depth behind McCaffrey if you want to pay the cost to draft him.

 

Browns WR Corey Coleman has had hamstring problems dating back to his freshman year at Baylor. I’m scared to spend a WR-4 pick on him at this point. Coleman unfortunately lacks one crucial ability and that is availability.

 

If I had to choose 1 Patriots RB it would be Mike Gillislee. Had 8 Rushing TD last year. Rex Burkhead will see early down work with Gillislee as well. James White is the pass catching back. Dion Lewis will be a complimentary piece may help in return game.

 

Steelers WR Martavis Bryant has 14 TD in 21 career games played. Coming off a year suspension at age 25, Bryant should still possess elite athleticism. Playing opposite of Antonio Brown, a more mature Bryant should have a field day. I’m using a franchise tag to keep Bryant in my dynasty league.

 

Jets WR Quincy Enunwa may be Captain Garbage Time this season with the Jets expected to be among leagues worst teams.

 

Pay attention to Austin Seferian-Jenkins in training camp. Has cut out alcohol gotten in better shape and this is probably his last shot to have a career. ASJ shouldn’t have to fight for targets in this week receiving corps.

 

Lions RB Ameer Abdullah will be a stand by your man pick for me this season. Abdullah is coming back from Lisfranc surgery last season. With lack of surrounding talent in backfield, I’ll take a mid-to-late gamble on Abdullah one more time.

 

The Vikings backfield looks murky to some, but I’m not fearful of Dalvin Cook getting stuck behind Latavius Murray this season. Murray will be TD dependent again, while Cook should be able to carve out a role in the passing game.  Cook for the round picked will be a better value than Murray this season.

 

Jets RB Matt Forte will get overdrafted based off of name recognition. Bilal Powell is younger and has more burst than Forte at this point. The Jets plan to use a committee at running back this year. Forte sadly could just be a bye week replacement running back at this stage of his career.

 

Bengals RB Joe Mixon will be a top 15 RB this season. Bernard coming off ACL tear and Jeremy Hill is too slow to get more than what is blocked. Go up to get Mixon.

 

Chargers TE Hunter Henry is a top 8 TE in fantasy football. I believe he does serious damage in LA this year. Antonio Gates will play less snaps this year and serve as a compliment to Henry.

 

Chiefs WR Chris Conley will take over for the departed Jeremy Maclin. Has 4.35 speed. Tyreek Hill is the projected Z receiver with Conley taking over the X. Conley is worth a late rd flier.

 

Redskins ILB Zach Brown has an opportunity to take a starting job away from Mason Foster or Will Compton. Buffalo’s run defense stunk last year and Brown was a portion not the entire problem. Could be a LB3 if he wins a starting job.

 

Jaguars ILB Myles Jack is taking over play-calling duties for Paul Posluszny this season. Jack has tremendous upside and should be a target for IDP owners.

 

Dolphins MLB Raekwon McMillan is a player to follow as camps get underway. McMillan was a solid tackler at The Ohio State University. Could be a popular early waiver claim in IDP leagues.

 

Colts ILB Jon Bostic is a player to pay attention to in training camp. Bostic is a former 2nd rd pick that flamed out in Chicago and New England. Colts LB corps is a wide open competition at this point. Sean Spence, Antonio Morrison, Edwin Jackson are also in competition for reps on the inside.

 

Giants MLB B.J. Goodson is another player to track in training camp. The LB corps for the G-Men leaves a lot to be desired. Goodson worked as the starting MLB in OTA’s.

 

Bears SS Quentin Demps was a late bloomer with the Texans. Demps should be able to carry over his production to Chicago due to a lack of play makers around him.

 

I believe Falcons Defense will take a bigger step forward this year based off their young talent gaining experience. Talent will not be impacted negatively by coaching changes. Head Coach Dan Quinn is a defensive guy, draft the Falcons with confidence.

Week 14 Fantasy Baseball Circle Of Trust

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Rockies OF Carlos Gonzalez

Returns from the DL this week to gravy train matchups at home vs. the Reds and White Sox. The Reds have the worst team ERA on the road at 5.92, while the White Sox are a little better at 4.63. Gonzalez is batting just .221 so far this season, but career numbers may show an uptick is on the horizon. Car Go’s career batting average of .311 in July is his highest in any month of the season. I made the waiver claim this past weekend. Car Go is available in roughly 20% of fantasy baseball leagues.

 

Padres OF Manuel Margot

Has returned to the tune of a .435 clip since coming off the DL with a calf injury. I made the claims for Margot in 2 of my 5 leagues because I desperately need to improve my team speed. With 9 stolen bases and 6 times caught so far Margot needs to improve on the base paths. On a club that’s already 20 games out of first-place he may get the chance. Margot is available in roughly 80% of fantasy baseball leagues.

 

Mets SP Steven Matz

2 road starts this week vs. the Nationals on Monday and the Cardinals on Sunday. Matz has abandoned his Slider to save stress on his elbow. Matz may lack a bit of swing and miss stuff without the slider, but is still talented enough to get out hitters. Has gone 6 or more in each of his 4 starts this season. I was able to pick up Matz in 1 of my 5 leagues. The power lefty is available in roughly 20% of fantasy baseball leagues.