FANTASY FOOTBALL WEEK 15
BENCH/START WRAP-UP
December 16, 2003
We have been feeling the (playoff) pressure to make good calls in the Bench / Start
and in the "Ask the Docs". Week 15 was a crucial week for many teams, so the Bench
/ Start needed to be on the money. With only one completely blown call in last week's action,
it was a good week for prognostication. Troy Hambrick, Kevan Barlow, and Steve Smith
highlighted some of the best start calls. Muhsin Muhammad, Tyrone Wheatly, and the
ALL of the Texans running backs characterized the better bench calls for week 15.
Sit back, relax, and enjoy this week's fantasy football wrap up of Bench / Start.
Nostradamus (a.k.a. psychic)
Start:
Troy Hambrick - When Hambrick owners saw this call last week they were thinking, "yeah, right. I wish." Hambrick came through big time with 189 yards rushing on 33 carries. If Hambrick could have only found the end zone he would have made a bigger splash. Hambrick owners aren't complaining considering what this back has been doing this season.
Steve Smith - As always, Smith is a reception god. 9 receptions for 99 yards is a great game. We told you that Smith would excel and Muhammad would have a poor game. That call was right on the money. Smith has been a classic example of the 3-year WR rule. Those teams that grabbed this bargain have gotten an excellent fantasy player all year.
Kevan Barlow - We told you last week that Barlow is officially a feature back in the NFL. He continued to show the talent this weekend against the Bengals. If Barlow can keep the fumbles down, the 49ers might be able to win a few games. Last week he had 2 fumbles. Fantasy owners didn't mind too much thanks to the 85 yards rushing, 6 receptions for 66 yards, and 2 TDs. A great week for Barlow owners that gave him the nod.
Anquan Boldin - 84 yards of total offense and 7 receptions continued this rookie WR's streak of being the focus of the Cardinals offense. The Cards keep losing, but Boldin still continues to be a good start. You would think that a team with only one viable offensive threat and Joshua McCown at the helm could easily be shut down, but the Cards still made it a 3 point game with the NFC South Champions.
Edgerrin James - This past weekend was the FIRST game all season that the Falcons didn't give up a rushing TD. Bummer for James owners, but don't be too down. James' 132 yards of total offense and 2 receptions made for a great game. James did fumble, but over all a good start.
Bench:
Terry Glenn - 2 catches 18 yards. Champ Bailey continues his domination of NFL wide receivers. If you have a #1 WR going against Bailey, look for another option to start.
Any Texans RB - We just went ahead and called out the entire running back core for the Texans. They didn't answer the challenge. Davis had only 56 yards rushing and Hollings had 9 yards. It wasn't one of the prettiest performances, so you were very happy about having these guys on your bench.
Tyrone Wheatley - 51 yards of total offense and no TDs. A pretty poor performance even though his team won. Wheatly was a definite good call for the pine.
Muhsin Muhammad - We told you to start Smith and bench Muhammad. Muhammad only got on catch for 11 yards. A pretty sad day it you game him the start. Hopefully you didn't and you playoff hopes are still alive.
Farmer's Almanac (a.k.a. not so bad/not so good)
Start:
Matt Hasselbeck - Hasselbeck kept the interceptions down and had some nice yardage with a TD. We would have liked to have not seen that stupid illegal shift penalty that took away a Hasselbeck TD pass to Alexander. AND we would have like to have NOT seen that referee take out the WR's legs in the final minutes of the game. We are just going to let bygones be bygones, and call it a so-so start call from Hasselbeck.
Jerome Bettis - The Bus also make the so-so calls of the week. His yardage and three receptions weren't too bad in reception leagues, but we would have liked to have seen a little more out of Bettis. Maybe if the Bus would have upgraded to snow tires we would have gotten better results this past weekend.
Moe Williams - Williams was all squared away for a great weekend with Bennett hobbled, but then the strangest thing happened. The Vikings finally decided to give the rock to Smith? Smith had 158 yards if total offense. Williams didn't get the results we had hoped for, but in reception leagues he posted a decent game with his for catches for good yardage.
New England D - The Pats gave up their first TD in 5 week at home but only allowed 13 points in the game. They got the win and added 2 INTs and 1 sack. If Poole would have been able to take his INT to the house, it would have been an even better game. Overall a good game from the Pats D.
Bench:
Byron Leftwich - Leftwich defied the odds and posted a good game. He did keep up his 2 interceptions on the road pace, but he countered that with nice yardage and a TD. It wasn't a stellar game, but it wasn't a horrible one either.
Weather Forecast (a.k.a. oops better luck next time)
Start:
None this week!
Bench:
Brian Westbrook - Westbrook toasted us for a great MNF game. 2 TDs and a good chuck of yardage made Westbrook a good start and a busted call for us.
