First of all, I would like to thank the NFL for Thursday night games (sarcasm).
Not only do the weekly contests interfere with the college schedule, but they also leave fantasy players scrambling to get guys in and out of the lineup pending injuries and bye weeks.
Hey, it’s hard enough to keep up with injuries to NFL players anyway, but when you take the quick turnaround (three day break between a Sunday game and Thursday night game) into account, it sometimes leaves fantasy owners holding the bag when it comes to their starting lineup. And, to top that off, a lot of fans of the league can’t even watch the Thursday game in the confines of their own home due to it airing on the NFL Network.
The NFLN isn’t a channel like ESPN or TBS that comes with a basic cable package that’s available through all outlets. It is a channel that Dish Network makes available to its customers due to contractual agreement. Therefore, non-Dish Network customers have to watch the Thursday night games at friend’s house or a local pub to see their fantasy guys compete.
This week, the Chargers and Chiefs play on Thursday night. Luckily for me, I don’t have anybody playing, although I advise starting Ryan Mathews, Philip Rivers and the Chargers defense.
We are halfway through the fantasy season, so if you’re in contention for your league title, congrats! But if you are need of a big win this week, here a few recommendations that may help you in the win column. And if you want to ask me a question about your team, feel free to send a Tweet to @Lindyssportsmag or comment below.
Let See the Field
Randall Cobb, WR, Green Bay: Cobb has found the end zone three times in the last two weeks and look for that trend to continue in Week 9. Green Bay’s No.1 wideout, Greg Jennings, is out indefinitely (abdominal tear), and the Packers No. 2 receiver, Jordy Nelson, is hobbled by a hamstring injury. This opens the door for Cobb to be Aaron Rodgers main man against a struggling Cardinals defense.
Cam Newton, QB, Carolina: There’s no way of getting around it; for the most part this season, Newton has been a dud. But there’s still a lot of football left to be played, so Newton owners shouldn’t give up on last year’s rookie of the year just yet. Newton should have a big game against a shaky Redskins defense if he, and the Panthers, can avoid the turnover bug.
Green Bay Defense: The Packer D has had its ups and downs this year, but squaring off against Arizona’s offense should have Clay Matthews and company licking their chops. The Cardinals’ offensive line can’t block anybody and the run game is non-existent as well. Get Green Bay’s defense in the lineup and enjoy the production.
Jay Cutler, QB, Chicago: Both of my quarterbacks (Tom Brady and Alex Smith) had bye weeks this week so I was ecstatic when I nabbed Cutler off the waiver wire. Cutler and the Bears head to Nashville to take on the Titans in Week 9, and I expect Cutler to have a productive day against a Tennessee secondary that’s been vulnerable to good passing teams.
Show the Splinters
Anybody on Arizona’s offense, including Larry Fitzgerald: At the moment, Arizona’s offense just stinks. There’s no passing game, no run game and no pass protection and a lot of penalties. Add that up and that equals no fantasy production from Cardinals players.
Percy Harvin, WR, Minnesota: I happen to own Harvin, but I am skeptical about his matchup in Seattle this week. The Seahawks possess one of the top pass defenses in the league, and second-year pro Christian Ponder could have a tough go of it on the road. Hey, it’s hard to keep a guy who is tied for the league lead in receptions on the bench, but if you are deep at receiver, it may be best to go with another option. If you don’t have other options, then you’ve got to go with Percy.
Atlanta’s defense: Even though the Falcons defensive unit has been productive for much of the year, this could be a tough matchup for a couple of reasons. First, Dallas has a good passing game with multiple receiving threats. Second, the Cowboys’ backs are up against the wall and they need a win in the worst possible way. Lastly, Atlanta will be playing without star linebacker Sean Weatherspoon, who is out with an injury. If you have a better option, then I would roll with it.
Monitor
Jordy Nelson, WR, Green Bay: Nelson has been hobbled by a hamstring issue so monitor his status closely. If he can’t go, James Jones and Randall Cobb will be the Packers top two wideouts.