Welcome
Sports Outlaw's Scott Henkel brings you a weekly look at the fantasy football stock exchange known as Ballin' or Fallin'.
Scott evaluates quarterbacks, runningbacks, wide receivers, tight ends, and defenses from across the NFL and lets you know if the player or team is on the rise or falling. If a player or team is Ballin' their stock is on the rise. If a player or team is Fallin' they are losing stock.
Are your players on his list? Find out each week in Ballin' or Fallin'!
Ballin' or Fallin' - Week 12
Welcome to Sports Outlaw's Fantasy Football stock exchange known as Ballin' or Fallin'.
Simple concept: If a player is Ballin' his stock is on the rise. If a player is Fallin', he's not living up to the hype.
We'll take a weekly look at the players that matter in the realm of fantasy football.
Ballin'
Quarterbacks
Matt Cassel From the bottom of the fantasy football world to the top Cassel put together a heck of a game. I'd guess most of you had him on your bench which won't likely happen again. While I agree Cassel has gotten better almost every week I still won't put him in a higher category than QB2 at this point in the fantasy football season.
Jeff Garcia I discovered two things about Garcia this past weekend. First, he has a six month old and is expecting his second child in the spring. This man has a high pain tolerance. Second, he lost his power running back and to compensate went to a more wide open passing game. His numbers should go up and stay up. Garcia could be the unsung hero for teams making a playoff push and will easily maintain QB1 numbers.
Jake Delhomme Jake has been awful the past few weeks. Whispers of Tommy Johns surgery relapses and benching have begun to swirl. If you've been a loyal reader you understand this is just the roller coaster that is Jake Delhomme. I believe he is about to be on the upswing and base this on two tested methodologies. First he has a record of stinking for 2-3 games and then going off. Second I likely face him in what amounts to an elimination round this week so it would indeed be my luck he goes off. But let me warn that owner (who I know is lurking) that at this time in the playoff push it is no time to trust your season with Delhomme. Other owners may want to evaluate options and Laissez le Bon temp rouler. See that's some psychological warfare right there.
Peyton Manning Manning is peaking at the crucial time for fantasy football owners and is now a must start every week. Trust the Forehead. QB1
Runningbacks
Joseph Addai Like his quarterback Addai has been a fantasy football disappointment this season but is peaking during the playoff push. So if you were able to limp into playoff contention start him with confidence. RB1
DeAngelo Williams Another very solid performance for Williams. He's been solid in all phases of the game and with the anemic passing game he is a solid bet for all purpose yards. RB1
Ahmad Bradshaw The Giants were able to manhandle the Ravens at the line of scrimmage enabling both Bradshaw and Jacobs to run wild. Jacobs is getting his knee looked at so if you have Bradshaw on your bench keep your eye on the NFL Talk forum to see if the Man-Beast is a go next weekend. If he starts Bradshaw is a solid RB2.
Marshawn Lynch Edwards was afraid to go deep last night and put Lynch to work in both phases of the game. While it shouldn't be expected to see this kind of performance weekly Lynch should be counted on for improved play going forward. RB2 to weak RB1.
Wide Receivers
T.J. Houshmandzadeh There are some guys you just root for even if you find the team they play for repugnant or in this case laughable. TJ earned a great deal of respect from me this past weekend in what could be considered The Super Bowl for Bengal fans, a tie. Hey, it wasn't another loss! The fact that TJ hasn't packed it in like some other wide outs on the Bengal roster deserves credit. But to put up solid numbers as a WR1 and then start returning punts deserves praise. TJ is producing well for fantasy football owners as well as playing like a true team captain. WR2.
Hines Ward The Most Wanted Man in the AFC North is playing lights out during the playoff push. Ben isn't the same guy he was last season but his play doesn't seem to affect Ward. Ward should be starting if he's in your lineup as a WR2 at best.
Antonio Bryant Garcia is going to have to pass much more now without Graham which will provide Bryant owners with a boost in production. Bryant is already a draft day steal for owners and may now be a guy that will put your team over the top. WR2
Troy Polamalu Did you see that catch? Seriously that was freaking amazing. For the haters and those that missed it here is the CATCH:
Look at that crap!
Tight End
Dustin Keller The rookie is playing some seriously good ball lately. He's a player on the rise for sure but don't expect consistent 100 yard performances from a tight end. TE1.
Jerramy Stevens He's worthless at the point of attack but will be a crucial part of the passing game in the next few weeks. Most will be able to find him on the waiver wire so if you are able pick him up and start him if you don't have better options. TE1.
Defenses
Arizona I'll just say it again. The Cards are playing some serious defense to go along with a masterful offense. Both trends will continue into the playoffs and I would rank them as the #2 DEF in all scoring formats.
Fallin'
Quarterbacks
Phillip Rivers The Chargers seem to be lost this season. Rivers has had some good games but has also been down a few more times this season than last. He played against a burn worthy Steelers secondary but held onto the ball too long which resulted in him getting shelled. At this point in the season I wouldn't trust him as a QB1. Bench.
Trent Edwards His was indeed a tale of two halves. He did rebound from throwing three picks early to muster some drives. But he hasn't been the steady hand he was early on. The Bills as a team may be overrated this season due to a soft schedule and Edwards may be a solid keeper but again I wouldn't trust him during the playoffs or during the push for the playoffs. Bench.
Matt Hasselbeck I think he's still hurt. And after playing the Cards I'm sure he's got some new injuries. I applaud his toughness but question the judgment of a Seahawks team that isn't close to a playoff spot. They should shut him down and so should you. Bench.
Runningbacks
Warrick Dunn I hate putting him here and while I think he's going to become a bigger receiver his production will go down as his chances to run the ball diminish and he will be out on goal line situations. Flex option at best.
Peyton Hillis Now I seriously hate putting Hillis here! He was interviewed last night on local sports talk and I will tell you he sounds like a guy I will root for in the future.....even if his drafting caused Shannahan to cut my boy Cecil Sapp!
Hillis is a power back with a fantastic attitude but when Shannahan brought Tinker Bell on board the writing was on the wall for the Denver fan favorite. His production won't be the same and shouldn't be trusted in your starting lineup at this point in the season. Flex at best but bench is safer.
LaDainian Tomlinson I think the Chargers want to get LT the ball and I also think the Steelers wanted to take LT away from the offense. But LT has always been a guy who starts slow but carries owners at the end of the season. You're just not seeing that from him this season. Teams have been able to gameplan LT which is more telling of the Chargers offense than LT's abilities. I still think he's elite and he still should be in your lineup but your expectations should be tempered. RB2.
Wide Receivers
DeSean Jackson The Eagles must stop using Jackson on special teams and find ways to get him the ball on offense. Jackson is the biggest playmaker on the Eagles roster with all due respect to Westbrook. Until the Eagles figure out how to use him like they did early on Jackson can't be trusted as much better than a weak WR2 or Flex.
Randy Moss A late touchdown saved owners brave or desperate enough to start Moss. Cassel went for 400 yards but seems to favor the TE and The Slot Machine. He is still too good to bench but shouldn't be counted on to be any better than a WR2.
Roy E. Williams Williams should be more involved in the offense at this point in the season. His development is hampered by Romo's injury and the Cowboys have yet to demonstrate a resurging passing attack. Keep Williams on your bench if you have better options. Bench.
If youve read this far youre looking for all the pieces of information and perspective that will push you over the top in your league. This article is only part of that total picture here at SO. To get the rest of the story you must check out Jeremy Millers Waiver Wire picks. If you see a familiar name from this blog that is your cue to head straight to your league waiver wire.
If there is someone we missed tell us about it in the comments section below.
Like the stock market the fantasy football value market will fluctuate so make sure you are in the know by subscribing to this blog. Thanks for stopping by and I'll see you in the forums!
Scott Henkel
"The Ram"
Simple concept: If a player is Ballin' his stock is on the rise. If a player is Fallin', he's not living up to the hype.
We'll take a weekly look at the players that matter in the realm of fantasy football.
Ballin'
Quarterbacks
Matt Cassel From the bottom of the fantasy football world to the top Cassel put together a heck of a game. I'd guess most of you had him on your bench which won't likely happen again. While I agree Cassel has gotten better almost every week I still won't put him in a higher category than QB2 at this point in the fantasy football season.
Jeff Garcia I discovered two things about Garcia this past weekend. First, he has a six month old and is expecting his second child in the spring. This man has a high pain tolerance. Second, he lost his power running back and to compensate went to a more wide open passing game. His numbers should go up and stay up. Garcia could be the unsung hero for teams making a playoff push and will easily maintain QB1 numbers.
Jake Delhomme Jake has been awful the past few weeks. Whispers of Tommy Johns surgery relapses and benching have begun to swirl. If you've been a loyal reader you understand this is just the roller coaster that is Jake Delhomme. I believe he is about to be on the upswing and base this on two tested methodologies. First he has a record of stinking for 2-3 games and then going off. Second I likely face him in what amounts to an elimination round this week so it would indeed be my luck he goes off. But let me warn that owner (who I know is lurking) that at this time in the playoff push it is no time to trust your season with Delhomme. Other owners may want to evaluate options and Laissez le Bon temp rouler. See that's some psychological warfare right there.
Peyton Manning Manning is peaking at the crucial time for fantasy football owners and is now a must start every week. Trust the Forehead. QB1
Runningbacks
Joseph Addai Like his quarterback Addai has been a fantasy football disappointment this season but is peaking during the playoff push. So if you were able to limp into playoff contention start him with confidence. RB1
DeAngelo Williams Another very solid performance for Williams. He's been solid in all phases of the game and with the anemic passing game he is a solid bet for all purpose yards. RB1
Ahmad Bradshaw The Giants were able to manhandle the Ravens at the line of scrimmage enabling both Bradshaw and Jacobs to run wild. Jacobs is getting his knee looked at so if you have Bradshaw on your bench keep your eye on the NFL Talk forum to see if the Man-Beast is a go next weekend. If he starts Bradshaw is a solid RB2.
Marshawn Lynch Edwards was afraid to go deep last night and put Lynch to work in both phases of the game. While it shouldn't be expected to see this kind of performance weekly Lynch should be counted on for improved play going forward. RB2 to weak RB1.
Wide Receivers
T.J. Houshmandzadeh There are some guys you just root for even if you find the team they play for repugnant or in this case laughable. TJ earned a great deal of respect from me this past weekend in what could be considered The Super Bowl for Bengal fans, a tie. Hey, it wasn't another loss! The fact that TJ hasn't packed it in like some other wide outs on the Bengal roster deserves credit. But to put up solid numbers as a WR1 and then start returning punts deserves praise. TJ is producing well for fantasy football owners as well as playing like a true team captain. WR2.
Hines Ward The Most Wanted Man in the AFC North is playing lights out during the playoff push. Ben isn't the same guy he was last season but his play doesn't seem to affect Ward. Ward should be starting if he's in your lineup as a WR2 at best.
Antonio Bryant Garcia is going to have to pass much more now without Graham which will provide Bryant owners with a boost in production. Bryant is already a draft day steal for owners and may now be a guy that will put your team over the top. WR2
Troy Polamalu Did you see that catch? Seriously that was freaking amazing. For the haters and those that missed it here is the CATCH:
Look at that crap!
Tight End
Dustin Keller The rookie is playing some seriously good ball lately. He's a player on the rise for sure but don't expect consistent 100 yard performances from a tight end. TE1.
Jerramy Stevens He's worthless at the point of attack but will be a crucial part of the passing game in the next few weeks. Most will be able to find him on the waiver wire so if you are able pick him up and start him if you don't have better options. TE1.
Defenses
Arizona I'll just say it again. The Cards are playing some serious defense to go along with a masterful offense. Both trends will continue into the playoffs and I would rank them as the #2 DEF in all scoring formats.
Fallin'
Quarterbacks
Phillip Rivers The Chargers seem to be lost this season. Rivers has had some good games but has also been down a few more times this season than last. He played against a burn worthy Steelers secondary but held onto the ball too long which resulted in him getting shelled. At this point in the season I wouldn't trust him as a QB1. Bench.
Trent Edwards His was indeed a tale of two halves. He did rebound from throwing three picks early to muster some drives. But he hasn't been the steady hand he was early on. The Bills as a team may be overrated this season due to a soft schedule and Edwards may be a solid keeper but again I wouldn't trust him during the playoffs or during the push for the playoffs. Bench.
Matt Hasselbeck I think he's still hurt. And after playing the Cards I'm sure he's got some new injuries. I applaud his toughness but question the judgment of a Seahawks team that isn't close to a playoff spot. They should shut him down and so should you. Bench.
Runningbacks
Warrick Dunn I hate putting him here and while I think he's going to become a bigger receiver his production will go down as his chances to run the ball diminish and he will be out on goal line situations. Flex option at best.
Peyton Hillis Now I seriously hate putting Hillis here! He was interviewed last night on local sports talk and I will tell you he sounds like a guy I will root for in the future.....even if his drafting caused Shannahan to cut my boy Cecil Sapp!
Hillis is a power back with a fantastic attitude but when Shannahan brought Tinker Bell on board the writing was on the wall for the Denver fan favorite. His production won't be the same and shouldn't be trusted in your starting lineup at this point in the season. Flex at best but bench is safer.LaDainian Tomlinson I think the Chargers want to get LT the ball and I also think the Steelers wanted to take LT away from the offense. But LT has always been a guy who starts slow but carries owners at the end of the season. You're just not seeing that from him this season. Teams have been able to gameplan LT which is more telling of the Chargers offense than LT's abilities. I still think he's elite and he still should be in your lineup but your expectations should be tempered. RB2.
Wide Receivers
DeSean Jackson The Eagles must stop using Jackson on special teams and find ways to get him the ball on offense. Jackson is the biggest playmaker on the Eagles roster with all due respect to Westbrook. Until the Eagles figure out how to use him like they did early on Jackson can't be trusted as much better than a weak WR2 or Flex.
Randy Moss A late touchdown saved owners brave or desperate enough to start Moss. Cassel went for 400 yards but seems to favor the TE and The Slot Machine. He is still too good to bench but shouldn't be counted on to be any better than a WR2.
Roy E. Williams Williams should be more involved in the offense at this point in the season. His development is hampered by Romo's injury and the Cowboys have yet to demonstrate a resurging passing attack. Keep Williams on your bench if you have better options. Bench.
If youve read this far youre looking for all the pieces of information and perspective that will push you over the top in your league. This article is only part of that total picture here at SO. To get the rest of the story you must check out Jeremy Millers Waiver Wire picks. If you see a familiar name from this blog that is your cue to head straight to your league waiver wire.
If there is someone we missed tell us about it in the comments section below.
Like the stock market the fantasy football value market will fluctuate so make sure you are in the know by subscribing to this blog. Thanks for stopping by and I'll see you in the forums!
Scott Henkel
"The Ram"
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