Calvin Johnson, Detroit Lions, WR
Want a break from the week-to-week grind of the fantasy football season?
Well, if you’re more into instant gratification and want to earn a quick buck (and not wait a full year to claim your prize) then the FP911Challenge.com is just for you.
What you do is fill a roster consisting of 1 QB, 2 RB’s, 3 WR’s, 1 TE, 1 K and 1 TD/ST- all within a budget of 60,000 imaginary dollars while competing against hundreds of other players
The scoring is as follows:
Offense:
Rushing yards made = 0.1pts
Rushing touchdowns = 6pts
Passing yards = 0.04pts
Passing touchdowns = 4pts
Interceptions = -1pt
Receiving yards = 0.1pts
Receiving touchdowns = 6pts
Receptions = 0.5pts
Kick-return touchdowns = 6pts
Punt-return touchdowns = 6pts
Fumbles lost = -2pts
Own fumbles recovered touchdowns = 6pts
Two-point conversions scored = 2pts
Two-point conversion passes = 2pts
Field-goals from 0-19 yards = 3pts
Field-goals from 20-29 yards = 3pts
Field-goals from 30-39 yards = 3pts
Field-goals from 40-49 yards = 4pts
Field-goals from 50+ yards = 5pts
Extra-point conversions = 1pt
Defense:
Sacks = 1pt
Opponent-fumbles recovered = 2pts
Return touchdowns = 6pts
Fumble return touchdowns = 6pts
Safeties = 2pts
Blocked kicks = 2pts
Interceptions = 2pts
0 points allowed = 10pts
1-6 points allowed = 7pts
7-13 points allowed = 4pts
14-20 points allowed = 1pt
28-34 points allowed = -1pt
35+ points allowed = -4pts
What you have to do is a field a lineup plus manage a budget and predict who has the best matchups. You also have to take into consideration what under-the-radar type players (since you can’t solely rely on studs) could lead you to glory. If you do all this well, you can earn some major dollars-and really quick.
That said, here are some options at each position that could be the difference in your matchups this weekend. I’ve designated each skill position (QB, RB, WR and TE) with a player worth the bucks, a player a tad under the radar, and a Hail Mary option. For kickers and defense, I will supply what I see as the best value.
QB:
Worth the bucks: Matt Ryan- Atlanta Falcons
Ryan has passed preseason expectations with flying colors thus far. Heading into Week 4 Ryan has the best QB rating (114) and is tied for the league-lead in touchdowns with eight.
The Panthers will be no match for the high flying Falcons. Ryan will be playing at home and he’ll have no trouble connecting with the likes of Roddy White, Julio Jones and Tony Gonzalez while playing a team that is in the bottom half in pass defense.
Under the radar find: Phil Rivers- San Diego Chargers
It has been a rough beginning for Rivers this year, as he has only four touchdowns to three interceptions through three games.
However, this may be the week Rivers gets off the schneid. Rivers will be taking on a Chiefs’ team that has allowed each opposing quarterback they faced to throw for at least two touchdowns. Plus, Rivers has a solid history when playing in Kansas City, passing for at least 265 yards in each contest while throwing six touchdowns in four games there.
Hail Mary option: Josh Freeman- Tampa Bay Buccaneers
While Freeman has disappointed in the early going, he should be a solid play this week since he’ll be going up against the Redskins, who are the worst team against the pass (allowing the most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks).
The game between the Bucs and the Redskins (which is a home game for Freeman and the Bucs) could easily become a shootout with very limited defense. With Vincent Jackson and Mike Williams at his disposal, this could be the week Freeman breaks out.
RB:
Worth the Bucks: Arian Foster- Houston Texans
It’s not hard to figure out why Foster is worth the big bucks.
After all, Foster does have three touchdowns while at least running for 79 yards in each game (and twice over 100 yards) thus far. And wouldn’t you know, Foster and the Texans take on a Titans’ squad that is allowing on average 139 rushing yards per game while allowing the third-most points to opposing running backs.
Cedric Benson, Cincinnati Bengals, RB
Under the radar find: Cedric Benson- Green Bay Packers
If Benson can’t get 100 yards and or score a touchdown vs. the Saints, then we’re going to have problems.
Benson, who is off to a solid start, should absolutely shred the Saints on the ground considering the New Orleans has allowed by far the most rushing yards this season.
Hail Mary option: Jacquizz Rodgers- Atlanta Falcons
Sunday’s contest between the Falcons and the Panthers could get out of hand (much like the Panthers last game vs. the Giants) early and Rodgers could be used in mop-up duty late in the game to milk the clock.
It’s not like Rodgers isn’t getting involved anyway, as Rodgers did score on an 8-yard pass last week against the Chargers. The Falcons could use both Rodgers and Michael Turner a lot this week since the Panthers are awful against the run (ranking 27th against the rush). You certainly could do a lot worse.
WR:
Worth the Bucks: Calvin Johnson- Detroit Lions
Although he was solid for the first two weeks, “Megatron” really broke out last week when he recorded 10 catches for 164 yards and a touchdown.
I don’t see the Vikings slowing Johnson down in a game that should have a lot of points be put on the board.
Under the radar find: Eric Decker- Denver Broncos
Decker had his finest performance of the year last Sunday against the Texans-which is no easy task-when he corralled in eight receptions for 136 yards.
With Decker and Peyton Manning gradually getting on the same page, things are only going to get easier when the Broncos face the Raiders at home this week. The Raiders have allowed opposing receivers to flourish recently (think Mike Wallace and Antonio Brown last week) and they’ll have trouble once again with Decker this week.
Hail Mary Option: Jerome Simpson- Minnesota Vikings
Although Simpson will have some rust to shake off since he is coming his three-game suspension, but with the way Christian Ponder is playing combined with the way the Lions have been burned by the pass, this could be a gamble that could pay off.
TE:
Worth the bucks: Jimmy Graham- New Orleans Saints
Shocked to see Graham here again?
I didn’t think so.
While things are going bad in New Orleans, there has been one constant this year with the Saints and that is the rapport between Drew Brees and Graham. While Green Bay has improved their defense, Graham should get loose for a few big plays.
Owen Daniels, Houston Texans, TE
Under the radar find: Owen Daniels- Houston Texans
Coming off his first touchdown catch of the season, Daniels has a good chance to find the end zone again when the Texans take on Titans at home this week.
The Titans are allowing the most points to opposing tight ends and with Matt Schaub settling into a groove, Daniels is a great middle-of-the-pack buy.
Hail Mary option: Brandon Myers- Oakland Raiders
Considering that Myers has caught everything that has come his way, he is as solid an option for daily leagues with his price tag still relatively low.
Besides, the Broncos (the Raiders’ Week 4 opponent) have allowed three touchdown passes to tight ends in the last two weeks.
K:
Best value: Connor Barth- Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Playing at home in what figures to be a shootout should present Barth with many kicking opportunities.
TD/ST:
Best value: Houston Texans
I’m surprised the Texans are listed at the minimum price of $5,000. They should create havoc for Jake Locker and the Titans all day. This is a slam-dunk selection.
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