Week 7 Bank/Tank

It's been a long time since we have met here at my site, theffaddict.com. We missed the Super Bowl, the draft, the Peyton Manning saga, and, most importantly the first six weeks of the 2012 season. However, for much of that time I have been writing my rankings and other assortment of articles over at iConFantasySports.com.

Not only that, but I have essentially micro-blogged my life away on my Twitter feed (@TheFFAddict), where I now have over 25,000 tweets. Then again, maybe that means I need to reconsider my life, I mean - should I be proud of spending my entire life on Twitter? I also have been podcasting on the "Fantasy Football Portfolio" on Blog Talk Radio since June. Monday will mark the beginning of my new podcast "The Streak", which will talk all football news, stats, and other football related topics.

Nonetheless, we're (I'm) back! Let's kick off my return with the players that I like (bank) and dislike (tank) for Week 7 of the 2012 NFL season.

Quarterback Banks
Matt Schaub vs Baltimore - Ravens are ranked 22nd against opposing quarterbacks this season, and will be missing the likes of Lardarius Webb and Ray Lewis, while Jimmy Smith, now an every down corner, and Haloti Ngata will be likely game-time decisions. It's shaping up to be a favorable matchup for Schaub against Baltimore, who has sacked the opposing quarterback just 10 times all season, 23rd most in the NFL. In fact, in Week 6, Tony Romo was sacked just once by the Ravens defense. Schaub should stay nearly unscathed this week behind an offensive line that has allowed just six sacks all season. When you see Baltimore on your player's schedule, you're no longer frightened, you're excited. The defense is very weak, especially with the recent injuries.

Brandon Weeden @ Indianapolis - Let's start off with injury news on Weeden:  He is probable in this game with a foot, but practiced fully most of the week and will start against the Colts. His receivers, Travis Benjamin and Mohmaed Massaquoi are also banged up, and they will likely be game-time calls and will both play limited snaps if active. For the matchup: The Colts have 17.2 points per game (Yahoo!) to opposing quarterbacks this year. That puts them as the 14th worst pass defense, but against the likes of Christian Ponder, Blaine Gabbert, Mark Sanchez and Jay Cutler, they're ranking isn't surprising. They're worse than they look on paper. I want to see if the Browns can gain some momentum here after snapping their 11-game losing streak in Week 6 against the Bengals; this is certainly a winable game for the Browns. Trent Richardson should see the ball in his hands a lot against the very vulnerable rush defense of the Colts, but still expect 30 or more pass attempts from Weeden. I see 275 yards, two touchdowns and a turnover for Weeden this week, and those are more than acceptable numbers for your starting quarterback spot.

Others I like (if you're desperate): Josh Freeman vs New Orleans - we all know how bad that defense is... Jay Cutler against a banged up Detroit secondary... Matt Hasselbeck and Ryan Ftizpatrick face off, and we should see a lot of running of the football, but when they pass, the two quarterbacks should successful.

Quarterback Tanks
Andy Dalton vs Pittsburgh - In Dalton's rookie season, he completed less than 50 percent of his passes in his two games against the Steelers. Dalton has turned the ball over in every game this year, including his three interception game in Week 6. Ball-hawk safety Troy Polamalu has been out for most of the season with a calf injury, and Steelers have struggled to force turnovers, with just two interceptions all season. However, they have done great work in man-to-man, allowing just over 200 net passing yards per game, fourth best in the league. Cincinnati's offensive line has allowed 17 sacks this season, 23rd in the league. I think that this is the week that Dalton tumbles. He's not as good as his fantasy stats have shown to this point in the year.

Christian Ponder vs Arizona - Arizona has the second best defense against opposing quarterbacks in the NFL, allowing 11.5 points per game in Yahoo! leagues, including a game against Tom Brady, in which the Cardinals held Brady to 15 points. Stay away from Ponder this week.

Running Back Banks
Stevan Ridley vs New York Jets - Opponents have rushed on the Jets an average of 32.2 times per game in 2012, including an average of 35.5 when they Jets are on the road. The Jets defense has given up 4.7 yards per carry this season, while New England has averaged 4.2 yards per attempt on the season, including 4.9 yards per attempt in their last three, good for 10th best in the league. Ridley should also see a bit of an increased workload with Brandon Bolden likely to miss Sunday's game.

Felix Jones @ Carolina - Sure, you can make fun of Jones' durability, and his typical struggle to run between the tackles, but in this matchup against Carolina with Demarco Murray out, Jones looks like a start in all formats. Dallas rushed the ball 42 times in a Week 6 loss to Baltimore, so it's obvious that head coach Jason Garret and company want to utilize their weapons in the backfield going forward. Carolina has also allowed 47 receptions to opposing running backs this season, most in the league, and Jones could see some dump-off passes in this game. Be sure to start Jones this week (while he's still fresh). 

Chris Johnson @ Buffalo - Buffalo has given up a league-high 173.5 rushing yards per game this season, and almost 200 yards per game at home. That's a ridiculous amount of rushing yards. If Titans commit to the run - which has been a struggle this season with a league-low 19.2 carries per game this season - then they will likely find themselves in consistent success in this matchup.

Others I like: Bills running backs (CJ Spiller and Fred Jackson) have a good matchup against Tennessee who has allowed over 120 yards on the ground per game. I like Jackson more because of his goal line role. He gets the touches inside the five and the Titans have given up seven rushing touchdowns inside the five this season. ... Phillip Tanner should be used to complement Jones as he was late in the game against Baltimore, he could be a nice flex option. ... If you're desperate, Danny Woodhead could get a nice workload with Brandon Bolden likely to sit ... Montario Hardesty also could be a nice play if the Browns decide to limit first-round draft pick Trent Richardson

Running Back Tanks
New Orleans Running Backs @ Tampa Bay - The Bucs have allowed just 75 yards per game on the ground this season, third best in the league. No running backs are getting significant touches, so none of them are starts. The last time a Saints running back ran the ball 10 times or more was Week 2, when Mark Ingram ran the ball 12 times. It's not only a matchup thing with New Orleans, but it's an every week thing: they don't run. If they try to run this week, then Tampa Bay and their league-best 3.1 yards per carry will shut them down.

Mikel Leshoure vs Chicago - Chicago allows just 3.6 yards per carry to opposing running backs. They have also given up just one touchdown to opposing running backs both through the air and on the ground. Leshoure hasn't scored in either of his last two games, so things are shaping up too good for him this week. Look for Leshoure to score five points or less on Monday night.

Others I dislike: William Powell has a very tough matchup against the Vikings, I wouldn't expect more than six points unless he finds the end zone... Stay away from Ahmad Bradshaw with a manged up foot. I would be surprised if he plays. If Bradshaw is out, I like Andre Brown over David Wilson, but neither will be great starts even in a flex...Shonn Greene won't have another game like he did against Indianapolis next week. They'll be playing from behind, and Patriots have given up 83.2 yards on the ground per game.

Wide Receiver Banks 
Kenny Britt @ Buffalo - 11 targets last week, Britt will soon become a top 10 wide receiver. He is an enormous part of the offense and is one of the most talented wide receiver in the league. Britt says that he is 95% of the player that he was last year, and that's a good sign for his fantasy owners. Against five receivers - Stephen Hill, Dwayne Bowe, Wes Welker, Michael Crabtree, and Larry Ftizgerald - the Bills have given up a total of 34 receptions, 526 yards, and six touchdowns. No. 1 receivers have thrived against the Bills, and I think that Britt has his biggest game of the year in this matchup.

Hakeem Nicks vs Washington Redskins - Nicks is healthy, 'close' to 100%, and ready to be a machine again. When Nicks is healthy, he consistently gauges defenses. He's one of the most physical, gifted receivers in the league and it's great to see him on the field again. The Redskins have given up an average of 2.5 touchdowns through the air per game in 2012. If Eli Manning throws three touchdowns, Nicks will catch at least one. Book it.

James Jones @ St. Louis - Expect to see Cortland Finnegan cover the slot receiver in this game (Randall Cobb), and rookie Janoris Jenkins to cover Jordy Nelson on the outside. What does that mean? Jones is going to be seeing the likes of Bradley Fletcher and Trumaine Johnson opposite of Jenkins. Rams have allowed the second fewest points to wide receivers in 2012 with just 14.7 per game. However, seeing how the Packers performed last week, it's going to be tough to defend all of their weapons. I think all three receivers have respectable games.

Vincent Jackson and Mike Williams vs New Orleans - The Saints defense has been atrocious not only this season, but specifically on the road. They have allowed 9.2 yards per attempt in their road games this season, compared to 7.6 yards per attempt on the road. The Saints have also allowed six touchdowns to opposing wide receivers in the last two weeks. Williams and Jackson have been studs the last two weeks, and it'd be hard to sit them in any matchup, so seeing New Orleans on the schedule this week just makes it that much more sweet.

If you're desperate: Brandon LaFell vs Dallas, Domenik Hixon vs Washington, Brandon Gibson vs Green Bay, Devery Hendeson vs Tampa Bay (Is it a coincidence that all of these guys are at home or what?)

Wide Receiver Tanks
Steve Smith vs Dallas - Smith is averaging just over seven points per game and hasn't found the promise land this season. Cowboys have given up just three touchdowns to opposing receivers all year (all in the last two games). I think you'll see double coverage on Smith for a lot of the game with a corner and a safety, and single coverage on LaFell consistently.

Brandon Lloyd vs New York Jets - He's not putting up great stats right now, and the Jets are tied for the best defense against opposing receivers, allowing just 14.7 points per game. No. 85 is cursed in New England for every player who wears it. Lloyd isn't worth a start at this point.

Antonio Brown @ Cincinnati - It's not that I hate Brown, or the matchup, but he is not putting out the numbers you might expect Brown to be putting up. Looking forward, he takes on Washington in Week 8 which is a very favorable matchup.

Others I dislike: Jeremy Kerley @ New England

Tight End Banks
Scott Chandler vs Tennessee - The matchups don't get any better for tight ends than Tennessee. The Titans have allowed eight touchdowns to tight ends in 2012, and three in the last three weeks. Chandler, owned in 63.6% of ESPN leagues, is a great add for those Jimmy Graham owners who are lacking a tight end for this week.

Other smart matchup plays: Martellus Bennett is a bit concerning with only nine targets in his last three games, but he has a great matchup vs Washington and is off of the injury report. ... I think Hasselbeck is in for a big day and that means Jared Cook should have a half decent day, with upside, if you are desperate.


Tight EndsTanks
Fred Davis @ New York Giants - The Giants have not allowed a touchdown to opposing tight ends this season. They've shut down the likes of Jason Witten, Brent Celek, and Vernon Davis.

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That will just about wrap it up for me. I mentioned in the introduction, you can follow me @TheFFAddict on Twitter for a bombardment of news, notes, and analysis from around the league. You can also check out my podcast, which will make it's debut Monday, hosted on BlogTalkRadio. Thanks for reading.

2011-12 NFL Pro Bowl Ballot

By: Christian Hardy

Quarterbacks - NFC

Aaron Rodgers, Packers - Clearly ahead of everyone else in the MVP race, and will most likely break Dan Marino's record of most passing yards in a single season.

Drew Brees, Saints - Like Aaron Rodgers, this one doesn't need much explaining, really.

Eli Manning, Giants - It was a tough choice between Eli and Romo for me, but I decided to go with Manning. More yards, and the same amount of touchdowns. My argument for Romo is that he has a better TD-INT ratio as well as a better passer rating. Eli has been more clutch than Romo this year, and he has led his team to victory more than Romo, so I went with Manning.

Runner Up = Tony Romo, Cowboys

Future: Cam Newton, Panthers

Quarterbacks - AFC

Tom Brady, Patriots - Easy one here. Easily the best quarterback in the AFC.

Ben Roethlisberger, Steelers - Ben hasn't had all that great of a year, but there really isn't anyone better in the AFC.

Tim Tebow, Broncos - That's right. Timmy Tebow over Rivers, Sanchez, or Flacco. Tebow wins football games and he takes care of the football, which copes well with his defense. Rivers isn't having a  Pro Bowl season until these last couple of weeks, and Flacco and Sanchez turn the ball over too much to be in the Pro Bowl. My vote goes to Tebow.

Runner Up = Philip Rivers, Chargers

Future: Andy Dalton, Bengals

Running Backs - NFC

Michael Turner, Falcons - His second consecutive year over 1,000 rushing yards, as well as his third in the last four years, and he has done it with just 273 carries. Hr has been a little bit more involved in the pass game this year, all though that did not affect my voting of Turner. He has been there for this team week in and week out. A consistent option for the likes of Matt Ryan and this Falcons' offense.

Lesean McCoy, Eagles - Best running back in the NFL this year, easy. His 17 touchdowns lead the NFL, and you can't argue putting this guy in the Pro Bowl. Then again, when you have an offensive line like the Eagles, it couldn't be too hard. Then again, saying McCoy is just "good" is a understatement. This guy is something special and he is going to be in the Pro Bowl for many years to come.

Frank Gore, 49ers - Already over 1,000 yards rushing, it's hard to dispute Gore in this spot. Without Gore, the 49ers have little-to-no offense, in my opinion. Huge weapon that deserves this spot.

Runner Up: Adrian Peterson, Matt Forte, Marshawyn Lynch - It's crazy to think that these guys won't be in the Pro Bowl, especially Peterson. Forte got hurt at the end of the year, so that practically eliminated him for me. Peterson was out for a couple weeks, and has had some up and down games this year. Lynch was tough, but statistically, the three guys that I put in the Pro Bowl were better. NFC has some amazing talent at running back, that's for sure.

Future: Roy Helu

Running Backs - AFC

Arian Foster, Texans - When healthy, Foster is an elite running back in the NFL, and he proved it this year. Even with Andre Johnson's hamstring(s) injury, a sticky quarterback situation and an injury problem of his own, Foster has been amazing. 10 touchdowns on the season in just 10 full games is amazing with the issues that he had to deal with. Definitely a worthy candidate for this spot.

Ray Rice, Ravens - Rice has become a much better runner this year, while keeping his "receiver" status very viable. His 12 touchdowns (and 10 on the ground) are a career-high for Rice. I think it is safe to say that Rice is going to be here for a while.

Maurice Jones-Drew, Jaguars - MJD should be at the top of this list. Although the Jaguars have won just four games on the season, Jones-Drew is the leader of each and every one of those wins. He performs each and every week, and is the bright spot of this Jaguars football team/

Runner Up: Willis McGahee

Wide Receivers - AFC

Mike Wallace, Steelers

Wes Welker, Patriots

AJ Green, Bengals

Brandon Marshall, Dolphins

Runner Up: Vincent Jackson, Chargers

Future: Antonio Brown, Steelers and Denarius Moore, Raiders

Wide Receivers - NFC

Calvin Johnson, Lions

Steve Smith, Panthers

Larry Fitzgerald, Cardinals

Jordy Nelson, Packers 

Runner Up: Greg Jennings, Packers

Future: Doug Baldwin, Seahawks and Julio Jones, 

Fullback - AFC

Vonta Leach, Ravens

Future: Marcel Reece, Raiders

Fullback - NFC

Tony Fiammetta, Cowboys

Runner Up: John Kuhn, Packers

Future: Tony Fiametta

Tight End - AFC

Rob Gronkowski, Patriots

Owen Daniels, Texans

Runner Up: Antonio Gates, Chargers

Future: Rob Gronkowski

Tight End - NFC

Jimmy Graham, Saints

Tony Gonzalez, Falcons

Runner Up: Jason Witten, Cowboys

Future: Jake Ballard, Giants

Offensive Tackle - AFC

RT - Eric Winston, Houston 

LT - Duane Brown, Houston

Swing - Andrew Whitworth, Bengals

Offensive Taackle - NFC

RT - Jason Peters, Eagles

LT - Tyron Smith, Cowbohs

Swing - Jordan Gross, Panthers

Guard - AFC

R - Brian Waters, Patriots

L - Marshal Yanda, Ravens

Swing - Brandon Moore, Jets

Guard - NFC

R - Jahri Evans, Saints -  If Sitton was healthy all year, then he would be in this spot.

L - Evan Mathis, Eagles

Swing - Mike Iupati, 49ers

Runner Up: Josh Sitton, Packers and Carl Nicks, Saints

Center - AFC

Alex Mack, Browns

Nick Mangold, Jets

Runner up: Chris Myers, Texans

Center - NFC

Ryan Kalil, Panthers

Max Unger, Seahawks

Runner up: Scott Wells, Packers

Defensive End - AFC

Andre Carter, Patriots

JJ Watt, Texans

Jabaal Sheard, Browns

Defensive End - NFC

Jared Allen, Vikings

Jason Babin, Eagles

Chris Long, Rams

Defensive Tackle - AFC

Geno Atkins, Bengals

Haloti Ngata, Ravens

Richard Seymour, Raiders

Runner Up: Sione Pouha, Jets

Defensive Tackle - NFC

Justin Smith, 49ers

Cullen Jenkins, Eagles

Darnell Dockett, Cardinals

Runner Up: Henry Melton, Bears - Leads in sacks in the defensive tackle category. Very underrated year. This kid is only going to get better

Inside Linebacker - AFC

D'Qwell Jackson, Browns

Derrick Johnson, Chiefs

Runner Up: Pat Angerer, Colts and Brian Cushing, Texans

Inside Linebacker - NFC

London Fletcher, Redskins

Desmond Bishop, Packers

Runner Up: Sean Lee, Cowboys and Patrick Willis, 49ers - Both of these guys have had tremendous seasons, but Flecher and Bishop have just been better. I could definitely see either--or both--of these guys end up in Honalulu

Outside Linebacker - AFC

Terrell Suggs, Baltimore

Connor Barwin, Texans

Von Miller, Broncos

Runner Up: Tamba Hali, Chiefs

Outside Linebacker - NFC

DeMarcus Ware, Cowboys

Clay Matthews, Packers

James Anderson, Panthers

Runner Up: Sean Weatherspoon, Falcons

Future: Michael Boley, Giants

Cornerback - AFC

Darrelle Revis, Jets

Kyle Arrington, Patriots

Johnathan Joseph, Texans

Runner Up: Brandon Flowers, Chiefs

Cornerback - NFC

Charles Tillman, Bears

Carlos Rodgers, 49ers
Brandon Browner, Seahawks

Runner up: Tramon Williams, Packers 

Free Safety - AFC

Eric Weddle, Chargers

Free Safety - NFC

Earl Thomas, Seahawks

Runner Up: Deshon Goldson, 49ers

Future: Malcom Jenkins, Saints

Strong Safety - AFC

George Wilson, Bills

Runner Up: Troy Polamalu, Steelers - He just hasn't made as many plays this year as he has in years past. Not as many as Wilson, at least.

Strong Safety - NFC

Roman Harper, Saints

Kicker -AFC

Sebastian Janikowski, Raiders

Kicker - NFC

Dan Bailey, Cowboys

Punter - AFC

Shane Lechler, Raiders

Punter - NFC

Andy Lee, 49ers

Kick Returner - AFC

Antonio Brown, Steelers

Kick Returner - NFC

Patrick Peterson, Cardinals

Special Teamer

Rock Cartwright, Oakland

Corey Graham, Bears

Team by Team Breakdown

AFC East

New England Patriots - Tom Brady, Wes Welker, Rob Gronkowski, Brian Waters, Andre Carter, Kyle Arrington

New York Jets - Brandon Moore, Nick Mangold, Darrelle Revis

Miami Dolphins - Brandon Marshall

Buffalo Bills - George Wilson

AFC North

Pittsburgh Steelers - Ben Roethlisberger, Mike Wallace

Baltimore Ravens - Ray Rice, Vonta Leach, Marshal Yanda, Haloti Ngata, Terrell Suggs

Cincinnati Bengals - Andrew Whitworth, Geno Atkins

Cleveland Browns - Alex Mack, Jabaal Sheard, D'Qwell Jackson

AFC South

Indianapolis Colts - NONE

Jacksonville Jaguars - Maurice Jones-Drew

Tennessee Titans - NONE

Houston Texans - Arian Foster, Owen Daniels, Eric Winston, Duane Brown, JJ Watt, Connor Barwin. Johnathan Joseph

AFC West

Kansas City Chiefs - Derrick Johnson

Denver Broncos - Tim Tebow, Von Miller

San Diego Chargers - Eric Weddle

Oakland Raiders - Richard Seymour, Sebastian Janikowski, Shane Lechler, Rock Cartwright

NFC East

Dallas Cowboys - Tony Fiametta, Tyron Smith, Demarcus Ware, Dan Bailey

New York Giants - Eli Manning

Philadelphia Eagles - Lesean McCoy, Jason Peters, Evan Mathis, Jason Babin, Cullen Jenkins

Washington Redskins - London Fletcher

NFC North

Green Bay Packers - Aaron Rodgers, Jordy Nelson, Desmond Bishop, Clay Matthews

Detroit Lions - Calvin Johnson

Minnesota Vikings - Jared Allen

Chicago Bears - Charles Tillman, Corey Graham

NFC South

New Orleans Saints - Drew Brees, Jimmy Graham, Jahri Evans, Roman Harper

Tampa Bay Buccaneers - NONE

Carolina Panthers - Steve Smith, Jordan Gross, Ryan Kalil, James Anderson

Atlanta Falcons - Michael Turner, Tony Gonzalez

NFC West

San Francisco 49ers - Frank Gore, Mike Iupati, Justin Smith, Carlos Rodgers, Andy Lee

St.Louis Rams - Chris Long

Seattle Seahawks - Matt Unger, Brandon Browner, Earl Thomas

Arizona Cardinals - Larry Fitzgerald, Darnell Dockett, Patrick Peterson