Well, the harsh realization of my season crashing and burning in my old work league is setting in. I could start off saying IF ONLY I had won, but really, what would that solve. I will say, IF ONLY I had played Brandon Lloyd and Steven Jackson instead of Chris Johnson and DeMarco Murray. Wouldn’t change the outcome, but would have provided some hope going into the Monday night game. Figured the NO/Ten game might be close and the Titans would be able to keep running. Funny thing is, the game was close, but it didn’t help. Jake Locker came in for an injured Matt Hassleback, stole some rushing yards and a rushing TD. That’s the way the season has been for CJ owners, hopeful but ultimately disappointing. Indy next week, so you are going to play him, but take it one week at a time. As for Murray, can’t do anything about an injury. Felix Jones ended up over 130 total yards. Oh well, IF ONLY.
IF ONLY I had played Stevie Johnson instead of Maurice Morris. Hate those last minute changes. How often do they work out? With the news that Kevin Smith was out, I’m sure there were quite a few hopeful MoMo owners. As has been said before in this article, MoMo is not a workhorse, so not surprised that Keiland Williams got more carries. The surprise was with Morris only catching one pass. Point being, most leagues are in the playoffs, so you really want to have someone you can rely on. Don’t think Morris is that guy. Flex at best. As for Johnson, he is a mixed bag as well. Fitzpatrick has been up and down after a hot start, and in order to rely on Johnson, you need to rely on Fitzpatrick. But, the good point to make is that Johnson is the #1 target in Buffalo, for whatever that is worth right now.
IF ONLY I had played Laurent Robinson. Have him on several teams, don’t think I played him on any. Just wasn’t sure about his injury status, didn’t want to be caught having him sitting out, or severely limited. Well, he was limited all right, to the tune of 137 yds and a TD. Bryant has a ton of talent, and Austin is a #1 WR, but right now, Romo is looking Robinson’s way. With games against, TB, PHI, and NYG, that should continue.
IF ONLY I had played Tony Romo instead of Matt Stafford. I expected Romo to have a good game, but was absolutely drooling over Stafford’s matchup. Min has been horrible against the pass, and you’d figure Detroit would pile it on in a division matchup. After close to 150 yds and 2 TD’s, in the first half, I was feeling pretty good. Second half was a completely different game. Lucky to have both, as they are starting QB’s in any league. A good IF ONLY problem to have.
IF ONLY I had played Brandon Jacobs instead of Darren Sproles. As stated before, this is playoff time, so do you really want to rely on Brandon Jacobs? Well, Sunday night you did. 100 yds and 2 TD’s look nice on any roster. Ahmad Bradshaw even played, but wasn’t a factor. He is still risky, but you have to think hard about him now. As for Sproles, I stick by earlier remarks that he is worth a weekly start. Hey, he did have 80 yds. Unless you are just stacked, or can only play two RB’s/no flex, hard to imagine there are five options better than him. Ten was an odd game, but I think you’ll see a bounce back against Min.
IF ONLY I had played Mike Tolbert instead of Jeremy Maclin. If he were a featured back, he’d be a sure fire starter, but with Ryan Mathews healthy, Tolbert amounts to a TD in half his games but not many yards. Still, this was a game with a TD. Maclin was a risk, and I knew it was a risk, but at some point, go big or go home. Luckily, I don’t have to go home, but I certainly didn’t go big. Maclin has big play ability, and may be the #1 WR in Philly next year. But right now, he is hurt, and maybe not worth the risk.
IF ONLY I had played Marques Colston instead of Willis McGahee. I knew McGahee had been sitting out of practice all week. Figured if he was good enough to play for Denver, he was good enough to play for me. Not sure if the injury was a bigger factor, or if the Chicago D was a bigger factor, but either way, not good for me. As for Colston, you just never know. Brees spreads it around, and anyone could have a good day any game, or many folks could have average games. The thing with Colston, he is the best WR on the team, and is one of those players you feel stupid when you sit him and he goes off. Well…
Season over in two of my three big leagues, losing in the first round playoff game that I really thought I’d win. Playoff bound in our inaugural Kick Ass league, so I have that going for me. No game results from the ESPN leagues, as they are two week cumulative scores. Decent lead in 3, significantly behind in 1, with 1 game close. Do as I say, not as I do.