As I look back at my predictions last week, none of them helped you out fantasy-wise and I apologize for that. The Dolphins won their game late, but Matt Ryan did not have an outstanding fantasy day. The Cardinals’ running backs were the only set of skill players that scored for them, but it was one touchdown by Alfonso Smith, someone I didn’t mention, and no one had more than 29 yards. My disappointing dud was just so flat out wrong. I am sorry if you benched DeMarco Murray because of me. He went off. The true disappointing duds are the New York Giants. Victor Cruz and Hakeem Nicks probably cost some of you games. I know Cruz cost me one. So after a rough week, I am looking to hit for you guys and give you an edge over the competition.
Surprising Stud- Denarius Moore
The Washington Redskins’ defense is historically awful. No defense has given up as many yards as they have in their first 3 games (1,464). This probably has something to do with the great offenses that defense has had to face, but since the beginning of the NFL, a defense must have faced three top offenses in their first three weeks, and no one has been worse. The Raiders continue to surprise as they did not get bullied off the field on Monday night in Denver. Denarius Moore, specifically, had a good game. He had long touchdown grab in the second quarter that he did most of the work for. He is a talented wide receiver with impressive speed and quickness. The only reason some people haven’t heard about him is he is not fantasy football relevant due to his quarterback situation. With a good quarterback, he can be a fantasy difference maker. Terrelle Pryor is giving Moore the best chance to do that in 2013. I think if Pryor plays next week, Moore could be an excellent start for your team to replace your Green Bay Packers’ receivers and Steve Smith. Moore might have a good day even if Matt Flynn starts because of the Redskins’ defense. I would watch the Pryor situation, but if Pryor starts, you should have absolutely NO FEAR of starting Moore.
Disappointing Dud- Larry Fitzgerald
Revis Island should be enough of a reason to be wary of starting Fitzgerald. The other reason is the hamstring injury. Most people would also point out the disappointing game last week against a Saints defense that is usually not good. The difference this year with the Saints is Rob Ryan. He has changed that defense and gotten every bit of production out of his talent pool. It is probably Ryan’s best coaching job ever, so I am not worried about the poor outing last week by the whole Cardinals’ offense. I am worried about Fitzgerald’s hamstring. Hamstring injuries never seem to go away in one season; Andre Johnson would be the best example for football, and Matt Kemp for baseball in 2012. The fear for me is that at any moment, it could pull him out of a game. I am obviously willing to accept that risk most weeks, but not in the same week that Darelle Revis is going to be covering him. Arguably the best shutdown corner in the game (along with Richard Sherman), Revis can match up with anyone and just force throws to the other side of the field. I am sure Fitzgerald won’t be shut out, but if he scores or even dominates, I will be surprised.
Bold Prediction
The Bengals will dominate the Browns on Sunday, and AJ Green will have a big day, but it won’t be the best fantasy day. Josh Gordon will have the best day because of the garbage time points, they still count too.
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