IDP Fantasy Football Rankings

IDP Week 15 NFL Fantasy Football 2009 Playoff Rankings and Recommendations

We're to the point in the season where we don't want to take any more risks picking up guys off the waiver "on a whim".  That can be very dangerous.  It's time to play the big names you have and put the best possible lineup out there possible.  As usual, I will make myself available all week to answer your questions about "start/sit".  This week will just point out matchups that are good in general and will not be waiver wire focused. I don't want to put your team at risk by confusing you with the recommendation of any "subpar" players.  And that's what waiver wire guys are.  You should never see Patrick Willis on your waiver wire.

Thank you again for the wonderful support!

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DBs (Defensive Backs)

CB W. James (DET) gets Arizona week 15. He just finished with 8 solos 1 assist and a PD vs. Baltimore. He had 8 solos 3 assists vs. GB week 12 and now he gets Arizona.

Bryan Scott (BUF) vs. NE is a no brainer. Such a stud and he is a MUST start week 15.

Tanard Jackson (TB) vs. Seattle is a very good matchup.  I could see him doing something similar to Pollard. 5-6 solos and an INT.  Hopefully, his INT is returned for a 70 yard TD like Pollard's was vs. SEA.

SS Bernard Pollard (HOU) speaking of the champ, he get's St. Louis next. And although the matchup is not great, the opportunities are endless. 5 INTs were thrown by a no name QB for STL.  2 went to Bulluck and 2 went to Finnegan. Why not 2 to Pollard?  Don't expect big tackle numbers, but 4 or 5 solos with plenty of opportunity for "extras".

My DB START OF THE WEEK is T Branch (OAK) vs. Denver week 15. Denver is very SS friendly and  T Branch is a top 5 FF SS. (maybe even top 2)

LBs (Linebackers)  

LB S Cooper (SD) vs. Cincy.  Cedric Benson is one of the last of a dying breed of "traditional backs" like a Riggins or even a "Larry Johnson" of a few years back.  They are going to want to keep the ball out of Rivers hands as much as possible and they'd love to give Benson & LJ about 40 touches in this one. That bodes very well with ILB Cooper. This is not a sure thing as Cooper has not been great this year, but it is a nice matchup.

LB Beason (CAR) has a nice matchup vs. Minnesota. Not that there was any doubt on this one.


LB Vilma (NO) is going against Dallas who can be hit or miss for LBs but has been more friendly than not over the last 4 weeks or so. Vilma is coming off a big game against Atlanta where he just got his second INT in concecutive games.  He is officially "riding a hot streak" and this is the time of year to jump on hot streaks. I'm sure many of you have been burned, just like me, by using "big name" guys who are on cold streaks. C. Lofton on D, Mike Sims-Walker or Calvin Johnson on O are examples of "big names" who are on cold streaks and can kill you in the playoffs. It makes it hard to start "hot streak guys" like Vilma or Kenny Britt over big names like Lofton or a Calvin Johnson or Mike Sims-Walker, but that would be exactly what needed to be done week 14.  I can't tell you how many times I went Nate Burleson over Carolina's Steve Smith, despite the "Yahoo or ESPN Expert" ranking and it was the correct move every time. This week I went Kenny Britt over Calvin Johnson because Culpepper was Johnson's QB. It turned out to be the right move. Not by a big margin, but you win one small point at time.

LB D Harris (NYJ) is a very good start vs. Atlanta. Don't hesitate to use him.

MY LB START OF THE WEEK is LB London Fletcher (WAS) vs. NYG week 15. I have yet to see the day he does not BRING IT vs. his NFC rivals, especially the Giants. A 13 solo game is not out of the question because he's done it so many times over his career and this year.


DLs (Defensive Line)  

LOVE DL David Bowens (CLE) vs. KC week 15

NON DE - DT Jonathan Babineaux (ATL)  vs. NYJ week 15. He has 5 sacks and 2 FFs this year. He has a great shot at getting his 6th sack and 3rd FF all at once vs. Sanchez or Clemmens.

DL T. Suggs (BAL) vs. CHI.  Cutler gets sacked a lot. Suggs likes to sack a lot. Good combination.


DL A. Schobel (BUF) vs. NE. Brady gets sacked a lot lately. Schobel has been sacking a lot lately. Good combination.

MY DL START OF THE WEEK is Elvis Dumervil vs. OAK. He had a slow week vs. Indy week 14 and we knew that would happen.  HE WILL DO THE OPPOSITE OF THAT vs. OAK.


44 comments:

Anonymous said...

Ok, start vs sit questions for you early in the week?
Suggs or Andre Carter?
Hawthorne or Fletcher?
Branch or B. Scott?
I like the idea of starting what amounts to 3 LB's with Scott, Hawthorne and Suggs, but I'm not sure...
Thanks

Pidder Pan said...

maybe it's a good problem to have, but I have 3 of the DB youre recommending this week. Pick 2: T Branch, T Jackson or B Pollard?

Also, Beason, Poz or D Hawthorne? (pick 2)

Scoring
solo tackle = 1
assists=0.5
INT=2
FF=2
passes defensed=1

Thanks

Anonymous said...

Thanks for all your help all season. Bullitt put me over the top last week. I need your assistance this week as well.

Tanard or Pollard?

solo 2.5
assist 1.5

Thanks

Anonymous said...

Thanks for all your help. You give the best IDP advice on the web.

This week I need to start 3 LBs in a tackle heavy league (2.5 solo/1.5 asst.)

Ruud,Hawthorne,Brackett,Mayo,Posluszny

I appreciate your help.

Greg said...

Hey Monk,

Thanks for your advice. I need to choose the 2 best... Pollard, B Scott, Laurinaitis, S Cooper, Branch, Bowens.

Who would you say are my top 2 choices here?

Appreciate it!

Anonymous said...

Should i bench lofton over S cooper? Does Stylez white has a good matchup vs sea or Casey hampton vs GB? or Justin smith of SF?

Anonymous said...

Lask week was the first time I posted because it was the first time I found the site. The Def i started won me my first round playoff due to your help and recomendations and pickups thank you. Everyone in my league was like WTF how did you know to pick up some of these guys they were calling me the GURU thx to your Pollard and B.Scott adds. although now im playin Warner,Wells,AP and the rest of the Vikes I will prob loose as my matchups arent as good! Let me know if you suggest Position player ideas cause ive got all kinds of question marks and dont know what to do! Thx again for your time.

Start 2 DB
Danielle Manning,Benard Pollard,Brian Scott,Melvin Bullitt

start 2 LB
Ray Lewis,Barrett Rudd,Clint Session

Start 2 DE
David Bowens,Trevor Scott,Mario Williams,Shaun Ellis

Anonymous said...

Hey Monk - Thanks for all your help this year. In my league I have to start 1LB, 1DB and 2 Flex (LB, DB, or DL). I currently have starting this week:
DJ Williams
Demeco Ryans
Charles Woodson
Justin Durant

On my bench, I have Elvis Dumervill. Should I swap one of the LB's above with Dumervill? Bryan Scott is on the waiver so not sure if I should pick him up or not (Woodson's been a beast lately). Any recommendations on my lineup?

Thanks

Anonymous said...

1st time user buddy told me about you thanks for all the hard work you do I will definately be looking at you every week next yr!

Tkl=2
asst tk=1
sack=5
int-5
pas deft=1
forced fumble=2
fumble recove=2
1 pt every 10 kick punt or int yard

start 2 LB
Mike Peterson,Lance Briggs,Jon Beason,James Harrison,Keith Bullock

start 2DB
Josh Wilson,Jarius Byrd,Terell Thomas,Jordan Babineaux

start 2 DL
Umineuria,randy Starks,Robert Mathis

THX!

Hopefuly 2009 Champ said...

Hey Monk!! I've managed to make it into week 2 of playoff's thanks to this great column!! Thanks!!

I've gotta drop 1 of the following 4 DB's to make room in my IR spot for a RB. Who would you drop?

Bryan Scott
Darrelle Revis
Antoine Bethea
Louis Delmas

I know. Painstaking! I'm leaning on Bethea looking at the rest of his schedule..

I'm starting 2 DB's a week, and this week I think Scott is a sure lock and I'm in a toss up between Revis and Delmas(injury pending).

Thanks again!!

Unknown said...

@ Anonymous
QUESTION:
Suggs or Andre Carter?
Hawthorne or Fletcher?
Branch or B. Scott?

ANSWER
Start the week off with a tough question! Carter had a great game last week vs. OAK, but the Giants are a different story. I think you're right and have to go with the easier matchup of Suggs vs. CHI. Cutler is sacked an absolute ton.
Hawthorne or Fletcher. Fletcher is hit or miss this year and Hawthorne is a ton more hit than misses. Besides, Hawthorne's misses are still pretty solid points. So, yes to Hawthorne.

And Branch or Scott. Wow! So close. Both have incredible matchups. But I agree again in going with Bryan Scott (by an eyelash), but I was wrong to choose Bullit over Scott last week. Although they were almost equal in solo tackles, Scott pulled off a sack. It's those extras that makes Scott so special.

Unknown said...

@Pidder Pan

QUESTION
maybe it's a good problem to have, but I have 3 of the DB youre recommending this week. Pick 2: T Branch, T Jackson or B Pollard?

ANSWER
Branch is my definite and then I have to go SS Pollard over FS T. Jackson because he simply hasn't failed yet. Week after week, so many in a row. And now he faces a VERY unproven QB as well as Steven Jackson running it a lot. I don't think you can go wrong with Jackson or Pollard.


QUESTION
Also, Beason, Poz or D Hawthorne? (pick 2)

ANSWER
Another really tough one, but one whre you can't go wrong. The Beason & Poz matchups are GREAT!. I'd go them.

Unknown said...

@Anonymous

Yes, Bullit wasn't quit the game I hoped for, but the Colts blew them out and changed Denver's game plan a bit compared to usual.

QUESTION
Tanard or Pollard?
solo 2.5
assist 1.5

ANSWER

With that scoring system, it's Pollard, but it's still pretty close so you're going to be good either way. Pollard has been so consistent for so many weeks!

Unknown said...

@Anonymous

QUESTION
This week I need to start 3 LBs in a tackle heavy league (2.5 solo/1.5 asst.)

ANSWER
Love Poz matchup. Hawthorne is your other guy. I love the Brackett matchup on paper, but I think the Colts could blow them out and the game would be taken out of the INDY LBs hands. Mayo vs. Buffalo leaves a possiblity for Mayo to get a sack, but the tackle opportunites feel very slim in this one for NE LBs. Buffalo is NOT friendly on opposing FF LBs. They'll be behind and have to throw. Ruud has been an absolute stud and, although I don't usually like a Seattle running game against anyone, this SEA/TB should be very competitive and I could see Seattle running more than usual. Laurinitis had a good game against Seattle. I could see the same from Ruud. So Ruud is your third.

Unknown said...

@ Greg
QUESTION
Thanks for your advice. I need to choose the 2 best... Pollard, B Scott, Laurinaitis, S Cooper, Branch, Bowens.

Answer Scott & Branch. But I'm REAL close to recommending Scott & Laurinaitis. Scott & Branch have AMAZING matchups. Laurinaitis does not, but Houston has changed it's running game with this new kid in there. Not a risk I'm willing to take in the playoffs. Branch & Scott have great matchups and they are great players. They will serve you very well.

Who would you say are my top 2 choices here?

Unknown said...

@ Anonymous

QUESTION
Should i bench lofton over S cooper? Does Stylez white has a good matchup vs sea or Casey hampton vs GB? or Justin smith of SF?

ANSWER
No, not Lofton over Cooper. The more I though about this CINCY, SD matchup, the more I realized how good San Diego is and there's a real chance they force Cincy to pass in order to keep up, taking Cooper out of the game. Definitely Lofton vs. NYJ over Cooper vs. INDY.

Styles White vs. SEA. He was easy to predict vs. NYJ. Sacks are a given vs. NYJ. Sure, he's got a decent chance vs. SEA. I can certainly think of worse DLs to have this week.

Hampton hasn't had more than 2 solos in any game this year and he only has 2 sacks all year long. If you can't get the ATL tackle I recommended on my blog and he's all you got, I guess you plug him in. The good news is Tommie Harris got a sack against GB last week so Hampton has a small chance.

If your asking me to decide between Stylez, Hampton or J. Smith, it's a no brainer for Stylez White who has 6.5 sacks on the year. That's three times as many as the other 2 guys have combined.

Unknown said...

@ Anonymous

COMMENT
Lask week was the first time I posted because it was the first time I found the site. The Def i started won me my first round playoff due to your help and recomendations and pickups thank you. Everyone in my league was like WTF how did you know to pick up some of these guys they were calling me the GURU thx to your Pollard and B.Scott adds.

ANSWER
You're very welcome!

QUESTION
Start 2 DB
Danielle Manning,Benard Pollard,Brian Scott,Melvin Bullitt

ANSWER
Same 2 Scott & Pollard

QUESTION
start 2 LB
Ray Lewis,Barrett Rudd,Clint Session

ANSWER
I do not like that Ray Lewis matchup. Chicago's running game is terrible. Let me look at the box scores, brb. Barnett went 5 solos 1 assist agains them last week, Laurinaitis had 9 solos 3 assist, week 13. Ej Henderson had 3 solos 2 assists. So now let's analyze the game situations. GB had a close game against them so CHI ran more. Barnett at MLB had a mediocre game. St. Louis played them close & CHI was ahead a lot so they ran against them even more. So Lauriniatis got lots of tackles. Minnesota blew CHI out so CHI switched to the pass and EJ Henderson was not involved. I think Baltimore will have a somewhat close game. 20-10 or so and Chicago will run enough. Now let's look at Ray Lewis. Last week in a game vs. Detroit when they completely blew them out 48-3, he was still involved with 5 solos 4 assists. On MNF week 13 when they were losing vs. GB, he got 7 solos. And in week 12 against his hated Steelers (a game they won), he got 5 solos 4 assists. So Ray is about as solid as they come. You can pretty much mark him down for a guaranteed 5 solos and few assists.
Clint Session is going to be in a game vs. Jacksonville that on paper looks like a great matchup, but I think Indy will really blow them out and Jacksonville will be passing or running screens to catch up. This could take the LBs out of the game.

And finally Ruud, rhymes with stud and he's your other guy. So I'd go Ray Lewis and Ruud.

QUESTION
Start 2 DE
David Bowens,Trevor Scott,Mario Williams,Shaun Ellis

ANSWER
Super Mario is back in da house and he's got a freshman QB in STL. He's a big YES and David Bowens is your other. I like it. Trevor Scott had his nice matchup last week and performed well, but I don't like him as much against Denver.

Unknown said...

@ Anonymous

QUESITON
Hey Monk - Thanks for all your help this year. In my league I have to start 1LB, 1DB and 2 Flex (LB, DB, or DL). I currently have starting this week:
DJ Williams
Demeco Ryans
Charles Woodson
Justin Durant

On my bench, I have Elvis Dumervill. Should I swap one of the LB's above with Dumervill? Bryan Scott is on the waiver so not sure if I should pick him up or not (Woodson's been a beast lately). Any recommendations on my lineup?

ANSWER
I like the whole lineup. Nothing to change there. I personally would feel better about Scott than Woodson because you're guaranteed consistency out of Scott. Woodson had an absolutely AMAZING game vs. Detroit on Thankgiving, but then he only had 4 solos vs. Baltimore. And then vs. Cutler, he got an INT (no surprise there, Cutler's handed out 22 INTs this year) and Woodson had 3 solos in week 14. Scott had 9 solos and an sack last week. Take away the "extras", in this case the sack, and you still have 9 solos. Take away the "extra" from Woodson and you're left with 3 solos. That's why I would feel better about Scott. Especially since I don't fully trust D. Ryans or Durant. I'd just feel better about having Scott as my sure thing on your team to solidify your lineup. Woodson vs. Pit is not a great matchup to me, but you never can tell.

Anonymous said...

Just found this site yesterday and I like what I see. This is my first year in an IDP League and I love it. Major settings - solo 2, assist 1 and 1 point per 10 return yards (bonuses at 80, 120 and 160 yards - thus Webb at CB).

Current IDP Lineup
D - David Hawthorne
DB - Bryan Scott
DL - Elvis Dumervil
LB - Paul Posluszny
DT - Marcus Stroud
DE - Jared Allen
S - Yeremiah Bell
CB - Lardarius Webb
BN - Tanard Jackson
BN - Jonathan Babineaux

Claim in on Antoine Winfield (already dropped return guy Brian Witherspoon). Bernard Pollard is also available. Do I drop Bell or Jackson for Pollard? Who would you start - Bell, Jackson or Pollard?

Dave in St. Louis

Unknown said...

@ Anonymous

QUESTION
Tkl=2
asst tk=1
sack=5
int-5
pas deft=1
forced fumble=2
fumble recove=2
1 pt every 10 kick punt or int yard

start 2 LB
Mike Peterson,Lance Briggs,Jon Beason,James Harrison,Keith Bullock

ANSWER
Funny you mention Bullock. I really like him this week. Briggs is a tough call vs. Baltimore. I don't think I like it though. Beason is the one definite for me on your list. Peterson has too much competition for tackles. He shares with Lofton and Nicholaus (sp?) an too much risk there for the playoffs. I don't like Harrison vs. GB.
I like Beason and Bullock out of this group

QUESTION
start 2DB
Josh Wilson,Jarius Byrd,Terell Thomas,Jordan Babineaux

ANSWER
This is a skimpy group man. Byrd is questionable if he even sees playing time so avoid him. And Terell Thomas disapeared vs. the Eagles. Not sure if he was hurt or what. So that leaves 2 guys from the same Seahawks team facing a TB team that will be throwing against them. I guess you could do worse, but I'd be a little concerned with these 2 guys in the playoffs. Are waiver wire pickups an option for you? you have to tell me if any of these guys return kicks. I didn't look at that.

QUESTION
start 2 DL
Umineuria,randy Starks,Robert Mathis

ANSWER
Mathis vs. JAC is a YUP and NYG vs. WAS is a yup

Unknown said...

@ Hopefuly 2009 Champ

Comment
Hey Monk!! I've managed to make it into week 2 of playoff's thanks to this great column!! Thanks!!

Answer
Thanks! That's all you though. I just supply the info, you make the final decision.

Question
I've gotta drop 1 of the following 4 DB's to make room in my IR spot for a RB. Who would you drop?

Bryan Scott
Darrelle Revis
Antoine Bethea
Louis Delmas

ANSWER
I'd go Bethea or Revis. Revis because people are scared to throw at him and it limits his opportunities. Hard to believe believe Bethea's numbers have dropped the way the Colts are blowing teams out. They have to throw to catch up. That one has baffled me. Maybe he's hobbled with a nagging leg injury. I noticed that's what Curtis Loftins problem is and why his other LBs are beating him to tackles. He's knicked up.

QUESTION
I'm starting 2 DB's a week, and this week I think Scott is a sure lock and I'm in a toss up between Revis and Delmas(injury pending).

Answer
You're right. Definitely Det. vs Arizona first and then Revis vs. Atl second (pending Delmas injury) yup

LoveMeSomeMunk said...

Alright MightyMunk, let me know what you think here.

I'm starting Beason and Poz this week, but need to decide between Lofton, Hawthorne and Laurenitias for the last LB spot. Leaning towards Hawthorne, but interested in your take.

At DB, I am sticking with B. Scott for sure. For the #2 spot, would you start Pollard, Y. Bell (ahem, outpointed Bullit last week ;)or..I could pick up Lardarius Webb, whose tackles have picked up lately and he returns kicks (we get 1 pt per 20 ret. yds). I'm pretty sure you will stick with Pollard, care to prove me wrong?

Great job once again man; appreciate the unique insight.

Anonymous said...

Monk, what are your thoughts on james harrison vs. GB? My gut says its a good matchup, but I can't afford another sub-par performance in our playoffs. Also, for keepers, would you suggest harrison, posluzny, or cushing?

Anonymous said...

hey monkster! you rock! which two would u pair together this week, ive got all of em, just need the best db/s and lb.
would u go with hawthorne and pollard or would u go with bryan scott and pollard or hawthorne and scott? youve helped me make it to the semi final brother, im hopeing you can take me to the top! much thanx!

Unknown said...

yo Monk, thanks for the blog...gotta start 3, so who sits from the following: Poz, B. Scott, Pollard & Hawthorne?

Maze said...

I'm still alive, thanks to you Monk. London Fletcher v. NYG or David Hawthorne v. TB this week? I'm a big 'skins fan and I refuse to let that bias my opinion. I want to win.

Suzanne said...

Hi Monk!

Can you believe I got the bye last week! Your help sure has a lot to do with my success : ) So I'm heading into my 1st play off game - and I got tough competition. So here's what I'm trying to decide:

1LB
Lofton, D.J. Williams, or Fletcher? (I saw that Fletcher was your pick of the week -- would you start him over the others? He did get the most points of my LB's last week -- on my bench, but of couse I was on the bye, shwew)

1DB
B. Scott or Pollard?

Thank you so much -- and hope you're hangin' in there! I can see you're really busy -- so it makes me, and I'm sure so many others on this site, that much more appreciative of all you do -- so selflessly -- to help us fight our best fight!

(Hey, are you starting Calvin? We're in the same boat -- if Culpepper is in, probly not, right? I always have to choose 2 between Calvin, V. Jackson and Miles Austin -- sometimes I feel like it is such a crapshoot!)

huge thanks,
Suzanne

Unknown said...

@ Offensive Questions

I have to be honest with everyone asking the offensive question. I'm not very good on that side of the ball. I make awful decisions with my own offensive team. To give you a feel of who my guys were: They were Jay Cutler (awful), D. Williams, C. Portis (picked up Jamal Charles), Calvin Johnson, Miles Austin, Mike Sims-Walker (I traded Brandon Marshall and Derick Mason earlier in the year. That's how dumb I am at offense), Owen Daniels was my saving grace at TE (lost him and used Dustin Keller and Kevin Boss). Needless to say, I lost quite a few games with that offense. So I don't dare give offensive advice in the playoffs. I better stick to defense.

You guys want AMAZING offensive advice, sign up for Fantasy Guru with John Hansen. I was always too cheap to subscribe, but his predictions on blogtalk radio are always dead on. I also think yahoo's Brandon Funkstein is fairly accurate with his offensive predictions.

Unknown said...

@ Dave in St. Louis

QUESTION
solo 2, assist 1 and 1 point per 10 return yards (bonuses at 80, 120 and 160 yards - thus Webb at CB).

Current IDP Lineup
D - David Hawthorne
DB - Bryan Scott
DL - Elvis Dumervil
LB - Paul Posluszny
DT - Marcus Stroud
DE - Jared Allen
S - Yeremiah Bell
CB - Lardarius Webb
BN - Tanard Jackson
BN - Jonathan Babineaux

Claim in on Antoine Winfield (already dropped return guy Brian Witherspoon). Bernard Pollard is also available. Do I drop Bell or Jackson for Pollard? Who would you start - Bell, Jackson or Pollard?

Answer
They are all close. I'd feel pretty good about having Bell in there. I'd leave that as is. I do like Jackson's matchup this week so those 2 are close for me, but Bell should be busy in this game supporting in the run and defending the pass.

Unknown said...

@ LoveMeSomeMunk

QUESTION

I'm starting Beason and Poz this week, but need to decide between Lofton, Hawthorne and Laurenitias for the last LB spot. Leaning towards Hawthorne, but interested in your take.

At DB, I am sticking with B. Scott for sure. For the #2 spot, would you start Pollard, Y. Bell (ahem, outpointed Bullit last week ;)or..I could pick up Lardarius Webb, whose tackles have picked up lately and he returns kicks (we get 1 pt per 20 ret. yds). I'm pretty sure you will stick with Pollard, care to prove me wrong?

ANSWER
Thank you very much! I think you're right about Hawthorne. He's such a machine. All he needs is opportunity and he makes something out of nothing. I like him too.

HAHA, I saw how Scott put up more points on my bench then Bullit. haha I should have know INDY would blow them out and change Denver's game plan. I put too much faith in Denver keeping that one close. I think you go Bell this week. Pollard has been amazing, but between Bell & Pollard, it's Bell this week. Pollard had a slow tackling week last week in a poor matchup, but we all got lucky with that INT for a TD. His matchup is a bit slow again week 15 and I'd rather not count on "extras". Hold that phone though. I just did the match with the other kid you mentioned Lardarius Webb and if he can even pull off 4 or 5 solos and get a few 20 year returns, he's a strong candidate. That matchup vs. INT Cutler makes it so tempting, but how much will Cutler score on the Ravens and how many returns will Webb get in that one. Cutler will be throwing to stay in this one though. Man, that's tough. I think I really like your boy Webb. He even has the potential for a sack in this one. The good news is whoever you pick out of the 3 will be solid. Just take the time to study the weather, if they faced these teams in the past & how they did and how the guys who played these teams last week did from their same position. Hou Stl, I can't get a read on, but Houston should blow them out. Baltimore could blowout Chicago, but that Miami/TEN game should be very close and down to the wire. Maybe even overtime

Unknown said...

QUESTION
A good problem to have. I need to start 3:
P. Willis, C. Lofton, D. Hawthorne, D. Harris?

ANSWER
P. Willis, C. Lofton, D. Hawthorne

Unknown said...

@ Don Action

QUESTION
Hey Monk, thanks for all your help 2 questions:

Hali or Bowens Week 15?

Pollard or B. Scott week 15? Thanks so much!

ANSWER
Bowens & Scott

Unknown said...

QUESTION
Monk, what are your thoughts on james harrison vs. GB? My gut says its a good matchup, but I can't afford another sub-par performance in our playoffs. Also, for keepers, would you suggest harrison, posluzny, or cushing?

ANSWER
I'd feel better about Pos & Cushing moving forward.

Harrison vs. GB does not stand out to me. I'd rather have Woodley, Timmons and maybe even Farrior more in this matchup than Harrison. I don't think Grant will be running up the gut and Rodgers will pass a good bit. It's just hard to predict when Harrison will go off or not so you may be right and sometimes it's best to go with your gut. Obviously, you're not going Harrison over a vry long list of LBs, but if you're in a deep league, I could see it. Can you name the other guys who would be on the bench if Harrison starts?

Unknown said...

@ Anonymous

hey monkster! you rock!

haha THANKS!

QUESTION
which two would u pair together this week, ive got all of em, just need the best db/s and lb.
would u go with hawthorne and pollard or would u go with bryan scott and pollard or hawthorne and scott?

ANSWER
Hawthorne and Scott are your dynamic duo. Good luck!

Unknown said...

QUESTION

Please pick 2 for LB

Fletcher
Session
Hawthorne
(Poz is available)

ANSWER
I like Hawthorne & Fletcher (nice combo)

QUESTION
Please pick 2 for DL
DL

Jared Allen
Stylz G
Trevor Scott
Kroy Biermann
Darnell Dockett

ANSWER
Allen is due vs. a rookie QB or Delhomme

I'm tempted to go Beirmann because it's NYJ, but he's a DT and I hate to handicap you when you could go with a DE with much more opportunity. A DT has a strong chance of getting you 1 tackle and nothing else.
Trevor Scott is not a good play vs. Den.

I like Darnell Dockett with his 7 sacks this year facing Detroit. Very sweet matchup and a good opportunity to make things happen. So I'd go Allen and Dockett based on your list. That DET QB will be dropping back A LOT!

Unknown said...

@Mark

yo Monk, thanks for the blog...gotta start 3, so who sits from the following: Poz, B. Scott, Pollard & Hawthorne?

Mark - Pollard is your sitter out of that group.

Unknown said...

@Anonymous

okay here are my problems on what I would consider rough calls I've got

DJ Williams
Johnathan Vilma
Karlos Dansby

all starting this week should I pop in Stephen Cooper for any of these players?

and i noticed your call on babineaux he recently is facing legal proceedings for getting caught smoking marijuana with a friend of his and hes facing felony possession you think this will effect his play at all?

ANSWER
Until the league tell's Babineaux to sit and it's official, he'll play. He played this past weekend after getting caught on Thursday night. So the team won't sit him. It's something to watch and see if the league makes a decision this week.

I like those 3
DJ Williams
Johnathan Vilma
Karlos Dansby

It seems MLBs have been doing really well against Detroit all year. They always get "extras" when they play them. Dansby should get an FF or an FR or an INT or maybe an Sack or a couple PDs.

Unknown said...

@ Maze

I'm still alive, thanks to you Monk. London Fletcher v. NYG or David Hawthorne v. TB this week? I'm a big 'skins fan and I refuse to let that bias my opinion. I want to win

ANSWER
I really don't like the Hawthorne matchup at all, but it's just that Hawthornes seems to break all the odds and matchups are tough to apply to him. My gut instinct is that Fletcher has a huge week, but he does have that chance of striking out too. He is a swing for the fences guy. I'm feeling one of his 13 solo games because the Giants are back to their old ground game and the Redskins D is really good. The Fletcher matchup is simply better and I think Fletcher will be really geared up for this matchup. I'm even feeling a skins victory in this one. How insane is that! If it were my team, I'll be honest. I'd be switching the guys back and forth, flipping a coin up to the last second with the playoffs on the line. But I think the Seattle, TB game will be competitive and close and TB will have a chance to run the ball more than usual. Hawthorne should be his usual dependable self and he's the safer play. Especially in the playoffs. But I would be very tempted to take the risk and throw Fletcher in there. The smart route is Hawthorne though.

Unknown said...

@Suzanne

Congratulations!

QUESTION

1LB
Lofton, D.J. Williams, or Fletcher? (I saw that Fletcher was your pick of the week -- would you start him over the others? He did get the most points of my LB's last week -- on my bench, but of couse I was on the bye, shwew)

ANSWER
Yes, out of those guys and given the matchups & the way all the LBs are playing, I would go Fletcher.

QUESTION
1DB
B. Scott or Pollard?

ANSWER
Scott

COMMENT
Thank you so much -- and hope you're hangin' in there! I can see you're really busy -- so it makes me, and I'm sure so many others on this site, that much more appreciative of all you do -- so selflessly -- to help us fight our best fight!

(Hey, are you starting Calvin? We're in the same boat -- if Culpepper is in, probly not, right? I always have to choose 2 between Calvin, V. Jackson and Miles Austin -- sometimes I feel like it is such a crapshoot!)

ANSWER
Alas, I was knocked out last week in the league that I had Calvin. Calvin & Mike-Sims Walker & Lofton all went to sleep on me last week and my opponent had Brandon Marshall who I traded him earlier in the year. Ouch!

You're right though. If Culpepper no. I really like V Jax & Austin though. They've got good matchups. I think Austin is your definite vs. NO secondary and I like Calvin vs. AZ with Stafford, but I think V Jax is on his way back up after his 4 or 5 game slump.

Unknown said...

@ EVERYONE

I apologize. I spent 2 hours yesterday evening answering questions and barely made a dent in the 75 questions I received. I have 48 left to answer and climbing. I'm afraid I don't have the time at work or evenings to answer each individually so I created these lisst below to hopefully help with all of your questions this week. I apologize that I can't answer everyone's one by one.

KEEP IN MIND, there is VERY little point estimation difference between #1 & #5 on any of these lists. There is practically no difference between #6 & #10 guy. And no a real difference between the #15 guy and the #20 guy on any of these lists. I do have them in order of how I think they'll do this week though, but it's just a guestimation. Far from being in stone.

DEFENSIVE BACKS

1). Bryan Scott - BUF vs NE
2). Tyvon Branch - OAK at DEN
3). Yeremiah Bell - MIA at TEN
4). Chris Harris - CAR vs MIN
5). Charles Woodson - GB at PIT
6). Erik Coleman - ATL at NYJ
7). Reed Doughty - WAS vs NYG
8). Tanard Jackson - TB at SEA
9). Bernard Pollard - HOU at STL
10). Antoine Winfield - MIN at CAR
11). Eric Weddle - SD vs CIN
12). Gibril Wilson - MIA at TEN
13). Dashon Goldson - SF at PHI
14). Roman Harper - NO vs DAL
15). Nick Harper - TEN vs MIA
16). Chinedum Ndukwe - CIN at SD
17). Jordan Babineaux - SEA vs TB
18). Michael Lewis - SF at PHI
19). Brian Dawkins - DEN vs OAK
20). Melvin Bullitt - IND at JAX
21). Sean Jones - PHI vs SF
22). Antoine Bethea - IND at JAX
23). Kevin Payne - CHI at BAL
24). Charles Tillman - CHI at BAL
25). Chris Hope - TEN vs MIA
26). Quintin Mikell - PHI vs SF
27). Cedric Griffin - MIN at CAR
28). William James - DET vs AZ
29). Ryan Clark - PIT vs GB
30). Marvin White - DET vs ARI

DEFENSIVE LINEMEN

1). Trent Cole - PHI vs SF (see Dumervil in Linebacker group)
2). Mario Williams - HOU at STL
3). David Bowens - CLE at KC
4). Andre Carter - WAS vs NYG
5). Jared Allen - MIN at CAR
6). Will Smith - NO vs DAL
7). Mathias Kiwanuka - NYG at WAS
8). Shaun Ellis - NYJ vs ATL
9). Aaron Schobel - BUF vs NE
10). Terrell Suggs - BAL vs CHI
11). Stylez White - TB at SEA
12). Justin Tuck - NYG at WAS
13). William Hayes - TEN vs MIA
14). Kyle Vanden Bosch - TEN vs MIA
15). Corey Williams - CLE at KC
16). Calais Campbell - ARI at DET
17). Chris Kelsay - BUF vs NE
18). Brian Orakpo - WAS vs NYG
19). Darnell Dockett - ARI at DET
20). Kroy Biermann - ATL at NYJ
21). Trevor Scott - OAK at DEN
22). Adewale Ogunleye - CHI at BAL
23). Ray Edwards - MIN at CAR
24). Raheem Brock - IND at JAX
25). Chris Long - STL vs HOU
26). Randy Starks - MIA at TEN
27). John Abraham - ATL at NYJ
28). Justin Smith - SF at PHI
29). Darren Howard - PHI vs SF
30). Matt Shaughnessy - OAK at DEN

LINEBACKERS

1). Patrick Willis - SF at PHI
2). Jon Beason - CAR vs MIN
3). Curtis Lofton - ATL at NYJ
4). London Fletcher - WAS vs NYG
5). Paul Posluszny - BUF vs NE
6). Keith Bulluck - TEN vs MIA
7). David Hawthorne - SEA vs TB
8). Justin Durant - JAX vs IND
9). D.J. Williams - DEN vs OAK
10). Jonathan Vilma - NO vs DAL
11). Barrett Ruud - TB at SEA
12). Ray Lewis - BAL vs CHI
13). Lawrence Timmons - PIT vs GB
14). David Harris - NYJ vs ATL
15). Brian Cushing - HOU at STL
16). Stephen Tulloch - TEN vs MIA
17). Elvis Dumervil - DEN vs OAK (Dumervil is my TOP DE this week and a really good LB too)
18). Jerod Mayo - NE at BUF
19). Lance Briggs - CHI at BAL
20). Karlos Dansby - ARI at DET
21). Nick Barnett - GB at PIT
22). Gary Brackett - IND at JAX
23). Chad Greenway - MIN at CAR
24). James Laurinaitis - STL vs HOU
25). James Harrison - PIT vs GB
26). Kirk Morrison - OAK at DEN
27). DeMeco Ryans - HOU at STL
28). Clint Session - IND at JAX
29). Larry Foote - DET vs ARI

Eli said...

Hey Monk,

I was wondering.. Would it be possible for you to make a Draft Kit for next years season? Like rank all the DMen for next season when the time comes? Example:

LB List:
Patrick Willis
Loftfon

Etc whoever u see having the best seasons and when they shud be drafted that would really help us out alot thanks

Anonymous said...

Hey Monk, thanks for all your help. I've got a quick question, I haven't seen anything on Chris Harris all year and you've got him ranked really high on that DB list I picked him up and will play him, but I'm curious why you think he's such a great play this week? Not questioning your mad skills, just want to flex my/our skills to the guy I beat down. Thanks, Will

Unknown said...

@ Will (regarding Chris Harris)

QUESTION
Hey Monk, thanks for all your help. I've got a quick question, I haven't seen anything on Chris Harris all year and you've got him ranked really high on that DB list I picked him up and will play him, but I'm curious why you think he's such a great play this week? Not questioning your mad skills, just want to flex my/our skills to the guy I beat down.

ANSWER:
Very good point. Looking back, I need to apologize for putting him this high in the playoffs. He's my "M. Bullit" from last week. But we all saw that Bullit only ended up above average. The same thing may happen here as well and I should not have let my personal "eureka" moment come into play during a crucial playoff time. I do have an intuition about him this week, but it revolves more around his "extras". He's on a roll with INTs and forced fumbles lately Farve throws over that middle area a lot and A.P. fumbles more than any running back in the league. So between tackle opportunities and extras, I saw a big opportunity here this week. But he also might get 5 tackles and that's it. I should have been more conservative with his ranking during playoff time. Guys 1 - 15 are probably all safer, but he's my "intuition" guy this week. Sorta like London Fletcher is on my LB list. Both are a little risky, but I'm feeling bigger games for these guys.

Unknown said...

@ Eli

Absolutely. I'm even going to do a little article after the NFL draft in the spring to talk about potential rookies and where they landed. I'll post it and email it to anyone who's on my sign up list.

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