Buy low on Rivers?
The schedule is paramount in the NFL. Play the Raiders and Vikings, and you get the 2-0 Lions. Play the Patriots and Ravens and you get the 0-2 Jets. Are the Lions better than New York? Probably not.
The same goes for fantasy leagues, of course, but too many owners ignore scheduling factors early in the season when they can skew overall rankings.
Philip Rivers is a good example. He's had a rough start against the Bears and Patriots, and it will probably continue this week against a solid Green Bay secondary.
But I don't think this means he's regressed like many analysts have written. Rivers wouldn't have done better against the Bears and Patriots last season; not many quarterbacks can. I see Rivers as a borderline QB1/2 still after they play the Packers. He can probably be acquired for much less.
The schedule opens up quite nicely for Rivers, Antonio Gates, and LaDainian Tomlinson after this week. That could make all make fine buy-low candidates of varying price tags.
Comments
i too feel that philip rivers is a borderline one-half QB.
this pouty wimp throws his helmet around too much.
that is to say, he is easily flustered/frustrated when his team isn't winning - he's had at least 3 on-field/sideline tantrums, T.O. style, already this season. he has no place on my teams.
Posted by: The Dox | September 19, 2007 06:19 PM
"Buy low" on Gates? Were people expecting 25 touchdowns?
Posted by: Kurt | September 19, 2007 06:55 PM
I'm not loving Rivers after watching his WRs.
I think Lee Evans is a solid buy low. He started slow last year too, and he'll probably be quiet again this week on the road against the Pats. But Monday AM I made offers in all four of my leagues for him. I got him for Isaac Bruce in one league, and for D. Ward and Randle El in another. I was shocked that either trade was accepted, but I'll take it.
Reggie Brown looks like the anti-buy low. I just have zero confidence in him.
Posted by: wooda | September 19, 2007 07:26 PM
Gregg,
Some of us out here are wondering when we will see our potential point getters in the limelight. Namely three of mine are waiting for their time: Selvin Young, Leon Washington and Jerious Norwood. These three have to be the most anticipated backs in 07 for savvy owners.
Please tell me that one of these three has potential to break out this year or are we waiting in vain?
Posted by: Beau | September 20, 2007 12:38 AM
Who should I start this week? I need to start 2. LaMont Jordan, Laurence Maroney and Frank Gore.
Posted by: Tony | September 20, 2007 09:01 AM
Easy choice. Jordan(if back is ok) and Gore.
Posted by: Scott | September 20, 2007 09:21 AM
Beau - I'm more about "upside" and "potential" than most and usually like to stash one or two guys like the three you mentioned on my bench, but I hope you have a couple RBs who actually start!?
Any one of the three could end up with a starting gig, but until that happens they are dead weight (other than a possible bye week fill-in by Norwood).
I think Norwood has by far the best opportunity and most talent of the three. I was at FSU with Washington and although Jones may not hold up all season, Leon is not an everydown back.
And barring an injury to Henry (obviously a possibility), Young is gonna be the most overhyped player in fantasy football this year. I know he could end up being this year's Mike Bell or Tatum Bell or Mike Anderson or Rueben Droughns or whoever. But those guys did not have a guy like Henry ahead of them on the depth chart either.
Good luck
Posted by: Stephen | September 20, 2007 10:43 AM