SB Nation Minnesota: All Posts by Jace Frederick

SBNation week 17 fantasy football rankings

2012-12-28T18:15:06Z

Week 17 Positional Rankings

Quarterbacks

1	Drew Brees
2	Tom Brady
3	Cam Newton
4	Robert Griffin III
5	Aaron Rodgers
6	Peyton Manning
7	Tony Romo
8	Colin Kaepernick
9	Matthew Stafford
10	Eli Manning
11	Russell Wilson
12	Ben Roethlisberger
13	Michael Vick
14	Andrew Luck
15	Josh Freeman
16	Matt Ryan
17	Philip Rivers
18	Matt Schaub
19	Jay Cutler
20	Joe Flacco
21	Andy Dalton
22	Chad Henne
23	Ryan Tannehill
24	Jake Locker
25	Sam Bradford

Running Backs

1	Adrian Peterson
2	Arian Foster
3	Marshawn Lynch
4	C.J. Spiller
5	Alfred Morris
6	Doug Martin
7	Ray Rice
8	Knowshon Moreno
9	Frank Gore
10	Jamaal Charles
11	Matt Forte
12	LeSean McCoy
13	Stevan Ridley
14	Chris Johnson
15	Reggie Bush
16	Shonn Greene
17	Ahmad Bradshaw
18	BenJarvus Green-Ellis
19	DeMarco Murray
20	Darren McFadden
21	Darren Sproles
22	Mikel LeShoure
23	Montell Owens
24	Steven Jackson
25	Vick Ballard
26	Michael Turner
27	Jackie Battle
28	DeAngelo Williams
29	Jonathon Dwyer
30	Ryan Grant
31	Montario Hardesty
32	Rashard Mendenhall
33	David Wilson
34	Mark Ingram
35	Jacquizz Rodgers
36	Beanie Wells
37	Joique Bell
38	Pierre Thomas
39	LaMichael James
40	Bilal Powell

Wide Receivers

1	Calvin Johnson
2	Dez Bryant
3	Brandon Marshall
4	A.J. Green
5	Andre Johnson
6	Demariyus Thomas
7	Vincent Jackson
8	Eric Decker
9	Victor Cruz
10	Steve Smith
11	Wes Welker
12	Pierre Garcon
13	Marques Colston
14	Danario Alexander
15	James Jones
16	Antonio Brown
17	Reggie Wayne
18	Steve Johnson
19	Jeremy Maclin
20	Justin Blackmon
21	Miles Austin
22	Mike Williams
23	Roddy White
24	Julio Jones
25	Brandon Lloyd
26	Torrey Smith
27	Lance Moore
28	Greg Jennings
29	Kenny Britt
30	T.Y. Hilton
31	Michael Crabtree
32	Larry Fitzgerald
33	Sidney Rice
34	Anquan Boldin
35	Santana Moss
36	Danny Amendola
37	Brian Hartline
38	Denarius Moore
39	Jordy Nelson
40	Jason Avant

Tight Ends

1	Aaron Hernandez
2	Jimmy Graham
3	Jason Witten
4	Owen Daniels
5	Greg Olsen
6	Antonio Gates
7	Kyle Rudolph
8	Rob Gronkowski
9	Dennis Pitta
10	Jermaine Gresham
11	Tony Gonzalez
12	Martellus Bennett
13	Jermichael Finley
14	Vernon Davis
15	Jacob Tamme
16	Brent Celek
17	Tony Scheffler
18	Brandon Myers
19	Marcedes Lewis
20	Dallas Clark

Defense/Special Teams

1	San Francisco
2	Chicago
3	Seattle
4	Denver
5	San Diego
6	Pittsburgh
7	New York (N)
8	New England
9	Houston
10	New York (A)
11	Cincinnati
12	Arizona
13	Buffalo
14	Green Bay
15	Cleveland
16	Tampa Bay
17	Atlanta
18	Baltimore
19	Minnesota
20	St. Louis

Poll

How would you describe your 2012 fantasy football season?

Success

3 votes

Disappointment

0 votes

I'll know after this week

0 votes

3 votes | Poll has closed

SBNation Minnesota week 15 fantasy football positional rankings

2012-12-13T15:01:39Z

Week 15 Positional Rankings

Quarterbacks

1	Drew Brees
2	Peyton Manning
3	Cam Newton
4	Robert Griffin III
5	Aaron Rodgers
6	Josh Freeman
7	Tom Brady
8	Matthew Stafford
9	Andy Dalton
10	Colin Kaepernick
11	Andrew Luck
12	Matt Ryan
13	Eli Manning
14	Ben Roethlisberger
15	Tony Romo
16	Matt Schaub
17	Phillip Rivers
18	Carson Palmer
19	Brandon Weeden
20	Sam Bradford
21	Joe Flacco
22	Russell Wilson
23	Jay Cutler
24	Nick Foles
25	Ryan Fitzpatrick

Running Backs

1	Adrian Peterson
2	Arian Foster
3	Doug Martin
4	Trent Richardson
5	C.J. Spiller
6	Marshawn Lynch
7	Ray Rice
8	Alfred Morris
9	Jamaal Charles
10	Frank Gore
11	Chris Johnson
12	Knowshon Moreno
13	BenJarvus Green-Ellis
14	Matt Forte
15	Bryce Brown
16	DeMarco Murray
17	Darren McFadden
18	Stevan Ridley
19	Shonn Greene
20	Ryan Mathews
21	Steven Jackson
22	Darren Sproles
23	Michael Turner
24	Reggie Bush
25	Ahmad Bradshaw
26	Mikel LeShoure
27	Vick Ballard
28	Jonathon Dwyer
29	DeAngelo Williams
30	David Wilson
31	Montell Owens
32	Bilal Powell
33	Beanie Wells
34	Alex Green
35	Mark Ingram
36	Daniel Thomas
37	Joique Bell
38	Isaac Redman
39	Jacquizz Rodgers
40	Michael Bush

Wide Receivers

1	A.J. Green
2	Calvin Johnson
3	Vincent Jackson
4	Brandon Marshall
5	Demaryius Thomas
6	Andre Johnson
7	Marques Colston
8	Victor Cruz
9	Roddy White
10	Reggie Wayne
11	Wes Welker
12	Julio Jones
13	Dez Bryant
14	Pierre Garcon
15	Mike Wallace
16	Danario Alexander
17	Randall Cobb
18	Hakeem Nicks
19	Steve Smith
20	Eric Decker
21	Miles Austin
22	Cecil Shorts
23	Josh Gordon
24	Mike Williams
25	Lance Moore
26	Torrey Smith
27	T.Y. Hilton
28	Michael Crabtree
29	Sidney Rice
30	Steve Johnson
31	Greg Jennings
32	Jeremy Maclin
33	Justin Blackmon
34	Larry Fitzgerald
35	Kenny Britt
36	Antonio Brown
37	Brandon Lloyd
38	Malcom Floyd
39	James Jones
40	Denarius Moore

Tight Ends

1	Aaron Hernandez
2	Jimmy Graham
3	Tony Gonzalez
4	Jason WItten
5	Heath Miller
6	Owen Daniels
7	Brandon Myers
8	Martellus Bennett
9	Greg Olsen
10	Kyle Rudolph
11	Vernon Davis
12	Antonio Gates
13	Jermichael Finley
14	Jermaine Gresham
15	Dennis Pitta
16	Dallas Clark
17	Scott Chandler
18	Benjamin Watson
19	Brandon Pettigrew
20	Anthony Fasano

Defense/Special Teams

1	Seattle
2	New York (A)
3	Cincinnati
4	Denver
5	Detroit
6	St. Louis
7	Chicago
8	Miami
9	New England
10	Green Bay
11	Pittsburgh
12	Houston
13	Cleveland
14	San Francisco
15	Arizona
16	Tennessee
17	Buffalo
18	Dallas
19	Minnesota
20	Oakland

SBNation Minnesota's week 13 fantasy football rankings

2012-11-29T15:01:12Z

Week 13 Positional Rankings

Quarterbacks

1	Peyton Manning
2	Tom Brady
3	Aaron Rodgers
4	Drew Brees
5	Matt Ryan
6	Robert Griffin III
7	Matthew Stafford
8	Cam Newton
9	Eli Manning
10	Tony Romo
11	Colin Kaepernick
12	Andy Dalton
13	Andrew Luck
14	Matt Schaub
15	Josh Freeman
16	Chad Henne
17	Carson Palmer
18	Ryan Fitzpatrick
19	Joe Flacco
20	Brandon Weeden
21	Phillip RIvers
22	Jay Cutler
23	Jake Locker
24	Ryan Tannehill
25	Russell Wilson

Running Backs

1	Arian Foster
2	Adrian Peterson
3	Trent Richardson
4	Ray Rice
5	Doug Martin
6	CJ Spiller
7	Frank Gore
8	Jamaal Charles
9	Chris Johnson
10	Marshawn Lynch
11	Stevan Ridley
12	Alfred Morris
13	Bryce Brown
14	Ahmad Bradshaw
15	Mikel LeShoure
16	Ryan Mathews
17	BenJarvus Green-Ellis
18	Steven Jackson
19	Michael Turner
20	Knowshon Moreno
21	Beanie Wells
22	Reggie Bush
23	Shonn Greene
24	DeMarco Murray
25	Jonathon Dwyer
26	Marcel Reece
27	Darren McFadden
28	Michael Bush
29	Rashad Jennings
30	Fred Jackson
31	DeAngelo Williams
32	Vick Ballard
33	Daniel Thomas
34	Bilal Powell
35	Donald Brown
36	Alex Green
37	Jacquizz Rodgers
38	Joquie Bell
39	Rashard Mendenhall
40	Ronnie Hillman

Wide Receivers

1	A.J. Green
2	Calvin Johnson
3	Andre Johnson
4	Roddy White
5	Julio Jones
6	Demaryius Thomas
7	Dez Bryant
8	Brandon Marshall
9	Victor Cruz
10	Reggie Wayne
11	Wes Welker
12	Hakeem Nicks
13	Marques Colston
14	Randall Cobb
15	Eric Decker
16	Vincent Jackson
17	Jordy Nelson
18	Cecil Shorts
19	Denarius Moore
20	Pierre Garcon
21	Steve Smith
22	Steve Johnson
23	Torrey Smith
24	Larry Fitzgerald
25	Justin Blackmon
26	Miles Austin
27	Mike Wallace
28	Lance Moore
29	Danario Alexander
30	Danny Amendola
31	Malcom Floyd
32	Dwayne Bowe
33	T.Y. Hilton
34	Brian Hartline
35	Greg Jennings
36	James Jones
37	Antonio Brown
38	Jeremy Maclin
39	Ryan Broyles
40	Mike Williams

Tight Ends

1	Jimmy Graham
2	Jason Witten
3	Tony Gonzalez
4	Vernon Davis
5	Owen Daniels
6	Aaron Hernandez
7	Jermichael Finley
8	Jermaine Gresham
9	Greg Olsen
10	Antonio Gates
11	Kyle Rudolph
12	Brandon Pettigrew
13	Heath Miller
14	Brandon Myers
15	Martellus Bennett
16	Dallas Clark
17	Jared Cook
18	Dennis Pitta
19	Dustin Keller
20	Scott Chandler

Defense/Special Teams

1	Chicago
2	San Francisco
3	New York (A)
4	Houston
5	New England
6	Seattle
7	Denver
8	Dallas
9	Baltimore
10	Arizona
11	Carolina
12	Cleveland
13	Cincinnati
14	Green Bay
15	New York (N)
16	Pittsburgh
17	St. Louis
18	Detroit
19	Kansas City
20	San Diego

SBNation Minnesota's week 11 fantasy football projections and rankings

2012-11-15T15:00:35Z

QUARTERBACKS

LIKE ‘EM

Carson Palmer

The Saints‘ defense has allowed opposing quarterbacks 24+ points six times this season. Palmer has put up 15+ points in all but one game. That sounds like a recipe for success. Palmer’s numbers could be ridiculous in this track meet.

Projection: 26 points

Ryan Tannehill

Tannehill has struggled of late, but I think he figures things out against the Bills’ questionable secondary.

Projection: 17 points

Andy Dalton

With A.J. Green on the outside, you know Dalton is going to throw at least one touchdown. I expect Cincinnati to pick up where they left off last week, and Dalton’s touchdown numbers are benefitting from Green-Ellis’ lack of production.

Projection: 19 points

Matthew Stafford

Stafford is playing well, and will now be taking on an injury-depleted Packer defense at home that will not be featuring Clay Matthews rushing on the edge.

Projection: 20 points

Sleeper: If Jason Campbell plays for Chicago Monday night, I do believe he is a viable option, even against the 49ers’ stout defense. Though he was rough last week, Cutler was not much better in the first half. Also, let’s remember, Campbell was pretty good in Oakland before his injury.

DISLIKE ‘EM

Joe Flacco

Flacco was crucial in Baltimore’s explosion last week against the Raiders, but the Ravens-Steelers battles are traditionally defensive battles, and the Steelers’ defense is hitting its stride.

Projection: 13 points

Matt Schaub

The last time Schaub took on Jacksonville, he came up with just seven points. I expect similar results in this one, as the Jaguars should see a heavy dose of Arian Foster. I would be surprised to see Schaub throw for more than one touchdown.

Projection: 11 points

RUNNING BACKS

LIKE ‘EM

C.J. Spiller

Remember how scary Spiller was at the beginning of the year when he was getting the full work load in Buffalo? Well he gets the same opportunity Thursday against a Dolphin defense that was gashed by CJ2K last week. Spiller is my number two back.

Projection: 20 points

Marcel Reece

Reece is the clear number one receiving option out of Oakland’s backfield. That’s a very good thing for a team putting the ball in the air 53 times per game over their last two.

Projection: 12 points

Felix Jones

Jones has been effective in all facets of the game in the starting role. He should continue his impressive play against a so-so Cleveland run defense.

Projection: 15 points

Sleeper: Daniel Thomas got a lot of work following Bush’s benching last week. If Thomas can see similar action against a shaky Buffalo defense, he could be a sneaky flex play.

DISLIKE ‘EM

Rashad Jennings

Jennings has been surprisingly ineffective in the starting role, which only emphasizes the greatness of Maurice Jones-Drew. It will be tough sledding for Jennings again this week in Houston.

Projection: 7 points

BenJarvus Green-Ellis

Don’t be fooled by the matchup. Green-Ellis hasn’t rushed for 70 yards since week two.

Projection: 6 points

WIDE RECEIVERS

LIKE ‘EM

Denarius Moore

13 receivers have had double-digit fantasy performances in the Saints’ nine games. Moore has scored in five of his last seven games. Moore is a top-ten receiver this week.

Projection: 19 points

Eric Decker

Fear not, Decker owners. He will rebound this week. Decker put up 90 yards and a touchdown earlier this year against the Chargers.

Projection: 14 points

Danny Amendola

After going over 100 yards in his first game back from his collarbone injury, Amendola should be in your starting lineup almost every week. Bradford clearly trusts him and will give him opportunities, and you have to expect Amendola will continue to cash in.

Projection: 13 points

Mike Wallace

It’s tough to love a receiver with Byron Leftwich as his quarterback going up against Baltimore, but I have this feeling that Leftwich is going to unleash his rocket arm for a deep ball to Wallace

Projection: 15 points

Sleeper: Darrius Heyward-Bey has been effective when healthy this year. One thing is for sure, if he is healthy, there will be plenty to go around in Oakland’s passing game against the Saints on Sunday.

DISLIKE ‘EM

Malcom Floyd

Philip Rivers has been shaky of late, and Floyd should draw the undesirable matchup with Champ Bailey in Denver.

Projection: 5 points

Andre Johnson

See Schaub post. The Texans just don’t put the ball in the air very much against inferior competition. Johnson is outside of my top 20 this week.

Projection: 7 points

Torrey Smith

Great week last week but the Steelers have not allowed a 100 yard receiver since week one.

Projection: 7 points

TIGHT ENDS

LIKE ‘EM

Jason Witten

Cleveland is generally very good against tight ends, but with Joe Haden likely shutting down whichever Cowboy receiver he lines up against, Tony Romo could be looking to Witten early and often.

Projection: 14 points

Jermaine Gresham

Kansas City has given up four touchdowns to opposing tight ends this season and Gresham seems to have a nose for the end zone.

Projection: 10 points

Sleeper: It’s hard to believe, but Jermichael Finley may have actually entered sleeper territory. Kyle Rudolph had a solid game against the Lions last week, and with Jordy Nelson likely returning for the Packers, Detroit will have enough to worry about on the outside.

DISLIKE ‘EM

Brent Celek

Celek has been less than spectacular all year, and I expect Foles to have issues in Washington.

Projection: 4 points

DEFENSE/SPECIAL TEAMS

LIKE ‘EM

Cincinnati

From here on out, playing any defense that’s going up against Kansas City is probably a safe bet.

Projection: 12 points

St. Louis

After some difficult matchups before their bye week, the Rams’ defense once again becomes a viable play this week, as they take on Mark Sanchez and the Jets at home.

Projection: 12 points

DISLIKE ‘EM

Arizona

They have struggled as of late and no defense has had an answer for the Falcons thus far this season.

Projection: 5 points

Remember you can always tweet any additional questions or concerns regarding your fantasy football team to Frederick at@SpaceJace27.

Week 11 Positional Rankings

Quarterbacks

1	Aaron Rodgers
2	Drew Brees
3	Tom Brady
4	Peyton Manning
5	Matthew Stafford
6	Robert Griffin III
7	Matt Ryan
8	Carson Palmer
9	Josh Freeman
10	Cam Newton
11	Andrew Luck
12	Tony Romo
13	Andy Dalton
14	Phillip Rivers
15	Matt Schaub
16	Ryan Fitzpatrick
17	Ryan Tannehill
18	Joe Flacco
19	Nick Foles
20	Sam Bradford
21	Jason Campbell
22	Colin Kaepernick
23	Mark Sanchez
24	Brandon Weeden
25	Alex Smith

Running Backs

1	Arian Foster
2	C.J. Spiller
3	Ray Rice
4	Doug Martin
5	LeSean McCoy
6	Alfred Morris
7	Trent Richardson
8	Stevan Ridley
9	Jamaal Charles
10	Frank Gore
11	Willis McGahee
12	Matt Forte
13	Ryan Mathews
14	Reggie Bush
15	Felix Jones
16	Michael Turner
17	Shonn Greene
18	Marcel Reece
19	Steven Jackson
20	Mikel LeShoure
21	LaRod Stephens-Howling
22	BenJarvus Green-Ellis
23	Darren Sproles
24	Jonathon Dwyer
25	Jonathon Stewart
26	Rashad Jennings
27	Donald Brown
28	Daniel Thomas
29	Chris Ivory
30	Vick Ballard
31	Daryl Richardson
32	Alex Green
33	Mark Ingram
34	Isaac Redman
35	Jacquizz Rodgers
36	James Starks
37	Shane Vereen
38	DeAngelo Williams
39	Michael Bush
40	Peyton Hillis
40	Jacquizz Rodgers

Wide Receivers

1	A.J. Green
2	Calvin Johnson
3	Demaryius Thomas
4	Marques Colston
5	Roddy White
6	Reggie Wayne
7	Julio Jones
8	Denarius Moore
9	Brandon Marshall
10	Vincent Jackson
11	Larry Fitzgerald
12	Wes Welker
13	Eric Decker
14	Jordy Nelson
15	Dez Bryant
16	Randall Cobb
17	Mike Wallace
18	Miles Austin
19	Danny Amendola
20	Steve Smith
21	Andre Johnson
22	Torrey Smith
23	DeSean Jackson
24	Dwayne Bowe
25	Steve Johnson
26	Darrius Heyward-Bey
27	Brian Hartline
28	Brandon Lloyd
29	James Jones
30	Jeremy Maclin
31	Mike Williams
32	Malcom Floyd
33	Lance Moore
34	Andre Roberts
35	Titus Young
36	Cecil Shorts
37	Donnie Avery
38	Santana Moss
39	Brandon LaFell
40	Jeremy Kerley

Tight Ends

1	Jimmy Graham
2	Rob Gronkowski
3	Jason Witten
4	Tony Gonzalez
5	Antonio Gates
6	Owen Daniels
7	Vernon Davis
8	Heath Miller
9	Greg Olsen
10	Jermaine Gresham
11	Scott Chandler
12	Brandon Pettigrew
13	Aaron Hernandez
14	Dustin Keller
15	Jermichael Finley
16	Brent Celek
17	Dennis Pitta
18	Logan Paulsen
19	Dwayne Allen
20	Rob Housler

Defense/Special Teams

1	Chicago
2	Houston
3	San Francisco
4	Atlanta
5	Denver
6	Cincinnati
7	Baltimore
8	St. Louis
9	Dallas
10	New York (A)
11	New England
12	Pittsburgh
13	Washington
14	Miami
15	Tampa Bay
16	Green Bay
17	Cleveland
18	Arizona
19	Kansas City
20	New Orleans

*You might notice some projections do not match up with the rankings (Carson Palmer is three spots behind Matthew Stafford, yet I have Palmer projected for six more points). Projections indicate how I believe the players will perform, while rankings indicate who I would start at the position (Stafford may not outscore Palmer this week, but I would still start Stafford over Palmer based solely off upside).

SBNation Minnesota's week 9 fantasy football projections and rankings

2012-11-01T14:00:45Z

I play plenty of other fantasy games throughout the year. My friends and I compete in fantasy basketball, baseball and even sometimes hockey (though not this year). Whenever I play these other fantasy games, one thing shines through everytime...

There is no game that compares to fantasy football.

Don't get me wrong, I enjoy the other games. Drafting is always a hoot as the opportunity to meet up online or in person with friends and talk sports is something I will always relish. But no one really seems to care as much. And quite frankly, it's because the games are not as good.

Fantasy football primarily takes place on one day of the week, providing everyone the opportunity for people to give their rosters delicate attention for five or six days and then watch Sunday's games on the edge of their seats. The other games? There are too many each week. There is never the drama of watching your players because there are sixty games throughout the rest of the week that have equal impact.

It's also difficult for everyone to stay as involved as they can be with fantasy football. People have lives. There are only a few of us that can check rosters and injury statuses every single day. Once a week is just fine for everyone, it's the perfect fit and just enough to give everyone a little break from reality.

So while we may all play other fantasy games, make sure to enjoy fantasy football. It doesn't take all year to complete and it offers up the most fun for us all. So cheers everyone, good luck this week.

Here are my week nine LIKES and DISLIKES:

Remember you can always tweet any additional questions or concerns regarding your fantasy football team to Frederick at@SpaceJace27.

QUARTERBACKS

LIKE ‘EM

Michael Vick

I repeatedly seem to put Vick on this list, but this may be the most confident I am that he will put together a great performance. Reid gave Vick the nod as this week’s starter for Monday night’s game in New Orleans. The Saints’ horrendous pass defense has allowed 24 or more fantasy points to quarterbacks in five of their 7 games.

Projection: 22 points

Matthew Stafford

Stafford was awesome last week against a stout Seahawks’ secondary. This week, he faces Jacksonville, who has given up 11 touchdowns to quarterbacks in their last five games.

Projection: 20 points

Carson Palmer

Palmer has been the ideal form of consistency this season. Oakland’s signal caller has scored 15+ points in six of his seven starts. Expect more of the same at home this week against the Bucs.

Projection: 17 points

Sleeper: Russell Wilson has been up-and-down all season. On the bright side he is averaging 16 points over his three starts at home, which is exactly where he’ll be this Sunday when a Vikings’ defense, which is giving up over 18 points per game to quarterbacks, comes to play.

DISLIKE ‘EM

Ryan Fitzpatrick

Fitzpatrick has slowed down from a solid start to the season, scoring just 30 points combined over his last three starts. Now he faces a Texans’ defense in Houston that made Joe Flacco look silly in their last game and is coming off of a bye.

Projection: 12 points

Eli Manning

Manning has struggled in his last three, scoring a high of just 15 points against the Redskins (and that was largely thanks to his game-winning touchdown to Cruz). Pittsburgh has given up a high of 14 points to Quarterbacks over their last four games, including shutting down the likes of Vick, Dalton and, most notably, Griffin. This matchup could be troublesome for Eli.

Projection: 13 points

Matt Schaub

The matchup looks great. The only problem for Schaub is that Houston runs the ball against bad teams... A lot. Schaub has just 18 points in the Texans’ two games, though both were blowout wins for Houston. Buffalo has the worst run defense in the NFL, so look for Foster to touch the ball often. Schaub should play the "game manager" role in this one.

Projection: 12 points

RUNNING BACKS

LIKE ‘EM

Darren Sproles

Sproles is proving to be one of the most consistent backs in fantasy this season. He has scored 11+ in five of the Saints’ seven outings. Sproles should see plenty of action this week, the Eagles have allowed 20+ receiving yards to individual backs in five of their seven games.

Projection: 12 points

Reggie Bush

Bush has been bad of late. The USC product is averaging just over six points per game over his last five showings. Good news for Bush: he is going up against a Colts’ defense that’s given up double-digit fantasy performances to five different backs this year.

Projection: 14 points

Doug Martin

The Raiders are giving up six and a half catches to running backs per game over their last five games. Doug Martin should have a field day coming out of the backfield.

Projection: 15 points

Sleeper: Jonathon Stewart could be a sneaky RB2 this week. Stewart touched the ball 21 times last week. The Redskins’ rush defense has been solid, but did give up over a hundred yards last week to Jonathon Dwyer.

DISLIKE ‘EM

Chris Johnson

Johnson has scored double-digit points for his owners each of the last three weeks and has turned himself back into a viable fantasy option. However, this week he goes up against a Chicago defense that hasn’t given up 85 rushing yards to a back all season.

Projection: 7 points

BenJarvus Green-Ellis

The Lawfirm hasn’t scored more than seven points since week two against Baltimore. He needs to score a touchdown to be successful. Denver has given up just three rushing touchdowns to backs all season.

Projection: 5 points

Mikel LeShoure

LeShoure hasn’t done much of anything since his week three performance against Tennessee. The Jaguars’ defense has been stout against the run each of the past two weeks. I have some difficulty trusting the Lions’ starting running back right now.

Projection: 6 points

WIDE RECEIVERS

LIKE ‘EM

Percy Harvin

Seattle has a solid secondary, but it was torched by Stafford and the Lions last week. One thing about Percy Harvin, it doesn’t matter how effective the opposing defense is, he is going to get touches and he is going to move the ball.

Projection: 14 points

DeSean Jackson

Jackson has not reached double-digits in his last three games. This week will be different. The Saints have given up 10+ to 11 different receivers in seven total games this year. Jackson and Maclin should have nice evenings.

Projection: 16 points

Stevie Johnson

Johnson seems to be hitting his stride. He’s going up against a solid corner in Joseph, but Joseph has struggled a bit as of late. And hey, there is always garbage time for Buffalo as Houston should get up big.

Projection: 12 points

Sleeper: Sidney Rice has put up nice games in two of his last three and the Vikings will be without their top corner Chris Cook, so Rice could be effective against his former squad.

DISLIKE ‘EM

Torrey Smith

Smith has been lacking the big play as of late. This week’s matchup looks favorable, but he should go up against Hayden which doesn’t bode well for him. I expect Ray Rice to do most of the damage for the Ravens this week.

Projection: 7 points

Dwayne Bowe

It’s difficult to trust any wideout with that quarterback situation in Kansas City right now.

Projection: 6 points

Larry Fitzgerald

The Packers’ defense has played better of late and Clay Matthews probably won’t be giving Skelton much time to throw the ball deep. Tramon Williams is also a difficult matchup.

Projection: 6 points

TIGHT ENDS

LIKE ‘EM

Brent Celek

The Saints’ defense actually hasn’t been too bad against tight ends this season, but I have a hunch Celek will find the end zone.

Projection: 10 points

Antonio Gates

The Chiefs have allowed three touchdowns to tight ends this season and Gates had 59 yards against Kansas City in week four.

Projection: 11 points

Sleeper: Logan Paulsen has been sufficient in Washington since replacing the injured Fred Davis and this week he has a favorable matchup against the Panthers.

DISLIKE ‘EM

Jermichael Finley

I have given up on Finley, so this will probably be the week he goes off. I also expect Arizona’s secondary to give that Packer passing attack at least a few problems.

Projection: 5 points

DEFENSE/SPECIAL TEAMS

LIKE ‘EM

Seattle

The Seahawks have been pretty good at home and Christian Ponder is prone to handing the defense the ball in the last couple of weeks.

Projection: 14 points

Denver

The Bengals have struggled in the past three weeks and Denver’s defense is looking like they may be returning to last year’s form.

Projection: 13 points

DISLIKE ‘EM

Dallas

This simply comes down to the matchup. No defense has been able to slow down Matt Ryan thus far this season.

Projection: 5 points

Week 9 Positional Rankings

Quarterbacks

1	Drew Brees
2	Aaron Rodgers
3	Robert Griffin III
4	Peyton Manning
5	Matt Ryan
6	Michael Vick
7	Matthew Stafford
8	Cam Newton
9	Ben Roethlisberger
10	Eli Manning
11	Josh Freeman
12	Tony Romo
13	Andrew Luck
14	Jay Cutler
15	Matt Schaub
16	Carson Palmer
17	Joe Flacco
18	Phillip Rivers
19	Andy Dalton
20	Ryan Fitzpatrick
21	Ryan Tannehill
22	Brandon Weeden
23	Matt Hasselbeck
24	Russell Wilson
25	Matt Cassel

Running Backs

1	Arian Foster
2	Ray Rice
3	Matt Forte
4	LeSean McCoy
5	Marshawn Lynch
6	Trent Richardson
7	Alfred Morris
8	Adrian Peterson
9	Ryan Mathews
10	Willis McGahee
11	Darren McFadden
12	Doug Martin
13	Jamaal Charles
14	Reggie Bush
15	Darren Sproles
16	Ahmad Bradshaw
17	Chris Johnson
18	Rashad Jennings
19	Michael Turner
20	C.J. Spiller
21	Fred Jackson
22	BenJarvus Green-Ellis
23	Mikel LeShoure
24	Jonathon Dwyer
25	Jonathon Stewart
26	Felix Jones
27	LaRod Stephens-Howling
28	Alex Green
29	Donald Brown
30	Pierre Thomas
31	Daniel Thomas
32	Vick Ballard
33	Michael Bush
34	Andre Brown
35	Peyton Hillis
36	Ronnie Hillman
37	DeAngelo Williams
38	Joique Bell
39	Isaac Redman
40	Jamie Harper

Wide Receivers

1	A.J. Green
2	Brandon Marshall
3	Victor Cruz
4	Demaryius Thomas
5	Percy Harvin
6	Marques Colston
7	Reggie Wayne
8	Vincent Jackson
9	Calvin Johnson
10	Jordy Nelson
11	Roddy White
12	Andre Johnson
13	Julio Jones
14	Mike Wallace
15	Eric Decker
16	Larry Fitzgerald
17	Miles Austin
18	Dez Bryant
19	Hakeem Nicks
20	Steve Smith
21	DeSean Jackson
22	Stevie Johnson
23	Denarius Moore
24	Torrey Smith
25	James Jones
26	Randall Cobb
27	Dwayne Bowe
28	Jeremy Maclin
29	Mike Williams
30	Lance Moore
31	Antonio Brown
32	Malcom Floyd
33	Brian Hartline
34	Titus Young
35	Josh Gordon
36	Sidney Rice
37	Andre Roberts
38	Santana Moss
39	Anquan Boldin
40	Kenny Britt

Tight Ends

1	Jimmy Graham
2	Jason Witten
3	Tony Gonzalez
4	Owen Daniels
5	Antonio Gates
6	Heath Miller
7	Brent Celek
8	Brandon Pettigrew
9	Martellus Bennett
10	Greg Olsen
11	Kyle Rudolph
12	Jermaine Gresham
13	Scott Chandler
14	Jermichael Finley
15	Jared Cook
16	Brandon Myers
17	Jacob Tamme
18	Logan Paulsen
19	Dallas Clark
20	Dennis Pitta

Defense/Special Teams

1	Chicago
2	Houston
3	Green Bay
4	Seattle
5	Atlanta
6	San Diego
7	Baltimore
8	Minnesota
9	Denver
10	Detroit
11	Miami
12	New York (N)
13	Pittsburgh
14	Washington
15	Cleveland
16	Kansas City
17	Tampa Bay
18	Dallas
19	Indianapolis
20	Oakland

*You might notice some projections do not match up with the rankings (Stevie Johnson is six spots behind Larry Fitzgerald, yet I have Johnson projected for six more points). Projections indicate how I believe the players will perform, while rankings indicate who I would start at the position (Fitzgerald may not outscore Johnson this week, but I would still start Fitzgerald over Johnson based solely off upside).

SBNation Minnesota's week eight fantasy football projections and rankings

2012-10-25T13:00:24Z

'Tis the season for fantasy trades. Often I have people ask me about proposed deals and I spend hours myself trying to think of appropriate deals to offer fellow members of my league.

There are a few key factors to consider when pondering a trade offered to you or attempting to present to another player:

Are you improving at a position of need? Sometimes, it can actually be OK to accept just a little less talent coming back to you in a trade versus what you are giving up if you are addressing a big need, especially if you are trading away a position of depth on your team. Feel free to give up Kenny Britt for Alex Green, even if you think Britt is the better play, if you already have solid starting receivers and desperately need running backs. Having a great bench can only get you so far. To win a fantasy championship, you need to be solid at all positions.

Look at each player's upcoming schedule in the deal. As we all know, matchups rule this cyber game. Don't trade for a quarterback that faces Chicago and Seattle in the next four weeks. At this point in the season, you probably can't afford two miserable weeks coming down the stretch. Also, even if a running back has struggled, they may be worth trading for if you see teams like New Orleans, Tampa Bay and Buffalo coming up in their schedules (Darren McFadden).

Do not give away important pieces of your team for injured players. It may seem like a risk worth taking, but it is just too risky to predict when a player will return from an injury or what type of condition that player will be in when they do come back. Andre Johnson was "just a few weeks away" throughout the entire season last year and he was not effective again until the playoffs. The only time to trade for an injured player is if you absolutely do not need the player you are giving away and there is significant value in who you are receiving. For instance, I would never trade Michael Turner for Greg Jennings. Never give away a consistent contributor to your team for an unknown, rarely does it pay off.

Understand that your players may not be as good as you think they are. Maybe you drafted Matthew Stafford in the first round, but that is not where his value is right now. People won't even begin to negotiate with a guy that wants Ray Rice for Matthew Stafford just because they were both first round picks. Understand how much your players are worth to someone else and try to get similar value. If you like a guy so much that you won't give him up for less than the world, then don't try to trade him. You will never be able to get what you think he is worth. There is nothing wrong with that either, no one ever said fantasy football is an unbiased game.

Finally, don't be afraid to pull the trigger on a deal. If you think you find a trade that you and another player are willing to do and you think it will help your team, do it. Don't worry about the guys you are giving away exploding a week after you trade them. This is a game of risks. If the trade makes you look dumb at the end of the season, so be it. It is often a good trade that can be the difference between who does and doesn't make the playoffs or, more importantly, who takes home a championship.

Best of luck to you all in your trading endeavors this year.

Here are my week eight LIKES and DISLIKES:

Quarterbacks

LIKE ‘EM

Michael Vick

Make no mistake, the matchup shouldn’t be considered that great. Atlanta’s secondary has been solid this season. However, Carson Palmer did throw for 353 yards in the Falcons’ last game, the game is in Philly, Andy Reid’s squads have never lost coming off of a bye week and the Eagles should have to throw. No one wants to get that Eagles’ ship turned around more than Vick. He is in my top 10 this week.

Projection: 18 points

Andrew Luck

Luck has accumulated 18 fantasy points or more in four of his last five games. Couple that with his matchup against a Titans’ defense that hasn’t given up less than 16 fantasy points in a game to opposing quarterbacks this season and Luck finds himself as a top 10 QB.

Projection: 22 points

Phillip Rivers

The Browns have allowed over 20 fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks in four of their seven games. The other three games: 19, 19 and 18.

Projection: 21 points

Sleeper: Matt Hasselbeck has been serviceable in his starting stint with the Titans. He should continue to be so this week at home against an average Colts’ secondary with help from his healthy weapons such as Nate Washington, Kenny Britt and a reemerging Chris Johnson.

DISLIKE ‘EM

Cam Newton

I want to apologize for putting Newton on this list time and time again... But he makes it so hard for me not to. Now the Panthers face the best defense in the league when they head to Chicago Sunday. Good luck, Cam.

Projection: 11 points

Matthew Stafford

It doesn’t get much tougher for a quarterback than facing Chicago and Seattle in back-to-back games. Stafford enters the back-end of that string Sunday when the Seahawks come to town. The Seahawk secondary has given up double-digit fantasy performances to just two opposing quarterbacks this season. Their names: Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers.

Projection: 10 points

Josh Freeman

If you have Freeman on your team, now would be a good time to sell high. The same can be said for his number one target, Vincent Jackson. The Tampa duo did a nice job taking advantage of a favorable fantasy schedule the last few weeks, but the "Buc" (pun intended) stops in Minnesota Thursday night. The Vikings’ defense should bring Freeman back to earth.

Projection: 11 points

RUNNING BACKS

LIKE ‘EM

Chris Johnson

I was just as stunned as the next guy to find CJ2K in my top 10 this week, but he has produced solid performances in three of his last four outings (including his 31-point blow-up last week) and this week he faces an Indy D that gave up 34 points to Shonn Greene two weeks ago.. Johnson is a must play this week.

Projection: 18 points

Willis McGahee

If you get anything out of this article this week I hope it’s this: play any and all Saints and Broncos you own this week. Both offenses are great, both defenses are suspect and this game should be the definition of a shootout. I would be shocked to see McGahee not score at least once.

Projection: 19 points

Darren Sproles

Read the McGahee post. I also like Sproles’ chances of scoring.

Projection: 14 points

Sleepers: A lot of people may write off LaRod Stephens-Howling this week due to his matchup with the 49ers, but I’m not one of them. Howling made the Vikings’ vaunted run defense look pedestrian last week and I expect the Cardinal defense to keep the game close enough where Arizona will have the option to run. Howling is a sneaky flex play this week. Also, Jamie Harper is turning into quite the touchdown vulture in Tennessee. He should get a few more chances this week against the Colts.

DISLIKE ‘EM

Doug Martin

Stephens-Howling ran all over Minnesota last week. I don’t expect that to become a habit. The Vikings should handle Martin coming out of the backfield. Martin’s true value this week should be in the passing game, but the Vikings are too good of a tackling team to give him too much there either. Martin is on the very edge of my top 20 this week.

Projection: 8 points

Stevan Ridley

Ridley appears to have fallen into a three-man timeshare in New England, which greatly hurts his value. He was on the field for less than half the Patriots’ snaps against the Jets, ESPN reported. He has a difficult matchup this week against a good Rams’ defense and I do not consider him a good RB2 option in 10-team leagues.

Projection: 7 points

Mikel LeShoure

I question the Lions’ coaching staff.. Kevin Smith sure looked a lot better than LeShoure or Joique Bell have thus far this season.

Projection: 6 points

WIDE RECEIVERS

LIKE ‘EM

Demaryius Thomas / Eric Decker

In the Saints’ six games, they have allowed double-digit fantasy performances

to nine different receivers. There should be plenty to go around for both of these two and possibly even Brandon Stokely on Sunday night.

Decker Projection: 14 points

Thomas Projection: 18 points

Lance Moore

With Champ Bailey on Colston all night, Moore could be in line for a lot of targets in Denver.

Projection: 13 points

Jeremy Kerley

Kerley scored in the Jets’ week three matchup with the Dolphins. This time around, his relationship with quarterback Mark Sanchez appears to be blossoming and the New England secondary had no answers for Kerley last week.

Projection: 14 points

Sleeper: I’m a Josh Gordon believer. Not only has he scored four touchdowns in his last three games, but Gordon was targeted 10 times last Sunday in Indy and appears to be the clear number one in Cleveland. This week the Browns take on a Charger secondary that has been friendly to opposing wideouts of late.

DISLIKE ‘EM

Steve Smith

Charles Tillman is playing out of this world at corner for Chicago right now. He held Calvin Johnson to just 34 yards on Monday night.. Do you really expect Steve Smith to fare much better?

Projection: 5 points

Vincent Jackson

Minnesota’s secondary has done well against the NFL’s elite receivers thus far, holding Calvin Johnson and Larry Fitzgerald to meager totals of five and two fantasy points, respectively. I don’t see Jackson doing much better.

Projection: 7 points

Wes Welker

I’m assuming Welker will be matched up with Rams’ corner Cortland Finnegan. If he isn’t, Welker will be just fine. If he is, Finnegan’s physical style could give the smaller Welker a headache. He is just outside of my top 10 this week. Still, you probably have to play him.

Projection: 7 points

TIGHT ENDS

LIKE ‘EM

Kyle Rudolph

I liked him last week and he came through with all of ZERO receptions. I’m willing to put the blame for that one on Christian Ponder’s shoulders. This week, Minnesota’s passing game should have more success against Tampa Bay’s so-so secondary. I’m giving Rudolph another chance, because everyone deserves one (Yeah, I provide life lessons too. Feel free to tweet your questions about the Universe to @SpaceJace27 as well).

Projection: 10 points

Heath Miller

Rule of fives is applied here. Miller has five touchdowns in six games this year. Washington has allowed five touchdowns to tight ends in seven games this season. 5+5= 1 great play.

Projection: 13 points

Sleeper: Dustin Keller appears to finally be back to full health for the Jets. The Dolphins’ defense hasn’t given up a touchdown to a tight end yet this season, but the best one they have faced is Owen Daniels and they have given up an average of 57 yards a game to the position. Keller should solid at worst this week.

DISLIKE ‘EM

Vernon Davis

What’s the problem with Davis this week? I don’t trust Alex Smith to move the ball against the Cardinals’ stingy defense. Davis could be Smith’s number one target Monday night.. I just don’t think that will even amount to much.

Projection: 8 points

DEFENSE/SPECIAL TEAMS

LIKE ‘EM

Green Bay

Going up against a Jacksonville squad featuring an injured Blaine Gabbert and no Maurice Jones-Drew may be one of the best matchups you will see all year for any defense.

Projection: 15 points

Minnesota

Tampa Bay’s offense is respectable, but Minnesota understands the importance of winning this game to get to 6-2 and the primetime home crowd should give the defense an important advantage.

Projection: 15 points

DISLIKE ‘EM

St. Louis

You should have dropped them before they played Green Bay last week, but if you didn’t, do so now. Tom Brady and the Pats’ offense is never something you want your fantasy defense going up against. However, after this week, pick the Rams’ defense back up because their next four or five matchups are favorable.

Projection: 5 points

Remember, you can always tweet any additional questions or concerns regarding your fantasy football team to Frederick at@SpaceJace27.

Week 8 Positional Rankings

Quarterbacks

1	Aaron Rodgers
2	Drew Brees
3	Tom Brady
4	Robert Griffin III
5	Peyton Manning
6	Matt Ryan
7	Ben Roethlisberger
8	Eli Manning
9	Michael Vick
10	Andrew Luck
11	Cam Newton
12	Matthew Stafford
13	Tony Romo
14	Jay Cutler
15	Phillip Rivers
16	Josh Freeman
17	Matt Hasselbeck
18	Carson Palmer
19	Sam Bradford
20	Brandon Weeden
21	Ryan Tannehill
22	Christian Ponder
23	Russell Wilson
24	Mark Sanchez
25	Alex Smith

Running Backs

1	Adrian Peterson
2	Jamaal Charles
3	Alfred Morris
4	Marshawn Lynch
5	Matt Forte
6	LeSean McCoy
7	Ryan Mathews
8	Trent Richardson
9	Willis McGahee
10	Chris Johnson
11	Frank Gore
12	Darren McFadden
13	Ahmad Bradshaw
14	Darren Sproles
15	Reggie Bush
16	Shonn Greene
17	Michael Turner
18	Rashard Mendenhall
19	Rashad Jennings
20	Doug Martin
21	Stevan Ridley
22	Mikel LeShoure
23	Felix Jones
24	Vick Ballard
25	Alex Green
26	LaRod Stephens-Howling
27	Michael Bush
28	Jonathon Stewart
29	Pierre Thomas
30	Daryl Richardson
31	Steven Jackson
32	Jackie Battle
33	Jamie Harper
34	Jonathon Dwyer
35	Shane Vereen
36	Andre Brown
37	Daniel Thomas
38	Joique Bell
39	Shaun Draughn
40	Jacquizz Rodgers

Wide Receivers

1	Brandon Marshall
2	Jordy Nelson
3	Calvin Johnson
4	Roddy White
5	Victor Cruz
6	Marques Colston
7	Percy Harvin
8	Demaryius Thomas
9	Larry Fitzgerald
10	Julio Jones
11	Wes Welker
12	Mike Wallace
13	Eric Decker
14	Hakeem Nicks
15	Vincent Jackson
16	Reggie Wayne
17	Dez Bryant
18	James Jones
19	Miles Austin
20	Dwayne Bowe
21	Jeremy Kerley
22	DeSean Jackson
23	Antonio Brown
24	Brandon Lloyd
25	Lance Moore
26	Randall Cobb
27	Kenny Britt
28	Denarius Moore
29	Steve Smith
30	Malcom Floyd
31	Brian Hartline
32	Josh Gordon
33	Nate Washington
34	Santana Moss
35	Andre Roberts
36	Mike Williams
37	Jeremy Maclin
38	Brandon Gibson
39	Brandon LaFell
40	Cecil Shorts

Tight Ends

1	Rob Gronkowski
2	Jimmy Graham
3	Tony Gonzalez
4	Antonio Gates
5	Aaron Hernandez
6	Vernon Davis
7	Heath Miller
8	Jason Witten
9	Kyle Rudolph
10	Martellius Bennett
11	Brandon Pettigrew
12	Jermichael Finley
13	Jacob Tamme
14	Jared Cook
15	Dustin Keller
16	Anthony Fasano
17	Brandon Meyers
18	Dallas Clark
19	Marcedes Lewis
20	Coby Fleener

Defense/Special Teams

1	Chicago
2	San Francisco
3	Seattle
4	Minnesota
5	Atlanta
6	Green Bay
7	Arizona
8	New England
9	San Diego
10	Miami
11	New York (A)
12	Tampa Bay
13	Cleveland
14	New York (N)
15	St. Louis
16	Carolina
17	Dallas
18	Oakland
19	Washington
20	Pittsburgh

*You might notice some projections do not match up with the rankings (Rudolph is three spots behind Davis, yet I have Rudolph projected for two more points). Projections indicate how I believe the players will perform, while rankings indicate who I would start at the position (Davis may not outscore Rudolph this week, but I would still start Davis over Rudolph based solely off upside).