Is it possible to be good at fantasy football? There’s an argument for both sides. While research plays a big part, much of it is luck and guesswork. Here’s hoping that for Week 9, our research pays off, AND we get a little luck on our sides!
Fantasy Football Busts
Cam Newton, QB, Carolina Panthers:
Ranked a top ten quarterback in the draft, Newton was 12-of-22 passing for 171 yards, no touchdowns and one interception in Week 8. He scored less than 10 fantasy points. That’s right folks, Superman let us down. Not only did he let fantasy owners down this week, but he hasn’t put up a very stellar performance this season (Except that one week he was on my bench, go figure.) His Week 9 match-up against New Orleans should be favorable, but owners beware. He’s burned us once, twice… he may do it again.
Julio Jones, WR, Atlanta Falcons:
Julio Jones had another poor game in Week 8 in the heartbreaking loss against the Lions in London. Jones recorded just 5 catches for 56 yards. Single digit fantasy points certainly aren’t what owners are hoping for. The Falcons have a Bye in Week 9, and Coach Mike Smith claims the second half of the season will be different from the first. Let’s hope he lights a fire under Julio Jones… and stops all those dropped passes!
Fantasy Football Surprises
Lorenzo Taliaferro, RB, Ravens:
Lorenzo Taliaferro scored two touchdowns and racked up an extra 42 yards of receiving. Giovani Bernard was inactive and Justin Forsett got most of the action, but Taliaferro snaked the red-zone work. This was his first score since Week 4, and its looking like he could be a valuable flex option.
Brandon Lafell, WR, Patriots:
It’s been an up and down game with Brandon Lafell. Will he be good this week or a bust? It seems like there’s no telling. Week 8 against the Bears he recorded 11 catches for 124 yards and a touchdown, a great game for him in comparison to Week 7. This week he goes up against a tough rival: The Denver Broncos.
Fantasy Football Predictions
Carson Palmer, QB, Arizona Cardinals:
Fantasy owners are without Aaron Rodgers, Jay Cutler, Matthew Stafford, Matt Ryan and Kyle Orton this week: Carson Palmer doesn’t look like a bad option with what’s available. He’s been good when he’s healthy, and Week 8 was his best outing yet. The Week 9 match-up against the Cowboys could be favorable, as they have allowed all but one quarterback to throw for at least two touchdowns this season.
Andrew Hawkins, WR, Cleveland Browns:
Hawkins had 7 catches on 9 targets for 88 yards and a touchdown in Sunday’s 23-13 win over Oakland. Although he put up zero points in Week 6 against Pittsburgh, Week 9 could be a favorable time to play Hawkins. The Browns are going against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, arguably the worst defense in the NFL. The Bucs give up the most points of any defense in the league to opposing wideouts, so Hawkins may see the end-zone more than once.
