Fantasy football rankings and updates for the 2016 NFL season.

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<h3>Ryan Tannehill, Miami Dolphins QB</h3> 
<p><b>vs. Cleveland</b></p> 
<p>Tannehill threw for almost 400 yards last week against a formidable New England defense. Yes, the Dolphins were playing catchup from the get-go, so he did it on 45 pass attempts, but with Arian Foster likely out, the Dolphins will be relying on Tannehill. Plus, it’s a small sample size, but the Browns have allowed 27 points and 286 passing yards per game. Tannehill should be in for a big day and is a low-end QB1 this week.</p> 
<h3>Kirk Cousins, Washington Redskins QB</h3> 
<p><b>at New York Giants</b></p> 
<p>With no clear-cut dependable running back to speak of in Washington, Kirk Cousins has been forced to throw the ball a lot. Through the first two games, he has 89 pass attempts, tied for the most with Blake Bortles. The Giants’ defense has allowed just one passing touchdown and is the only team yet to allow a passing play of more than 23 yards, per Newsday’s Tom Rock. Unless you don’t have another viable option, leave Cousins on your bench this week.</p> 
<h3>Tyrod Taylor, Buffalo Bills QB</h3> 
<p><b>vs. Arizona</b></p> 
<p>After a heartbreaking loss at home to the rival Jets last week, the Bills fired offensive coordinator Greg Roman and replaced him with Anthony Lynn, who was previously the team’s assistant head coach. It’s hard to imagine that will lead to a dramatic improvement with the struggling offense. Taylor had a good day against the Jets by fantasy standards, throwing for 297 yards, three touchdowns and an interception, good for third-most points among quarterbacks in standard scoring leagues. But he has struggled with consistency, hitting Marquise Goodwin in stride for an 84-yard touchdown in the first quarter then underthrowing a deep ball intended for Sammy Watkins for an interception to open the fourth quarter. The Cardinals have one of the top defenses and are tied for the league-high with four interceptions in two games. Hold off on starting Taylor this week.</p> 
<h3>Jerick McKinnon, Minnesota Vikings RB</h3> 
<p><b>at Carolina</b></p> 
<p>With Adrian Peterson expected to miss several months after tearing his meniscus in a win over the Packers, the Vikings will look to McKinnon and Matt Asiata to step up in the backfield. Asiata filled in admirably during Peterson’s 2014 suspension, combining for 882 yards and 10 touchdowns in 15 games, but it’s McKinnon who will get the start Sunday against the Panthers. Carolina has allowed 106.5 rushing yards per game. If you managed to snag McKinnon off the waiver wire, he’s a solid flex play.</p> 
<h3>Jeremy Hill, Cincinnati Bengals RB</h3> 
<p><b>vs. Denver</b></p> 
<p>After fellow running back Giovani Bernard went off for an impressive nine catches, 100 receiving yards and a touchdown in last week’s loss to the Steelers, while Hill has rushed for just 53 yards in two games, it seems the Bengals may be going in a different direction with their run game. Bernard also played 18 more snaps than Hill, who hasn’t rushed for at least 100 yards in a game since Dec. 28, 2014, after both played about the same number in Week 1. Between that and the fact that it’s a tough matchup against the reigning Super Bowl champs, it’s best to sit Hill.</p> 
<h3>Cameron Artis-Payne, Carolina Panthers RB</h3> 
<p><b>vs. Minnesota</b></p> 
<p>Yes, Fozzy Whittaker rushed for 100 yards last week after Jonathan Stewart went down with a hamstring injury, but Cameron Artis-Payne, who was inactive last week, is expected take over the lead role with Stewart out. As a rookie last year, Artis-Payne averaged 4.1 yards per carry on 45 attempts in seven games. In the three games Stewart missed last season, Artis-Payne rushed for 152 yards on 33 carries and a touchdown. (Cam Newton led the team in rushing over that span, however.) Artis-Payne may have been a good addition if Stewart misses a chunk of time, but this isn’t the week to start him. Minnesota’s defense is No. 1 against the run, allowing just 47.5 yards per game and no touchdowns.</p> 
<h3>Golden Tate, Detroit Lions WR</h3> 
<p><b>at Green Bay</b></p> 
<p>So much for the “Calvin Johnson who?” sentiment. After leading the Lions with 90 receptions and finishing second on the team with 813 yards last season, it seemed they had their new No. 1 receiver in Tate. Not the case so far. Tate has nine catches for 54 yards and no touchdowns. Meanwhile, Marvin Jones, who the Lions acquired in the offseason, has become Matthew Stafford’s top target with 12 catches for 203 yards. Lambeau is one of the toughest places to play, and the Packers’ pass defense is underrated. Tate’s a flex play at best.</p> 
<h3>Emmanuel Sanders, Denver Broncos WR</h3> 
<p><b>at Cincinnati</b></p> 
<p>Despite having one of the most talented receiving corps, the Broncos are one of just four teams (the Bills, Bears and Browns) that doesn’t have at least one receiver with double-digit receptions. The Broncos’ game plan has changed, focusing more on the run with C.J. Anderson coming into his own and second-year quarterback Trevor Siemian still figuring things out. Last season, the Broncos had a 60-40 pass-run ratio, this season it’s been almost exactly 50-50. Between that and the fact that it’s a tough opponent in the Bengals, who have allowed the ninth fewest fantasy points to receivers this season, according to Yahoo!, Sanders belongs on the bench this week.</p> 
<h3>Mohamed Sanu, Atlanta Falcons WR</h3> 
<p><b>at New Orleans</b></p> 
<p>The Falcons are a pass-happy team, and they’re going against one of the worst pass defenses in the league. The Saints rank 30th in passing yards allowed per game with 336. Sanu has been targeted as many times as Julio Jones (13), so he should get plenty of looks. Sanu’s a nice WR3 option this week.</p> 
<h3>Dennis Pitta, Baltimore Ravens TE</h3> 
<p><b>at Jacksonville</b></p> 
<p>After missing nearly two years with a fractured right hip on Sept. 21, 2014 against Cleveland, Pitta returned to the scene and put up one of the best games of his career. Pitta had nine catches for 102 yards in the Ravens’ comeback win over the Browns last week. He hasn’t gotten in the end zone yet, but this matchup gives him a good chance to score. The Jaguars have allowed 32.5 points per game and six passing touchdowns. Pitta’s a solid TE1 this week.</p>

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Fantasy football: NFL Week 3 start ’em or sit ’em

Week 3 fantasy football: Start ’em or sit ’em?

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<p>Which borderline players should you start or sit in Week 2? Here’s a look at 10 players who are on the cusp.</p>
<h4>Joe Flacco, Baltimore Ravens QB</h4>
<p><b>at Cleveland</b></p>
<p>Flacco got off to a decent start to the season, throwing for 258 yards, a touchdown and no interceptions in last week’s win over the Bills. This week, he has a chance to be an elite fantasy play. The Browns’ defense let up 403 yards and 29 points to an Eagles’ offense led by rookie Carson Wentz last week. As of Thursday at 6 p.m., Flacco was owned in just 26 percent of Yahoo leagues and 21.8 percent of ESPN leagues, making him a solid plug and play if you didn’t manage to get a top-tier quarterback. Flacco’s a low-end QB1 this week.</p>
<h4>Matt Ryan, Atlanta Falcons QB</h4>
<p><b>at Oakland</b></p>
<p>From a fantasy perspective, Ryan put up solid numbers in Week 1, throwing for 334 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions in a loss to the Buccaneers last week for the sixth-most fantasy points among quarterbacks. But it could’ve been an even bigger day -- the Falcons scored just one touchdown on four red-zone chances. The Raiders let up a league-high 419 passing yards to Drew Brees and the Saints last week, but Ryan and the Falcons will need to get their red-zone offense in order for him to have a big fantasy day. Ryan’s a high-end QB2.</p>
<h4>Carson Wentz, Philadelphia Eagles QB</h4>
<p><b>at Chicago</b></p>
<p>Let’s not get too high on the No. 2 overall pick too quickly. Wentz looked good in his NFL debut, throwing for 278 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions, but it was against the lowly Browns. The Bears held Brock Osweiler and the Texans to just 215 passing yards last week, so the youngster’s in for more of a challenge. Keep him on the bench until after the Eagles’ bye in Week 4. He has another tough matchup against the Steelers in Week 3.</p>
<h4>Ameer Abdullah, Detroit Lions RB</h4>
<p><b>vs. Tennessee</b></p>
<p>Abdullah is splitting carries with Theo Riddick, but he was the leading rusher for the Lions last week with 63 yards, and he should be going forward. Both backs contributed in the passing game as well -- Abdullah had five catches for 57 yards and a touchdown and Riddick had five catches for 63 yards and a touchdown in a win over the Colts. As long as Abdullah continues to get the bulk of the carries, he’s the Lions back you want. The Titans’ defense held the Vikings to just 301 yards of total offense last week, but that was with journeyman backup Shaun Hill at quarterback. Abdullah’s a strong RB2, especially in PPR leagues.</p>
<h4>Thomas Rawls, Seattle Seahawks RB</h4>
<p><b>at Los Angeles</b></p>
<p>After being on the field for just 22 of 82 offensive plays last week, Rawls won’t just be getting more work, he’ll also be getting the start, coach Pete Carroll said Wednesday. With Christine Michael getting the start last week against the Dolphins, Rawls rushed for just 32 yards on 12 carries and had three catches for 26 yards. The expected increased workload makes Rawls a better play, but his surgically-repaired ankle still is a bit of a concern. Give Rawls another week to see what he does before running him out there.</p>
<h4>Shane Vereen, New York Giants RB</h4>
<p><b>vs. New Orleans</b></p>
<p>The Giants have moved away from their running-back-by-committee approach from last season, with Rashad Jennings becoming the clear No. 1 after rushing for 75 yards on 18 carries against a weak Cowboys’ defense last week. Jennings got just six carries (more than his 4.8 per game career average), but rushed for 38 yards. He also had three catches for 23 yards, which is Vereen’s bread and butter. The Saints’ defense is one of the worst in the league. It allowed 486 yards and 35 points in a loss to the Raiders last week. Vereen’s a nice flex option, especially in PPR leagues.</p>
<h4>Travis Benjamin, San Diego Chargers WR</h4>
<p><b>vs. Jacksonville</b></p>
<p>With Keenan Allen out for the year with a torn ACL, the Chargers will need someone to step up. Benjamin is coming off a career year with the Browns last season. He had career highs across the board with 68 catches, 966 yards and five touchdowns with a combination of Josh McCown, Johnny Manziel and Austin Davis throwing to him. Now that he’s paired with a legitimate quarterback in Philip Rivers, Benjamin has a chance to shine even more. Last week he had seven catches for just 32 yards against a tough Chiefs’ defense. The Jaguars -- who held Aaron Rodgers to 199 passing yards last week -- present another tough matchup. Benjamin’s a high-end WR3 this week, but could be a better option going forward.</p>
<h4>Tajae Sharpe, Tennessee Titans WR</h4>
<p><b>at Detroit</b></p>
<p>The rookie got off to a great start with seven catches for 76 yards in his NFL debut. The Titans went pass-heavy in Week 1, with a 65-35 pass-run ratio, and it wasn’t just because they were playing catchup. The Titans, who were expected to rely on their power run game with DeMarco Murray and Derrick Henry, led the Vikings until the third quarter last week, and Marcus Mariota’s 41 pass attempts were fairly evenly split -- 21 in the first half and 20 in the second. It’s hard to say if this pass-heavy trend will continue, but if it does against anyone, it’ll be the Lions, who are much better against the run than the pass. Sharpe’s a good WR3/flex option this week.</p>
<h4>Mike Wallace, Baltimore Ravens WR</h4>
<p><b>at Cleveland</b></p>
<p>Wallace had the sixth-most fantasy points among wide receivers last week in standard scoring leagues, but it was mostly from one big play -- a 66-yard touchdown catch. Wallace was known as a big-time deep threat in his heyday, and Joe Flacco seems to have helped revive that. Aside from the big touchdown catch, though, Wallace had just two catches for 25 yards in the Ravens’ win over the Bills. It’s hard to count on the deep threat on a consistent basis, but the Browns’ defense allowed the second-most pass plays of 40 or more yards last season. Even still, I’d be conservative and sit Wallace until we see more.</p>
<h4>Jesse James, Pittsburgh Steelers TE</h4>
<p><b>vs. Cincinnati</b></p>
<p>For the past 11 seasons, the Steelers counted on veteran tight end Heath Miller for a heavy workload. Now that he’s retired, they’re looking to the second-year tight end to fill that void. James had five catches for 31 yards in a win over the Redskins last week. The Bengals allowed just 188 passing yards in a win over the Jets last week, so it’ll be a tough matchup for James. Keep him on the bench this week. </p>

SPFANT0916

Fantasy footbal start ‘em or sit ‘em for Week 2 of NFL season

Week 2 fantasy football start ‘em or sit ‘em?

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<p>The 2016 NFL season is underway, and when it comes to fantasy football, it’s always best to start your studs. But which borderline players should you start or sit in Week 1? Here’s a look at 10 players that are on the cusp.</p>
<h4>Dak Prescott, Dallas Cowboys QB</h4>
<p><b>vs. New York Giants</b></p>
<p>The rookie impressed during the preseason, throwing for 454 yards, five touchdowns and no interceptions in three games. Prescott has big shoes to fill stepping in for injured Tony Romo, but behind a talented offensive line and with weapons such as WR Dez Bryant and fellow rookie RB Ezekiel Elliott, he doesn’t need to do too much. The Giants took steps to improve their defense by signing free agents Damon Harrison, Olivier Vernon and Janoris Jenkins, but will it be enough to contain the youngster? Prescott’s a high-end QB2 this week.</p>
<h4>Brock Osweiler, Houston Texans QB</h4>
<p><b>vs. Chicago</b></p>
<p>Osweiler turned in an average performance in eight games with the Broncos last season. He threw for 1,967 yards, 10 touchdowns and six interceptions, but it was enough for the Texans to offer him a four-year, $72-million deal. The Bears’ defense ranked fourth against the pass last season, allowing just 224.6 yards per game, but just two members of the starting secondary (Kyle Fuller and Adrian Amos) return this season. Osweiler’s also a high-end QB2 this week.</p>
<h4>Robert Griffin III, Cleveland Browns QB</h4>
<p><b>at Philadelphia</b></p>
<p>Griffin gets a fresh start in Cleveland after losing his job to Kirk Cousins in Washington last season. And he makes his return against a familiar opponent in the Eagles. In five career games against the Birds, Griffin has thrown for 1,211 yards, 10 touchdowns and five interceptions. The Eagles’ defense ranked 28th in the league against the pass last season, allowing 267.1 yards per game, but they added veterans Rodney McLeod and Leodis McKelvin to their secondary this offseason. Griffin’s a low-end QB2 this week.</p>
<h4>Danny Woodhead, San Diego Chargers RB</h4>
<p><b>at Kansas City</b></p>
<p>The running back is one of the top pass catchers out of the backfield. He’s coming off career highs in both receptions (80) and receiving yards (755), but the Chiefs are a tough matchup. Their defense ranked seventh last season in total yards allowed per game (329.3). Most of that defensive unit, led by nose tackle Dontari Poe, linebacker Derrick Johnson and safety Eric Berry, has returned in 2016. Woodhead struggled against the Chiefs last season, totaling 12 rushing yards and 17 receiving yards in the two games. Woodhead’s a flex play at best.</p>
<h4>Arian Foster, Miami Dolphins RB</h4>
<p><b>at Seattle</b></p>
<p>After missing most of last season with a torn Achilles, Foster is back with a new team that desperately needed an improved run game. The Dolphins finished 23rd with just 93.5 yards per game last season. Foster has been known to bounce back. After missing eight games in 2013 with a back injury, he combined for 1,573 total yards and 13 total touchdowns the following season. The Dolphins also improved their offensive line with the additions of Jermon Bushrod and rookie Laremy Tunsil. But Seattle was last year’s No. 1 rushing defense (81.5 yards allowed per game). They also were No. 1 in points allowed per game (17.3). Keep Foster on the bench this week.</p>
<h4>Derrick Henry, Tennessee Titans RB</h4>
<p><b>vs. Minnesota</b></p>
<p>DeMarco Murray is getting the start over Henry on Sunday after both turned in impressive preseason performances. It’s unclear how the carries will break down, but Murray proved in his last season in Dallas in 2014 that he can be a true workhorse after he carried the ball 392 times. Titans coach Mike Mularkey has made it clear Murray is his guy. Wait to see how many touches Henry gets the first couple of weeks before giving him the start.</p>
<h4>John Brown, Arizona Cardinals WR</h4>
<p><b>vs. New England</b></p>
<p>Brown wasn’t on the Cardinals’ injury report on Wednesday after missing much of August because of effects of a concussion suffered on July 31, but he could be out there in a limited role Sunday. The slot receiver is coming off a strong second year of 65 catches for 1,003 yards and seven touchdowns. Be sure to monitor the Cardinals’ injury report as Sunday approaches. If he’s able to play, Brown’s a solid WR3 or flex option.</p>
<h4>Sterling Shepard, New York Giants WR</h4>
<p><b>at Dallas</b></p>
<p>The rookie has impressed during the preseason, so much so that Odell Beckham Jr. thinks Shepard can outperform his own incredible rookie year. Beckham lining up opposite Shepard will take some pressure off the youngster. The Cowboys’ defense is depleted with LB Rolando McClain and DEs DeMarcus Lawrence and Randy Gregory suspended. Shepard’s another strong flex play.</p>
<h4>Allen Hurns, Jacksonville Jaguars WR</h4>
<p><b>vs. Green Bay</b></p>
<p>Teammate Allen Robinson’s stellar 2015 season detracted from Hurns’ own breakout year. The third-year receiver had 64 catches for 1,031 yards and 10 touchdowns last season. The Packers’ defense was sixth in the league against the pass, allowing 227.6 yards per game, but it’s Hurns’ big-play ability that makes him a fantasy asset. The Packers allowed 14 passing plays of at least 40 yards, and Hurns had three games last season with a reception of at least 40 yards. Hurns is another good WR3 or flex option.</p>
<h4>Clive Walford, Oakland Raiders TE</h4>
<p><b>at New Orleans</b></p>
<p>Technically, it’s blocking specialist Lee Smith who’s listed as the Raiders’ starting tight end, but Walford is expected to play the biggest role in the passing game. The Saints’ defense allowed the most points per game last season (29.8) and ranked 31st against the pass, allowing 284 yards per game. With Dennis Allen in his first full season as defensive coordinator and the addition of veteran linebacker James Laurinaitis, the Saints’ defense has improved, but it will take time to fully develop. Walford’s a high-end TE2.</p>

SPFANT0910

Fantasy football start ‘em or sit ‘em for Week 1 of NFL season

Week 1 fantasy football start ‘em or sit ‘em?

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<p>With the start of the NFL season just over a week away, here are a few tips for upcoming fantasy football drafts.</p>
<h4>Don’t overvalue quarterbacks.</h4>
<p>Even Cam Newton isn’t a first-round pick. Not with the likes of Antonio Brown, Adrian Peterson, Odell Beckham Jr. and Todd Gurley out there. Yes, the NFL has transformed into a pass-happy league, but skill position players benefit more from that from a fantasy perspective than quarterbacks do. In standard leagues, a 75-yard touchdown pass from Aaron Rodgers is worth 7 points, whereas the same 75-yard touchdown reception for Jordy Nelson is worth 13.5 points. You’ll get more bang for your buck if you stock up on running backs and wide receivers (or in the rare case, i.e. Rob Gronkowski, tight ends) in the early rounds, even if that means sacrificing one of the top few quarterbacks for a dependable Carson Palmer in the seventh or eighth round.</p>
<h4>Wait until the last two rounds to draft a defense and kicker.</h4>
<p>With the number of injuries players endure, you’re going to want as many skill-position players on your bench as possible. There’s not usually too much of a point differential between the top-ranked fantasy defense and the 12th, so if you don’t get Seattle, move on and start looking at teams such as the Jets or Rams. The same is true of kickers. Sure, Stephen Gostkowski is probably going to be the top-scoring kicker, but a Graham Gano or Matt Bryant won’t be all that far behind. Also, you don’t need more than one defense or kicker to start a season. It’s much more to your benefit to streamline these positions if you’re dealing with an injury, an unfavorable matchup or anything else that might arise throughout the long haul of the NFL season.</p>
<h4>Know your league’s rules and settings before you draft.</h4>
<p>Not all fantasy leagues are created equal. It’s important to know heading into your draft whether or not it’s a PPR league, whether it’s a 2QB league, how many flex options you have, etc. For example, a player such as Jarvis Landry, who had 110 catches last season, is going to be much more valuable in a PPR league than a non-PPR league.</p>
<h4>Do a mock draft that fits your league.</h4>
<p>Once you have your league’s settings and rules down, join a mock draft that fits that criteria. If it’s a 12-team auction draft, do a 12-team auction mock draft. If it’s a 10-team snake draft and you already know you’ll have the No. 5 pick, practice by doing a mock draft from that position.</p>

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Fantasy football draft tips

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