Hatty Waiver Wire Guru

2012 Fantasy Football Draft Strategy: Round by Round Analysis

2012-05-30T14:19:00.001-04:00

Andrew Weber - US PRESSWIRE

It’s time to start prepping yourself for the strategy you will take into your draft.

I am going to write this article under the assumption that you are in a league that has 12 teams and starts one quarterback, two running backs, two wide receivers, one tight end, one flex, a kicker and a defense.

Let’s start with round one…

If you draw pick No.1 or No. 2 pick, then I would recommend taking a top-tier running back (Ray Rice or Arian Foster). The No. 1 pick is debatable, but if you grab Ray Rice or Arian Foster, you will be fine.

If you draw pick three through 12, then I would recommend going for a top quarterback like Aaron Rodgers—having one of the best quarterbacks in football will give you reliable, solid production every week. Most sites would have you draw a top wide receiver or running back with picks five through 12, but let’s play it super safe here.

Many people will disagree with taking a QB so high with the sheer number of talented QB's available for 2012. If you fall into this category then roll with a RB in the first round. LeSean McCoy, MJD, Demarco Murray or Stephen Jackson are all safe picks here.

Moving on to round two…

Round two is a wide receiver or running back round, I would go after the top running back or wide receiver on my draft guide. This would most likely be a player like Roddy White or Ryan Matthews. If you had the top running back in round one then grab a top QB here.

Do you want to gamble in round two? Well if you are feeling "froggy" then how about a Jimmy Graham pick here as he is a beast or Rob Gronkowski. I usually don't advocate for a TE this early, but these two are game changers.

Moving on to round three…

It’s running back or wide receiver time again, and there should be a crop available in round three that get the job done. I just did an expert draft and took Dwayne Bowe in round three. Just take the best available running back or wide receiver according to your draft guide in round three.

If Graham or Gronkowski are hanging around in round three then you must grab them here.

Moving on to round four…

At this point you need to continue to round out your team with either a running back or wide receiver, so your team should have one or two receivers and one or two backs, a quarterback and then one other back or receiver after round four. Take the best available at this point.

Moving to round five…

A couple years ago, I would have told you round five is the best round to get your quarterback, and it’s still a very good round if you don’t buy the “get a QB early” that I am preaching. So if you haven’t drafted your quarterback yet, then do it right now. Otherwise it’s another wide receiver or running back that you are looking for.

Moving to round six…

I would grab another top receiver at this point. Julio Jones (probably will be gone), Michael Crabtree (looking so solid) and Antonio Brown should all be available.

So now you have a team like Aaron Rodgers, Roddy White, Dwayne Bowe, BenJarvus Green-Ellis, Antonio Brown and Marshawn Lynch, which I would argue is a great core group of players.

The only area that would look a little weak is RB, but you would trade out Aaron Rodgers for a Chris Johnson and a BenJarvus Green-Ellis for a Eli Manning.

It really depends on the type of team you want. I personally will lean towards the stronger QB, but I see no problem with leaning towards a strong RB.

Moving to round seven…

I would go after a tight end at this point (if you didn't go after Gronk or Graham), if a top tight end is available (Fred Davis is a nice target). Otherwise I would snag a running back here. So if an OK tight end is there and a solid back is there, then go running back and snag the tight end in round eight. Let’s assume you get your tight end here, and I would bet you could get a player like Fred Davis or Vernon Davis.

Moving to round eight…

If you got a tight end in round seven, then it’s time to get your backup running back here. There will be many options, so get the best available at this point, according to your draft guide.

Moving to round nine…

It’s backup quarterback time, and I wouldn’t wait too long for a backup, as you need to be ready for the bye week. So don’t draft a quarterback with same bye week as your starter. Make sure you mark down the bye weeks in your draft guide.

Round 10 and beyond…

Do not draft a kicker until the last round, as there is not enough range in scoring among kickers to warrant a pick other than the last pick of your draft. Don’t wait too much longer for your main defense, but make sure you are able to snag some sleepers in the later rounds. See my other articles for solid sleepers who are available.

Last point of drafting in 2012…

Invest time in research, reading and supporting your favorite sites. There are many sites out there that work very hard to give you solid (free) content all year, and your support helps the site to grow. Word of mouth, rating their articles, comments on articles and purchasing something from the site (my site sells a draft guide) help.

I would absolutely recommend you have some sort of draft guide when you go into your draft, as it will make a world of difference.

Kyle Terada - US PRESSWIRE

2012 Fantasy Football Tight End Rankings: Who to Target?

2012-05-22T17:02:00.000-04:00

Geoff Burke - US PRESSWIRE

Keeping in the theme of who to target in 2012 let's turn our targets to the top tight ends to nab in your 2012 fantasy football drafts.

Looking at the no brainer club: Jimmy Graham (TE, NO) and Rob Gronkowski (TE, NE)

In no particular order here are the tight ends to target:

Fred Davis (TE, WAS) - Fred Davis is a gifted athlete and I have no doubt that the new QB RGIII will be targeting Davis like a madman. I don't doubt Davis to find nearly 1,000 yards and 5 TD's in 2012. He is going to be a weekly starter on your team if you don't snag one of the no brainers.

Brent Celek (TE, PHI) - Brent Celek has all the potential in the world to put up solid weekly fantasy options. He can be boom or bust in some leagues so good to have a back-up and play the matchups with Celek as your TE.

Vernon Davis (TE, SF) - Vernon Davis is always good for 750+ yards and 5+ TDs. He is a safe pick in 2012.

Jacob Tamme (TE, DEN) - Peyton Manning loves to throw to his TE and the only receiver on the team that he has past experience with is Tamme. I love Tamme's upside and he can be drafted late in your 2012 drafts.

Martellus Bennett (TE, NYG) - I have to believe Bennett will be the starter in 2012 due to injuries in New York. If he starts every game this year I would predict 750+ yards and 5+ TD's for a TE that you can have in the last rounds of your draft.

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The Star Ledger - US PRESSWIRE

2012 Fantasy Football Rankings Running Backs: Who to Target?

2012-05-15T14:05:00.000-04:00

In keeping with the theme from last weeks article let's turn our attention to the running backs you should target in 2012. Again let's start out with the "no-brainer" picks then we will move into who to target in the top 25 and then the bottom 25.

No brainer picks: Arian Foster, Ray Rice, and LeSean McCoy

Running backs to target in the top 25 running backs:

Chris Johnson (RB, TEN) - I finally think Chris Johnson has his head in the game. He finds a way to get 1,000 yards every season on the ground and over 500 yards receiving. This year he finds the end-zone more often and makes fantasy owners quite proud of themselves to having grabbed Johnson in their drafts.

Ahmad Bradshaw (RB, NYG) - PPR league owners dream running back. He is a poor mans LeSean McCoy but he still has a place on my weekly starting line-up. The thing you must beware of if you draft him is that he is potentially injury prone. You must draft David Wilson (rookie running back) if you draft Bradshaw for 2012.

Trent Richardson (RB, CLE) - Richardson is going to be a workhorse in 2012. Cleveland is going to running Richardson like crazy and I for one would be happy to gamble on Richardson. If he doesn't get the yards I am sure he will find the end-zone; I expect nearly double digit TD's in 2012.

Demarco Murray (RB, DAL) - coming off his injury from last year. Murray is going to explode in 2012, but you have to draft Felix Jones as his back-up as he is in the same position as Ahmad Bradshaw.

Running backs to target in the bottom 25 running backs:

Doug Martin (RB, TB) - Blount says he wants to be Tampa Bay's every down running back and will be stealing carries from Doug Martin in 2012. Doug Martin may go early in drafts this year due to his upside, but if he falls into later rounds to to flying under the radar then feel free to draft him. The key is not to draft Martin too early.

BenJarvus Green-Ellis (RB, CIN) - major sleeper in 2012 as he will be a three down back in Cinn. I also expect him to find the end-zone at least seven times in 2012. I love this later round pick.

Isaac Redman (RB, PIT) - Look who just became the starting running back in Pitt. He could be in line for some major work and he has the weight to throw around. He will fall to later rounds and with his upside he is worth rostering for his upside and bye-week/injury spot starting.

Need assistance drafting in 2012? Check out the Hatty Waiver Wire Guru Draft Guide for 2012

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Matthew Emmons - US PRESSWIRE

2012 Fantasy Football Rankings Wide Receivers: Who to Target?

2012-05-08T09:33:00.000-04:00

Matthew Emmons - US PRESSWIRE

Sometimes when you are drafting it is better to take a player who is ranked a bit lower overall because of the upside or reliability at the position. There are obvious "no-brainer" picks that should be selected.

Let's start with wide receivers that I will be targeting in my drafts for the 2012 season.

No-brainer selections (in no particular order): Calvin Johnson, Larry Fitzgerald, and Roddy White

Wide receivers to target in the top 25 WR's (in no particular order):

AJ Green (WR, CIN) - need reassurance? In his rookie year he posted 1,000+ yards and 7 TDs while missing some games due to injury. He should stay healthy this year and have no problem posting 1,000+ yards and near double digit TD's. I love this pick in dynasty leagues and redraft leagues. He is a top target for 2012.

Jordy Nelson (WR, GB) - Greg Jennings is coming off a major injury and Nelson showed that he is a reliable fantasy option every week. He will not have as many TD's as last year but he is an easy fantasy player to produce 1,000+ yards and double digit TDs.

Hakeem Nicks (WR, NYG) - If Nicks can stay healthy for the entire year he will have 1,000+ yards and near double digit touchdowns. Nicks is an amazing athlete and is easy to draft in 2012.

Yes, there are a number of other players to target in the top 25, but these are some selections to strongly consider in 2012.

Wide receivers to target in the bottom WR's (in no particular order):

Torrey Smith (WR, BAL) - He showed what he is capable of at WR last year, becoming Flacco's long range target. He had over 750+ yards and 7 TD's in 2012. He is going to have a huge sophomore year. I would not doubt that he posts 1,000+ yards and nearly double digit TD's and he can be drafted much later in your fantasy drafts.

Eric Decker (WR, DEN) - If he can post 8 TD's with Tim Tebow how many more TD's will he have with Peyton Manning? If you are in a TD only league and looking for a later round pick, then give Decker a chance and expect him to put up nearly double digit TD's while staying healthy all year.

Antonio Brown (WR, PIT) - Brown is a PPR league owners WR to draft in the later rounds of your draft. He has explosive after the catch ability and don't be surprised if he outproduces Wallace in PPR leagues. His downside is that he doesn't find the end-zone as much as I would like.

Again there are other WR's to target in the bottom, but these are three to target.

Need assistance with your 2012 Fantasy Football Drafts? Check out the Hatty Waiver Wire Guru Draft Guide

Questions? Facebook or Google+

Dale Zanine - US PRESSWIRE

2012 Rankings for Fantasy Football NFL Rookies

2012-05-01T11:38:00.000-04:00

Andrew Weber - US PRESSWIRE

Going into 2012 one has to gauge how the rookies will impact rankings. Obviously rookies get a bump up in rankings if you play in a dynasty league. As far as the rankings go below I am going to take the approach of what rookies will have an immediate impact in 2012 and players you should be targeting in your 2012 Drafts. I am going to start with our top picks for QB's, RB's, and WR's.

QB Rankings

1) Robert Griffin (QB, WAS) - If I were Indy I would have selected Griffin over Luck, but there is a good argument that Luck has a better head on his shoulders and from a long term perspective could do better than Griffin. In some cases this argument is a coin flip, but I am certain that Griffin will outperform Luck in 2012. Griffin has the ability to be a top 15 overall QB in 2012. Solid selection as a back-up QB in your leagues for 2012.

2) Andrew Luck (QB, IND) - Indy needed a QB and elected for a QB that can grow with the franchise. In 2012 I only foresee Luck going through some growing pains. He does have a veteran WR target in Reggie Wayne who can help him to develop. Overall I don't see Luck cracking into the top 15 QB's for 2012 but he would be a fine bye week filler or injury spot starter for 2012.

3) Brandon Weeden (QB, CLE) - Weeden will be a starting QB in 2012 if he can hold Colt McCoy off from starting. It is all but certain that he will be the starter in week one of the season, but you have to take a wait and see approach. In most leagues Weeden will be on the waiver wire and in dynasty leagues he will be stashed into a "practice squad" type position. Keep an eye on him for 2012.

RB Rankings

1) Trent Richardson (RB, CLE) - One of the most talented RB's to be drafted in a number of years. He is an instant starter in Cleveland and will be handed a considerable workload for his rookie season. He has upside to be a top 10 RB in 2012, but from a level-headed assessment it is fair to say he will be a top 20 RB in 2012 with upside in following years for dynasty owners. Draft with confidence here and hope for solid upside in 2012. My favorite rookie to target in 2012.

2) Doug Martin (RB, TB) - Tampa Bay is ready for a new RB and Doug Martin is my sleeper RB for 2012. He has very little competition to become the starting RB in Tampa Bay and has awesome hands for you PPR league players. Due to his ability to catch Martin becomes a favorite of mine for 2012 production among rookies. From a dynasty perspective he should develop and become a solid asset in Tampa.

3) David Wilson (RB, NYG) - If Bradshaw can stay healthy then Wilson won't produce too much in 2012, but if you take an approach that Bradshaw is very likely to miss games in 2012 due to injury then you have a sneaky RB selection and a rookie with the ability to produce in 2012.

WR Rankings

1) Justin Blackmon (WR, JAX) - Clearly didn't find a team that has a great QB, but he is an immediate starter in Jacksonville and has opportunity to produce in 2012. Can he be this years AJ Green? I honestly believe he won't put up AJ Green numbers from last year, but he should find 750+ yards and 5 TD's in 2012.

2) Michael Floyd (WR, ARZ) - Super talented WR, but playing behind Andre Roberts and Larry Fitzgerald. I don't think his 2012 production will be too solid but looking from a long term perspective Floyd has a ton of potential. Take a long term approach with a Floyd pick.

3) Kendall Wright (WR, TEN) - Kendall Wright is a sneaky pick for production in 2012. He should start in 2012 and it wouldn't be surprising to see 500+ yards and 4 TDs in 2012 which make him a bye week filler and injury spot starter.

Overall Rankings for the 2012 Season

1) Trent Richardson - easy selection for 2012 and will be the top fantasy producer among rookies.

2) Doug Martin - looking for the PPR upside in his overall yards. Should be over 750+ yards and 5 TD's

3) Justin Blackmon - very close to putting him ahead of Doug Martin, but the Jacksonville QB situation keeps him at #3 overall for 2012.

4) Robert Griffin - I know many of you are puzzled by him being #4, but keep in mind that I have him around #15 overall as QB, so Griffin should be your back-up QB from a redraft perspective. If you look at him from a dynasty perspective he is #2.

5) Andrew Luck - Again, he falls into the same situation as Griffin, Luck is a back-up QB at best in 2012.

6) Michael Floyd - Floyd and Wright will be neck and neck with 500+ yards and 4 TD's.

7) Kendall Wright - Same type of production as Floyd

8) David Wilson - Has tons of upside if Bradshaw becomes injured otherwise he will be on your bench.

Overall Rankings for Dynasty

1) Trent Richardson - no doubt that he is the most talented among the rookies and in a situation where he is able to produce fantasy points.

2) Robert Griffin - the upside potential for Griffin could put him into top 10 QB's in the NFL, but give him a year or two.

3) Andrew Luck - has the long term potential to be one of the best QB's in the NFL, but he will need some time.

4) Justin Blackmon - if Jacksonville could just land a solid QB, which will happen in the future.

5) Doug Martin - PPR RB of the future. Think Ray Rice, but not for a while.

6) Michael Floyd - He needs to be a WR1 or WR2 on a team before we see solid weekly production.

7) Kendall Wright - If he gels well in Tennessee he will shoot up this list.

8) David Wilson - Until we see an injury he stays low on the list.

Looking for assistance with your 2012 Fantasy Football Draft? Check out the Hatty Waiver Wire Guru Draft Guide

Have a question? Go to Facebook or Google+

Paul Frederikson - US PRESSWIRE

2012 Fantasy Football Peyton Manning: Draftable?

2012-04-25T15:48:00.000-04:00

Ron Chenoy/US PRESSWIRE

Many people are frustrated with Peyton Manning since he wasn't worth anything in fantasy football leagues in 2011. Many people used an early round draft pick hoping Peyton Manning would carry them to fantasy football championships and got burned. People will remember that going into the 2012 fantasy football drafts.

Well, 2012 is not 2011 and Peyton Manning is now on the Denver Broncos; he wants to show Indy that they made a huge mistake sending him away. Peyton Manning had his choice of many teams to play for, but ultimately choose to play for Denver in 2012.

You can expect Eric Decker and Demaryious Thomas value to go way up in 2012 and both of those WR's should be on your radar of WR's to own.

I wouldn't doubt that Manning can produce a 3,500+ yard, 25+ TD's this season at a minimum. I would be surprised if Manning is NOT a top 10 QB for 2012. He is not in my top 5 QB's for 2012, but I do think he is going to slip into later rounds of the draft. Most drafts he will be selected in the 2nd round and at the latest 5th round of the draft.

If you decide to pass on taking a top QB in the first round and elect to wait out until rounds three through five to draft a QB then Manning needs to be on your radar. He is a bit of a risk, but the reward is very nice.

As well as Eli Manning did last year Peyton is the Manning to draft for 2012.

Need help drafting for 2012? Consider 2012 Hatty Waiver Wire Guru Draft Guide.

Have a question? Feel free to post on our Facebook or Google+ page.

Ron Chenoy/US PRESSWIRE

2012 Fantasy Football: The Case for a QB in Round One

2012-02-24T13:47:00.001-05:00

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Are you already thinking about your fantasy football draft for 2012? Well I am, and I am more convinced then ever that if I don't have a top pick in the first round then I am going to snag a solid QB in the first round. People who have attended sports management colleges know how important it is to have a solid QB early on in the season.
There are two huddles of QB scoring to consider; the first huddle include (Aaron Rodgers, Drew Brees, Cam Newton, Tom Brady and Matthew Stafford). The second huddle includes QB's such as (Eli Manning, Tony Romo, Matt Ryan, Michael Vick, and Phillip Rivers).

The difference in scoring from the first huddle and the second huddle are significant enough to be a season difference maker.

I have always advocated for selecting your QB in the fifth round and if you aren't getting a QB from the first huddle then you might as well wait until the fifth round.

I am personally targeting Aaron Rodgers, but if I don't get Aaron Rodgers in the first round I am still going for a QB in the first round. Last year if I didn't get Aaron Rodgers and I waited until the fifth round for a QB and it bit me a little. Although I either had Aaron Rodgers or Eli Manning if I waited until round five. I have Eli Manning being the top QB of the second huddle as a side note.

Going into 2012 it is strongly recommend you make sure your team includes a QB from the first huddle.

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2012 Fantasy Football Draft Guide

2012-02-07T21:46:00.000-05:00

Access the 2012 Guide: Click this Link

My 2012 Draft Guide is ready for purchase. It is $5 and will be updated and expanded upon in real-time during the off-season (up until the first game of the regular season).

I take a lot of pride in this Draft Guide and consider it to be the most up-to-date, detailed, and accurate Draft Guide anywhere.

Features:
- NEW 2011 stats for offensive players and defensive players
- 500+ players ranked
- Updated in real-time
- Rankings for all positions (QB, RB, WR, TE, K, Defense)
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- Top 150 Rankings List for Offense and IDP
- Sleeper List for Offense and IDP
- Full email support and email advice

Thanks for taking the time to look at what I have to offer. If you would like to purchase this draft guide, please look below for additional details.

Also, as the pre-season wears on I will be adding more and more detailed player descriptions.

STEP 1 :
To purchase a guide you must click the "Buy Now" button below or contact me via email: hattywaiverwireguru@hattywaiverwireguru.com

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Again, thank you for choosing Hatty Waiver Wire Guru to assist you with your 2012 Fantasy Football Draft. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me .

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2011 Fantasy Football Playoff Rankings Super Bowl

2012-01-24T08:52:00.001-05:00

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Rankings are updated in real-time so check back frequently

Quarterback Rankings

Running-Back Rankings

Wide-Receiver Rankings

Tight-End Rankings

Kicker Rankings

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2011 Fantasy Football Playoff Rankings Conference Championships

2012-01-17T09:10:00.002-05:00

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Rankings are updated in real-time so check back frequently

Quarterback Rankings

Running-Back Rankings

Wide-Receiver Rankings

Tight-End Rankings

Kicker Rankings

Defensive Team Rankings

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2011 Fantasy Football Divisional Playoff Rankings

2012-01-10T11:01:00.002-05:00

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Rankings are updated in real-time so check back frequently

Quarterback Rankings

Running-Back Rankings

Wide-Receiver Rankings

Tight-End Rankings

Kicker Rankings

Defensive Team Rankings

Sleepers

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Early 2012 Fantasy Football Rankings

2012-01-05T15:36:00.001-05:00

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Early 2012 Fantasy Football Rankings

Kevin English is a blog contributor for Gold Star Games, a one-stop-shop for tailgate gear and much more.

I know, it’s early January. We’ve yet to even get into the Wild Card action that’s on tap this weekend. There are plenty of enticing matchups, as usual. In fact, I think all 4 games minus Pittsburgh vs. Denver will be decided by 7 points or less. But that’s not the topic at hand today.

Unless you’re in a postseason fantasy league, you’re fantasy fix for the 2011-2012 season has run out. And if you’re a fantasy football nut like me, you know it’s never too early to look forward to next season.

Below, I’ll take a look at the top-10 options at quarterback, running back, wide receiver and tight end for 2012 fantasy football drafts…

Note: Rankings are for non-PPR formats

Quarterback

1. Aaron Rodgers

2. Drew Brees

3. Tom Brady

4. Cam Newton

5. Matt Stafford

6. Philip Rivers

7. Michael Vick

8. Ben Roethlisberger

9. Eli Manning

10. Matt Ryan

Honorable mention: Peyton Manning, Tony Romo, Joe Flacco, Josh Freeman

-I wouldn’t try and over-think things at the top. Rodgers and Brees are slam dunk picks at 1 and 2, as two of the game’s best passers, playing on two of the game’s best offenses. Both guys have finished in the top-5 every year since 2008…Brady isn’t far behind, still in his prime at 34 with 3 dynamic weapons...Newton excelled in his rookie year, and there’s no reason to believe his sophomore season will be a flop. Steve Smith will return for another season and he showed he has plenty left in the tank with a 17.6 YPC average in 2011. What’ll be most difficult for Cam is putting up another 14 rushing scores…With Stafford, it’s all about staying healthy. He finally put up the eye-popping numbers many believed he was capable of and it was because he finally avoided a serious injury. Calvin Johnson – with his 96-1,681-16 line – had something to do with it too. Jahvid Best – health permitting – will give him another dynamic target next season…Rivers was a puzzling guy to watch this season. But it’s hard not to love him next year, assuming Vincent Jackson – a free agent – returns. Remember, before 2011, Rivers finished among the top-5 fantasy signal callers in 2 of the past 3 seasons…Vick could be without DeSean Jackson next season and remains an injury risk. To me, his arrow is pointing downward, but rushing scores will support him in fantasy…Big Big has two dynamic pass catchers in Mike Wallace and Antonio Brown, and another one emerging in Emmanuel Sanders…Manning and Matty Ice are in similarly fantasy-friendly situations. Who would you take, Roddy White and Julio Jones, or Hakeem Nicks and Victor Cruz? Talk about a win-win.

Running Back

1. Ray Rice

2. Arian Foster

3. LeSean McCoy

4. Chris Johnson

5. Marshawn Lynch

6. Jamaal Charles

7. Ryan Mathews

8. Darren McFadden

9. Matt Forte

10. Maurice Jones-Drew

Honorable mention: Ahmad Bradshaw, Beanie Wells, Michael Turner, Frank Gore

Rice’s involvement in the passing game gives him a huge boost in fantasy leagues. Only Darren Sproles’ 86 receptions bested his 76 this season. Oh, and he also set a career-high with 1,364 rushing yards…Foster played in 13 games this season, yet managed 12 total TDs, nearly 2,000 total yards and a top-5 fantasy finish. He’ll be in line for another monster workload in 2012…McCoy’s slight build scares me from an injury standpoint, but when you watch him play, you notice he doesn’t take many shots. He’ll be in high demand over the summer… I’m not ready to give up on CJ2K. With a fresh offseason to get in shape, I think he returns to his 2010 form…Beast Mode is for real. He finished 5^th this season among RBs in 15 games. A lack of involvement in the passing game caps his upside, though…Don’t sleep on Charles, who tore his ACL just 2 weeks into the regular season. He should be 100% by the preseason…Mathews broke out this season, performing at an elite level for fantasy owners despite sharing time with Mike Tolbert. His injury history is troublesome, but the sky-high upside is undeniable…McFadden’s season ended on a sour note, but he’s arguably the most dynamic RB in the league when healthy. The foot injury figures to be a thing of the past come September…Ditto for Forte’s bum knee. In fact, he’s pushing to play in the Pro Bowl. If Chicago retains him, he’ll be in store for that 300+ touch workload fantasy owners want…Sure, MJD finished 3^rd in standard league scoring this year, but the wheels are due to fall off any time now. He’s averaged an insane 361.3 touches over the last 3 years, and is coming off a career high 386 touches. He’s too much of an injury risk for my liking.

Wide Receiver

1. Calvin Johnson

2. Andre Johnson

3. Larry Fitzgerald

4. Greg Jennings

5. Victor Cruz

6. Wes Welker

7. Steve Smith

8. Roddy White

9. Antonio Brown

10. Julio Jones

Honorable mention: Kenny Britt, Marques Colston, A.J Green, Hakeem Nicks

It’s Johnson and Johnson at the top. Calvin and Matt Stafford are an unstoppable duo, while Andre will welcome the return of Matt Schaub…Still in his prime, Fitz has shown an ability to produce top-notch numbers without top-notch QB play…Jennings is an elite talent, with an elite QB throwing him the ball. The only argument against him is that Rodgers likes to spread the ball around. It’s a pretty weak argument, considering he finished 18^th among WRs in just 13 games – with a healthy 93 targets… Cruz’s emergence is for real. And with an elite talent in Hakeem Nicks deflecting defensive attention, he’ll be a fantasy force again next season…You know what you’re gonna get with Welker by now. He’s notched 110+ catches and 1,100+ yards in 4 of his 5 seasons with New England…Smith’s chemistry with Cam Newton will only grow stronger, and Smith’s age (32) isn’t worrisome to me…Roddy benefited from the emergence of Julio Jones, posting his second 100+ catch season along with 1,296 yards and 8 TDs. I see the Falcons leaning even more on Matt Ryan’s right arm in 2012…Brown out-targeted Mike Wallace by a slim margin (113 to 108) but didn’t truly emerge until mid-season. I think he overtakes Wallace as Pittsburgh’s most productive pass catcher…Julio finished as the WR17 this season, despite playing in just 12 games. Playing alongside Roddy and Matt Ryan, the upside is undeniable.

Tight End

1. Jimmy Graham

2. Rob Gronkowski

3. Jermichael Finley

4. Antonio Gates

5. Aaron Hernandez

6. Jared Cook

7. Jason Witten

8. Tony Gonzalez

9. Fred Davis

10. Vernon Davis

Honorable mention: Owen Daniels, Brandon Pettigrew, Brent Celek, Jermaine Gresham

Consider Graham and Gronk as 1A and 1B. The only thing stopping them from another lights out year is an injury…I’ve always been amazed by Finley’s athletic ability. I think he becomes more consistent as he enters his prime years…It won’t be long before Gates is no longer among the elite TEs. But I think he enjoys one more season in top-5 territory. Playing through a foot injury and Philip Rivers’ struggles, he still managed to finish 7^th among TEs – in just 12 games...Don’t think two New England TEs can finish in the top-5? The Pats finished 2011 with two top-3 fantasy TEs (Gronk 1, Hernandez 3). Hernandez, just 22-years-old, improved each week in 2011… Cook is one of my favorite breakout picks for 2012. He’s always had the size (6’5, 250) and speed to be a seam stretcher, and now he’s got the experience under his belt. The 3-year pro caught fire down the stretch with 21 grabs, 335 yards and 1 TD over the last 3 games…Witten’s a tough guy to get excited about, but he’s a model of consistency with 7 consecutive top-10 fantasy finishes dating back to 2005…Gonzalez signed an extension last month, so he’ll remain in Atlanta for another season. While they’ve moved to a pass orientated offense, an over-the-hill Gonzo will be a poor bet to repeat his surprising 80-875-7 line…As a free agent Davis might not return to Washington next season. If he does, he’ll be slated to take over full-time TE duties with Chris Cooley likely on the outs because of his contract situation…VD finished 8^th among TEs this season, and will continue to have limited opportunities in San Francisco’s run-first offense.

Enjoy the playoffs, and good luck to those of you playing in postseason fantasy leagues!

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2011 Fantasy Football Playoff Rankings Wild Card

2012-01-02T20:42:00.000-05:00

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Fantasy Football Sites to Checkout Before Sunday's Games

2011-12-28T13:17:00.001-05:00

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Every week before you set your line-up there are a number of articles and sites to check out to better equip you for the win.

I will have links here for your Week 17 games and also for Playoff Challenges.

The first article I would recommend you read is an article about the Playoff Challenges coming up next week. Fantasy Knuckleheads has a solid read: http://fantasyknuckleheads.com/week-17-fantasy-playoffs-special-strategies-you-should-consider/

Junkyard Jake's match-up article is always a great place to go for your Week 17 line-ups. I really like how RC uses stars to rank the players. http://www.junkyardjake.com/Matchup/

Chet's thefakefootball.com has a really nice article on defenses to exploit and some player recommendations: http://thefakefootball.com/2011/12/27/defenses-against-running-backs-week-17/

Ryan at lesterslegends.com has some solid rankings. Let's start with his WR rankings: http://lesterslegends.com/2011-fantasy-football-wr-rankings-week-17/ but you can find more rankings on his site.

You also need to go and join a Playoff Challenge league. I have a free one going on and the winner gets a draft guide for next year: http://www.hattywaiverwireguru.com/2011/12/hatty-waiver-wire-guru-nfl-playoff.html

Good luck! I will have Playoff weekly rankings for you.

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2011 Fantasy Football Week 17 Waiver Wire

2011-12-27T14:16:00.004-05:00

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In 2012 I will not be doing videos. I have found that articles tend to get much more traction and people can more easily access them at work, on the go, and via mobile as videos take up a ton of bandwidth. Article Writing Services knows how important articles are for websites.

I am going to break down the key positions for Week 17 and who I recommend you grab, watch, and use as a spot starter.

Grabs = players you should absolutely add to your team
Watch = these are players that I am keeping an eye on but not necessarily pick-up
Spot Starters = players that can be used to fill the gap for injuries or under performing players. When your first grabs are seeing graduates of sports medicine schools more frequently than they are seeing action on the field, spot starters fill in the gap.

Quarterbacks:

Grab: none this week

Watch:

Dan Orlovsky (QB, IND) - Dan Orlovsky has been playing rather well every week and if your current QB isn't cutting the mustard then you can gamble on Orlovsky. I would bet he puts up 200+ yards and 2 TD's with a couple interceptions this week.

Spot Starter:

Matt Moore (QB, MIA) - Matt Moore has been playing very well, but keep in mind this last week he drew the New England pass defense, which is not all that great. So, I am not sure we will see another performance like that in Week 17, but if you current QB isn't putting up the points you need and the waiver wire is where you must turn then look to Moore this week.

Running backs:

Grab:

Toby Gerhart (RB, MIN) - Toby is a must add for all leagues as Adrian Peterson is now done for a while with an ACL and MCL tear. I am not even sure we will see AP at the beginning of the 2012 season so Toby becomes a dynasty league add this week even if you are not in the playoff hunt.

Kahlil Bell (RB, CHI) - one of the only bright spots in Chicago these days, but Bell put up great numbers in Week 16 and I don't expect that trend to stop with Week 17. I would add him in all leagues and in PPR leagues he is a monster.

Watch:

Evan Royster (RB, WAS) - very sneaky last minute play last week and he produced rather well with Helu out. The issue is we may not see Royster in Week 17 if Helu returns. If Helu is out again I do think we will see heavy use of Royster again in Week 17. He is a gamble but he is available in most leagues.

Sammy Morris (RB, DAL) - If Felix is out this week, which I doubt he will be then Morris should draw the start. He has injury issues but is a big back that can produce and is also a fine PPR play in Week 17, but only if Jones is out.

Spot Starter: none this week

Wide Receivers:

Grab: none this week

Watch:

Roy Williams (WR, CHI) - Roy is a bit of a sneaky play in Week 17 due to Chicago most likely playing from behind the entire game. McCown will need a target and Roy was able to get a number of catches in Week 16. Roy is a solid PPR start and I don't see him having trouble getting 5+ catches and 50+ yards with a potential TD.

Spot Starter:

Torrey Smith (WR, BAL) - Torrey is the WR1 in Baltimore for Week 17. The issue is Baltimore is going up against a tough defense in Cincy. My hope is that he catches a long bomb of 50+ yards for a TD and if your league rewards long TD catches then Smith could be a nice spot starter.

James Jones (WR, GB) - Jones had 2 TD catches in Week 16. My issue here is Matt Flynn maybe be the starter in Week 17 and Green Bay starts to rest starters. Jones doesn't really qualify as someone I think Green Bay will sit and in fact I think Green Bay would want to keep Jones in to get more reps. Jones is a sneaky Week 17 play.

Brandon LaFell (WR, CAR) - LaFell is now the starter opposite Steve Smith and he is a huge target with after the catch ability. Cam Newton makes all Carolina WR's players you want to pay attention to from now on. LaFell is also someone for dynasty league owners to pay attention to as well.

Andre Roberts (WR, ARZ) - Arizona has no hopes for a playoff spot in 2011, but Andre should still be a fine spot starter for Week 17 and typically is good for around 5 catches with TD upside.

Tight Ends:

Grab: none this week

Watch: none this week

Spot Starter:

Jared Cook (TE, TEN) - I have been talking about this guy every week and over the last couple weeks he is getting the job done. I don't see another 100+ yard game this week but I do see him getting in the end-zone.

Brent Celek (TE, PHI ) - another player I have been consistently talking about every week. Vick has confidence in Celek and he should put up 4+ catches 50+ yards and potentially a TD in Week 17.

Any questions? Go to facebook.com/hattywaiverwireguru and I will be sure to answer them.

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2011 Fantasy Football Rankings Week 17

2011-12-27T11:06:00.000-05:00

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Links to Check out Before Saturday's Games

2011-12-24T09:25:00.001-05:00

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Every week I strive to find solid links to check out before the game today. Good luck to everyone in your playoffs today.

Don't worry fantasy football is not over. First link to check out is my NFL.com playoff league. Winner is going to receive a 2012 Fantasy Football Draft Guide from Hatty Waiver Wire Guru. Link

Rotoworld does a pretty good job with their weekly rankings. Only issue is that it's not up to date in real-time so you will see players like Anquan Boldin on the list who is out for the rest of the season.

RC at junkyardjake.com has solid rankings that are worth considering before setting your final line-up today.

Chet started thefakefootball.com and has some solid reads to help pass the time before the first kick-off.

Rankings from fantasyknuckleheads.com would be another place to double check and make sure you have the right guys in for today's games.

Good luck in Week 16. Go to facebook.com/hattywaiverwireguru or my Google+ page to ask me questions.

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Hatty Waiver Wire Guru NFL Playoff Challenge

2011-12-23T13:02:00.000-05:00

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Every year I participate in the NFL.com playoff challenge. I am planning on giving the winner of the Hatty Waiver Wire Guru league a free 2012 Draft Guide from Hatty Waiver Wire Guru.

The good news is that it is completely free to play in the league and signing up is super easy. I am not making any money from this, it's just a simple way for me to compete with everyone who reads my site.

Here is the link: http://challengegames.nfl.com/playoffchallenge/leagues/9841?icampaign=PC_LM_email_invite

I am looking forward to playing!

Hatty

2011 Fantasy Football Deep Sleepers Week 16

2011-12-22T10:17:00.001-05:00

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Every week I do a bit of extra digging to find deep sleepers to fill in holes in my line-up. Last week Donald Driver helped me out filling in for Greg Jennings with a TD pass and Kahlil Bell filled a RB gap as well. It's deep sleepers like this that separate the good and great teams.

Kahlil Bell (RB, CHI) Kahlil Bell tore it up last week like I said he would and I don't doubt that we are in for round two. McCown who will be piloting the Bears will dump off all day to Bell and I expect him to be a PPR monster this week. There is always a bust factor here if Bears go back to Barber, which they may, so keep that in mind if you decide to start Bell this week.

Sammy Morris (RB, DAL) Felix Jones is officially "making me nervous" and I could see Jones missing this week. If that is the case then Morris is the feature back in Dallas and can be counted on to fill any holes in your line-up for Week 16.

Randall Cobb (WR, GB) Randall Cobb is getting his opportunity to show what he can do with Greg Jennings out. I believe we will see a solid performance from Cobb this week. Keep in mind Driver and Nelson will be Rodgers top targets but there will be enough leftovers for Cobb to make a solid dent this week.

Jabaar Gaffney (WR, WAS) Mr. Gaffney will perform yet again this week and I fully expect him to be a solid PPR league start with TD upside.

Brent Celek (TE, PHI) Did I not tell you about Celek last week? Can lighting strike twice in a row? Well he won't do as well as he did last week but I am expecting 4 catches for 50 yards and TD upside.

TJ Yates (QB, HOU) Yates draws the Colts this week and I wouldn't doubt that he puts up 200 yards and two TDs along with an interception or two of course.

Rex Grossman (QB, WAS) Rex Grossman is a boom or bust pick this week, but has a nice match-up and should be good for 200 yards and two TD's with interceptions too.

Lance Ball (RB, DEN) If McGahee happens to miss the game this week then Ball will put up very solid numbers. I wouldn't start him if McGahee plays, but Ball is a stashable player that you should look towards if McGahee is out.

Darrius Heyward-Bey (WR, OAK) I will have you know that Oakland WR's drive me nuts. DHB could put up awesome numbers or he could totally wipe out. A healthy DHB should be a reliable fantasy starter if your WRs aren't performing.

OK, that should be enough players to fill gaps in your line-up and help you bring home a championship.

Questions, go to www.facebook.com/hattywaiverwireguru

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2011 Fantasy Football Rankings Week 16

2011-12-20T10:15:00.000-05:00

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2011 Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Pickups Week 16

2011-12-19T14:36:00.000-05:00

Hatty Waiver Wire Guru goes through the top picks at QB, RB, WR, and TE for Week 16 of the 2011 Fantasy Football Season.

Links to Checkout Before the Games

2011-12-16T13:21:00.002-05:00

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I always enjoy reading additional content around the net to see what other professional fantasy footballers have to say. Here are some of the links I recommend you visit as soon as you can for some additional insight:

RC at junkyardjake.com has some excellent rankings for Week 15, http://www.junkyardjake.com/Rankings/Season/ I would compare what he has to my rankings if you are having a hard time deciding who to start.

Do you use an RSS reader like Google Reader to keep up with websites? I highly recommend you keep up with sites this way so you stay up to date on what's going on. Another thing to do is check out Sara's site http://www.fflibrarian.com/ daily for other great links.

http://lesterslegends.com/ has excellent rankings and articles to review while deciding on your lineups.

Do you ever check out target reports? It can help you see what WR's are being most utilized from week to week. Check out Fantasy Knuckleheads for their target report: http://fantasyknuckleheads.com/week-15-target-report-laurent-robinson-still-valued/

How about some week 15 picks from the Hazean: http://thehazean.com/2011/12/15/the-backdoor-cover-week-15-nfl-picks-2/

I will be continuing Hatty Waiver Wire Guru into the playoffs and providing playoff rankings for those of you who compete in playoff challenges. I have back to back years on nfl.com playoff challenge where I was top 1000 overall.

2011 Fantasy Football Deep Sleepers Week 15

2011-12-14T10:55:00.000-05:00

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Everyone should be in there play-off hunt right now and with all the injuries in fantasy football now you better be looking for those deep sleeper fill-ins for week 15.

Most of these players should be available on waiver wires and all should be considered deep sleepers for week 15.

T.J. Yates (QB, HOU) - T.J. has been finding the end-zone and has a solid group of RB's around him to keep the ball moving down-field. 250 yards and 2 TD's is a fairly safe estimate for week 15.

Jake Locker (QB, TEN) - available in most leagues and with Matt Hasselbeck most likely out for week 15 and the Titans going up against Indy make Jake a super deep sleeper for solid production.

Donald Driver/James Jones (WR, GB) - Donald Driver is the one to own here with Jennings out. I realize Driver is not as deep a sleeper and may not be available but James Jones should be out there on waiver wires and has tons of upside with Jennings out. Green Bay will be sure to utilize both of these WR's and I see them each good for three to six catches in week 15 with touchdown potential.

Andre Roberts (WR, ARZ) - Andre sees single man coverage for most of the game and is always capable of lighting up fantasy numbers. He can get many catches and also has touchdown potential.

Keiland Williams (RB, DET) - both Maurice Morris and Kevin Smith have to be out for Keiland to make any sense at starting. He will have minimal production if either of those backs start but if he gets the start he is a solid PPR RB fill-in.

Kahlil Bell (RB, CHI) - I like Bell in PPR formats due to his potential to get dump-off passes from Hanie. Bell had five catches last week and I look for that trend to continue. I am seeing total yards at 50 with 3 catches at a minimum.

Questions? Find me on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/hattywaiverwireguru

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2011 Fantasy Football Rankings Week 15

2011-12-13T09:48:00.000-05:00

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2011 Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Pickups Week 15

2011-12-12T13:42:00.000-05:00

Hatty Waiver Wire Guru goes through the top picks at QB, RB, WR, and TE for Week 15 of the 2011 Fantasy Football Season.