Tag:

CJ Spiller

Two Running Backs you want in Fantasy Football

by Andrew Goettman July 22, 2015

Joe Bielawa-FLICKR

We’re all looking to pitch that no-hitter in Fantasy Football. Undefeated season, win the championship and take home the prize.

But in reality you know that’s not going to happen. One week Aaron Rodgers is going to put up 5 points against a team like Buffalo and Jamaal Charles is going to leave midway through the second quarter while Odell Beckham Jr breaks off an 80-yard touchdown only to be called back by penalty. Yes this happens, and yes, it was to me last year. Your best bet is to put yourself into the highest viable position to win, and that’s with these two guys I think should be on your radar while drafting.

The first guy, CJ Anderson, will probably be a first rounder and depending on your position in the draft, you should be looking at him. What are two rules in life?

One: Peyton Manning‘s lead back is a scoring stud in Fantasy.

Two: Gary Kubiak‘s lead back is a scoring stud in Fantasy due to the Zone Scheme he runs.

Well this year the Broncos have both. The Kubiak kid is back on the Denver Broncos this time as Head Coach and he’s already running the Zone Blocking scheme, and we all know who’s behind Center; The Sheriff.

CJ Anderson put up a ridiculous stat line in the last 8 games. 849-yards on 179-attempts with 8 touchdowns giving him a 4.7-yards per carry average all due to teams not being able to stack the box against the Broncos’ Offense because of the aerial threat they possess. This guy could be a #1 Fantasy Running Back as well as leading the league in rushing and it wouldn’t surprise me one bit.

The second Running Back I’d like to point out is a well known, one hit wonder hopefully turning pro. CJ Spiller. (No, I didn’t realize both had the first name CJ until just now.) The biggest issue with Spiller is his health, but if healthy, looks like a bigger/stronger and just as fast 2009 Chris Johnson. (I’m noticing a trend with the C and the J in these RB’s as I write this.)

Spiller has always been on a bad offense. Being on Buffalo’s squad there isn’t much room to score, because.. well.. they don’t score much. Not having a good Quarterback means teams can stack 8 guys in the box and stuff the run. But no more! CJ finally inked his deal with the New Orleans Saints and has Drew Brees tossing the rock from the backfield, and much like with Manning, a defense can’t post up against the run if they’ve got an elite QB ready to deliver the long ball downfield. So let’s look at two main things:

1 – CJ Spiller will be Darren Sproles 2.0. That’s a fact, and get over it now. Sproles averaged 10-12 PPG in standard leagues and 14-16 PPG in PPR leagues while with the Saints. But CJ has one thing Sproles never did – the ability to pound the ball through the line and break off huge trips downfield.
2 – Last year Pierre Thomas and Travaris Cadet (who are both now gone) took in 90+ catches out of the backfield which are a CJ Spiller specialty. He’s known for coasting out of the backfield and floating around until he gets the dump ball only to churn downfield for 40 yards easily. With that shotgun oriented offense of the Saints, they spread the ball around a lot, meaning Mark Ingram won’t be in the game as much as Spiller.

Personally, getting CJ in the third round would be reaching, but if you’re in the back end of the fourth round searching for a RB, he had better be someone you’re ready to draft. Don’t miss on this guy and have your rival look like a genius for “risking a pick” on him.

Andrew Goettman is a Writer for Couch Rider Report. Follow us on twitter and like us on Facebook.

July 22, 2015 0 comment

Buffalo Bills Chicago Bears NFC North NFL

Chicago Bears: Week 1 Wrap-up

by Chris Kazmierczak September 8, 2014

written by Chris Kazmierczak

Jason Thomas – Flickr

This week’s season opening game against the Buffalo Bills looked like a surefire Chicago Bears victory for exactly one series on either side of the ball. The game started off looking great. First, the new Bears defense took the field and held the Bills to a 3 and out. The Bears offense then took to the field and we saw a short run by Matt Forte, then 3 consecutive passes to Brandon Marshall, Alshon Jeffery, and Martellus Bennett for a quick score. After that it was pretty much all downhill. Why? Well, let’s take a look at the rest of this match-up and see what the heck happened out there.

Decisions, Decisions: A fumble by Marshall and 2 interceptions by Jay Cutler sealed the Bears fate in this one. To give credit where it’s due, the Bills have a very good defense that should likely be in the top 5 this year. However, while the fumble was a solid strip that we probably won’t see on Marshall again, the 2 interceptions both boil down to bad decisions by Cutler. The first one was a pass to Bennett, who wasn’t turned and had coverage up top with former Bear Corey Graham coming underneath. Whether it was bad route running or poor decision making is debatable but the second pick thrown was not. Rolling out to buy himself space and time Cutler threw the ball to the short middle into a sea of white shirts, where it became the 1st career interception of defensive tackle Kyle Williams. This again looked like Cutler forcing the ball where there’s no play to be made. Forcing the ball, in this game resulted in 10 of the Bills regulation points, with Marshall’s fumble accounting for another 3. Turnovers win games and, without those poor choices and mistakes, the game ends differently.

Defense: The new defense was hit and miss during this game. The Bears defense made a couple 3 and out stops, and Chris Conte even came away with a crucial pick that kept the Bears in the game. However, more often than not they were susceptible to big passes and unable to stop the run. CJ Spiller, Fred Jackson, Anthony Dixon, and EJ Manuel gashed the defense for 193 yards on the ground. Big free agency acquisitions, Jared Allen and Lamarr Houston, were almost non-existent accounting for only 1 tackle each. The only two people who really stood out was Willie Young, who got the team’s sole sack and 2 of their 3 tackles for loss; as well as, Conte’s interception. Buffalo does not have a great offense, and to say they are average may even be a bit generous. It can’t be certain whether it is growing pains from the transition to Mel Tucker’s scheme, unit cohesion, or just being out matched. Whatever it is, Chicago has one week to figure it out because the San Fransisco 49er’s will be a much tougher group to stop, and things won’t get any easier as the year rolls on.

Got Your Back: With the Bills defense focused on Jeffery, Marshall, Bennett, and Santonio Holmes in the passing attack, it left an opening for another head of the Chicago hydra, Matt Forte. Forte ran for 82 yards and caught another 87 in short passes and screens for 169 of Chicago’s 427 total yards. He has 18 games with over 150 yards from scrimmage, second to Walter Payton in Bears history and Sunday was his 7th highest total in his career. Forte truly was the one, consistent high spot for them this Sunday. Chicago’s offense is predicated on passing early and often, as evidenced by 49 passing attempts to 18 rush attempts. However, adaptability is the key too success when it comes to ensuring the Chicago Bears offense can receive those passes. And if it is not getting done by the quarter back, then he should have the ability to change it up. A balanced attack of run and passes are crucial to keeping a defense off guard and with a player like Forte it would not be wise to keep him sitting in your backfield.

Bottom Line: Matt Forte was very good; however, the entire Defense did not do very well through out the game. If the Bears want to succeed and move a head then they need to have a bigger presence on the ground. Even though Cutler threw 341 yards, they stalled out on the drives when they favored the pass too frequently. The Bears defense needs to show up during the game. Allen and Houston were the big names that were expected to do well this season; however, they have not demonstrated talent yet. The same can be said for most of the defense, safeties Conte and Ryan Mundy. Finally, Marc Trestman needs to sit Cutler down and get him back to where he was a year ago. Jay was making pretty sound decisions with the ball last season, taking what the defense gave and not forcing it.

September 8, 2014 0 comment

Buffalo Bills Chicago Bears NFL

Chicago Bears: 2014 Kickoff, Week 1 Preview

by Chris Kazmierczak September 4, 2014

written by Chris Kazmierczak

John Martinez Pavliga – FlickrChicago Bears

Finally, it is week one of a new NFL season, where hopes are high and we who love the sport finally have something of substance to talk about. The pointless speculation and preseason prognostication can finally be laid to rest and actual competition and performance can take over. The season officially kicks off Thursday with the Green Bay Packers facing off against the Seattle Seahawks. However, for Chicago Bears‘ fans, we’ll be waiting for Sunday when the Bears host the Buffalo Bills. Here are some of the key elements to look for in the season opener:

Defensive Debut: The Bills should be a good first test for the new and improved Bears’ defense. Buffalo has been mostly a running offense in the past with CJ Spiller and Fred Jackson coming out of the backfield, so Chicago’s defensive front should get plenty of opportunities to prove they are no longer the league’s worst run defense that stunk up stadiums all last season. The Bills aren’t a one trick offense anymore, though. With the 4th overall pick in the draft they added athletic wide receiver Sammy Watkins, whose play-making ability should make him a favorite target of EJ Manuel this Sunday and for the foreseeable future. Watkins is recovering from a preseason rib injury that may make him a little more cautious going for the risky one-handed grabs and jump balls that defined him in preseason. Manuel has been inconsistent thus far in his career as well, and if new defensive ends Jared Allen and Lamarr Houston can pressure him early then we could see the havoc wrecking, turnover causing, Bears of old show up.

Under Pressure: What the Bills may lack elsewhere, they make up for with a very good pass rush. Mario Williams had one of his best seasons last year with 13 sacks. He will mix in with the rest of the front 4, that consists of no slouches either. It could be a tough test for the Bears O-line to hold and control this group and keep Jay Cutler upright. Most under the spotlight will be second year right tackle Jordan Mills. Mills missed the entire preseason with an injured left foot, so he hasn’t played a game since the heartbreaking season finale against the Packers when he first fractured the foot. Mills is cleared for Sunday’s game but he’ll have to get back up to speed in hurry against this group. On the positive side, if Mills and the rest of the guys can control the line of scrimmage they don’t have to worry about the Bills leading tackler from last year, linebacker Kiko Alonso, who is out for the season after tearing his ACL during off-season workouts. Regardless, the key will be keeping Cutler protected and opening holes for Matt Forte to run through. If Chicago’s front 7 can do that, much like they did last season, then the Bills defense can be beaten readily.

Better Safe Than Sorry: Chicago looked all over for help at both safety positions this offseason, bringing in just about any free agent they could to upgrade the group. Coach Marc Trestman has announced he now plans to rotate Ryan Mundy, Danny McCray, and Chris Conte at both positions during the game, with rookie Brock Vereen expected to see some time as well. Mundy and McCray are listed as the starting strong and free safeties, respectively, but because they also have roles on special teams the rotation will be in effect in order to avoid overworking them. Conte is recovering from a concussion suffered during the preseason debacle against the Seahawks but should be cleared and ready to go on Sunday. The use of Conte and Vereen is going to be interesting with Conte’s experience and Vereen’s lack thereof, but depending on who makes the plays and shows overall consistency at the position, this rotation method may force the coaches to reevaluate moving forward or make changes to the depth chart accordingly.

Final Words: History tells us Chicago has the Bills number, especially at home, as the Bears lead the series 7-4 overall and are 5-0 at home. History is not a sole determinant of success though. Offensively, the Bears need to be strong up front. The Buffalo defense is tough all around so the offensive line needs to pick up where it left off in 2013 and give the playmakers time to do what they do best. Let Cutler take his time and make good choices and give Forte room to run. Defensively, while the safety rotation may be a questionable decision, a strong showing in the trenches may be able to cover for any inconsistencies resulting from the safety-by-committee. I fully expect the Bears to struggle a little but they should win this one handily.

September 4, 2014 0 comment

Fantasy Football NFL

2014 Fantasy Football RB Rankings 11-20

by P.J. Conley July 29, 2014

written by P.J. Conley

John Martinez Pavliga-Flickr

2014 Fantasy RB Rankings 11-20

11) Giovani Bernard, Cincinnati Bengals/22 Years Old/ Bye Week: 4

Average Draft Position: Round 2 Pick 3
170 Carries/ 695 Rush Yards/ 5 Rushing TDs/ 43.4 Avg Rushing Yds per game/ 0 100+ Rushing games/ 56 Receptions/ 70 Targets/514 Rec Yards/ 3 Rec TDs/ 8 Total TDs
2013 Most Points: 21 pts vs MIA/ 2013 Least Points: 1 pt vs NYJ/ 2013 Total Points: 149 pts
2013 # of games with 0 points: 0/ 1-9 points: 9/ 10-19 points: 6 / 20-29 points: 1/ 30+ points: 0
Last game ruled OUT due to injury: n/a
Backup RB: Jeremy Hill
Lowest I’ve seen go in a mock draft: Round 1 Pick 10
Highest I’ve seen go in a mock draft: Round 2 pick 8

12) Doug Martin, Tampa Bay Buccaneers/ 25 Years Old/ Bye Week: 7

Average Draft Position: Round 3 pick 1
121 Carries/ 542 Rush Yards/ 1 Rushing TDs/ 67.6 Avg Rushing Yds per game/ 2 100+ Rushing games/ 22 Receptions/ 35 Targets/ 183 Rec Yards/ 1 Rec TDs/ 2 Total TDs
2013 Most Points: 14 pts vs NO/ 2013 Least Points: 4 pts vs ATL / 2013 Total Points: 51 pts
2013 # of games with 0 points: 9/ 1-9 points: 3 / 10-19 points: 3 / 20-29 points: 0/ 30+ points: 0
Last game ruled OUT due to injury: 2013, Week 8-17, Torn Labrum
Backup RB: Bobby Rainey/ Mike James
Lowest I’ve seen go in a mock draft: Round 1 Pick 8
Highest I’ve seen go in a mock draft: Round 3 Pick 6

13) Montee Ball, Denver Broncos/ 23 Years Old/ Bye Week: 4

Average Draft Position: Round 1 Pick 12
120 Carries/ 559 Rush Yards/ 4 Rushing TDs/ 34.9 Avg Rushing Yds per game/ 1 100+ Rushing games/ 20 Receptions/ 27 Targets/ 145 Rec Yards/ Rec TDs 0/ 4 Total TDs
2013 Most Points: 15 pts vs KC/ 2013 Least Points: 1 pt vs NYG, JAX / 2013 Total Points: 80 pts
2013 # of games with 0 points: 2/ 1-9 points: 11/ 10-19 points: 3/ 20-29 points 0/ 30+ points 0
Last game ruled OUT due to injury: N/A
Backup RB: CJ Anderson/ Ronnie Hillman
Lowest I’ve seen go in a mock draft: Round 1 Pick 8
Highest I’ve seen go in a mock draft: Round 2 Pick 3

14) Reggie Bush, Detroit Lions/ 29 Years Old/ Bye Week: 9

Average Draft Position: Round 2 Pick 11
223 Carries/1006 Rush Yards/4 Rushing TDs/ 71.9 Avg Rushing Yds per game/ 3 100+ Rushing games/ 54 Receptions/ 80 Targets/ 506 Rec Yards/ 3 Rec TDs/ 7 Total TDs
2013 Most Points: 25pts vs MIN/ 2013 Least Points: 2 pts vs NYG / 2013 Total Points: 174 Points
2013 # of games with 0 points: 2 / 1-9 points: 6 / 10-19 points: 5 / 20-29 points 3/ 30+ points 0
Last game ruled OUT due to injury: 2013, Week 14, Calf
Backup RB: Joique Bell
Lowest I’ve seen go in a mock draft: Round 2 Pick 5
Highest I’ve seen go in a mock draft: Round 4 Pick 5

15) Andre Ellington, Arizona Cardinals/ 25 Years old/ Bye Week: 4

Average Draft Position: Round 3 Pick 3
118 Carries/ 652 Rush Yards/ 3 Rushing TDs/ 43.5 Avg Rushing Yds per game/ 1 100+ Rushing games/ 39 Receptions/ 58 Targets/ 371 Rec Yards/ 1 Rec TD/ 4 Total TDs
2013 Most Points: 21 pts vs ATL/ 2013 Least Points: 1 pt vs STL, JAX/ 2013 Total Points: 115 pts
2013 # of games with 0 points: 1/ 1-9 points: 9/ 10-19 points: 4/ 20-29 points: 1/ 30+ points: 0
Last game ruled OUT due to injury: 2013, Week 13, Knee/ Week 1, Hamstring
Backup RB: Stepfan Taylor
Lowest I’ve seen go in a mock draft: Round 3 Pick 2
Highest I’ve seen go in a mock draft: Round 4 Pick 11

16) Alfred Morris, Washington Redskins/ 25 Years Old/ Bye Week: 10

Average Draft Position: Round 2 Pick 12
276 Carries/ 1275 Rush Yards/ 7 Rushing TDs/ 79.7 Avg Rushing Yds per game/ 3 100+ Rushing games/ 9 Receptions/ 12 Targets/ 78 Rec Yards/ 0 Rec TDs
2013 Most Points: 18 pts vs SD/ 2013 Least Points: 5 pts vs SF, ATL/ 2013 Total Points: 160 pts
2013 # of games with 0 points: 0/ 1-9 points: 8 / 10-19 points: 8/ 20-29 points: 0 / 30+ points: 0
Last game ruled OUT due to injury: n/a
Backup RB: Roy Helu
Lowest I’ve seen go in a mock draft: Round 1 Pick 11
Highest I’ve seen go in a mock draft: Round 3 Pick 1
Caution: The Redskins are shifting from Shanahan’s zone blocking offense to Gruden’s pass happy attack.

17) Ray Rice, Baltimore Ravens 27 Years Old/ Bye Week: 11

Average Draft Position: Round 5 Pick 2
214 Carries/ 660 Rush Yards/ 4 Rushing TDs/ 44.0 Avg Rushing Yds per game/ 1 100+ Rushing games/ 58 Receptions/ 73 Targets/ 321 Rec Yards/ 0 Rec TDs/ 4 Total TDs
2013 Most Points: 20 pts vs CHI / 2013 Least Points: 1pt vs CLE, BUF/ 2013 Total Points: 107
2013 # of games with 0 points: 1/ 1-9 points: 11/ 10-19 points: 3/ 20-29 points: 1/ 30+ points: 0
Last game ruled OUT due to injury: 2013, Week 3, Hip
Backup RB: Bernard Pierce
Lowest I’ve seen go in a mock draft: Round 3 pick 7
Highest I’ve seen go in a mock draft: Round 6 Pick 2
Caution: Suspended first 2 games

18) Ryan Mathews, San Diego Chargers/27 Years Old/ Bye Week: 10

Average Draft Position: Round 4 Pick 3
285 Carries/ 1255 Rush Yards/ 6 Rushing TDs/ 78.4 Avg Rushing Yds per game/ 6 100+ Rushing games/ 26 Receptions/ 33 Targets/ 26 Rec Yards/ 1 Rec TDs/ 7 Total TDs
2013 Most Points: 19 pts vs NYG/ 2013 Least Points: 3 Pts vs WAS / 2013 Total Points: 175
2013 # of games with 0 points: 1 / 1-9 points: 4/ 10-19 points: 11 / 20-29 points: 0/ 30+ points: 0
Last game ruled OUT due to injury: 2012, Week17, Clavical
Backup RB: Danny Woodhead
Lowest I’ve seen go in a mock draft: Round 3 pick 1
Highest I’ve seen go in a mock draft: Round 4 pick 8

19) CJ Spiller, Buffalo Bills/ 26 Years Old/ Bye Week: 9

Average Draft Position: Round 3 Pick 8
202 Carries/ 933 Rush Yards/ 2 Rushing TDs/ 62.2 Avg Rushing Yds per game/ 4 100+ Rushing games/33 Receptions/ 40 Targets/ 185 Rec Yards/ 0 Rec TDs/ 2 Total Tds
2013 Most Points: 20 / 2013 Least Points: 1 pt vs NYJ, MIA/ 2013 Total Points: 109 pts
2013 # of games with 0 points: 2/ 1-9 points: 9/ 10-19 points: 4 / 20-29 points: 1/ 30+ points: 0
Last game ruled OUT due to injury: 2013, Week 8, Ankle
Backup RB: Fred Jackson/ Bryce Brown
Lowest I’ve seen go in a mock draft: Round 2 Pick 12
Highest I’ve seen go in a mock draft: Round 4 pick 2

20) Chris Johnson, New York Jets/ 28 Years Old/ Bye Week: 11

Average Draft Position: Round 6 Pick 2
279 Carries/ 1077 Rush Yards/ 6 Rushing TDs/ 67.3 Avg Rushing Yds per game/ 2 100+ Rushing games/ 42 Recptions/ 52 Targets/ 345 Rec Yards/ 4 Rec TDs/ 10 Total TDs
2013 Most Points: 29 pts vs STL / 2013 Least Points: 3 pts vs NYJ/ 2013 Total Points: 189 Points
2013 # of games with 0 points: 0/ 1-9 points: 9/ 10-19 points: 5/ 20-29 points 2/ 30+ points 0
Last game ruled OUT due to injury: N/A
Backup RB: Chris Ivory
Lowest I’ve seen go in a mock draft: Round 5 Pick 4
Highest I’ve seen go in a mock draft: Round 7 Pick 1

P.J. Conley is a Writer for Couch Rider Report. Follow us on Facebook or twitter.

July 29, 2014 0 comment