Paper Pigskin - Good Game Week 3

Start them and sit them, let's go!

Everybody always wants to know which guy they should put into their fantasy football lineup.  Generally, if you draft someone via a high pick, you want them to be your lead dog to just plug and leave in. However, there are some cases that you might want to avoid an elite defense that will give you trouble; the same thing goes for wanting to exploit a terrible defense. I don't subscribe to the "Never sit your studs" philosophy. Draft well, do the work, and exploit plus matchups.

Big Ben needs to take a seat in fantasy lineups this week.

Paper Pigskin Point Potential - Good Game "Start/Sit week 2"

Welcome to my debut Start & Sit column!

If you're not familiar with my writing, when you see "Paper Pigskin Point Potential", I'm referring to FANTASY FOOTBALL.  Real cute, but I'm hoping it will stick and when it does, remember who coined the phrase.

Everybody always wants to know which guy they should put into their fantasy football lineup.  Generally, if you draft someone via a high pick, you want them to be your lead dog to just plug in and leave them in. However, there are some cases that you might want to avoid an elite defense that will give you trouble; the same thing goes for wanting to exploit a terrible defense. I don't subscribe to the "Never sit your studs" philosophy. Draft well, do the work, and exploit plus matchups.

Paper Pigskin Point Potential 2014 - Philadelphia Eagles

This is a series on my 2014 outlook of players you would want to have on your Paper Pigskin team (fantasy football).  What you'll find here are my views based on years of playing experience and countless hours of geeking out researching stats, trends, and film.  I'll advise where to reach and whose hype not to believe.

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES - Passing 257 ypg     Rushing 160 ypg

Chip Kelly ran the fastest offense in the league last season, getting off a play every 24 seconds. They also were last in the league in time of possession at 26 minutes 19 seconds per game. But most importantly were their 65.4 plays ran per game was food for 12th in the league. When Kelly took over the Eagles last season, he had players that were conditioned to Andy Reid's West Coast system, so he relied heavily on LeSean McCoy and schemed up plays to get Nick Foles comfortable; this meant featuring Desean Jackson and Riley Cooper. One summer later, a different cast of characters have been added to the lineup; guys that are more suited for his style of plays. 

Paper Pigskin Point Potential 2014 - Buffalo Bills

This is a series on my 2014 outlook of players you would want to have on your Paper Pigskin team (fantasy football).  What you'll find here are my views based on years of playing experience and countless hours of geeking out researching stats, trends, and film.  I'll advise where to reach and whose hype not to believe.

BUFFALO BILLS - Passing 194 ypg     Rushing 144 ypg

Head coach Doug Marrone came into the league with a reputation of a coach that has an affinity for the ground game, and run the ball is what his team did. The Bills led the league in rushing attempts and were second in rushing yards. This season will bring us more of the same as their first round quarterback from last season still needs to be developed.

Paper Pigskin Point Potential 2014 - Indianapolis Colts

This is a series on my 2014 outlook of players you would want to have on your Paper Pigskin team (fantasy football).  What you'll find here are my views based on years of playing experience and countless hours of geeking out researching stats, trends, and film.  I'll advise where to reach and whose hype not to believe.

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS - Passing 233 ypg     Rushing 109 ypg

There's much for Paper Pigskin players to love about the Colts' point potential. They play in the what was worst division in the NFL last season  - the AFC South. Indianapolis went 6-0 against its division counterparts in 2013. Playing against weak teams to usually leads to opportunities for an offense to run more plays. 

Paper Pigskin Point Potential 2014 - New England Patriots

This is a series on my 2014 outlook of players you would want to have on your Paper Pigskin team (fantasy football).  What you'll find here are my views based on years of playing experience and countless hours of geeking out researching stats, trends, and film.  I'll advise where to reach and whose hype not to believe.

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS - Passing 255 ypg     Rushing 129 ypg

The talk around the league last season was about the tempo of Philadelphia's offense, when it was actually New England that began the trend (in the NFL) of lining up quick and snapping the ball before the defense gets set.  They ran the second most plays in the league last season, behind the Broncos, which equates to many opportunities for your Paper Pigskin team to acquire points. The injury bug struck this team harshly, forcing Bill Belichick to alter the game plan on a weekly basis; this made it hard to trust any of their players, even Tom Brady, in your lineup.

Paper Pigskin Point Potential 2014 - Seattle Seahawks

This is a series on my 2014 outlook of players you would want to have on your Paper Pigskin team (fantasy football).  What you'll find here are my views based on years of playing experience and countless hours of geeking out researching stats, trends, and film.  I'll advise where to reach and whose hype not to believe.

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS - Passing 202 ypg     Rushing 137 ypg

This team in the Pacific Northwest are the defending Super Bowl because they're all on the same page and make individual sacrifices for the sake of the greater good of the team. Unfortunately Seattle's team goal does nothing for the goals of Paper Pigskin players.  You see, there isn't enough individual production to go around but if you choose wisely, you can come up big in a few areas.

Paper Pigskin Point Potential 2014 - San Francisco 49ers

This is a series on my 2014 outlook of players you would want to have on your Paper Pigskin team (fantasy football).  What you'll find here are my views based on years of playing experience and countless hours of geeking out researching stats, trends, and film.  I'll advise where to reach and whose hype not to believe.

SAN FRANCISCO 49'ers - Passing 186 ypg     Rushing 138 ypg

You know what to expect when you see the 49ers play, a brand of power football that was carved out by former coach Mike Singletary and has been enhanced by Jim Harbaugh. They only sign big players that hit hard on both sides of the ball. This is truly a team with an old school mentality.  How does all of this help your Paper Pigskin team?

Paper Pigskin Point Potential 2014 - St. Louis Rams

This is a series on my 2014 outlook of players you would want to have on your Paper Pigskin team (fantasy football).  What you'll find here are my views based on years of playing experience and countless hours of geeking out researching stats, trends, and film.  I'll advise where to reach and whose hype not to believe.

ST. LOUIS - Passing 195 ypg     Rushing 110 ypg

This team was making strides offensively early last season, then an interesting happened, Sam Bradford got injured. After losing their starting quarterback, the team had to rely on their defense and special teams to stay competitive because not much was going right on offense.

Paper Pigskin Point Potential 2014 - San Diego Chargers

This is a series on my 2014 outlook of players you would want to have on your Paper Pigskin team (fantasy football).  What you'll find here are my views based on years of playing experience and countless hours of geeking out researching stats, trends, and film.  I'll advise where to reach and whose hype not to believe.

SAN DIEGO CHARGERS – Passing 271 ypg     Rushing 123 ypg

The Chargers offense was balanced and highly efficient in 2013. Mike McCoy and Ken Whisenhunt tailored the scheme to their personnel and Phillip Rivers’s career was given new life.  This is both a quality and run-first offense; the team’s running game will be improved from last season with the acquisition of power runner Donald Brown. The threat of an effective running game always shrinks the defense, keeping them off-balanced.

Paper Pigskin Point Potential 2014 - Denver Broncos

This is a series on my 2014 outlook of players you would want to have on your Paper Pigskin team (fantasy football).  What you'll find here are my views based on years of playing experience and countless hours of geeking out researching stats, trends, and film.  I'll advise where to reach and whose hype not to believe.

DENVER BRONCOS – Passing 340 ypg   Rushing 117 ypg

The Broncos were all over network television last season exhibiting their spectacular offensive prowess. More importantly, the Broncos being on TV allowed viewers to watch Paper Pigskin points accumulate at a high rate.  Interesting enough the team led the league in lost fumbles last season, so there’s actually room for improvement on their scoring output.

Paper Pigskin Point Potential 2014 - Oakland Raiders

This is a series on my 2014 outlook of players you would want to have on your Paper Pigskin team (fantasy football).  What you'll find here are my views based on years of playing experience and countless hours of geeking out researching stats, trends, and film.  I'll advise where to reach and whose hype not to believe.

OAKLAND RAIDERS – Passing 209 ypg     Rushing 125 ypg

You think all types of bad things when it comes to the Raiders: bad stadium situation, bad performances, and bad luck. At least their fan base is bad ass though. GM Reggie McKenzie has worked tirelessly to change the culture by making personnel moves in efforts to alter the way the team is viewed. As far as the product on the field, the defense is coming along nicely but the offense is inconsistent and still all kinds of bad.  At least they’ve been able to run the ball well, which is always a solid foundation to build on.

Paper Pigskin Point Potential 2014 - Miami Dolphins

This is a series on my 2014 outlook of players you would want to have on your Paper Pigskin team (fantasy football).  What you'll find here are my views based on years of playing experience and countless hours of geeking out researching stats, trends, and film.  I'll advise where to reach and whose hype not to believe.

Ryan Tannehill is giving the Fantasy Football world a thumbs up,
 letting you know that if you snooze, you lose.

MIAMI DOLPHINS - Passing 223 ypg     Rushing 90 ypg

The Dolphins offense, last season, was the closest you can get to no frills in the NFL.  Former Offensive Coordinator Mike Sherman lined players up in the same position every time and made it predictable for defenses. Replacing Sherman, is Bill Lazor, who was the quarterbacks coach for the Eagles' innovative system. Look for the tempo to be picked up and more offensive plays ran through the course of a game.

Paper Pigskin Point Potential 2014 - Green Bay Packers

This is a series on my 2014 outlook of players you would want to have on your Paper Pigskin team (fantasy football).  What you'll find here are my views based on years of playing experience and countless hours of geeking out researching stats, trends, and film.  I'll advise where to reach and whose hype not to believe.

GREEN BAY PACKERS - Passing 267 ypg    Rushing 134 ypg

The Packers are a well-oiled machine on offense that has typically used a high powered West Coast passing attack over the years but lacked a run game. Their star QB missed seven games with a collar bone injury, and during that time, the team unearthed an element to their game that they have been lacking. Now head coach Mike McCarthy has the balance that he's always wanted. As opponents have to pick their poison, you as a Paper Pigskin player get to choose your remedy.  This team is going to be a headache to prepare for.

Paper Pigskin Point Potential 2014 - New York Giants

This is a series on my 2014 outlook of players you would want to have on your Paper Pigskin team (fantasy football).  What you'll find here are my views based on years of playing experience and countless hours of geeking out researching stats, trends, and film.  I'll advise where to reach and whose hype not to believe.

NEW YORK GIANTS - Passing 224 ypg      Rushing 83 ypg

There is not much offensive talent on this roster that Paper Pigskin players can use to help them reach the promise land. The Giants finished the preseason with a 5-0 record; much of the success should be attributed to the way their defense has played.  A team's defense is often an overlooked factor when evaluating fantasy players; when defenses are good enough to get off the field, it provides more chances for the offense to produce.  New Offensive Coordinator Ben McAdoo was Green Bay's quarterback coach, he emphasizes the short passing game to allow receivers to make plays after the catch. So far, things haven't gone well; the players have struggled and the team has looked out of sync.

Paper Pigskin Point Potential 2014 - Atlanta Falcons

This is a series on my 2014 outlook of players you would want to have on your Paper Pigskin team (fantasy football).  What you'll find here are my views based on years of playing experience and countless hours of geeking out researching stats, trends, and film.  I'll advise where to reach and whose hype not to believe.

ATLANTA FALCONS - Passing 265 ypg     Rushing 79 ypg

The Falcons, a team that had been known in recent years for putting up impressive numbers, took a step back in the standings last season; they also were a disappointment for Paper Pigskin Point production.  Injuries were a main factor in all areas, but so was their defense; if you can't give the ball back to the offense, then the offense has fewer opportunities to put up numbers. The main offensive threats are back but Tony Gonzalez's retirement will hurt more than pundits think.

Paper Pigskin Point Potential 2014 - Dallas Cowboys

This is a series on my 2014 outlook of players you would want to have on your Paper Pigskin team (fantasy football).  What you'll find here are my views based on years of playing experience and countless hours of geeking out researching stats, trends, and film.  I'll advise where to reach and whose hype not to believe.

DALLAS COWBOYS - Passing 247 ypg     Rushing 94 ypg

The Cowboys ran the fewest offensive plays of any team in the league last year, yet they were still able to finish in the middle of the pack in total yardage as well as top-5 in points scored. Seeing as they have three different play calling gurus in tow, the Paper Pigskin Point Potential for this team remains high. Now that Scott Linehan has been added to the mix - as the passing game coordinator - with Bill Callahan and Jason Garrett, the aerial attack should only improve. The defense, now that's another story.

Paper Pigskin Point Potential 2014 - Detroit Lions

This is a series on my 2014 outlook of players you would want to have on your Paper Pigskin team (fantasy football).  What you'll find here are my views based on years of playing experience and countless hours of geeking out researching stats, trends, and film.  I'll advise where to reach and whose hype not to believe.

DETROIT LIONS – Passing 280 ypg     Rushing 112 ypg

Over the last three seasons, the Lions have been an offensive juggernaut, chewing up tons of real estate but coming up short when it became time to seal the deal.  For the most part, the only beneficiaries of this in Paper Pigskin have been Matthew Stafford and Megatron owners. Not much will be different this time around, except instead of the points being concentrated on the one skill position player, new offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi will distribute the wealth. Jim Caldwell is the new head coach; his reputation is of a coach that likes to minimize mistakes and place his team in the best position to succeed.

Paper Pigskin Point Potential 2014 - Baltimore Ravens

This is a series on my 2014 outlook of players you would want to have on your Paper Pigskin team (fantasy football).  What you'll find here are my views based on years of playing experience and countless hours of geeking out researching stats, trends, and film.  I'll advise where to reach and whose hype not to believe.

BALTIMORE RAVENS – Passing 224 ypg     Rushing 83 ypg

The first commandment of new Offensive Coordinator Gary Kubiak’s scheme is “Thou Shalt Run It.”  The premise of this offensive system is designed to open backside cut lanes for the running backs; those same running plays set-up bootleg action for the quarterback.  This was one of the worst teams in the league as far as total offense, with very few players that could help your Paper Pigskin team. Something fresh should help change that because in his previous coaching stops, Kubiak had his teams finish in the top-8 in total offense 15 of 19 seasons.

Paper Pigskin Point Potential 2014 - Jacksonville Jaguars

This is a series on my 2014 outlook of players you would want to have on your Paper Pigskin team (fantasy football).  What you'll find here are my views based on years of playing experience and countless hours of geeking out researching stats, trends, and film.  I'll advise where to reach and whose hype not to believe.

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS - Passing 215 ypg     Rushing 79 ypg

To say that Jacksonville was a bad team last season is an understatement. The Jaguars ranked 27th in total yards allowed and 28th in points given up at 28.3 per game. They were even worse on offense than defense in 2013; ranking 31st overall and scored a league-low 15.4 points per game. It's hard to find value in fantasy football on a team with a -12.9 point differential. Gus Bradley was handed a team devoid of talent but is working diligently to transform this team into the Seahawks south, which would mean team glory takes precedent over individual stats. Things are looking bright as they finished with a positive stretch of four wins in eight games; partly because the offense started to find a rhythm, with Chad Henne and Cecil Shorts emerging as leaders.