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Every week during the season NFL Network and NFL.com Senior Fantasy Analyst Michael Fabiano joins Sports360AZ.com’s Brad Cesmat to share his insight on building and developing your fantasy team for success.
Here are some hi-lights from our most recent conversation (October 2nd) with the Fantasy Sports Writer’s Association Hall of Famer.
What’s your view of the Saints’ backfield for fantasy players? “I mean, [Alvin] Kamara isn’t going to keep up this touchdown pace. It’s ridiculous at this point, so you’re going to see some Mark Ingram utilized on early downs, you’re going to see Mark Ingram used down near the goal line. But remember these two backs were on the field very often last season and they both performed very well. So is Ingram going to eat into some of the touchdown opportunities of Kamara? Yeah. But is it going to be to be enough to keep Kamara from producing monster numbers? No, because the guy is basically a running back who’s a wide receiver. He had 20 targets two weeks ago so concerns for me. If I had Kamara, would I rather not have Ingram in there? Of course but I think both guys will be fine.”
Same question, different team: how about what’s happening in Atlanta? “When Devonta Freeman comes back, he’s going to be the lead back more than Tevin Coleman. Coleman lost touches to Eno Smith last week which put a dent in his fantasy potential. Freeman has a good matchup this week.”
What’s going on with Rashaad Penny in Seattle? “That is a really good question and I really don’t understand why the Seahawks drafted a running back in the first round if they’re not going to use him when he’s got a chance to be a featured back. It was weird that Mike Davis came in and was the better back. It was a great matchup because, as you guys know, the Cardinals can’t stop the run. So now Pete Carroll comes out and mind you, this is a week after Chris Carson had 34 touches and a really good game against the Cowboys. Then he’s hurt, doesn’t play. Mike Davis comes in, looks good and Pete Carroll says, ‘eh, Mike Davis is going to factor into that backfield now, too.’ Thanks a lot! Now you’re looking at a backfield that’s a mess. The Rams defense, you don’t want to mess with them. Game script is going to be on the negative side with Carson. He went from having his value starting to rise to having it tank real quick.”
It’s seems every quarterback is putting up big numbers so far this season. What’s your overall advice when setting lineups? “You can play the matchups. I’m not touching Russell Wilson this week, which means he’ll probably score 20 points, but I’m not touching him because the Rams have owned him. I’d rather have Blake Bortles over Russell Wilson so don’t be afraid to play the matchups…because the league is all pro-offense. How many quarterbacks out there right now are on pace for 40 touchdowns? Clearly you’re going to be starting your studs but don’t be afraid to bench Aaron Rodgers for Patrick Mahomes.”
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Eric Sorenson
A Valley native, Eric has had a passion for the Arizona sports scene since an early age. He has covered some of the biggest events including Super Bowls, national championships and the NBA and MLB playoffs in his near 20 years in local media.