Draftmix News

Week ten produced some extremely high-scoring affairs which made Draftmix an exciting week and offered fantasy owners plenty of entertainment. As a result of these scoring frenzies the running back position heavily benefited; seven running backs scored greater than 20 fantasy points and several others scored in the mid-high teens. Week 11 will offer another entertainment filled weekend and running backs should be the focal point of any draft format.

Brian Westbrook: Cincinnati has given up 12 rushing touchdowns on the season and their defense allows 26.2 points per game. Westbrook could very easily have one of his best performances of the season. Projected Points-26

Michael Turner: After such a fast start Turner has only scored two touchdowns in his last six games. The Broncos head to Atlanta this week and they bring with them the leagues 27th ranked run defense. The Falcons continue to play well and Turner is one of the reasons for their success. Turner is due for a big week. Projected Points-25

Frank Gore: Gore faces the leagues 2nd worst run defense, St. Louis. Therefore, there is no need for any further analysis. Projected Points-22

Matt Forte: The Packers run defense isn’t much to talk about and even if they were Forte has proven that he can get it done against the best of them. The Packers allow 154 rushing yards per game. Not a stroll in the park in this divisional rivalry game, but this rookie will have his way this weekend. Projected Points-20

Adrian Peterson: Over his last three games Peterson has averaged 23 fantasy points but the Bucs have only allowed one rushing touchdown all season. Peterson continues to prove that he is one of those dominant backs who can take-over any game he chooses. Projected Points-20

Marion Barber: In Dallas’ first meeting with Washington Barber had a total of 37 total yards in a game where Tony Romo had 47 pass attempts. As a result, the Cowboys lost at home. I’m certain the Cowboys will play into their strengths in Barber this week. Projected Points-19

Clinton Portis: Portis has been on Washington’s injury report all season so I expect him to play this week against the Cowboys. In week four against the Cowboys Portis failed to find pay-dirt but rushed for 121 yards on 21 carries. Projected Points-18

Brandon Jacobs: Because the Giants were playing Philadelphia last week Jacobs was passed over in most league formats. Jacobs continues to make a case for himself as one of the best running backs in the NFL. Baltimore has their work cut out if they want to stop Jacobs. Projected Points- 18

Thomas Jones: With Jones having one of his best seasons as a professional it’s time for me to start showing him a little love. New England is allowing a 4.1 yard per carry average and in week two at home against the Patriots Jones finished with 75 total yards in a Jets loss. This week will be a different story. Projected Points-17

Steve Slaton: After coming off of such a tough week against Baltimore, Slaton is ready to put the pieces back together against Indy. The good news is the Colts allow 133 rushing yards per game and have given up 12 rushing touchdowns through nine games. Projected Points-17

Bonus

Marshawn Lynch: Playing the Browns on a Monday Night should be enough for Lynch to be a must draft in 8-man leagues.

Bye weeks are over, the playoffs are in the near future, and these quarterbacks should be called upon to carry most weekly fantasy formats. These top-five are this weeks “can’t miss” at their position.

Drew Brees: It doesn’t matter that the Chiefs rank dead last in almost all defensive categories Brees is going to play well against any team in the NFL. Back to his 2006 form Brees leads the league in passing yards (2985) and is third overall in touchdowns (17). Another big day! Projected Points-30

Jay Cutler: With Cutler second in the league in both passing yards (2616) and touchdowns (18) this game should be another shootout in the “Dirty South”. The Falcons defense ranks 22nd in the league in passing yards allowed (226) and they give up at least one passing touchdown per game. Without any type of run game the Bronco’s will rely on Cutler’s arm. Projected Points-28

Kurt Warner:
You must continue to ride the coattails of this two time league MVP. Warner continues to have a stellar season and with the weapons around him the Cardinals will continue to post ungodly offensive numbers in Seattle this week. Warner continues to make a case for his third MVP of the league. Projected Points-26

Peyton Manning: The Colts have won two out of their last three games and during that stretch Manning has averaged 24 fantasy points per game. The Texans go to Indy and they bring with them a defense that has allowed 15 touchdown receptions and an average of 200 passing yards per game. Projected Points-24

Matt Ryan: If Brady Quinn can find success against the Bronco’s secondary then the leagues 13th ranked quarterback (1909 passing yards) should also. With the Falcons receivers emerging into one of the leagues best Ryan should find success and the Falcons should roll. Projected Points-23

Bonus

Philip Rivers: If the San Diego defense continues to play the way they have, Rivers will be forced to pass all day and therefore a must draft in all league formats. With 21 touchdown passes through nine games Rivers is playing the best football of his career and this week he gets the same Steelers defense that P. Manning lit up for 24 fantasy points . Projected Points-22

Week 10 of the 2008 NFL season is by far the toughest week to draft. After Thursday it will be even worse due to losing at least five viable fantasy options in the Cleveland/Denver match-up. When you add in those two factors and the ill-production of these following players, Draftmix owners better do more than their homework in order to stay competitive this week.

Peyton Manning: The Colts have been exposed all season long and without a true run game Manning and the rest of the offense will struggle. Defensively, the Steelers create too many big plays for Manning to find any type of success.

Donovan McNabb: McNabb has been all over the place this season in terms of fantasy production but I’ve watched owners draft him all week long. If you’re looking for possibly 16 points from your QB position then have at it.

Brett Favre: Everything looks good for the Jets offense to produce huge numbers against a St. Louis defense which ranks close to dead last in the league. However, the excitement of Favre being in New York has worn off and he’s simply not playing well. Don’t draft until further notice.

Steven Jackson: Firstly, who knows if Jackson is really going to play. Secondly, will he even finish the game? Then again, Jackson usually finds a way to play against less aggressive run defenses. If that’s the case he still won’t be productive.

DeAngelo Williams: Williams is looking like an excellent option against a Raiders defense, but the distraction of DeAngelo Williams is no longer. Besides if Jonathan Stewart plays he’ll share the load in a meaningless Carolina road win.

Willie Parker: If Leftwich starts Parker will be limited in his role. If Roethlisberger starts he will be limited in his role. Parker still has to get healthy and the Steelers know to limit his responsibility. Besides, Bob Sanders is back and he brings a great deal of intensity to that Colts defense.

Matt Forte: Forte has played well for a rookie, but he has not faced a Tennessee type defense. Definitely don’t draft him early and if you do good luck. If Orton is out, Forte will have a long day.

Desean Jackson: In eight-man leagues you may feel compelled to draft Jackson as your third receiver option. However, the Giants will be all over McNabb this week and if Jackson catches more than two balls he better score. Highly unlikely!

Lee Evans: In my book Evans is always a bust. Owners keep drafting him and I keep staying away from him. You just never know what you’re going to get from the Bills offense and the entire unit will be shut down in New England this week.

Laveranues Coles: I want nothing to do with anyone who’s name needs looked up every time I have to spell it.

Jericho Cotchery: Jimmy crack corn and I don’t care. Part of the worst receiving duo in the NFL. We won’t place the sole blame on Favre struggling.