Welcome to Week 6 of The Docket, a weekly column that will highlight rule and policy issues effecting players as well as offer strategy and advice on a select few players that you should be targeting or avoiding.
ON TRIAL
This is where we will highlight pressing issues that will have a major impact on your season.
Julius Thomas (TE, DEN) – Thomas drew a penalty and a fine for a chop block to Arizona Cardinal’s star defensive lineman, Calais Campbell, this past Sunday. As ESPN described it: “Campbell was rushing off the right edge, and Broncos left tackle Ryan Clady stood in a pass block stance but had yet to make contact with Campbell. At the snap, Thomas, who was lined up next to Clady, dove into Campbell's knees for the chop, which caused the injury and forced Campbell to miss most of the second half.”
A chop-block is a violation of Rule 12, Section 2, Article 3 items c) and d). As NFL spokesman Michael Signora stated: “The officials threw the flag for the 'reverse chop.' Thomas blocked Campbell 'in the area of the thigh or lower,' as specified by rule, and Clady engaged Campbell high 'simultaneously or immediately after the block' by Thomas, resulting in the penalty. The play also violated part c) of the rule, known as a 'lure.' While Thomas chops Campbell, Clady 'confronts the defensive player in a pass-blocking posture but is not physically engaged with the defensive player.”
Cardinals’ coach Bruce Arians called the play the dirtiest he had ever scene and that it was deliberate and premeditated. He also called for Thomas to be suspended for as long as Campbell is out injured. In Thomas’ defense, Peyton Manning changed the play call at the line of scrimmage, which meant a change in blocking assignment. Thomas did what he was supposed to do, although Clady didn’t fan out. If Clady had, it wouldn’t have been an illegal block and Campbell still would have been injured on the play.
Thomas owners are not to worry though; the NFL rules simply call for a fine of $8,268 for a first offense. Although, Thomas is certainly on notice. Check out the illegal block below:
CASE PENDING
This is where we look at select players who are on the verge of an upgrade or downgrade.
Austin Davis (QB, STL) – Davis began the season as the Rams third string QB but has proven to be the best on their roster. He almost led a dramatic comeback this past weekend after the Rams were down 34-7. He finished the day with a solid 29/39 passing for 375 yards, 3 TDs, and zero interceptions. The Rams have a decent offensive line and some big receivers to throw too, in Brian Quick, Kenny Britt and Jared Cook. We can’t go all in on him just yet as an every week starter, but we are getting there. One reason we remain hesitant is his upcoming schedule, which includes games vs. Sea, @KC, @SF, @Ari and vs. Den. That’s not easy for any QB, let alone one with just a few starts under his belt.
Branden Oliver (RB, SD) – This isn’t a waiver wire column, but sometimes we feel that we need to give people an extra little nudge on certain guys. Oliver is one of them. This past week Oliver had 19 carries for 114 yards and a touchdown. He also caught 4 passes for 68 yards and a second TD. San Diego hasn’t seen this sort of juice out of the backfield since Darren Sproles left town and even once Ryan Mathews comes back from injury, we suspect Oliver could take over the Danny Woodhead role, which is money in PPR leagues especially. For a small guy (he’s only 5’7” 203lbs) he runs with power, isn’t afraid of contact and runs with a good amount of wiggle. Unlike many of the other waiver wire adds this week, Oliver looks to have found a permanent role even when the starter returns.
Seattle Defense – No matter your scoring system, the Seattle Defense has not been good for Fantasy this season. Remember that next year. Don’t draft a defense before the final few rounds. I wrote about this last week, if you are relying on one defense all year, you are leaving points on the table while other teams are winning weeks. While we thought Seattle and Cincinnati were the exceptions to the rules, this past weekend’s games proved they are not. Going forward, play the matchups, looks ahead a week or two to grab defenses earlier than others and try and grab defenses that are playing at home when possible. Recommended defenses this week includes: Lions, Broncos, Chargers, Ravens, Titans and the Colts.
Matt Prater (K, DET) – Only 4 teams have attempted more field goals than the 12 that the Lion’s have this year. Prater was also the #1 rated kicker according to PFF last season, going 25/26, including 6/7 on field goals over 50 yards. Prater just signed with the Lion’s, who also play in a dome. Unless you own Stephen Gostkowski, Dan Bailey or Steven Hauschka, your team should have Prater on it.
CASE DISMISSED
This is where we highlight players that are looking particularly good.
Demaryius Thomas (WR, DEN) – Not that we ever doubted him, but Thomas proved once again that he is a beast and one of the top 3 WRs currently playing the game. This past week he caught 8 passes for 226 yards and 2 touchdowns and looked very good doing it. If you traded for him, well done. If you stayed strong, he’s about to pay big dividends.
Rob Gronkowski (TE, NE) – Some did doubt Gronk, and Gronk has proved all doubters wrong. Even running around like an old man on one leg, Gronk is still a top 5 TE. The good news is that he is getting healthier every week so keep starting him and only consider trading him for legitimate value.
THOUGHTS FROM THE BENCH
Here is where we highlight situations or strategies that are worth monitoring.
Handcuffs – I have always been a big fan of handcuffing my starting RBs as opposed to owning a bunch of random guys, and that strategy is providing massive stability this season. Charles gone for a game? No problem, I have Davis who dominated in his lone start. Ben Tate injured? No worries, Crowell and West to the rescue with no dip in production. Moreno injured? Well hello Lamar Miller. Make sure to handcuff your studs, especially in a season this volatile. Below is a list of starters and handcuffs you should own. No Raider? Yeah, no Raider RB is worth owning. And if you own Toby Gerhart still, not sure what you are doing:
- Andre Ellington – Stepfan Taylor
- Steven Jackson – Devonta Freeman/Antone Smith
- Matt Forte – Ka’Deem Carey
- Giovani Bernard – Jeremy Hill
- Ben Tate – Isaiah Crowell/Terrance West
- DeMarco Murray – Joseph Randle
- Montee Ball – C.J. Anderson (This would be my guess)
- Eddie Lacy – James Starks
- Arian Foster – Alfred Blue
- Storm Johnson – Storm Johnson (If any RB is going to produce consistently for the Jags, it’s Storm)
- Jamaal Charles – Knile Davis
- Knowshon Moreno/Lamar Miller
- Shane Vereen/Stevan Ridley – James White
- Rashad Jennings – Andre Williams
- LeSean McCoy – Darren Sproles (although Polk could get some run too)
- Le’Veon Bell – LeGarrette Blount
- Ryan Mathews – Branden Oliver
- Frank Gore – Carlos Hyde
- Marshawn Lynch – Robert Turbin (for now)/Christine Michael (soon)
- Doug Martin – Bobby Rainey (watch out for Charles Sims later this season)
- Shonn Greene – Bishop Sankey
- Alfred Morris – Roy Helu (with a bit of Silas Red)
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