|
NHL Fantasy
|
|
When it comes to NHL fantasy hockey, managers are always trying to make their teams better. If the scenario arises where the missing pieces are not available in the free agent pool, then it becomes time to make a trade to improve your team. There is one important rule to making trades when it comes to fantasy hockey that should always be considered, and it begins with the value of the players.
One of the biggest mistakes that sports betting fantasy hockey managers make when the time comes along to make a move is that they manage the value of a player based on reputation more than performance, which is a crucial mistakes. Unlike in the NHL where teams have the ability to move players around in their lineups in order to get the most of them, fantasy managers can only base their decisions on the performance of the player on a given night. For example, while many NHL teams might prefer to have Alex Ovechkin on their team over Kris Versteeg both in the short and long term, Ovechkin’s 31 points are eight less than Versteeg at this point, therefore Versteeg has to be considered the better fantasy option. Trading Versteeg and a player like James Neal for Alex Ovechkin might give you the better player overall, but the point production that you are buying is less than half of what you are selling, which amounts to a bad numbers deal for your team that could be determined by any pay head bookie. Making trades is a crucial part of building a successful fantasy team, just don’t make the mistake of giving players away.
|
|
NHL Fantasy
|
|
There is no denying that one of the most frustrating feelings when it comes to NHL fantasy hockey teams is when an owner understands that he has more talent on his team than his opponent, yet still can’t find a way to win. The best advice that an owner in that type of situation could get, is to be as patient as possible when dealing with an underachieving team, as in most cases a breakout performance is right around the corner. As long as those talents are consistently being put in position to produce, the odds according to the pay head bookies are that they will eventually come through with some big games of their own and reward owners for the wait.
One example of this type of player is Steven Stamkos of the Tampa Bay Lightning, who has exploded over the course of his previous three games to produce four goals and seven points. Even more impressive is the fact that Stamkos is getting the job done at even strength rather than on the powerplay, where he has been able to generate even more scoring chances than usual. Tampa Bay is struggling to remain in contention in the Eastern conference after reaching the conference finals a year ago, and much of their chances depends on the play of their top offensive force. While it may be tough to avoid making a blockbuster move and letting Stamkos go, the truth is that a player of his talent level is going to eventually come through as long as he keeps getting his chances, so practice patience, the same as when sports betting on some of these teams.
|
|
|
NFL Fantasy
|
|
In most NFL fantasy leagues, teams will either open their respective postseason this weekend, or get one last chance to clinch a berth in the playoffs. After a long year, there probably isn’t one team in any league that hasn’t been hurt by injuries, and the following players could be exactly what the doctor ordered.
Matt Moore, Miami Dolphins, QB
Although it may be hard to believe considering his reputation and resume, Moore has emerged as a legitimate fantasy option while leading Miami to wins in four of their past five games, and beating the sports betting spread in each of them. Moore has thrown for 1,769 yards and nine touchdowns, and could be a decent option against the Philadelphia Eagles’ struggling defense.
Marion Barber, Chicago Bears, RB
The Bears have their backs against the wall in the NFC playoff race, and with both Jay Cutler and running back Matt Forte out, the offensive load should rest on the shoulders of Marion Barber. Barber has already netted five touchdowns at Chicago’s short yardage situation, and will get a ton of touches in an effort to slow down the Tim Tebow train and avoid allowing Caleb Hanie too many chances to give the game away.
Malcom Floyd, San Diego Chargers, WR
Even if all of your fantasy wide receivers are healthy, you still might want to consider adding Floyd after he made four receptions for 108 yards and a touchdown on Monday Night Football against the Jacksonville Jaguars, as San Diego finally covered a spread created by the pay head bookies. Floyd will play an integral role in the Chargers’ pass offense the rest of the way, and he could be a better option than some of the players already on your bench.
|
|
NFL Fantasy
|
|
With the NFL fantasy league playoffs right around the corner, and a ton of injuries wreaking havoc for most owners, there aren’t many top options available on the waiver wire to bring in this late. However, while injuries have really hurt the value of some players, they have also opened the door for a couple of key players to have the chance to perform, and they may be worth taking a look at down the sports betting stretch.
No position has been hit harder late this season than at quarterback, where numerous injuries have hit key fantasy players around the NFL. Just one week after the Houston Texans lost Matt Schaub and the Kansas City Chiefs lost Matt Cassel, the Chicago Bears were rocked by the loss of Jay Cutler, who could miss the remainder of the regular season with a broken thumb. While Caleb Hanie and Tyler Palko may not represent top fantasy options, Matt Leinart could be a useful option for the Texans as they look to clinch their first playoff spot in franchise history. Leinart didn’t last long with the Arizona Cardinals in his first stint as a starting quarterback, but he does have a lot of the tools to succeed, and he has had a couple of years to familiarize himself with the playbook in Houston. The Texans have the Jacksonville Jaguars, Atlanta Falcons, and Carolina Panthers on their schedule for the next few pay head weeks, and none of those opponents offer top defenses. In those leagues where Tebow is still available it’s hard to argue about his production these past few weeks, while Hanie could be a decent operation for desperate owners in deeper leagues.
|
|
NFL Fantasy
|
|
With the NFL fantasy football league playoffs right around the corner, now is the time for the contenders to separate themselves from the pretenders and lock up one of the few postseason positions available in their respective league. While the core of your team should be decided at this point, there is always potential to pick up one or two key free agents that are available. Heading in to week 10 of the NFL season, the two names that stand out both reside in the NFC East, in Roy Helu of the Washington Redskins and Laurent Robinson of the Dallas Cowboys.
If you need to fill a pay head hole at the receiver position, then Robinson is an excellent option as he looks to occupy the void opened by an injury to starting wide receiver Miles Austin. Austin has already been ruled out for this week’s game against the Buffalo Bills, and with Dez Bryant demanding attention on the opposite side, Robinson should get his share of looks. For those looking for a running back to fill a spot, then you won’t have to go far to find Roy Helu still available in most leagues. Helu will handle the bulk of the carries for this week’s sports betting contest against the Miami Dolphins, and considering the numbers that team’s have put up against them this season, he should be in for a big fantasy week as both a rushing and receiving option.
|
|
NFL Fantasy
|
|
Heading in to week eight of the NFL fantasy football season, there really isn’t much doubt about the top players that are still eligible to be picked up in most leagues and where they could fit in on a team that is in need. With the majority of the regular seasons in fantasy leagues already winding down, and injuries and bye weeks having their effect, there are still a couple of key names that are out there just waiting to contribute to your team.
The sports betting action begins in Dallas, where the Cowboys may have uncovered a gem in running back DeMarco Murray, who rushed for 253 yards and a touchdown against the St. Louis Rams last week. Murray will again be the featured back in the offense ahead of Felix Jones against the Philadelphia Eagles, and how well he performs could go a long way in determining his fantasy value for the remainder of the season. For those of you looking for a wide receiver, it might be a good idea to scoop up San Francisco 49ers’ Ted Ginn Jr. off the waiver wire. Ginn looked dominant returning kicks in the win over the Detroit Lions, and his speed could give him a more prominent role in the offense as the season progresses. Those in need at the quarterback spot have a couple of different options, including Denver Broncos’ quarterback Tim Tebow and Washington Redskins’ quarterback John Beck. The Redskins will travel north of the border this weekend to take on the Buffalo Bills, while Tebow and the Broncos will look to challenge a Detroit Lions’ defense that has struggled in recent pay head weeks in his first home start of the NFL season.
|
|
|
|
|
