Week Nine: Fantasy Focus on the Cowboys
It's Saturday, so it's time to talk some fantasy football! Let's preview and predict which Cowboys can help you achieve victory as they fly to Philly to take on the Eagles.
Make the jump for the Week 9 Fantasy Focus
QB Tony Romo - If the last two seasons suggest anything about the Cowboys/Eagles matchups, it's that the trend is the first game results in a shootout and the second game is a defensive struggle. In '07, Romo threw for 324 yards in a 38-17 thumping of the Eagles, and then in the season finale, he was limited to 214 yards in a 6-10 loss. Last season, he threw for 312 yards in a 41-37 victory, and then 183 in a 6-44 loss. With this being the first game between these two division foes, expect a shootout.
WRs Miles Austin and DeSean Jackson are the two of the biggest deep threats in the NFC. Because of this, both Romo and Donovan McNabb will look to outduel each other under the big lights on Sunday Night Football.
The Eagles will get after Romo, as they always do, with various blitz packages. Fortunately, the Cowboys' offensive line is coming off a stellar game against the Seahawks. Dallas has relied on its passing game much more lately; and as a result, the running backs have each grown into good blockers on the blitz pickup. That has definitely helped Romo in his quest to take better care of the football. Through three games he has yet to throw an interception. It's a tall order to expect him to extend that streak to four games against an Eagles secondary that ranks 10th against the pass (193.7 YPG), but the Dallas offense (ranked 2nd in the league averaging 411.1 YPG) is too hot right now for fantasy owners to justify sitting Romo.
RBs Marion Barber, Felix Jones, Tashard Choice - With all three backs healthy enough to play, the wrinkles have been ironed out in regards to how the Cowboys use them. Barber is a good start this week, as the Cowboys will rely on his physical-style of running to move the chains. In goalline situations, he's been the man.
Felix Jones is getting his own series sprinkled in earlier in games and he even started the second half last week against the Seahawks. Dallas is really beginning to find mismatches for him out of the backfield, so he could be a nice start in PPR leagues. The dominating manner in which the punt return unit has been blocking for Patrick Crayton may also find its way on the kick return unit, which could spring him for a score real soon. He returned one for a TD last season against the Eagles. This game could be a productive one for Jones. Consider starting him as a flex option.
Choice remains the third-down back, but that does not warrant a fantasy start because Barber and Jones are being featured by the Dallas offense right now.
WRs Miles Austin - Keep starting him if you have him. The Eagles will look to take him out of the passing game, but they can't double him on every play. When not doubled, he will be going up against two 5'10" CBs in Asante Samuel and Sheldon Brown. At 6'3", Austin has a favorable size advantage in one-on-one matchups.
Roy Williams - As a Lion, he's had some fine days at Lincoln Financial Field. Williams has also been staying after practice to get in some extra work with Romo. Until that extra work shows up in a game situation, you should probably go with a more consistent player at WR.
Patrick Crayton -Crayton's recent success as a punt returner (2 TDs in the last two games) has inflated his fantasy value. He could be a decent bye-week fill in if Philly tries to take away Austin on the outside. With Williams remaining as the X receiver, Crayton is at home in the slot. He's not going to put up huge numbers, but the Cowboys will find a way to get him a few catches.
TEs Jason Witten - Before last week's game, the Eagles were giving up the second-most fantasy points to TEs. Then, the Giants' Kevin Boss caught 3 passes for 70 yards and a TD on them. Witten still has only one TD on the year. If he is going to get himself another, Philly would be an ideal team for him to get one on.
Cowboys D/ST - This game could easily be a shootout. In terms of points scored, the Eagles rank 3rd in the league with an average of 29 PPG. On a positive note, the Dallas defense has been improving. Pair that up with the exceptional job special teams coach Joe DeCamillis is doing, and together these units have been consistent in maximizing the amount of field opposing offenses have to go to score. Last week's game against Seattle was more lopsided than the 38-17 score suggested because the offense gave up a garbage-time fumble deep in enemy territory, which led to a quick Seahawks TD.
Fantasy owners have a coin to flip here. While the Philadelphia offense can put up a lot of points to reduce Dallas' D/ST fantasy points, the Dallas defenders have greatly improved their pass rush and are forcing turnovers on a regular basis.

After eight weeks of fantasy footballing on FleaFlicker, one team still remains undefeated in the BTB and BTB Part Deux fantasy leagues. This week, there is a huge division matchup between the undefeated, kill everbody, and the 6-2 Maui Paniolo Boyz. With Favre and A.P. on their bye this week, the mighty has a good chance of falling for the first time this year.
Here's how both leagues are shaping up:
The Mighty Has Yet to Fall! (8-0)
kill everbody
Where the Eagles are Headed (5-3)
.500 (4-4)
Triple H (3-5)
My Team Sucks
Brady's a b!tch
NameBrandj
One is the Loneliest Number (1-5)

If you've got a fantasy dilemma, feel free to post it here for your BTB brethren to analyze. Let's help each other out!
And, for all your fantasy football needs, SBNation's fantasy webpage is chock full of informational updates to help you set up your team from week-to-week.
For your convenience, here's the link: sbnation.com/fantasy.
0 recs |
65 comments
| Add comment
|
Comments
debating
Dwayne Bowe or Steve Smith NYG. I am thinking Bowe.
"No matter where you go, you are what you are playa"-Jay Z
Twitter Account
by Wmillion on Nov 7, 2009 6:27 AM CST via mobile reply actions 0 recs
Agreed
The Knights season may have just ended, but the Cowboys year is just begining!
by aussie_cowboy on Nov 7, 2009 7:16 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
The Chiefs could have a decent game against the Jags.
What’s tough is that you know Steve Smith is good for at least 8-10 targets. Bowe has a better chance of scoring or having a humangous game, though.
I can see for miles and miles and miles and miles and miles...
http://twitter.com/BloggingTheBoys
by Aaron Novinger on Nov 7, 2009 8:27 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
exactly
he’s been getting targets, just not converting on anything ….. I might go Smith
by what_the_crap on Nov 7, 2009 8:38 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Wow, that's about as close of a tossup as you can get.
When I have a dilemma like that, I try to guess who I think will have a better day at QB, and Eli has been terrible.
by Road Warrior on Nov 7, 2009 10:24 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Alright
need a flex for a .5 PPR league …. and yes, I know they suck
Nate Washington or Maurice Morris?
by what_the_crap on Nov 7, 2009 8:39 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
break out the coin..
"No matter where you go, you are what you are playa"-Jay Z
Twitter Account
by Wmillion on Nov 7, 2009 9:50 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I'll take Washington on that one.
by Road Warrior on Nov 7, 2009 10:27 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Not to confuse you what_the_crap, but I'd take Morris if Smith is out.
He’s a good receiver out of the backfield so he should get plenty of touches.
I can see for miles and miles and miles and miles and miles...
http://twitter.com/BloggingTheBoys
by Aaron Novinger on Nov 7, 2009 10:48 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
agreed
If Smith can’t go, u go with. Mo Morris. I went to Juco with Mo Morris.
"No matter where you go, you are what you are playa"-Jay Z
Twitter Account
by Wmillion on Nov 7, 2009 11:12 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Sweet! I think I went to Oregon with him right after Droughns.
I can see for miles and miles and miles and miles and miles...
http://twitter.com/BloggingTheBoys
by Aaron Novinger on Nov 7, 2009 11:39 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
tha's
what I was thinking … if he does miss it, Morris is the choice …. but I think Smith will play.
by what_the_crap on Nov 7, 2009 11:13 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
PPC League
LeSean McCoy or Felix Jones?
Matt Ryan or Carson Palmer?
by Impatient on Nov 7, 2009 8:46 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
hmmmmm
I’d go Matt Ryan and Felix, I think.
by what_the_crap on Nov 7, 2009 8:47 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
That was my initial thought
But Carson Palmer lit up Baltimore last time they played and this one is at home. My league doesnt pay for kickoff or punt returns do I was thinking McCoy because I dont trust Westbrook to stay in the game with the way the secondary’s been layin the wood.
by Impatient on Nov 7, 2009 8:59 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
yeah
it’s a toss up really. Only reason I said Felix is that I think he’s good for a huge play … whether that gets a TD or not is the question.
by what_the_crap on Nov 7, 2009 9:17 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Gimme Jones and Palmer
I can see Felix taking a long one to the house and unless we knock Westy out, he’ll get the majority of the carries. I’d take Palmer because they are going to have to throw vs. Baltimore and Ryan might struggle vs. the Skins secondary.
by Road Warrior on Nov 7, 2009 10:31 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Felix and Carson for me too.
I have a feeling Felix will be in double-digits this week.
I can see for miles and miles and miles and miles and miles...
http://twitter.com/BloggingTheBoys
by Aaron Novinger on Nov 7, 2009 10:53 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I can see for miles and miles and miles and miles and miles...
http://twitter.com/BloggingTheBoys
by Aaron Novinger on Nov 7, 2009 2:40 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I would say
Carson-playing well and he already hit Balt for 270 yds passing..
McCoy-guaranteed more touches, Westbrook still questionable.
"No matter where you go, you are what you are playa"-Jay Z
Twitter Account
by Wmillion on Nov 7, 2009 9:52 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Jones....Westbook is back...Ryan..
"Austin made the play, Austin saved the day" Brad Sham
by Boyzfan94 on Nov 7, 2009 11:40 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Looks like westbrook it out.
"No matter where you go, you are what you are playa"-Jay Z
Twitter Account
by Wmillion on Nov 8, 2009 10:25 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I think your right
As of right now I am leavin in El Gato
by Impatient on Nov 7, 2009 9:30 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
Ok 1 More
since AP is on a bye, I gotta start a WR at flex ….
So far, Wayne and Hester are starting, and i got Steve Smith (car) in at flex ….
do I dare replace Smith with Crabtree?
by what_the_crap on Nov 7, 2009 9:57 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
No, don’t trust Crabtree.
"No matter where you go, you are what you are playa"-Jay Z
Twitter Account
by Wmillion on Nov 7, 2009 10:21 AM CST via mobile up reply actions 0 recs
I'd roll the dice with Crabtree.
Once again, I’ll go with the QB I trust more.
by Road Warrior on Nov 7, 2009 10:33 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Steve Smith is always capable of a big game, plus aren't they gonna start Matt Moore?
I can see for miles and miles and miles and miles and miles...
http://twitter.com/BloggingTheBoys
by Aaron Novinger on Nov 7, 2009 10:54 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I think Ill roll with Smith
he’s been doing decent the last 2 games, I hope he can keep it up.
by what_the_crap on Nov 7, 2009 11:14 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
The case for Smith is (I'm guessing) the Panthers will be playing from behind.
The case against Smith (besides the QB) is Carolina prefers to run the ball with DWill and JStew.
by Road Warrior on Nov 7, 2009 11:20 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Ugh, I have a PPR flex problem
Derrick Mason or Kevin Walter?
On the surface, Mason is a PPR beast. But, the last time they played Cincy, he got me 0 points and only had 1 target. Cincy completely took him out of the game. Can they do it again?
As for Walter, he’s been a complete disappointment. But, now that Daniels is out for the season, and the rash of injuries in the Colts secondary….. plus the fact Houston will probably be behind… someone has to catch the ball.
by Road Warrior on Nov 7, 2009 11:23 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
I read that Walter should be used more becuz of Daniels' injury.
He can have huge games, but Mason is steady. Unless the Bengals do something that destroy Mason’s game, I’d go with him; he’s consistent.
I can see for miles and miles and miles and miles and miles...
http://twitter.com/BloggingTheBoys
by Aaron Novinger on Nov 7, 2009 11:43 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
hope so
just made a trade for Walter, so I hope he comes through!
by what_the_crap on Nov 7, 2009 11:58 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I have the same question with these QBs
start Schaub or Flacco?
Schaub is missing Daniels and the Colts have been tough to pass on and especially not allowed passing TDs, but now they have 3 key pieces of their secondary missing, and this could be a real shootout.
Flacco had a bad game against Cincy last time but Cincy’s D is among the worst against the pass.
by scottmaui on Nov 7, 2009 12:22 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Shaub all the way, you crazy...lol
Colts secondary is a mess…this is going to be a shootout on both sides…Go with the hot hand
"Austin made the play, Austin saved the day" Brad Sham
by Boyzfan94 on Nov 8, 2009 9:05 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
im still torn-
losing daniels hurts schaub more than people realize
Coach Winters: Mississippi State's offensive set. 2nd & 2 on our own 24, what defensive set might we call?
Alvin Mack: Eagle Zipper Hero, unless the setback shifts into the I.
Coach Winters: Good..[clicks to next slide], third and seven?
Alvin Mack: Oakie Thunder Lion. {What's your assignment?}
Alvin Mack: Kill the quarterback. {{Coach Winters clicks to next slide}}
Alvin Mack: Hit the tight end so hard his girlfriend dies. {{Coach Winters clicks to next slide}}
Alvin Mack: Kill everybody.
by KDP on Nov 8, 2009 9:17 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
+1 Shaub
Not sure who Indy is starting in the secondary
"No matter where you go, you are what you are playa"-Jay Z
Twitter Account
by Wmillion on Nov 8, 2009 10:23 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
PPR WR2
Who would you play as WR2 in a PPR league?
Hines Ward
Steve Smith (NYG)
Sims-Walker
Breaston
by scottmaui on Nov 7, 2009 11:28 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
Dude, those are great choices.
I have kept Breaston in nearly every week in my PPR league as my #2 and he’s only scored under double digits for me once. Still, I’d probably go with Ward on a Monday Night. He seems to have big games under the big lights.
I can see for miles and miles and miles and miles and miles...
http://twitter.com/BloggingTheBoys
by Aaron Novinger on Nov 7, 2009 11:44 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I was considering Breaston more but now it looks like Boldin might play, so I’m mainly torn betw Ward and Sims-Walker. I actually have both of them in both my leagues, so I’m thinking playing Ward in one and S-W in the other.
check out the rest of my line up tho lol…
P. Manning
MJD
Ray Rice
CedBen flex
Miles WR1
10 team league, but still…
by scottmaui on Nov 7, 2009 11:51 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
With a lineup like that you can take gamble for who you think will have the best chance for a big game.
In that case, Sims-Walker, imo.
I can see for miles and miles and miles and miles and miles...
http://twitter.com/BloggingTheBoys
by Aaron Novinger on Nov 7, 2009 12:36 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I wish I had your problem.... lol
But, gun to my head…. I’d rank them the exact order you have them. I know Breaston looks great with the uncertainty of Q, but I’d still have a tough time trusting him.
by Road Warrior on Nov 7, 2009 11:54 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Sims-Walker..
going against KC right?…he is going to have over 100 yards and a TD..at least
"Austin made the play, Austin saved the day" Brad Sham
by Boyzfan94 on Nov 7, 2009 11:39 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
talk about feast or famine...my RB situations
Well, the decision has pretty much been made for me on one FF team. I have:
R. Bush
J. Charles
T. Choice
S. Greene
A. Peterson
C. Taylor [only as the handcuff for Peterson, otherwise he’d be dropped by now]
Everyone is on bye except Bush, Charles, and Choice.
On my other FF team, I have:
M. Barber
C. Benson
R. Rice
D. Williams
All starting. :)
[I almost felt guilty for trading away Ricky Williams and J. Campbell for B. Marshall and C. Benson.]
by MicThaRock on Nov 7, 2009 11:46 AM CST via mobile reply actions 0 recs
btw KDP, I'm comin' for you this week!
will remain undefeated now more (since I get you with AD on bye, altho I’d kinda worried about the stats Rodgers is going to put up against the Bucs lol).
by scottmaui on Nov 7, 2009 12:07 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
undefeated no more (not now more lol)
by scottmaui on Nov 7, 2009 12:17 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
THE JUGGERNAUT
IT CANT BE STOPPED! IT WONT BE STOPPED!
Read the siggy. Kill Everybody :)
Coach Winters: Mississippi State's offensive set. 2nd & 2 on our own 24, what defensive set might we call?
Alvin Mack: Eagle Zipper Hero, unless the setback shifts into the I.
Coach Winters: Good..[clicks to next slide], third and seven?
Alvin Mack: Oakie Thunder Lion. {What's your assignment?}
Alvin Mack: Kill the quarterback. {{Coach Winters clicks to next slide}}
Alvin Mack: Hit the tight end so hard his girlfriend dies. {{Coach Winters clicks to next slide}}
Alvin Mack: Kill everybody.
by KDP on Nov 8, 2009 5:02 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
btw, i firmly believe i will get killed this week
perfect storm, your lineup has cakewalk Ds
Coach Winters: Mississippi State's offensive set. 2nd & 2 on our own 24, what defensive set might we call?
Alvin Mack: Eagle Zipper Hero, unless the setback shifts into the I.
Coach Winters: Good..[clicks to next slide], third and seven?
Alvin Mack: Oakie Thunder Lion. {What's your assignment?}
Alvin Mack: Kill the quarterback. {{Coach Winters clicks to next slide}}
Alvin Mack: Hit the tight end so hard his girlfriend dies. {{Coach Winters clicks to next slide}}
Alvin Mack: Kill everybody.
by KDP on Nov 8, 2009 9:18 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
ugh @ me not starting atlanta D
Coach Winters: Mississippi State's offensive set. 2nd & 2 on our own 24, what defensive set might we call?
Alvin Mack: Eagle Zipper Hero, unless the setback shifts into the I.
Coach Winters: Good..[clicks to next slide], third and seven?
Alvin Mack: Oakie Thunder Lion. {What's your assignment?}
Alvin Mack: Kill the quarterback. {{Coach Winters clicks to next slide}}
Alvin Mack: Hit the tight end so hard his girlfriend dies. {{Coach Winters clicks to next slide}}
Alvin Mack: Kill everybody.
by KDP on Nov 8, 2009 1:05 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Which RB
I’m in a standard league where we start 2 RBs.
I have:
MJD
Cedric Benson
Ronnie Brown
Obviously I go with MJD, but I can’t make up my mind between Benson (vs. Ravens) and Brown (vs. Pats). Benson did well against the Ravens last time, but is the only one to break 100 yards in 39 games – and I suspect the Ravens are motivated to stop him.
The Wildcat is not performing well in Miami and NE won’t be caught by surprise.
What do you all recommend?
by doomsdayreturns on Nov 7, 2009 2:01 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
I'd go Benson
no one there to steal carries, and each have a tough matchup.
by what_the_crap on Nov 7, 2009 2:36 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Thanks
That is what i will probably do…but I don’t expect much out of him this week.
by doomsdayreturns on Nov 7, 2009 4:47 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
This week sucks
I have Adrian Peterson and Thomas Jones on byes. I’m left with Portis, Felix Jones and Julius Jones. What do you guys think? I’m leaning toward Portis and Julius but not feeling good about it.
by illcowboy on Nov 7, 2009 5:51 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
I'd go Jones and Jones.
Is that a law firm?
by MicThaRock on Nov 7, 2009 8:17 PM CST via mobile up reply actions 0 recs
You're probably right.
The Skins offense is just terrible this season.
by illcowboy on Nov 7, 2009 8:54 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
seahawk starters facing detroit?
regular points league, i’m playing the high scoring team and peterson is on bye.
do i roll the dice with qb/hasselback and wr/burleson against the lions or stick with p rivers and dwayne bowe? (i also have santana moss but don’t trust the skins at all)
by billstickers on Nov 8, 2009 9:26 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
houston mess
ok guys, hopefully people are still reading this thread because the houston rb situation is a total mess. So I have slaton, moats, and charles to pick from. Which one do yall think I should go with?
by rashdogg on Nov 8, 2009 9:50 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
Jonathon Stewart or Jamal Charles?
Who should I start?
by Cowick22 on Nov 8, 2009 10:29 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
Charles will get more touches but it's a gamble.
KC has activated Kolby Smith, but probably won’t get many carries. Stewart would probably be the safer play…. but Charles has more upside.
by Road Warrior on Nov 8, 2009 10:37 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

by 


















