If you’re anything like me, you’re facing some tough decisions this week due to the myriad of injuries across the league. I really can’t remember a season where this many significant players were hurt this early in the season. Fortunately, we have you covered with all of the most recent news (including word that Arian Foster may not go in Week 3), and the best analysis on the interwebs. Let’s get you up to speed on all of the content around the site.
For those looking for injury news, make sure you check out the Sunday morning redux edition of Dr. Dave Pratt's Fantasy Injury Ward. Of course, if you want a heads up on Mother Nature, you can check out our friends over at NFLWeather.com. It's not just forecasts either. They have a treasure trove of information, so I highly recommend surfing around a bit.
As always, we have some of the best analysis in the business on our site. Scott Spratt checks in on running backs versus defensive fronts, Dan Schneier gives a detailed look at running backer timeshares, and Mike Clay breaks down his opportunity-adjusted touchdowns (OTD). For the film junkies, make sure you’re checking out Joe Bussell’s work. This week, he takes a look at the tape on some key backup running backs. Those looking to make trades need to be reading Tyler Loechner’s Trade Value Chart and Ryan McKee’s Trade Wins.
We also unveiled a new feature this week that you’re going to want to check out. Mike Clay spent hours in the lab producing a wide receiver matchup chart that tells you who each receiver will line up against each week. Can you say “advantage”?
If IDP is you’re thing, we have the information to help you dominate your league with the tackle report, three-down linebacker report, and snap report. We also get a little more in-depth with my weekly Breakdown and In the Trenches from Ross Miles.
Hopefully, our Daily Fantasy Sports offerings made you money last week, because they made me money. This week, Renee Miller gives some general strategies, Dan Schneier breaks down the week's best QB/WR stack options, and Joey Cartolano tells you who to fade. You'll also want to check out Pat Thorman's DraftKings plays, and my action over at FanDuel. Don’t forget that we offer our Lineup Optimizer tool for DraftKings and FanDuel lineups. Our tool now has the option of allowing you to lock certain players into your lineup. This tool is a money maker.
Well be updating our rankings right up until kickoff, so check back early and often. If you have any start/sit questions, make sure you join us for our Week 3 War Room Hangout live on Google from 11:00 – noon EST.
RIP Rob Bironas
While Sundays during the season are always exciting, this particular day got started on a sad note when news came across that former Titans kicker Rob Bironas was killed in a car crash on Saturday night. He was 36 years old.
According to Nashville police, Bironas was traveling at a high rate of speed in his SUV when he lost control of the vehicle and went off the road hitting several trees and ending up in a drainage culvert upside down.
Bironas spent nine seasons with the Titans kicking 239 field goals, including a 60-yarder back in 2006. Only eight men have kicked a longer field goal in the history of the league. Bironas also missed just two extra points in 317 attempts. He finished No. 41 all-time in field goals made, though Robbie Gould is just three behind him.
Bironas was a perennial Top 10 kicker at PFF over the first several seasons in the league. His highest finishes came in 2007 and 2009 when he graded out as the No. 3 kicker overall for the regular season. That 2007 season was his best from a statistical standpoint, as Bironas connected on 35-of-39 kicks and banged home five from 50-plus. Always accurate, Bironas currently sits as the No. 7 most-accurate kicker with a field goal percentage of 85.663.
I’ll always remember fondly watching Sunday Night Countdown in the mid-to-late-2000s and hearing Chris Berman talk-sing “ma-ma-ma-my Bironas” to the tune of “My Sharona” from The Knack. There were even parody songs made about Bironas, like this one I found on YouTube.
Rest in peace, Rob Bironas. Heaven just got a good one.
It's a somber start to the day, but there's still a lot to get excited about. We have a full slate of games on tap for the day, so let's do this. Enjoy the games and good luck in Week 3!
Jeff Ratcliffe is the Assistant Managing Editor and resident IDP maven of PFF Fantasy.
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