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    Brad Evans

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    Brad "The Big Noise" Evans is Yahoo! Sports fantasy’s resident baseball, football and bracketology expert.

    • Lames: Cam’s Week 8 matchup, fashion sense highly questionable

      Female Wookies unanimously agree, Cam's sweater is HOT!!!

      Each week the Noise highlights 10 bold names who he believes are destined to torpedo your teamleave egg on his face. For those playing the Lames home edition, each player must be started in at least 50 percent of Yahoo! leagues to qualify. As an accountability advocate, results, whether genius or moronic, will post the following week using the scoring system shown here. If you're a member of TEAM HUEVOS, post your Week 8 Lames in the comments section below.

      Cam Newton, Car, QB (60-percent started)
      Matchup: at Chi
      In Cam's suggestion box one can only hope some scorned fantasy owner submitted a piece of paper with "Pull head out of posterior" scribbled on it. The first half of the regular season has been a calamitous downfall for the prized early-round pick. Mired in a deep sophomore slump, he's regressed in every category imaginable, a dramatic decline that has many questioning his overall attitude, leadership skills and decision-making in high leverage situations. Though his per game average is still straddling the QB top-10, he's largely unreliable. Warren Moon's recent comments suggesting people are "overreacting" to Cam's sliding play obviously isn't representative of the fantasy community. His value, when compared to his draft day price, is drowning in the red. This week likely won't increase owner confidence. Chicago, on pace to best takeaway totals tallied by the legendary '85 team, is on the brink of becoming of the league's greatest defenses ever. Da Bears have yet to allow a multi-TD passer this season or a 16-point signal caller in Yahoo! standard leagues. They've also limited passers to a mere 6.1 yards per attempt. Newton's strong ground presence always makes him a threat to score, no matter the opponent, but until he reconnects with Steve Smith downfield another Sunday filled with unanswerable questions is on tap.

      Fearless Forecast: 17-33, 203 passing yards, 1 touchdown, 2 interceptions, 39 rushing yards, 0 rushing touchdowns, 16.1 fantasy points

      Read More »from Lames: Cam’s Week 8 matchup, fashion sense highly questionable
    • Flames: Jennings’ reemergence ignites ‘Cat Scratch Fever’

      Jennings, discarded by most weeks ago, is no longer hiding in the shadows. (USP)

      Each week the Noise highlights 12-13 somewhat obscure, unobvious names who he believes are destined to torch the competition. To qualify, each player must be started in fewer than 60 percent of Yahoo! leagues. Speaking as an accountability advocate, I will post the results, whether genius or moronic, the following week using the scoring system shown here. If you're a member of TEAM HUEVOS, post your Week 8 Flames in the comments section below.

      Philip Rivers, SD, QB (28-percent started)
      Matchup: at Cle
      This season, Rivers' waters have been quite muddy. Already equipped with a throwing motion akin to a prepubescent girl, his mechanics look as disgusting as ever. So does his decision-making. Similar to last year, he's trying to thread balls through pin-holes, an obvious exercise in futility. His humiliating six turnover meltdown in the disaster versus Denver, an underperformance he blamed on "poor throws," was a prime example. Though he's on pace to set a new career high in completion percentage (66.5), his dipping YPA ('11: 7.9, '12: 7.1) and subsequent nosedive in YPG (289.0, 248.7) are very disconcerting. The primary reason for the drop-off stems from substandard protection. Rivers has been placed under duress on 37.3-percent of his attempts, resulting in a 42.1 QB rating in pressure packed situations. Despite the concerns, Cleveland is an adversary worth taking advantage of. Even with Joe Haden back in uniform, the Browns are a favorable opponent. Signal callers have scored at least two touchdowns in every game against the Chihuahuas this year. They've also allowed 289.2 passing yards per game. Fresh off the bye, Rivers will showcase vintage form. Start him with confidence.

      Fearless Forecast: 23-38, 278 passing yards, 2 passing touchdowns, 1 interception, 20.9 fantasy points

      Read More »from Flames: Jennings’ reemergence ignites ‘Cat Scratch Fever’
    • Don't look so glum, British Bears fanatic, we'll get through this bye week together. (USP)

      Standing in line at the DMV, forced to endure two hours of at-work training, watching soccer, Week 7 in the NFL … What do they all have in common? They are examples of hell on earth.

      With six teams on a one-week siesta this week, owners, even in 10-team leagues, are forced to dig deep.

      On this week's comforting program, Brad Evans and Brandon Funston, equipped with helmet lights and pickaxes, unearthed numerous hidden gems to help you net a crucial win. At the top of the show, we discussed possible backfield reshuffling in New York (David Wilson or Andre Brown up?), followed up with a break down of all the sleepers and busts from each Week 7 game and told you what whether Larry Fitzgerald will boom or bust with John Skelton under center.

      Too busy polishing your Ditka (Bobblehead, people, bobblehead!)? No problem. Listen to the replays below:

      LISTEN TO HOUR 1 HERE

      LISTEN TO HOUR 2 HERE


      Read More »from The Fantasy Freak Show Podcast: McFadden, Bradshaw and spacesuit-pooping
    • Despite flashy numbers, Spiller remains in a strict timeshare with Jackson. (USP)

      Fantasy is a speculative game. Predict the future, and you look like a genius. Don't, and you're painfully human. Gazing into the crystal ball here's our view on 10 intriguing over/unders for Week 7.

      Pick a Bill: C.J. Spiller or Fred Jackson?

      AndyJOE CRIBBS. No, seriously, did I not already pick a side in my running back ranks? What part of "CJ Spiller No. 10, Fred Jackson No. 14" was not clear?

      Dalton — SPILLER. Both are terrific players in an even timeshare. Pro Football Focus graded Jackson as the best RB last season despite him missing 6+ games. But Spiller is six years younger and leads the NFL by a wide margin with 5.2 YPC after contact and has his own right to claim to be best back in the NFL as of today.

      Brad — SPILLER. Jackson continues to net more snaps than Spiller, but the second fiddle has serious wiggle. He's forced 13 missed tackles on just 150 snaps, the seventh-highest in the league. Point blank, C.J. is lethal in small doses. Bank on 80-90 total yards and a score against the Titanics this week.

      Read More »from Over/Under: In clash with Titans, will Spiller or Jackson pay the Bills?
    • Lames: Fitz flop on the horizon in Minnesota

      Minnesota's relentless pass rush could keep Fitzgerald under wraps. (USP)

      Each week the Noise highlights 10 bold names who he believes are destined to torpedo your teamleave egg on his face. For those playing the Lames home edition, each player must be started in at least 50 percent of Yahoo! leagues to qualify. As an accountability advocate, results, whether genius or moronic, will post the following week using the scoring system shown here. If you're a member of TEAM HUEVOS, post your Week 7 Lames in the comments section below.

      Matthew Stafford, Det, QB (81-percent started)
      Matchup: at Chi
      Somehow it appears the Madden Curse has infected Stafford and not the video game's cover athlete, Calvin Johnson. The popular second-round pick, off one of the greatest QB seasons in NFL history, has seen a precipitous drop in production. Plagued by turnovers and misconnects, he's yet to tally a multi-TD passing game this season. Still, he remains on pace to throw an arm-taxing 697 times this season, which would best his franchise record 663 attempts from a year ago. Unfortunately, his dip in YPA ('11: 7.6, '12: 6.8) and red-zone inefficiency continue to keep him outside the QB top-12 in per game average. So does his uneven performance in-game. Evident in last week's thrilling win in Philly, Stafford has become the league's latest comeback king. His fourth quarter QB rating 103.9 completely dwarfs what little he's accomplished earlier in games (1st: 48.1, 2nd: 58.7, 3rd: 80.1). If he didn't sleepwalk through first halves, he would easily be a top-five signal caller. Consistency will be key for Stafford Monday night in Chicago. Tim Jennings and company have yet to allow a multi-TD passer and have given up a mere 6.1 yards per attempt. Earlier this season, proven passers Aaron Rodgers and Tony Romo failed to reach the 20-fantasy point mark against the Bears. Stafford was a turnover machine the last time he visited the Windy City, throwing four picks. In the rematch, anticipate a similar outcome.

      Fearless Forecast: 26-42, 283 passing yards, 1 touchdown, 3 interceptions, 4 rushing yards, 15.6 fantasy points

      Read More »from Lames: Fitz flop on the horizon in Minnesota
    • Flames: Palmer, Raiders D/ST your remedies for the bye week blues

      When matched against Jacksonville, always bet on black (USP).

      Each week the Noise highlights 12-13 somewhat obscure, unobvious names who he believes are destined to torch the competition. To qualify, each player must be started in fewer than 60 percent of Yahoo! leagues. Speaking as an accountability advocate, I will post the results, whether genius or moronic, the following week using the scoring system shown here. If you're a member of TEAM HUEVOS, post your Week 7 Flames in the comments section below.

      Carson Palmer, Oak, QB (12-percent started)
      Matchup: vs. Jax
      For whatever reason, the fantasy community must feel Palmer carries a contagion. Despite eclipsing 20 fantasy points in three of his past four games, most continue to keep the signal caller at arm's length. However, this week, because of bye week hell, fanatics need to trust his services. Palmer pinned last week's giveaway in Atlanta on himself blaming his poor ball security and mental missteps for the loss. Back in the Black Hole, look for him to kiss and make-up with the Raiders faithful. Defensively, the Jaguars are the new Hello Kitties of the NFL. Pounded via ground and air, they are an overly generous defense. Over the past three weeks, Andrew Luck, Andy Dalton and Jay Cutler each threw for at least 244 yards and two touchdowns against them. On the season, corners Rashean Mathis and Aaron Ross have allowed a QB rating of 106.2. Due to Darren McFadden's ongoing inconsistencies and with Denarius Moore blossoming, Palmer will be leaned on Sunday. Bank on the man in black.

      Fearless Forecast: 22-33, 262 passing yards, 2 passing touchdowns, 0 interceptions, 3 rushing yards, 21.4 fantasy points

      Read More »from Flames: Palmer, Raiders D/ST your remedies for the bye week blues
    • Man, the Ultimate Warrior has really let himself go. (USP)

      Turnover in fantasy is a given. In this violent sport, any backup is one knee buckle away from relevancy. Last week, Cedric Benson, Donald Brown and Ryan Williams were bitten by the injury imp, paving the way for new point sources to emerge. How will their replacements perform?

      On this week's prudent program, Scott Pianowski and Brad Evans delved into the Week 6 prospects of Alex Green, Vick Ballard and whoever the heck is going to carry the ball at a pedestrian pace for Arizona. Also, we revealed our sleepers, busts and Shocker Specials from every remaining game, played a game of over/unders and explained why Tony Romo is bound for a bounce-back.

      Too busy shopping online for 'sexy' Halloween costumes? No problem. Listen to the replays below:

      LISTEN TO HOUR 1 HERE

      LISTEN TO HOUR 2 HERE

      Read More »from The Fantasy Freak Show Podcast: Replacement RBs, DMC and Honey Boo Boo
    • Over/Under: Is the other Vick the right pick at RB2 in Week 6?

      Sans Brown, Ballard should net roughly 15-18 touches this week against the Puddle Jumpers. (USP)

      Fantasy is a speculative game. Predict the future, and you look like a genius. Don't, and you're painfully human. Gazing into the crystal ball here's our view on 10 intriguing over/unders for Week 6.

      Vick Ballard, now starting against the Jets with Donald Brown sidelined, final Week 6 RB rank 22.5 (In other words, will he deliver RB2-level stats in 12-team leagues)?

      Brad — UNDER. The once proud Jets defense is a shell of its former self. This season, the Puddle Jumpers have surrendered 4.7 YPC to RBs. Ballard will give way to Mewelde Moore on third-downs but is a strong candidate for a 17-75-1 afternoon.

      Brandon — UNDER. Meaning he'll be a top 22 RB in Week 6. Jets allowing a very unRex-like 4.9 YPC. And the Jets have to be on alert first and foremost in the passing game given Luck's early success. Space should be available for Ballard.

      Scott — With all due respect to the plus matchup, I'm going OVER. If Ballard has special talent, it hasn't flashed yet: 21 carries, 42 yards. He's only caught one pass. Indy's run blocking currently ranks 27th on Pro Football Focus; good luck finding holes.

      Read More »from Over/Under: Is the other Vick the right pick at RB2 in Week 6?
    • Lames: Buccaneers sharpening swords for Chiefs, Charles

      Charles may walk an uneven line this week in Tampa. (USP)

      Each week the Noise highlights 10 bold names who he believes are destined to torpedo your team leave egg on his face. For those playing the Lames home edition, each player must be started in at least 50 percent of Yahoo! leagues to qualify. As an accountability advocate, results, whether genius or moronic, will post the following week using the scoring system shown here. If you're a member of TEAM HUEVOS, post your Week 5 Lames in the comments section below.

      Tom Brady, NE, QB (95-percent started)
      Matchup: at Sea
      Tom Terrific? More like Tom Tepid in Seattle. Prior to Week 1, most projected extraordinary production for the two-time MVP this season. Everything was in place. He was a proven commodity surrounded with endless weapons in a pass-heavy system. But Bill Belichick isn't predictable. Shockingly, the Hoodie has called 'pass' just 47.5-percent of the time through five games. Stevan Ridley, and not Brady, has become the engine that drives the offense. Still, the passer hasn't become a fantasy slouch. He currently ranks No. 7 among signal callers in per game average. This week, however, look for him to rank well outside the top-10. CenturyLink Field is an intimidating environment. Brady admitted earlier this week running no-huddle, which was instrumental in New England's win over Denver, in such a raucous venue "will be a challenge." Tony Romo and Aaron Rodgers, who both struggled earlier this year in Seattle, would most certainly agree. Overall, the 'Hawks have conceded just 6.0 yards per attempt and the fewest fantasy points to QBs. The defensive line along with blanketing corners Brandon Browner and Richard Sherman are a well-oiled machine. It may sound absurd, but Brady is bench worthy for owners with viable alternatives.

      Fearless Forecast: 24-36, 248 passing yards, 1 passing touchdowns, 2 interceptions, 14.4 fantasy points

      Read More »from Lames: Buccaneers sharpening swords for Chiefs, Charles
    • With a 68.6 completion percentage, the Prius is a model of efficiency. (USP)

      Each week the Noise highlights 12-13 somewhat obscure, unobvious names who he believes are destined to torch the competition. To qualify, each player must be started in fewer than 60 percent of Yahoo! leagues. Speaking as an accountability advocate, I will post the results, whether genius or moronic, the following week using the scoring system shown here. If you're a member of TEAM HUEVOS, post your Week 6 Flames in the comments section below.

      Alex Smith, SF, QB (19-percent started)
      Matchup: vs. NYG
      Once the Bea Arthur of fantasy quarterbacks, San Fran's 'Golden Girl' is now more Blanche Devereaux — sassy, sultry and, statistically speaking, quite alluring. Coming off just his second 300-yard game since October 5, 2010, Smith is dealing. The antithesis of Mark Sanchez, he's completed nearly 69-percent of his passes and is on pace to obliterate his previous career high in touchdown passes (Pace: 26, High: 18). Consistency in coordinators has made him more comfortable with the offense and in his overall decision-making. His swollen 'bird' is a "concern" to head coach Jim Harbaugh, but the signal caller downplayed the injury Monday calling it "no big deal." Assuming the swelling subsides, he's a fabulous start in Week 6. The visiting Giants are one of the league's worst pass defenses. According to Pro Football Focus, Corey Webster ranks No. 102 out of 102 corners  in pass coverage. Overall, the Giving-Men have surrendered 8.8 yards per attempt and four 20-point fantasy performances to QBs this season. For Drew Brees and Cam Newton owners seeking a one-week replacement, the Gold Panner should yield bountiful riches. Plug. Play. Reap.

      Fearless Forecast: 21-31, 251 passing yards, 2 passing touchdowns, 0 interceptions, 17 rushing yards, 22.3 fantasy points

      Read More »from Flames: Accurate Smith to throw darts, hit bullseyes against New York

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