NFL Matchup Breakdowns Through Week 8
November 3, 2009
Now’s another good time for clarifications of how the spreadsheet is put together due to the Saints running back situation. The No. 1 RB is determined on a game-by-game basis based on who gets the most touches (carries + receptions). On Monday night, even though Pierre Thomas caught a score and ran one in, he finished with one touch fewer than Mike Bell, so Bell’s stats were those of the No. 1 back, while Thomas and Bush combined for three touchdowns as No. 2 backs. Hence, Atlanta’s numbers against No. 2’s got much worse, while you could argue those against the No. 1’s should’ve been impacted. However, for consistency sake I need to have some sort of ground rules, so this will have to stand as is.
NFL Matchup Breakdowns through Week 7
October 27, 2009
Here are the breakdowns through seven weeks. This is also a good time for a reminder about how the stats are compiled — only the main numbers are used at each position for compiling points against averages. Quarterback rushing yards and scores are not added in, neither are wide receiver rushing yards or scores. Running back and wide receiver passing numbers are also not taken into account. This is because these are special occurances and not all teams have players they use in those ways. This allows for a basic look at how teams do against the positions specifically while not skewing the numbers one way or the other if a team were to face a heavy dose of receivers who run end arounds or have quarterbacks that sneak in touchdowns regularly.
Matchup of the Week Stories
October 20, 2009
I haven’t been posting these mostly because I was forgetting to, but I figured I’d go back and insert the last five weeks so you can see how my preditions have been going. Not too bad so far, although I way underestimated the Saints last week.
Week 6 NFL Matchup Breakdowns
October 20, 2009
Here’s how things shake out after Week 6.
Week 5 NFL Matchup Breakdowns
October 13, 2009
Here’s a look at how defenses are shaping up against specific fantasy positions after five weeks.
Week 4 NFL Matchup Breakdowns
October 6, 2009
The Vikings regained their rightful place as the worst team at defending tight ends last week, while the Broncos continue to limit fantasy quarterback points better than any team in the league. I’m starting to buy into the hype, but the true test will be against New England in Week 5.
NFL Matchup Breakdowns after Week 3
September 29, 2009
Some interesting data this week, in particular the ability of the Broncos to limit opposing quarterbacks and the Bengals to shut down No. 1 wide receivers. I think Denver is a bit of a mirage considering its competition thus far, but Cincinnati has shut down Brandon Marshall, Greg Jennings and Santonio Holmes — not a bad group.
Week 2 Matchup Breakdowns
September 22, 2009
Now through two weeks of the season, a few trends have started to take shape. It’s interesting to compare the below spreadsheet with last year’s final numbers to see which teams are improving, getting worse, or remaining consistent. The home and road splits mean little at this point, but by midseason should have a bit of value.
Week 1 Matchup Breakdown
September 15, 2009
Week 1 2009 NFL Matchup Breakdowns
As promised, here’s the fantasy points allowed by defenses by position after Week 1. For those of you new to this weekly feature on Punting Baxter during the NFL season, I use a PPR scoring system to crunch the numbers. Here’s the exact breakdown: 4 points per passing TD, 6 points per rushing and receiving TD, 1 point per reception, .02 pts per passing yard, .05 points per rushing/receiving yard, -1 for interceptions.
I’ve toyed with the idea of adding additional scoring systems, but the demand hasn’t been there yet. If enough people are interested in others (non-PPR would be the first I’d do), I may add it later in the year.
Keep in mind, these numbers won’t mean much for another couple of weeks — once there are more games played, the numbers start to show trends a bit more.
Week 1 Spotlight
September 11, 2009
I wrote the Week 1 Spotlight for FFchamps.com this week, which featured the Bills vs. Patriots Monday night preview. Not sure if you need a subscription to see this or not, but either way here’s the link.
http://www.fantasyfootballchamps.com/members/index.cfm?page=resources.articles&id=3005
