I'm sure most of you guys know about Brad Evans with Yahoo Sports. After week two of the NFL season, in an unscripted rapid fire type interview, I had a chance to catch up with Brad and get his take on several players. Brad was like a fantasy football nuclear power plant answering all my questions without hesitation spitting facts and stats like P-Ditty in a street battle, it was actually very impressive. But how did the Brad's predictions hold up after two weeks of field testing?
Let's look at what Brad had to say in response to my questions and how it panned out after two weeks of fantasy play.
First up was Demaryius Thomas (WR) Denver Broncos. In week two Thomas exploded for 8 catches for 97 yards and 1 TD. I asked Brad if this was a sign of things to come. Brad was quick to point out that the Broncos opted for Demaryius Thomas over Dez Bryant in the NFL draft. He loved Thomas going forward and predicted Thomas would finish with 850 to 900 yards and 5 to 7 TD's.
Two weeks later.. Thomas has only has three catches for 52 yards and no TD. But in week four he did return 4 KR for 144 yards.
My take.. I'm not in love with any rookie WR this year except Brandon Tate. Rookie Wideouts will be hit or miss and really can only be trusted as bye week fillers in 12 team or less leagues. However, despite the last two slow games, Thomas will likely fulfill Brad's projections; Orton looks great and the Broncos appear to be sharing the wealth.
Next in line was Aaron Hernandez (TE) New England Patriots. In week two Aaron busted a huge load on the Jets posting 6 catches for 101 yards. Again I asked Brad if a rookie TE in the Pats spread the wealth offense could be trusted. Brad wasn't feeling the love for Hernandez at all. Stating that New England likes to spread the ball around and that starting Hernandez going forward would be a crap shoot.
Two weeks later.. Hernandez has 11 catches for 94 yards and 1 rush for 13 yards. In week 4 he had huge catch and run pulled back due to holding at the line.
My take.. The jury is still out on Brad's prediction however the Patriots are clearly getting the TE more involved this year. Hernandez is a strong buy right now (PPR leagues) but with Moss headed to Minnesota who will spread the field and open it up for the TE? I'm picking up Hernandez if I need a TE otherwise I'd like to see the Pats (and Hernandez) without Moss on the field before starting him over the slew of elite TE's around the league right now.
Dwayne Bowe was next on the hit list. When Brad responded to my "what do you think about Bowe" question it was obvious he was just as disappointed as everyone else that drafted Bowe this year. Brad stated Bowe will be inconsistent and that the passing game looks terrible and will struggle week to week.
Two weeks later.. Bowe has only played one game due to the week 4 bye however in week 3 he only caught 2 passes for 61 yards and a TD. The TD pass was on a trick play hail mary straight out of some old college playbook. Umm yaa thank you Bowe, I benched your ass the one week you actually get a TD, thanks.
My Take.. Bowe, why did you go to Fitgerald's training camp? Why is Matt Cassel looking like a backup QB? And why in the hell did I draft a player entering a season with a new coaching staff? I'm starting Bowe as a flex this week since DMC is out with a bum hammy. I hope garbage time is good to Bowe and I this week. Considering dropping Bowe for Britt if Bowe fails me now.. PS This is in a 16 team league so WR depth is hard to come by.
Who is your best Buy Low Candidate?
Brad jumped on Zach Miller (TE) Oakland Raiders saying that Zach has 7 catches on 12 targets and is set to explode.
Two weeks later.. Zach has 15 catches for 186 yards and 2 TD's. Nice call Brad!
My take.. Zach Miller is the fifth ranked fantasy TE right now and should continue on his rampage for the foreseeable future.
Last call for alcohol, "Brad what's up with Tony Gonzales".. Brad firmly stated Tony has lost a step and that the outlook was grim. Brad advised that there where plenty of younger, more promising options out there.
Two weeks later.. Tony has 15 catches for 151 yard and 1 TD.
My take.. Keep in mind the mass explosion came against the New Orleans Saints depleted defense. I still like Tony to post 80 catches for 850 yards and 6 TD's this year. His hands are undeniable and that alone makes him worth a start. But yes Brad is correct, Tony doesn't seem to have the separation he once possessed.
Week one thru four are very telling times for future fantasy football projections. Kudos to Brad for stepping up and making the hard calls. All in all I think he did well considering the amount of data that existed from week 1 and 2.