Dan's Sack (Fantasy Football Mailbag): Week 1

On Monday, I had introduced the Hogs Haven community to my new weekly fantasy football advice mailbag. Unfortunately, by giving it the vague title of "Introducing: Dan's Sack", there was more than a fair share of confused people as well as several who were too apprehensive to click on the link in the first place. I can't say I blame them.

Hopefully with the first batch of questions now in place, things will get under way a little more smoothly. Now without further ado, it's time to reach into my big ol' sack and answer some of your questions!

@J_Villa75 asks via Twitter:

Hey Dan, I picked Darren Sproles in the 3rd round. Good decision?

Yes, especially if it's a PPR league. In those leagues last season, only Arian Foster, Ray Rice, LeSean McCoy and Maurice Jones-Drew netted more fantasy points than Darren Sproles, and the Lightning Bug certainly has the skill set and the offense to repeat his sterling performance. It's been noted that the Saints would like to increase Mark Ingram's role a bit this season, but that's probably a bigger threat to Pierre Thomas' production than Sproles'. This is a passing offense, and Sproles is too important of a weapon to keep off of the field. Given how thin the running back position is this season, I'd consider Sproles in the third round a bargain.

@Celfmade asks via Twitter:

What is your thought on Geno Atkins as a possible waiver wire pickup?

Yes! I love getting questions about IDP (individual defensive player) leagues.

Let me just start by saying that I love Geno Atkins. He is one of the most disruptive linemen in the league and I can say with utmost confidence that he could easily place among the top three in sacks among defensive tackles this season.

Unfortunately, there is a "but" to this statement. I wouldn't bother pulling the trigger on him unless you're in a ridiculously deep league that starts multiple defensive linemen, or if there is a roster spot devoted solely to defensive tackles. Atkins is awesome to own in DT leagues, but if your league utilizes the broader label of defensive linemen, then it's likely you can find a pass-rushing defensive end with higher upside.

Munson21502 from the Hogs Haven community writes:

Just got a trade offer today in one of my leagues, was wondering what you would do? The guy wants to trade me McFadden, MJD, Lions D and Kenny Britt for Arian Foster. He already has [LeSean] McCoy on his team, and I have [DeMarco] Murray and Sproles. I am thinking this is a good trade for me, but it might give him too much power at RB. I told him he has already a good team, but he wants Foster really bad.

I think you pretty much answered your own question. I love the value that McFadden and MJD present in drafts, but it probably isn't worth giving up Foster for two backs that have their share of uncertainties. There's no point in trading for a defense, especially one that faces the Packers and a vastly improved Bears offense twice. You're better off playing different defenses week-to-week depending on matchups than rolling with one.

The part that intrigues me is Kenny Britt. When he's on the field he's a monster, and I think he could still have a big year despite early injury concerns and his one-game suspension. I think a ballsier person than I would accept this trade based on Britt's upside, but I'd prefer a guy who carries less risk if it means giving up Foster.

Also, holy crap at all those running backs. Are you guys in a four-team league?

ronoD nagrO from the Hogs Haven community writes:

Dear Dan's Sack,

Someone wanted me to trade Ryan Mathews straight up for Michael Bush. Is this as awful a trade for me as it looks like on the surface?

No it's not. It's even worse than it looks on the surface. Kick him out of your league.

64ShagginWagon from the Hogs Haven community writes:

Dan, you can post about your sack every week as long as the pictures are of cheerleaders.

Thanks for your permission.

What do you think of Jake Locker this year? Looking for a backup for Tom Brady. I have Alex Smith but they have the same bye week.

I'll make this simple: Ditch Alex Smith for Jake Locker and don't look back. In a standard four-point passing touchdown league, I freaking love Locker. Not enough yet to start of course, but enough to stash him on my bench, and that's a pretty big deal coming from a guy who rarely wastes a roster spot on a backup quarterback who gets maybe one week of use.

Locker isn't afraid to tuck-and-run or air-it-out, and he has the necessary talent to present huge upside in the form of deep passes or precious six-point rushing touchdowns. He has three talented receivers to throw to as well as a budding tight end in Jared Cook. It's a lot to ask for a defense to account for all of that and a rejuvenated Chris Johnson. Speaking of whom...

Skin Patrol from the Hogs Haven community writes:

Earliest you would pick Chris Johnson in a 12-person league?

Absolute earliest would be sixth. I think after Foster, Rice, McCoy, Calvin Johnson and McFadden are gone, CJ?K would be my next choice (yes, over Aaron Rodgers). Say what you want about the stinker of a season Johnson had last year, but opportunity is still a big part of fantasy football and Johnson will still get his.

Like I stated earlier, running backs are ultra-thin this year. Grab him early, and enjoy your depth at a position that not many people in their league will get to boast. There are plenty of capable receivers and quarterbacks in the middle rounds of the draft. You just can't say the same about running backs. Plus, it's not like Johnson suddenly has no upside because of a down year, a down year which still earned him the 11^th-most points among running backs in PPR leagues. If "up" really is the only direction for Johnson to go, then that essentially means he will have a monster year.

If you have more questions you would like answered, feel free to reach me on Twitter

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