By Nick Shook
Beacon Journal copy editor
Read full column on Ohio.com

It’s the last week of the season for most traditional leagues that use multiple weeks to determine playoff matchups. That means either you’re on the brink of the playoffs and must win this week, or you’re dead and buried and have only a consolation bracket to look toward.

Or, you’ve coasted to a pristine record and are simply waiting for your machine of a team to keep churning out wins. Congratulations to you; only winners get wings.

In case you need one last boost, I’m here with your roster Hail Mary heaves. Continue reading →

By Nick Shook
Beacon Journal copy editor
Read full column on Ohio.com

You know, despite all of the (fun word alert) hoopla surrounding the play of Seattle’s Thomas Rawls, I don’t like his matchup very much this week.

Yes, the rookie running back exceeded 200 yards on the ground last week, but it came against the San Francisco 49ers. We know how bad things are out in The Bay.

This week, Rawls’ Seahawks face the Pittsburgh Steelers, ranked first against opposing running backs in fantasy football. With Marshawn Lynch out for weeks after an operation for a sports hernia, Rawls undoubtedly will see 10-plus touches. But Pittsburgh is no slouch against the run. Continue reading →

By Nick Shook
Beacon Journal copy editor
Read full column on Ohio.com

So, that’s the last time I place my stock in anything Oakland (or Los Angeles) Raiders.

After telling you that Latavius Murray and Derek Carr were very good choices for your lineup, Murray rushed for 28 yards and a touchdown on 13 carries (2.2 yards per carry) and Carr completed 13-of-25 passes for 169 yards. The Raiders lost to the suddenly stingy Detroit Lions, 18-13.

Ugh.

Fortunately, there are at least a couple weeks left in your regular season, depending on how your league is set up. It might be too late for a playoff push, but your pride is still on the line, and we all care about that. Go down swinging, champ. Continue reading →

By Nick Shook
Beacon Journal copy editor
Read full column on Ohio.com

The Browns are on a bye this week, meaning I have to actually dig deeper into statistics instead of just having a gimme running back to slide into the start category this week. Shame on the bye week, making me work while they’re off.

All jokes aside, the Browns actually didn’t get gashed on the ground last week, mainly because they were too busy chasing after the backs of Steeler receivers. Breathe easy, Ohio — they can’t sully this Sunday.

Week 11’s arrival means it’s crunch time for those of you looking for one last late-season push to make the playoffs. You (and I) are running out of games to make a miraculous comeback. Let’s channel our inner 1992-93 Buffalo Bills. You are Frank Reich! Believe! Continue reading →

By Nick Shook
Beacon Journal copy editor
Read full column on Ohio.com

In Denver, a living legend is headed for the bench for the time being to get healthy.

In Cleveland, a forgettable quarterback (but seemingly nice guy) might be taking a similar seat on the sideline for good.

One is Peyton Manning. The other is Josh McCown. The more exciting understudy of the two is, surprisingly, on the roster of the Browns. And you already know who he is.

As the Browns enter their bye week, we might be on the cusp of the true, official era of Johnny Football. While you all get your popcorn ready, you should also get your fantasy rosters prepared. Continue reading →

By Nick Shook
Beacon Journal copy editor
Read full column on Ohio.com

If your cable provider happens to include NFL Network in your overpriced TV package, you likely joined the rest of Football America in celebrating Christmas a month and a half early by watching Rex Ryan and the red-clad Bills take down the Kelly green-wearing Jets. I know, it was weird to me, too. I haven’t even used turkey and stuffing to test the limits of my Levi’s yet.

Luckily, we get another one of those, uh, eyebrow-raising uniform matchups on Thursday with the Jacksonville Jaguars and Tennessee Titans. But more on that later; we have Sunday games to get to.

When you read below, you’ll see that I’ve gone back-to-back with a choice in the start section. This isn’t by mistake, but by the good graces of the schedule lending you a favor — unless you’re a supporter of the Browns. But then again, you’re used to getting the short end of the stick. Continue reading →

By Nick Shook
Beacon Journal copy editor
Read full column on Ohio.com

It’s time to cut bait and move on, folks.

You drafted Alfred Morris high, right? That no longer justifies keeping him. I just cut him myself, finally, after weeks of empty starts.

I would have liked to swap him for Jeremy Langford, but my opponent was too quick, and rode his 22-point output to a 107-105 comeback win over me. Morris hasn’t even exceeded 12 points in a game this season. Sometimes, that’s just the way the fantasy cookie crumbles.

We’re also letting go of another high pick this week, but I’ll let you read further. Continue reading →

By Nick Shook
Beacon Journal copy editor
Read full column on Ohio.com

At this point in the season, it’s pretty easy to tell if you need to cut ties with a player on your team. Player A has underperformed, isn’t making a dent in your team’s weekly final score and is occupying a roster spot better used otherwise. You dump him, move to the waiver wire and find someone you hope will give you at least a few points more per week, or might have a lopsided matchup in the coming weeks. Rinse and repeat.

So for the most part, the drop section is now populated with the unfortunate fellows who have suffered serious injuries. That’s the theme this week: next man up. But if you’re struggling between dropping two healthy guys for another healthy and available player, I’m here for you on Twitter @TheNickShook. Let’s settle this together.

Oh, and we also had a trade. Transactions are fun, unless you’re a 49ers fan. Continue reading →

By Nick Shook
Beacon Journal copy editor
Read full column on Ohio.com

This is a good week to pay attention to the Dallas Cowboys. Why?

Well, we’re fresh off Greg Hardy’s latest outburst, with this one coming on the field, and we’re also a week away from seeing a much different look for the Cowboys on offense.

Dez Bryant is closer to playing (maybe this Sunday!), and Tony Romo is expected back in Cowboys practice next week. If you were one of those dedicated, loyal, ride-or-cut-once-he-hits-IR people like myself, you probably are itching to move Bryant from your bench to your starting lineup. Same goes for Romo.

Patience, my friends. The time is near.

Also, I bet you’re glad you listened to me about the Dolphins this week. Yes? I thought so.

Let’s get a hot streak going. Follow my picks for more success. Or don’t, and risk failure — and loneliness. Continue reading →

By Nick Shook
Beacon Journal copy editor
Read full column on Ohio.com

We must be prudent with our judgment of the Miami Dolphins.

I was very high on the Dolphins’ potential heading into this season, but under Joe Philbin’s watch, they limped through the first four weeks. Enter interim coach Dan Campbell, and they have reeled off two wins in a row, scoring 82 points in the process.

But the New England Patriots await on Thursday.

This game could very well go one of two ways. Either a rejuvenated Dolphins team plays up to its competition and we get somewhat of a shootout, or the surge of energy under Campbell fizzles upon arriving in Foxborough, Mass., and the Patriots dominate all phases of the game in a blowout win.

I want to be excited. But with arguably the best team in the league next up on the schedule for the Dolphins, I can’t — yet. Continue reading →