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 →

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

Play Carson Palmer.

I know you were going to. But in case you’re like my buddy Austin, who happens to overthink almost every fantasy scenario (including Andy Dalton or Sam Bradford last week), stop while you’re ahead. Palmer is your guy.

How’s that for an intro? Let’s get into my Week 7 selections. Continue reading →

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

NFL.com has a poll running on the side rail of its fantasy homepage right now. It reads:

Which fantasy disappointment are you most panicked about?

• C.J. Anderson

• Brandin Cooks

• Andrew Luck

• DeMarco Murray

• Other

Do we even need an “other”?! Continue reading →

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

Sometimes, things just don’t go your way.

Players have bad days. Farmers’ crops don’t yield much. Students fail tests. It happens.

If you listened to me and benched Gary Barnidge last week, I apologize. Apparently, the worst position matchup couldn’t keep him from again doing Gary Barnidge things, like making catches with his backside and inner thighs. How many Gary Barnidges does it take for the Browns to finish with a winning record? The world might never know. Continue reading →

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

The Buffalo Bills’s running back position has had so many ups and downs in four weeks, it should be up for a Daytime Emmy.

First, we had LeSean McCoy and his vitriol toward former coach Chip Kelly. Then, we had rookie sensation Karlos Williams. Now, with both sidelined, we get Boobie Dixon and Dan “Boom” Herron. Boom and Boobie? Really? Continue reading →