Fantasy Football Strategy Special:

If You Like It Put A Ring On It

By Muntradamus

BEAST DOME NATION.

The first strategy special article I put out was TDs A Make Them Dance.  This week, and the upcoming weeks I will be giving you strategy to win your leagues as opposed to just week-by-week advice.  This week, I am putting the emphasis on a running back who should be owned in more leagues than he currently is.  Kevin Smith.

Many of you found MaddenArena last season based on my odd prediction to add Kevin Smith days before his huge outbreak against Carolina.  Here is why it is time to add Kevin Smith again if your team is desperate for a RB option.

 

ADD: KEVIN SMITH

Below you will read all the reasons in why it is time to add the 4th-5th round pick back to your fantasy team before it is too late.  My opening Statement.

KEVIN SMITH makes the Lions a much more dynamic football team with his explosiveness  and ability to be such a great receiver out of the backfield.  Not only did the Lions score over 40 Points twice in his 5 games as the running back, despite ankle problems.  He made Matt Stafford a better QB.

 

MIKEL LESHOURE

Leshoure came onto the scene strong with an easy 100+ Total Yard game against one of the worst defenses in the Titans.  After that game, he has failed to reach 100 Total Yards, and he lost two fumbles in that span.  The one against the Bears last Monday Night was crucial as the team only lost by one possession, his fumble happened in the Bears Red Zone.

 

JOIQUE BELL

Bell has looked good in the passing game as a receiving back, but his abilities as a running back is limited.  The Lions are much more dynamic with Kevin Smith as their 3rd down back than Joique.  After his crucial fumble on Monday Night Football on the 1 Yard Line, you have to think his time is coming to an end.

 

Here is the Lions upcoming schedule.

Week 8: VS. SEA

The Seahawks are one of the best defenses in the NFL.  Mikel Leshoure and Joique Bell will probably end up getting another chance for redemption.  If they defy the odds and both put up big games, then this whole plan can be thrown out the window.  I do not see it happening though as the Lions passing game is sure to have problems.

 

WEEK 9: @ JAX

Great matchup.  If Leshoure and Bell are the guys, they should get their points.  However there may be changes made if both players struggle in the game against the Seahawks in Week 8, leaving Kevin Smith with a lot of room to shine and re-claim his old role.

 

WEEK 10: @ MIN

Minnesota is having trouble with shifty backs.  After both Bell and Leshoure failed to do anything against the Vikings earlier this season, it would be very hard pressed to see coach Schwartz not go to his main man Kevin Smith in this battle.

 

WEEK 11: VS. GB

By this point the Lions will know if their season has a chance.  If the team is still in the playoff hunt, and Leshoure/Bell combo is working for them, then this strategy is likely done.  However if the team continues it’s 2-4 ways to this point and is now 3-7 or worse heading into this matchup.  Kevin Smith would be great if he got the start.

 

Plus most importantly.  This will solve the Matt Stafford Crisis all of his fantasy owners are going with.

 

MATT STAFFORD AVERAGES W/ KEVIN SMITH 2011

375.66 Yards. 3.33 TDs. 6 Games

MATT STAFFORD AVERAGES W/O KEVIN SMITH 2011

278.4 Yards. 2.10 TDs. 10 Games

CONCLUSION:

This is a 4 week plan.  Do not give up on it quickly, it has the potential to leave you with a 5th Round RB to close out your season.  If you have a weak RB such as Peyton Hillis on your roster, or Phillip Tanner.  Kevin Smith is a huge upgrade forward, and a gamble worth taking.

 

Muntradamus is a Fantasy Sports Expert who specializes in Fantasy Football/Baseball/Basketball. He is currently in his first season as a Pro on FantasyPros where he is the only expert to have Adam Dunn, Chris Davis, Mark Trumbo, Ian Desmond, Jarrod Saltalamacchia, and Wilin Rosario in his top 20 at each position. Muntradamus not only leads many to championships with his great advice, and outlooks into the future. He is also consistently on the top of leaderboards in DraftStreet. He was also the #1 Fantasy Football Expert of IDP & Overall Rankings, first time in Fantasy Sports History.  To check his Preseason Fantasy Football Rankings Click Here. He also won a 1,000 person tournament in Fantasy Football to qualify for a trip to Vegas to play for $500,000 in Prizes.