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Washington Redskins Fantasy Analysis - Week 18

January 4, 2008 @ 06:41:27

By Rafael Zamorano
Edited by Herija C. Green

Washington Redskins Fantasy Matchups - NFC Wild Card Playoff Game

Opponent: at Seattle Seahawks

The Redskins (9-7) ended the regular season on a four-game win streak and probably as the hottest team in the NFC. Few would have thought a month ago that they would be perceived as one of the most dangerous teams heading into the playoffs, but that is indeed the case when they travel northwest to visit the Seahawks (10-6) in the Wild Card round of the NFC playoffs.

Quarterback

Table: Per-Game Statistics - Weeks 14-17

Player	G	Comp/G	Att/G	Pass Yds/G	Pass TDs/G	INTs/G	Rush Yds/G	Rush TDs/G	PH
Todd Collins	4	17	26	222.0	1.25	0.00	0.2	0.00	N/A

Collins has done a superb job of throwing the ball around and getting his wide receivers more involved. He's actually gotten more than what injured quarterback Jason Campbell (knee) was getting out of that group in terms of production. He has yet to throw a pick, and he is making good decisions with the ball. Consider him a strong play No. 1 fantasy option at the quarterback position this week.

Table: Opponent vs. Position

Team	G	Comp/G	Att/G	Pass Yds/G	Pass TDs/G	INTs/G	Rush Yds/G	Rush TDs/G
Seahawks	4	20	33	248.8	2.00	1.25	10.0	0.00

The Seahawks defense is quick to get to the quarterback, but at the same time, lack elite speed at safety, which can result in big plays up the middle. They have not been solid against the passing attack over the last month.

Running Back

Table: Per-Game Statistics - Weeks 14-17

Player	G	Util/G (%)	RZ Util/G (%)	In-5 Util/G	Rush Yds/G	Rush TDs/G	Rec/G	Rec Yds/G	Rec TDs/G	PH
Clinton Portis	4	26.50 (41.05)	5.25 (49.81)	1.25	85.5	1.00	3.75	40.2	0.00	X
Ladell Betts	4	9.00 (13.94)	2.00 (18.97)	0.50	19.0	0.25	1.50	9.5	0.25	N/A
Mike Sellers	4	2.00 (3.10)	0.50 (4.74)	0.50	1.0	0.25	0.50	5.5	0.00	N/A

Portis has been coming up huge lately, and he might be playing at his highest level since arriving in Washington a few years ago. Not only is he running the ball with conviction, but he's been instrumental on play-action and pass protection as well. Consider him a top-tier No. 1 back against Seattle.

Betts has begun to see more touches over the last few weeks, without taking much away from Portis. This offense has really become a little more balanced in terms of personnel, and Betts is a good example. Think of him as a No. 2 or No. 3 fantasy back for the weekend.

Sellers' primary role is as a blocker, and he should remain on the bench.

Table: Opponent vs. Position

Team	G	Att/G	Rush Yds/G	Rush TDs/G	Rec/G	Rec Yds/G	Rec TDs/G
Seahawks	4	23.5	88.5	0.50	3.50	32.5	0.00

The Seahawks run defense is usually perceived as a weakness, especially up the middle where they are not a stout group, but they have performed well over the last month, allowing less than 100 rushing yards and just half a touchdown per game over the past four weeks.

Wide Receiver

Table: Per-Game Statistics - Weeks 14-17

Player	G	Targets/G (%)	RZ Targets/G (%)	In-5 Targets/G	Rec/G	Rec Yds/G	Rec TDs/G	PH
Santana Moss	4	8.00 (12.39)	1.00 (9.49)	0.25	4.50	72.5	0.50	X
Antwaan Randle El	4	4.75 (7.36)	0.50 (4.74)	0.00	3.00	38.0	0.25	N/A
Reche Caldwell	4	2.25 (3.49)	0.00 (0.00)	0.00	1.75	18.0	0.00	N/A

Moss appears to be Collins' favorite big-play receiver, and he's being targeted with a lot more success than he was with Campbell in the lineup. He's a strong play No. 1 wideout in the matchup against Seattle.

Randle El has not been nearly as effective of late as he was at the beginning of the season, but he should get his looks as Collins does not lock in on just one receiver. Consider him a strong play as a No. 2 wideout this week.

Caldwell's role has been a very limited one within the Redskin's offense, and we doubt that will change dramatically. Think of him as a weak play and leave him on the bench.

Table: Opponent vs. Position

Team	G	Rec/G	Rec Yds/G	Rec TDs/G
Seahawks	4	12.25	162.5	1.50

Seattle has been allowing big plays to wideouts lately, although a decrease of defensive intensity once the divisional title was wrapped up, and a playoff bid was secured, may be at least partially to blame. They have allowed six touchdowns to wide receivers over the last four outings.

Tight End

Table: Per-Game Statistics - Weeks 14-17

Player	G	Targets/G (%)	RZ Targets/G (%)	In-5 Targets/G	Rec/G	Rec Yds/G	Rec TDs/G	PH
Chris Cooley	4	6.00 (9.30)	0.75 (7.12)	0.25	3.25	50.5	0.25	X
Todd Yoder	3	1.00 (1.16)	0.00 (0.00)	0.00	0.67	17.0	0.33	N/A
Brian Kozlowski	1	1.00 (0.39)	0.00 (0.00)	0.00	1.00	5.0	0.00	N/A

Cooley is the only player whose percentage of plays where he has been targeted has diminished since Collins took over at the helm of the offense. However, his stats are still solid, and he remains the team's most consistent receiver. Consider him a strong play No. 1 tight end against the Seahawks.

Yoder returned to the lineup in Week 17 after missing the previous week but was held without a catch. He is a low-end No. 1 tight end at Seattle.

Kozlowski has played in just two games this season and has no fantasy value.

Table: Opponent vs. Position

Team	G	Rec/G	Rec Yds/G	Rec TDs/G
Seahawks	4	4.25	53.8	0.50

The Seahawks have a very fast set of linebackers, and their safeties are often well positioned. However, that hasn't limited opposing tight ends' production over the last four games as the 53.8 yards allowed per game ranks 26th in the league in that time.

Place Kicker

Table: Per-Game Statistics - Weeks 14-17

Player	G	FG/G	FG Att/G	XP Att/G	XP/G	Kick Pts/G
Shaun Suisham	4	1.75	2.25	2.50	2.50	7.8

Suisham has been more consistent lately, but he still has a long way to go to be considered a clutch performer in this league. From a fantasy standpoint, consider him a quality No. 1 option at the place kicker position for your team this week.

Table: Opponent vs. Position

Team	G	FG/G	FG Att/G	XP Att/G	XP/G	Kick Pts/G
Seahawks	4	1.25	1.75	2.25	2.25	6.0

Seattle has done a solid job of limiting opposing place kickers over the last four weeks, giving up an average of six points per game.

Defensive Team/Special Teams

Table: Per-Game Statistics - Weeks 14-17

Team	G	Off Pts Allowed/G	Net Yds Allowed/G	Sacks/G	INT/G	Fum Rec/G
Redskins	4	13.2	277.2	1.75	1.25	0.50

Washington's defense has done a good job in the scoring department lately, allowing less than 15 points per game over the last month. However, this unit could use an increase in the turnover and sack categories if they want to be a factor in the playoffs. Consider them a low-end No. 1 defensive unit against the Seahawks.

Table: Opponent Offense vs. Defense

Team	G	Off Pts/G	Net Yds/G	Sacks Allowed/G	INT Thrown/G	Fum Lost/G
Seahawks	4	26.5	367.0	2.50	0.75	0.75

Seattle's offense spent most of the season putting the ball in the air, thanks in large part to a very ineffective ground attack. They have sought some offensive balance lately, and this trend should continue in the Wild Card round.

Author Bio

Rafael Zamorano
Rafael Zamorano is an NFL columnist and editor at ESPNdeportes.com for Latin America. He has been a contributor at KFFL since 2006.