tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-319117632024-03-14T07:53:01.955-04:004th and 37Vicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01742397389388602847noreply@blogger.comBlogger51125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31911763.post-72641105285257679962010-07-17T16:49:00.000-04:002010-07-17T16:49:30.909-04:00The Over And Under<strong><span style="color: #cccccc;">A few notes on some players I think are getting stiffed or spoiled in value in fantasy rankings this year:</span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="color: lime; font-size: large;">OVER</span></strong><br />
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<span style="color: red;"><strong>RB LeSean McCoy, Phil</strong> <span style="color: #cccccc;">His current ADP has him going in the mid thirties and in the mid teens overall at the RB position. But with Mike Bell and Leonard Weaver stealing the short yardage and goal line carries and add the fact that Philadelphia is more of a pass first offense, I see McCoy as more of a RB3 than the RB2 he is being drafted as. Think of Julius Jones with the Cowboys a few years ago when Marion Barber was getting all of the red zone work. I'm thinking we might see a similar scenario this year in Philly<strong>.</strong></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: red;"><strong>RB Jahvid Best, Det </strong></span><span style="color: #cccccc;">Everyone is touting him as a Chris Johnson clone with big play ability. His ADP has him going anywhere from 3rd round to 5th round in most drafts. Some rankings I've seen have him rated in the top 20 overall at RB. And the fact that Kevin Smith most likely won't be 100% healthy for the start of the season makes him a tempting prospect to say the least. But my alarm goes off when I realize A) He has a serious history of injuries including a major concussion last year that damn near looked like it killed him and B) He plays behind a Lions O-Line that can barely open a ZipLoc bag let alone holes for anyone to run through. If you draft him as anything higher than a RB3, you've got more stones than I do.</span><br />
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<span style="color: red;"><strong>WR Steve Smith, Car </strong></span><span style="color: #cccccc;">I've always been a big fan of his but let's look at the facts. 1) The Panthers will be a run-oriented offense with the tandem of James Stewart and DeAngelo Williams carrying the bulk of the load. 2) Neither Matt Moore or rookie Jimmy Claussen have the experience or the deep throw to make use of Smith's speed. 3) Smith is an injury waiting to happen, whether it be on the NFL field, or the touch football field. While ADP projections have him going in the mid fourth round and mid teens overall at the WR ranks, I'm not going to draft him as anything more than a bench slot behind my starters.</span><br />
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<strong><span style="color: lime; font-size: large;">UNDER</span></strong><br />
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<span style="color: red;"><strong>QB Carson Palmer, Cin </strong></span><span style="color: #cccccc;">Palmer had one of his worst seasons last year, especially towards the end. But this year I feel he will be back to 100% health and that the Bengals won't be relying on the running game quite as much. Antonio Bryant was a good pickup, but I think the two key aquisitions for the Bengals were in the draft. Namely TE Jermaine Gresham and WR Jordan Shipley, who both have trememdous pass catching skills. If you are going to wait for a quarterback until the 6-10th round, Palmer could be a steal.</span><br />
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<span style="color: red;"><strong>WR Eddie Royal, Den </strong></span><span style="color: #cccccc;">He went from 91 catches, 980 yards, and 5 TDs in 2008 to totally irrelevant in 2009 with only 37-345 and zero touchdowns.But here's the good news: Brandon Marshall and his 205 catches the last two years is gone. Royal's 79 targets last year WILL go up, despite the presence of rookie Demarius Thomas who I do not believe will be fully ready for the start of the season. Jabar Gaffney will start opposite Royal but is not a WR#1 by any means. Whether it be Kyle Orton, Brady Quinn, or Tim Tebow at the helm... the Bronco passing game is going to need to get the ball to Royal to succeed.</span><br />
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<span style="color: red;"><strong>RB Felix Jones, Dal </strong></span><span style="color: #cccccc;">A lot of people are red flagging him as injury prone. And the presence of Marion Barber and Tashard Choice also lead detractors to believe he may not be someone to have in their starting lineups in 2009. But Jones tied Chris Johnson in YPC with 5.9 last year (granted, he only got a third of the carries that Johnson did) and can be a weapon in the passing game. He has big play ability that I would be willing to chance as RB2. Injury prone sminjury prone, if worst comes to worst I'll draft him high and get Choice or Barber as handcuff. The Dallas offense is going to be explosive this year and having a key guy like Jones on your roster will help you soar to the playoffs.</span>Vicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01742397389388602847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31911763.post-10805691481964655522010-06-17T21:15:00.000-04:002010-06-17T21:15:29.245-04:00My Auction-osophy<span style="color: #999999;">Well, I know it's been awhile since my last post but I've been pretty busy with work and other projects. Time to do some catching up.</span><br />
<span style="color: #999999;">_________________________________________________________</span><br />
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<strong><span style="color: red;">IFFL 2009 Final Update</span></strong><br />
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<span style="color: #999999;">Ended up losing to the Green Bay Dynasty in the playoffs due to Peyton Manning going completely bonkers against the Jaguars. A real disappointing ending to what was one of my best regular seasons ever. The Dynasty went on to destroy the Bruney Broncos in the Championship. Congrats again John.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #999999;">_________________________________________________________</span><br />
<strong><span style="color: red;">FEXDA II Expert Dynasty League</span></strong><br />
<span style="color: #999999;">I recently finished a 16 team dynasty auction league in which other contributors included guys from some pretty prominent fantasy websites. FantasyFootball.com, FantasyGuru, The Huddle, and others were all involved in a month long auction. It was a lot of fun and very excruciating all at the same time. The total cap amount was $400 in which to draft 42 players. 6 of these players had to be rookies. No more, no less. Here's my team and what I paid for each player:</span><br />
<br />
<table border="1" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="4"><tbody>
<tr><td><span style="color: white;">QB</span></td><td><span style="color: white;">Chad Henne</span></td><td><span style="color: white;">Mia</span></td><td><span style="color: white;">$31.00</span></td><td><span style="color: red;">I like his chances to be a top 15 QB with Brandon Marshall arriving via Denver.</span></td></tr>
<tr><td><span style="color: white;">QB</span></td><td><span style="color: white;">Vince Young</span></td><td><span style="color: white;">Tenn</span></td><td><span style="color: white;">$12.00</span></td><td><span style="color: red;">Should be a solid backup. Might have his best year yet statistically. Possible suspension for assault is irritating.</span></td></tr>
<tr><td><span style="color: white;">QB</span></td><td><span style="color: white;">Kerry Collins</span></td><td><span style="color: white;">Tenn</span></td><td><span style="color: white;">$1.00</span></td><td><span style="color: red;">Grabbed him before VY's incident. Now am glad I did. Protects against a suspension. Good handcuff either way.</span></td></tr>
<tr><td><span style="color: white;">RB</span></td><td><span style="color: white;">Ray Rice</span></td><td><span style="color: white;">Bal</span></td><td><span style="color: white;">$80.00</span></td><td><span style="color: red;">In a PPR league he should be well worth the price tag.</span></td></tr>
<tr><td><span style="color: white;">RB</span></td><td><span style="color: white;">Matt Forte</span></td><td><span style="color: white;">Chi</span></td><td><span style="color: white;">$42.00</span></td><td><span style="color: red;">Had a sophomore slump in 2009. Hoping for a bounce back.</span></td></tr>
<tr><td><span style="color: white;">RB</span></td><td><span style="color: white;">Reggie Bush</span></td><td><span style="color: white;">NO</span></td><td><span style="color: white;">$17.00</span></td><td><span style="color: red;">Not a bad price for a multi-dimensional RB#3.</span></td></tr>
<tr><td><span style="color: white;">RB</span></td><td><span style="color: white;">Javon Ringer</span></td><td><span style="color: white;">Tenn</span></td><td><span style="color: white;">$4.00</span></td><td><span style="color: red;">If CJ holds out or gets injured, I could have a huge bargain.</span></td></tr>
<tr><td><span style="color: white;">RB</span></td><td><span style="color: white;">Willis McGahee</span></td><td><span style="color: white;">Bal</span></td><td><span style="color: white;">$4.00</span></td><td><span style="color: red;">A $4 handcuff for my $80 franchise player. Viable as an emergency start too.</span></td></tr>
<tr><td><span style="color: white;">RB</span></td><td><span style="color: white;">Mike Bell</span></td><td><span style="color: white;">Phil</span></td><td><span style="color: white;">$2.00</span></td><td><span style="color: red;">Could be a sleeper if LeSean McCoy stumbles in Philly..</span></td></tr>
<tr><td><span style="color: white;">RB</span></td><td><span style="color: white;">Leonard Weaver</span></td><td><span style="color: white;">Phil</span></td><td><span style="color: white;">$1.00</span></td><td><span style="color: red;">Not a sexy pick but was surprisingly productive in the Philly offense last year.</span></td></tr>
<tr><td><span style="color: white;">WR</span></td><td><span style="color: white;">Michael Crabtree</span></td><td><span style="color: white;">SF</span></td><td><span style="color: white;">$55.00</span></td><td><span style="color: red;">Yeah I probably overpaid but I targeted him as THE WR I had to have.</span></td></tr>
<tr><td><span style="color: white;">WR</span></td><td><span style="color: white;">Kenny Britt</span></td><td><span style="color: white;">Tenn</span></td><td><span style="color: white;">$27.00</span></td><td><span style="color: red;">Again, paid a steep price for a 2nd year WR. Should be worth it in the long run.</span></td></tr>
<tr><td><span style="color: white;">WR</span></td><td><span style="color: white;">Brandon LaFell*</span></td><td><span style="color: white;">Car</span></td><td><span style="color: white;">$7.00</span></td><td><span style="color: red;">He has a great chance at winning starting job this year. He and Clausen may hook up for years.</span></td></tr>
<tr><td><span style="color: white;">WR</span></td><td><span style="color: white;">Mohamed Massaquoi</span></td><td><span style="color: white;">Cle</span></td><td><span style="color: white;">$6.00</span></td><td><span style="color: red;">Another 2nd year WR who has a decent chance at being THE guy.</span></td></tr>
<tr><td><span style="color: white;">WR</span></td><td><span style="color: white;">Johnny Knox</span></td><td><span style="color: white;">Chi</span></td><td><span style="color: white;">$11.00</span></td><td><span style="color: red;">Overpaid for him, but love him in a Mike Martz offense.</span></td></tr>
<tr><td><span style="color: white;">WR</span></td><td><span style="color: white;">Earl Bennett</span></td><td><span style="color: white;">Chi</span></td><td><span style="color: white;">$2.00</span></td><td><span style="color: red;">Between him or Knox I should have a strong Chic WR.</span></td></tr>
<tr><td><span style="color: white;">WR</span></td><td><span style="color: white;">Brad Smith</span></td><td><span style="color: white;">NYJ</span></td><td><span style="color: white;">$1.00</span></td><td><span style="color: red;">Purely a depth pick. Won't see enough action behind other Jet WRs to merit a start. Possible trade bait.</span></td></tr>
<tr><td><span style="color: white;">WR</span></td><td><span style="color: white;">Deon Butler</span></td><td><span style="color: white;">Sea</span></td><td><span style="color: white;">$1.00</span></td><td><span style="color: red;">Could be Seattle's slot receiver. If not this year then next.</span></td></tr>
<tr><td><span style="color: white;">TE</span></td><td><span style="color: white;">Jermaine Gresham*</span></td><td><span style="color: white;">Cin</span></td><td><span style="color: white;">$7.00</span></td><td><span style="color: red;">Good price for him I thought. Cincinnati's first real pass catching TE in years.</span></td></tr>
<tr><td><span style="color: white;">TE</span></td><td><span style="color: white;">Ben Watson</span></td><td><span style="color: white;">Cle</span></td><td><span style="color: white;">$1.00</span></td><td><span style="color: red;">Won't be a fantasy stud, but like him as a spot starter if Gresham is slow to develop.</span></td></tr>
<tr><td><span style="color: white;">TE</span></td><td><span style="color: white;">Daniel Fells</span></td><td><span style="color: white;">Stl</span></td><td><span style="color: white;">$1.00</span></td><td><span style="color: red;">Second year TE showed promise as a rookie. Possibly Sam Bradford's go-to guy?</span></td></tr>
<tr><td><span style="color: white;">PK</span></td><td><span style="color: white;">Connor Barth</span></td><td><span style="color: white;">TB</span></td><td><span style="color: white;">$1.00</span></td><td><span style="color: red;">His three 50 yard FG day vs. Miami last year stood out for me. Can't beat the price.</span></td></tr>
<tr><td><span style="color: white;">PK</span></td><td><span style="color: white;">Josh Scobee</span></td><td><span style="color: white;">Jac</span></td><td><span style="color: white;">$1.00</span></td><td><span style="color: red;">Needed another kicker. Got one. End of story here.</span></td></tr>
<tr><td><span style="color: white;">DE</span></td><td><span style="color: white;">Will Smith</span></td><td><span style="color: white;">NO</span></td><td><span style="color: white;">$5.00</span></td><td><span style="color: red;">One of my favorite former Buckeyes. Paid a little too much for him, but I'm pleased.</span></td></tr>
<tr><td><span style="color: white;">DE</span></td><td><span style="color: white;">Matt Shaunessy</span></td><td><span style="color: white;">Oak</span></td><td><span style="color: white;">$1.00</span></td><td><span style="color: red;">Won a starting spot in his rookie year. Improvement in 2010 a good probability.</span></td></tr>
<tr><td><span style="color: white;">DE</span></td><td><span style="color: white;">Carlos Dunlap*</span></td><td><span style="color: white;">Cin</span></td><td><span style="color: white;">$4.00</span></td><td><span style="color: red;">Won't be a starter this year, but could be valuable down the road.</span></td></tr>
<tr><td><span style="color: white;">DE</span></td><td><span style="color: white;">Alex Carrington*</span></td><td><span style="color: white;">Buff</span></td><td><span style="color: white;">$2.00</span></td><td><span style="color: red;">Another developmental rookie that I hope becomes a starter eventually.</span></td></tr>
<tr><td><span style="color: white;">LB</span></td><td><span style="color: white;">James Laurinitis</span></td><td><span style="color: white;">STL</span></td><td><span style="color: white;">$22.00</span></td><td><span style="color: red;">Wanted him badly and overpaid for him, but he will be my IDP anchor for awhile.</span></td></tr>
<tr><td><span style="color: white;">LB</span></td><td><span style="color: white;">Rolando McClain*</span></td><td><span style="color: white;">Oak</span></td><td><span style="color: white;">$20.00</span></td><td><span style="color: red;">Will be a starting LB for me (and the Raiders) hopefully for many MANY years.</span></td></tr>
<tr><td><span style="color: white;">LB</span></td><td><span style="color: white;">Demarcus Ware</span></td><td><span style="color: white;">Dal</span></td><td><span style="color: white;">$6.00</span></td><td><span style="color: red;">Not a horrible price for a Pro Bowl sack machine LB.</span></td></tr>
<tr><td><span style="color: white;">LB</span></td><td><span style="color: white;">A.J. Hawk</span></td><td><span style="color: white;">GB</span></td><td><span style="color: white;">$3.00</span></td><td><span style="color: red;">Another of my favorite Buckeyes. Not bad as my 4th LB. Needs to step up a bit.</span></td></tr>
<tr><td><span style="color: white;">LB</span></td><td><span style="color: white;">Tamba Hali</span></td><td><span style="color: white;">KC</span></td><td><span style="color: white;">$1.00</span></td><td><span style="color: red;">Converted DE had 8.5 sacks last year. Hoping for more this year.</span></td></tr>
<tr><td><span style="color: white;">LB</span></td><td><span style="color: white;">Gerald Hayes</span></td><td><span style="color: white;">Ariz</span></td><td><span style="color: white;">$1.00</span></td><td><span style="color: red;">Should benefit from the departure of Karlos Dansby. Statistically speaking that is.</span></td></tr>
<tr><td><span style="color: white;">CB</span></td><td><span style="color: white;">Vontae Davis</span></td><td><span style="color: white;">Mia</span></td><td><span style="color: white;">$2.00</span></td><td><span style="color: red;">2nd year CB has big play potential. Could be a longtime starter for me.</span></td></tr>
<tr><td><span style="color: white;">CB</span></td><td><span style="color: white;">Mike Jenkins</span></td><td><span style="color: white;">Dal</span></td><td><span style="color: white;">$1.00</span></td><td><span style="color: red;">Had a solid sophomore season in 09. Looking for him to improve.</span></td></tr>
<tr><td><span style="color: white;">CB</span></td><td><span style="color: white;">Champ Bailey</span></td><td><span style="color: white;">Den</span></td><td><span style="color: white;">$1.00</span></td><td><span style="color: red;">He's a bit long in the tooth, but the price was right.</span></td></tr>
<tr><td><span style="color: white;">S</span></td><td><span style="color: white;">Ed Reed</span></td><td><span style="color: white;">Bal</span></td><td><span style="color: white;">$1.00</span></td><td><span style="color: red;">Perennial Pro-Bowler still has gas left in the tank despite injuries last year. I hope.</span></td></tr>
<tr><td><span style="color: white;">S</span></td><td><span style="color: white;">Michael Griffin</span></td><td><span style="color: white;">Tenn</span></td><td><span style="color: white;">$1.00</span></td><td><span style="color: red;">Young safety that can make big plays. </span></td></tr>
<tr><td><span style="color: white;">S</span></td><td><span style="color: white;">Antrell Rolle</span></td><td><span style="color: white;">NYG</span></td><td><span style="color: white;">$1.00</span></td><td><span style="color: red;">Should have a decent year for the Giants.</span></td></tr>
<tr><td><span style="color: white;">S</span></td><td><span style="color: white;">Taylor Mays*</span></td><td><span style="color: white;">SF</span></td><td><span style="color: white;">$8.00</span></td><td><span style="color: red;">Has something to prove after being snubbed by Pete Carroll and the Seahawks.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<span style="color: #999999;">This was my first ever dynasty AUCTION draft. All other auctions I have ever participated in were one year only drafts. But my philosophy in auction drafts has always been the same: Be aggressive to get who you want, even if it means overpaying. Might sound reckless to some ... ok, maybe it is. But in my mind an auction league is an opportunity to fill a roster with players I like or want ... and their acquisition is totally in my own power. And on this roster I have many players I like and wanted going forward. For me that's what's really important. I'd rather lose with players I hand picked than lose with guys I was forced to settle for. I prefer winning with guys I targeted and got, rather than win with guys I had little faith in but took because they were the best available.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #999999;">My first priority going into the auction was to nab a top five RB no matter what the cost. And since all the top backs came out fast and furious this was done fairly quickly. Ray Rice for $80.00 (20% of my total cap) was my first player acquired. I was pleased to be able to get him. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #999999;">This being a dynasty league, one thing I told myself and was able to hold to .. I was NOT going to pay more than $1.00 for any player leaning towards the downside of his career. And to me that means a player with nine years or more in the NFL. I managed to almost avoid drafting these player altogether, but only paid $1.00 each for Kerry Collins, Champ Bailey, and Ed Reed. Abjective reached there.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #999999;">Then I targeted six other specific players and said I would break the bank if necessary to get them. A goal I missed by one player unfortunately as Beanie Wells went way higher than I wanted to pay without completely destroying my chances at the other five. Those five were Chad Henne, Michael Crabtree, Kenny Britt, James Lauranitis, and Rolando McClain. I felt with these players plus Rice, I would have a solid nucleus to build my team around. I paid some major bucks for them.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #999999;">Throughout the draft I targeted mainly young players. Guys with only a season or two under their belt. My WRs are probably the best example. I totally bypassed any of the top WRs like Reggie Wayne or Larry Fitzgerald and bid on guys like Crabtree, Britt, and Knox. Hoping that if they don't bloom this year, they'll hit their stride in year three of their careers. Crabtree, Britt, and Massaquoi should all be their team's #1 wideout this year ... and hopefully for many years to come. Out of the seven WRs I drafted I have one rookie, four second year guys, one third year player, and one fifth year WR. Now that's drafting youth!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #999999;">Did I draft a team that can win it all this year? Well, probably not ...to be honest. But give it another year or two and I could have a very strong contender. And a lot of players I will look forward to watching.</span>Vicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01742397389388602847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31911763.post-47445740552015127262009-12-12T20:48:00.000-05:002009-12-12T20:48:45.293-05:00Week 14 Rumblings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://vice2020.webs.com/photos/christmas/lite3cx0.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="10" ps="true" src="http://vice2020.webs.com/photos/christmas/lite3cx0.gif" width="320" /></a><br />
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</div><span style="color: #999999;">It's finally playoff time!! Good luck to all of you out there in fantasyland ... except to those who are playing ME! HOOOOO HOOO HOOO!!!!!</span><br />
<strong><span style="color: #999999;">________________________________________________</span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="color: red;">Stock Watch For 2010</span></strong><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcvOxyHGj5wHYPk1r-P59i0jbszr5dDuAeRi2qkSjPMFFvjEyw_kCZMzjIhMyt53yEsioaXzZrY_ceJSvbv3I2obgOnuADdtrpT_MEsXv-zKh3sZiNBwV9surMRIOJbI18mto/s1600-h/Stocks-Market-Crash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcvOxyHGj5wHYPk1r-P59i0jbszr5dDuAeRi2qkSjPMFFvjEyw_kCZMzjIhMyt53yEsioaXzZrY_ceJSvbv3I2obgOnuADdtrpT_MEsXv-zKh3sZiNBwV9surMRIOJbI18mto/s320/Stocks-Market-Crash.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><br />
<span style="color: #999999;">It's never too early to look ahead to the following season. And there are more than a few players whose 2010 seasons are up in the air. Could their fantasy stock rise? Could it fall? Is it a complete mystery? Here is a look at a select few who should have their production either significantly increase, decrease, or whose future is totally up in the air.</span><br />
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<strong><span style="color: blue;">RISERS</span></strong><br />
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<span style="color: red;"><strong>WR Michael Crabtree (SF) </strong></span><span style="color: #999999;">To come in as late in the season as he did due to his holdout and be as much a part of the 49er's offense as he has is pretty telling. 32 catches for 406 yards in just seven games projects to about 70 catches and nearly 1000 yards. Next year, with a full off-season program under his belt and Alex Smith fully entrenched as the starter, I could see Crabtree as a strong #3 WR in fantasy lineups.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;"><strong>RB Justin Forsett (Sea)</strong></span><span style="color: #999999;"> Forsett made the most of his opportunity when Julius Jones sat due to injury and is still getting a few touches, even catching a TD last week as the third down change of pace back. Next year there is a strong possibility of him beating Jones out of the starting RB job.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;"><strong>QB Chad Henne (Mia) </strong></span><span style="color: #999999;">Last week Henne had a breakout game against the Patriots, throwing for over 300 yards and 2 TDs. It seems like he's developed quite the rapport with WRs Davone Bess and rookie Brian Hartline. Next year, with Ronnie Brown a huge injury risk and Ricky Williams fountain youth running dry ... the team may have to lean more on it's passing game.... which could see Henne posting decent numbers.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;"><strong>RB Chris Jennings (Clev) </strong></span><span style="color: #999999;">Unless Jamal Lewis "pulls a Favre" and retires, then unretires ... Jennings could find himself in the starting lineup over RBs Harrison and James Davis for the Brwons. Unless the Browns take C.J. Spiller in the draft that is.</span><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="color: blue;">FALLERS</span></strong><br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;"><strong>RB LaDainian Tomlinson (SD) </strong></span><span style="color: #999999;">It's looking like the future Hall Of Famer jumped the shark in late 2007. He's done well for owners in TD only leagues this year, but yardage wise he will not hit 1000 yards rushing in a season for the first time in his career unless he averages more than 140 yards over the last three games. Next year, it's questionable whether he'll even be with the Chargers and may have to take a lesser role with another team.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;"><strong>RB Reggie Bush (NO) </strong></span><span style="color: #999999;">What can you say about Bush other than HUGE disappoinment? He can't stay healthy for a full season and even when he IS playing, he's Captain Sporadic ... getting the occasional two TD game but disappearing in others. With Mike Bell and Pierre Thomas both doing admirable jobs carrying the load, why would the Saints use Bush as anything other than a thrid down back and PR next year?</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;"><strong>WR Ted Ginn Jr. (Mia) </strong></span><span style="color: #999999;">He's a first round bust that lost his chance to be a major impact player in the Dolphin passing game this year by dropping easy passes and running poor routes. Unless your league starts a KR/PR in 2010, I'd shy away from the former Buckeye.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;"><strong>QB Jason Campbell (Wash) </strong></span><span style="color: #999999;">He's actually suprised as far as decent numbers have been concerned. But the Redskins weren't sold on him to start the season ... and the team hasn't gotten any better. He might be the starter going into next year, but if the team drafts a QB in the first round and the season goes to hell quickly ... it might be over for Campbell.</span><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="color: blue;">ON THE BUBBLE?</span></strong><br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;"><strong>WR Anthony Gonzalez (Ind) </strong></span><span style="color: #999999;">With the emergence of Pierre Garcon and Austin Collie in the Indy passing game, where does that leave the former first round pick? Injuries have ruined his season and allowed others to pass him by on the depth chart. Could he be traded and be a key cog in someone elses offense in 2010?</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;"><strong>WR Terrell Owens (Buff) </strong></span><span style="color: #999999;">Will the Bills want to bring him back next year? If so, will T.O. WANT to come back? And in either case, will he still be effective at his age? You've got to keep in mind there will be a new HC and new OC for the Bills next year.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;"><strong>QB Jamarcus Russell (Oak) </strong></span><span style="color: #999999;">Will his benching a few weeks ago wake him up? The Raiders now have a plethora of potential pass catchers in Zach Miller, Louis Murphy, Chaz Shiliens, and even Darrius Heyward-Bey ... but has Bruce Gradkowski grabbed the starting QB job in a chokehold? If so ... where does that leave Russell? And the biggest question .. can he ever be a starting NFL QB?</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;"><strong>QB Brady Quinn (Clev) </strong></span><span style="color: #999999;">He's shown glimpses this year but a lot of questions hang over the Browns as a whole. Will Mangini still be coach? Who will the new GM be? And will the Dawgs target a Jake Locker or Colt McCoy in the draft?</span><br />
<strong><span style="color: #999999;">_________________________________</span></strong><strong><span style="color: #999999;">_</span></strong><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="color: red;">IFFL UPDATE</span></strong><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #999999;">A 63-38 victory over the Buckeye Wrecking Crew ups my record to 11-2 and all but eliminates the BWC from playoff contention, although they can still get in by beating the Green Bay Dynasty by 52 points or more. Improbable, but not impossible.</span><br />
<br />
<table border="1" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="2"><tbody>
<tr><td><b><span style="background-color: blue;">Glory Division</span></b><br />
</td><td><span style="color: #999999;">W</span><br />
</td><td><span style="color: #999999;">L</span><br />
</td><td><span style="color: #999999;">PS</span><br />
</td></tr>
<tr><td><strong><span style="color: blue;">Miami Waves</span></strong><br />
</td><td><span style="color: blue;"><strong>11</strong></span><br />
</td><td><strong><span style="color: blue;">2</span></strong><br />
</td><td><strong><span style="color: blue;">868</span></strong><br />
</td></tr>
<tr><td><span style="color: red;">Green Bay Dynasty</span><br />
</td><td><span style="color: red;">9</span><br />
</td><td><span style="color: red;">4</span><br />
</td><td><span style="color: red;">798</span><br />
</td></tr>
<tr><td><span style="color: red;">Buckeye Wrecking Crew</span><br />
</td><td><span style="color: red;">8</span><br />
</td><td><span style="color: red;">5</span><br />
</td><td><span style="color: red;">747</span><br />
</td></tr>
<tr><td><span style="color: red;">West Virginia Dolphins</span><br />
</td><td><span style="color: red;">7</span><br />
</td><td><span style="color: red;">6</span><br />
</td><td><span style="color: red;">762</span><br />
</td></tr>
<tr><td><span style="color: red;">Pennsylvania PimpDaddies</span><br />
</td><td><span style="color: red;">5</span><br />
</td><td><span style="color: red;">8</span><br />
</td><td><span style="color: red;">883</span><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<span style="color: #999999;">This final week of the regualr season is almost meaningless to me. But to my opponent The Running Vikings it's a must win to get into the playoffs. I have mixed feelings about wanting my team to finish 12-2. If I score big this week, it could be a bad omen for the playoff game the following weekend. And I've seen it before ... the best team in the league has a huge game right before the playoffs ... then falls flat on it's face in the first round. The Vikings .. ironically enough ... is loaded with Minnesota players including Bret Favre, Percy Harvin, Bernard Berrian, and the Vikings DST. Add Steven Jackson and Vincent Jackson and you have the makings of a semi-dangerous lineup. My lineup for the week:</span><br />
<br />
<table border="1" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="2"><tbody>
<tr><td><b>TMQB</b><br />
</td><td><span style="color: red;">Tony Romo (Dal TMQB)</span><br />
</td><td><span style="color: #999999;">vs. San Diego</span><br />
</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>RB</b><br />
</td><td><span style="color: red;">Chris Johnson (Tenn)</span><br />
</td><td><span style="color: #999999;">vs. Detroit</span><br />
</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>RB</b><br />
</td><td><span style="color: red;">Laurence Maroney (NE)</span><br />
</td><td><span style="color: #999999;">vs. Carolina</span><br />
</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>WR</b><br />
</td><td><span style="color: red;">DeSean Jackson (Phil)</span><br />
</td><td><span style="color: #999999;">@NY Giants</span><br />
</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>WR</b><br />
</td><td><span style="color: red;">Randy Moss (NE)</span><br />
</td><td><span style="color: #999999;">vs. Carolina</span><br />
</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>WR</b><br />
</td><td><span style="color: red;">Chad Ochocinco (Cin)</span><br />
</td><td><span style="color: #999999;">@ Minnesota</span><br />
</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>PK</b><br />
</td><td><span style="color: red;">Ryan Longwell (Minn)</span><br />
</td><td><span style="color: #999999;">vs. Cincinnati</span><br />
</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>DST</b><br />
</td><td><span style="color: red;">NY Jets</span><br />
</td><td><span style="color: #999999;">@ Tampa Bay</span><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<span style="color: #999999;">I won't be heartbroken if I lose, even though means my nine game winning streak comes to an end.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #999999;">In the Fanatics 16 Man Brawl League, I have made the playoffs as the fifth seed and will be playing the fourth seeded Cape Fears. Off to a good start already as Rothlisberger did virtually nothing for him. Hoping for a big day from the Tom Brady to Randy Moss connection.</span>Vicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01742397389388602847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31911763.post-42969344896323253152009-12-05T13:42:00.003-05:002009-12-05T14:46:42.673-05:00Twas The Night Before Kickoff: Week 13 Rumblings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYIBAmV9RIUFwSD54yASm8Hn_XYMTg7jJ5WNWx6y08x9cTBACsAk43_r6aGUtMeuy9GMJu1ACURzuk2CUordiZN5tEBBv-sGNQIElgwpZA4b3g_7kqsgLpMkVlwshqim0al4M/s1600-h/animated_christmas_tree.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" er="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYIBAmV9RIUFwSD54yASm8Hn_XYMTg7jJ5WNWx6y08x9cTBACsAk43_r6aGUtMeuy9GMJu1ACURzuk2CUordiZN5tEBBv-sGNQIElgwpZA4b3g_7kqsgLpMkVlwshqim0al4M/s320/animated_christmas_tree.gif" /></a><br />
</div><div align="center"><span style="color: red;"><em>Twas the night before kickoff </em></span><br />
<em><span style="color: red;">and in Santas's workshop</span></em><br />
</div><div align="center"><em><span style="color: red;">Old Santa was cursing</span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: red;"> </span></em><em><span style="color: red;">at his tiny laptop.</span></em><br />
</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><em><span style="color: red;">When from the door,</span></em><br />
</div><div align="center"><em><span style="color: red;">there came such a rumble,</span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: red;">you would have thought that</span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: red;">Steve Slaton had fumbled</span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: red;"></span></em><br />
</div><br />
<div align="center"><em><span style="color: red;">In burst Mr. Jingle, </span></em><br />
</div><div align="center"><em><span style="color: red;">Santa's Head Elf</span></em><br />
</div><div align="center"><em><span style="color: red;">who blustered like Jon Gruden,</span></em><br />
</div><div align="center"><em><span style="color: red;"> in spite of himself</span></em><br />
</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><em><span style="color: red;">"Santa come quick!"</span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: red;">"Rudolph's not well!"</span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: red;">"The veterinarian just told me,</span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: red;">it's a torn ACL!"</span></em><br />
<br />
<em><span style="color: red;">Just then Santa's visage</span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: red;">became like that of Bill Cowher</span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: red;">His cheeks got more rosy </span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: red;">and his grimace quite sour.</span></em><br />
<br />
<em><span style="color: red;">"Not now Jingle!" he bellowed,</span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: red;">"Can't you see I'm quite tied up?"</span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: red;">"I'm trying to figure out</span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: red;">my fantasy lineups!"</span></em><br />
<br />
<em><span style="color: red;">"But Santa!" said Jingle,</span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: red;">you've been busy for WEEKS!"</span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: red;">"You've been in here so long</span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: red;">you're really starting to reek!"</span></em><br />
<br />
<em><span style="color: red;">"Have some cookies!" begged the elf</span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: red;">"Or you'll lose all that girth!"</span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: red;">"If you get any thinner,</span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: red;">you'll be Cris Collinsworth!"</span></em><br />
<br />
<em><span style="color: red;">"I'm in twelve leagues!" bellowed Santa</span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: red;">"And most of my teams stink!"</span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: red;">"But I know I can fix this,</span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: red;">I've just got to think!"</span></em><br />
</div><div align="center"><br />
<em><span style="color: red;">"I drafted Matt Forte six times,</span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: red;">and he's been a huge dud!"</span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: red;">"But of course most of the experts</span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: red;">thought he'd be a big stud!"</span></em><br />
<br />
<em><span style="color: red;">"Detroit's Calvin Johnson,</span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: red;">should have had a big year!"</span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: red;">"But instead he's been as useless</span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: red;">as a three legged reindeer!"</span></em><br />
<br />
<em><span style="color: red;">"Eddie Royal of the Broncos,</span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: red;">was to be my PPR giant!"</span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: red;">But like Cleveland's run defense,</span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: red;">he's been most unreliant!"</span></em><br />
<br />
<em><span style="color: red;">"I had Ronnie Brown,</span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: red;">and he started out buff!"</span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: red;">Oh why didn't I grab</span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: red;">Ricky Williams to handcuff?</span></em><br />
<br />
<em><span style="color: red;">"I traded Thomas Jones to the Easter Bunny, </span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: red;">for Kerry Collins and Westbrook!"</span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: red;">"One got a concussion, </span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: red;">the other ...the hook."</span></em><br />
<br />
<em><span style="color: red;">"MJD has shined brightly,</span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: red;">like a big Christmas tree!"</span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: red;">"But wow, did he screw me,</span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: red;">when he took that darn knee!!"</span></em><br />
<br />
<em><span style="color: red;">"Oh Santa." whined Jingle</span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: red;">"Must you be controversial?"</span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: red;">"We've got more problems out there,</span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: red;">than Peyton Manning has commercials!"</span></em><br />
<br />
<em><span style="color: red;">"Speaking of Peyton Manning," </span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: red;">said Saint Nick with a stutter,</span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: red;">"I should have drafted HIM,</span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: red;">instead of that bozo Jay Cutler!"</span></em><br />
<br />
<em><span style="color: red;">"And doggonit I knew it,</span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: red;">Miles Austin was a sleeper!"</span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: red;">"But I lost out on the waivers,</span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: red;">to the friggin Grim Reaper!"</span></em><br />
<br />
<em><span style="color: red;">"Mark Sanchez looked promising,</span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: red;">interceptions aside.."</span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: red;">"Just wish when I grabbed him,</span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: red;">he had learned how to SLIDE!!"</span></em><br />
<br />
<em><span style="color: red;">Jingle sighed in frustration,</span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: red;">then made a loud cackle,</span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: red;">he rushed and hit Santa,</span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: red;">with a horse collar tackle!</span></em><br />
<br />
<em><span style="color: red;">"Please Santa!" begged Jingle</span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: red;">"Just listen to me!"</span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: red;">"You'll make the playoffs!</span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: red;">I promise, you'll see!!"</span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: red;"></span></em><br />
</div><br />
<div align="center"><em><span style="color: red;">"But we need you out there,</span></em><br />
</div><div align="center"><em><span style="color: red;">it's time for THE trip!"</span></em><br />
</div><div align="center"><em><span style="color: red;">"Like Ditka might say,</span></em><br />
</div><div align="center"><em><span style="color: red;">dude, get a grip!!"</span></em><br />
</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><em><span style="color: red;">Santa slowly got up,</span></em><br />
</div><div align="center"><em><span style="color: red;">then started to laugh ,</span></em><br />
</div><div align="center"><em><span style="color: red;">"You're right Jingle!" he said,</span></em><br />
</div><div align="center"><em><span style="color: red;">"Can't miss the first half!!"</span></em><br />
</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><em><span style="color: red;">"The sleigh's ready!" said Jingle.</span></em><br />
</div><div align="center"><em><span style="color: red;">"And I'll get your labtop."</span></em><br />
</div><div align="center"><em><span style="color: red;">"You can keep track of the scores,</span></em><br />
</div><div align="center"><em><span style="color: red;">and you won't have to stop!"</span></em><br />
</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><em><span style="color: red;">So Santa got dressed, </span></em><br />
</div><div align="center"><em><span style="color: red;">in his suit of bright red..</span></em><br />
</div><div align="center"><em><span style="color: red;">while visions of championships</span></em><br />
</div><div align="center"><em><span style="color: red;">danced in his head.</span></em><br />
</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><em><span style="color: red;">And as he departed the Pole,</span></em><br />
</div><div align="center"><em><span style="color: red;">he cried a mighty "HO HO HO!"</span></em><br />
</div><div align="center"><em><span style="color: red;">"Merry Christmas to all!"</span></em><br />
</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><em><span style="color: red;">"GO OCHOCINCO!!!!"</span></em><br />
</div><br />
<em><span style="color: red;">By</span></em> <em><span style="color: red;">Chris Carwile</span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: red;"> December 2009</span></em><br />
<strong><span style="color: #999999;">_________________________________</span></strong><strong><span style="color: #999999;">_</span></strong><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="color: red;">IFFL UPDATE</span></strong><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #999999;">With a 63-38 victory over the Pennsylvania Pimpdaddies, combined with a Green Bay Dynasty loss, I have clinched a playoff spot and will have the opportunity to possibly repeat as IFFL Champion. Even though the Dynasty and Buckeye Wrecking Crew are both only two games behind me with two games remaining, they face each other in the final week of the regualr season, so there is no way they both can catch me.</span><br />
<br />
<table border="1" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="2"><tbody>
<tr><td><b><span style="background-color: blue;">Glory Division</span></b><br />
</td><td><span style="color: #999999;">W</span><br />
</td><td><span style="color: #999999;">L</span><br />
</td><td><span style="color: #999999;">PS</span><br />
</td></tr>
<tr><td><strong><span style="color: blue;">Miami Waves</span></strong><br />
</td><td><span style="color: blue;"><strong>10</strong></span><br />
</td><td><strong><span style="color: blue;">2</span></strong><br />
</td><td><strong><span style="color: blue;">805</span></strong><br />
</td></tr>
<tr><td><span style="color: red;">Green Bay Dynasty</span><br />
</td><td><span style="color: red;">8</span><br />
</td><td><span style="color: red;">4</span><br />
</td><td><span style="color: red;">753</span><br />
</td></tr>
<tr><td><span style="color: red;">Buckeye Wrecking Crew</span><br />
</td><td><span style="color: red;">8</span><br />
</td><td><span style="color: red;">4</span><br />
</td><td><span style="color: red;">708</span><br />
</td></tr>
<tr><td><span style="color: red;">West Virginia Dolphins</span><br />
</td><td><span style="color: red;">7</span><br />
</td><td><span style="color: red;">5</span><br />
</td><td><span style="color: red;">718</span><br />
</td></tr>
<tr><td><span style="color: red;">Pennsylvania PimpDaddies</span><br />
</td><td><span style="color: red;">5</span><br />
</td><td><span style="color: red;">7</span><br />
</td><td><span style="color: red;">772</span><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<span style="color: #999999;">The remaining playoff spot is still up for grabs between the Green Bay Dynasty, Buckeye Wrecking Crew, and the West Virginia Dolphins. The Dolphins and Dynasty play each other this week while the Wrecking Crew faces my Miami Waves. While I won't spill any tears if I lose this game, I'm not going to lay down for the BWC, whose lineup will include Aaron Rodgers, Ryan Grant, Greg Jennings, Jeremy Maclin, and Steve Smith (NYG). My lineup this week:</span><br />
<table border="1" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="2"><tbody>
<tr><td><b>TMQB</b><br />
</td><td><span style="color: red;">Cincinnati (Carson Palmer)</span><br />
</td><td><span style="color: #999999;">vs. Detroit</span><br />
</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>RB</b><br />
</td><td><span style="color: red;">Chris Johnson (Tenn)</span><br />
</td><td><span style="color: #999999;">@ Indianapolis</span><br />
</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>WR</b><br />
</td><td><span style="color: red;">Laurence Maroney (NE)</span><br />
</td><td><span style="color: #999999;">@ Miami</span><br />
</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>WR</b><br />
</td><td><span style="color: red;">Mike Sims-Walker (Jac)</span><br />
</td><td><span style="color: #999999;">vs. Houston</span><br />
</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>WR</b><br />
</td><td><span style="color: red;">Randy Moss (NE)</span><br />
</td><td><span style="color: #999999;">@ Miami</span><br />
</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>WR</b><br />
</td><td><span style="color: red;">Chad Ochocinco (Cin)</span><br />
</td><td><span style="color: #999999;">vs. Detroit</span><br />
</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>PK</b><br />
</td><td><span style="color: red;">Ryan Longwell (Minn)</span><br />
</td><td><span style="color: #999999;">@ Arizona</span><br />
</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>DST</b><br />
</td><td><span style="color: red;">Denver Broncos</span><br />
</td><td><span style="color: #999999;">@ Kansas City</span><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<span style="color: #999999;">With DeSean Jackson unlikely to play this week, I'm inserting a second RB. Maroney seems the best start, but I'm mulling LeSean McCoy as well and could make a last minute switch.</span><br />
<span style="color: #999999;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #999999;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="color: #999999;">In two of my other leagues I'm having sucess as well. In the FFTwitter League (Yahoo!) I'm 9-3 and have clinched a playoff spot, while in the Fanatics 16 Man Brawl League I am 8-4 and on the cusp of making the playoffs. Need to win this week to get in though.</span><br />
<div></div>Vicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01742397389388602847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31911763.post-17064545377533038942009-11-25T21:49:00.000-05:002009-11-25T21:49:06.006-05:00Week 12 Rumblings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBmOMX9uiDat7_Pdhc44_QYHghzpIDUUmQL0qO3ouvxln-XflsD1rMvX-8J7ZdlO8VIIBhhZK71cXHc-sJ-lUsKEKo9Kj8Lz3JSOHGl24dJ_89S4_1OpJ6p7CA6ErAOVRILAw/s1600/thanksgiving-turkey-thumb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBmOMX9uiDat7_Pdhc44_QYHghzpIDUUmQL0qO3ouvxln-XflsD1rMvX-8J7ZdlO8VIIBhhZK71cXHc-sJ-lUsKEKo9Kj8Lz3JSOHGl24dJ_89S4_1OpJ6p7CA6ErAOVRILAw/s200/thanksgiving-turkey-thumb.jpg" yr="true" /></a><br />
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</div><span style="color: #999999;">The holidays are here!! We know what THAT means. Sitting in front of the TV watching football while we eat turkey and stuffing instead of with the rest of the family in the dining room! Why listen to grandpa regale us with stories of Thanksgiving during the Great Depression when we can listen to Joe Buck and Troy Aikman regale us their analysis of another Detroit Turkey Day one-sided contest? And all this talk about NOT having the Lions and Cowboys play on Thanksgiving every year? Forget it! Keep the tradition going! Someday the Lions will be better and the game will be more competitive. To me, Thanksgiving wouldn't be the same without the Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys.</span><br />
<strong><span style="color: #999999;">_________________________________</span></strong><strong><span style="color: #999999;">_</span></strong><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="color: red;">STUDS, DUDS, AND SLEEPERS (Week 12)</span></strong><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="color: blue;">-STUDS-</span></strong><br />
<span style="color: red;"><strong>QB Aaron Rodgers (GB vs. Det) </strong></span><span style="color: #999999;">If Brady Quinn of all people can have a career day against the Lions defense, can you imagine the numbers Aaron Rodgers will put up on national television against them? Can't think of a better way to celebrate a holiday then to watch your fantasy QB carve up a victory.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;"><strong>RB Joseph Addai (Ind @ Hou) </strong></span><span style="color: #999999;">He hasn't had a 100 yard rushing day yet this season, but he's the guy who gets the ball in the red zone. Houston's run defense is horrible and I like Addai to exploit that this week.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;"><strong>RB Justin Forsett (Sea @ Stl) </strong></span><span style="color: #999999;">The Rams defense is horrible. The Cardinals burned them for over 200 rushing yards last week. Forsett only had 9 yards against the Vikings last week but still managed to score a TD. If you were the owner that jumped on him on the waiver wire, this could be the week he pays big dividends.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;"><strong>WR Chad Ochocinco (Cin vs. Clev) </strong></span><span style="color: #999999;">Ocho has been quiet the last few weeks but he scored twice against the Browns in Cleveland earlier this year. He's due for a big game and if a rookie QB can throw five TDs against the Browns, you know Palmer will have a good game. I'm betting Ocho is the main beneficiary.</span><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="color: blue;">DUDS</span></strong><br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;"><strong>QB Tony Romo (Dal vs. Oak) </strong></span><span style="color: #999999;">The Raiders can't defend the run but CAN defend the pass and rush the QB. Romo hurt his back last week making a tackle and I can't imagine him being 100% just four days afterwards. Either the Cowboys run the ball to beat the Raiders, or Romo is so ineffective we have a John Kitna sighting. Either way, Romo's numbers will be pedestrian at best.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;"><strong>RB Rashard Mendenhall (Pit @ Balt)</strong> </span><span style="color: #999999;">I don't like any Steelers this week if Rothlisberger is not 100% But Ravens are going to be fired up at home against an opponent they know for SURE won't be a pushover. Despite two bad games against Cedric Benson, the Ravens are still 6th best against RBs. I expect them to hold Mendenhall to under 75 yards this week.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;"><strong>WR Calvin Johnson (Det vs. GB) </strong></span><span style="color: #999999;">He finally had a big game, but it came against the Browns. This week he'll be covered by Charles Woodson and have Dante Culpepper throwing to him. Not a great recipe for fantasy points. If you don't want heartbreak to go with your Thanksgiving heartburn, leave him on the bench if you have better matchups elsewhere.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;"><strong>TE Kevin Boss (NYG @ Den) </strong></span><span style="color: #999999;">Denver has only allowed 2 TDs by tight ends so far this year. While Boss has been on a roll the last few weeks, he and Eli Manning will find the road tough to hoe in the Mile High City this Thanksgiving Day.</span><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="color: blue;">SLEEPERS</span></strong><br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;"><strong>WR Brandon Gibson (Stl vs. Seattle) </strong></span><span style="color: #999999;">Gibson will be starting for the Rams this week due to injuries at WR. He's looked pretty good the last couple of games and is playing a Seattle defense third only to Tennessee and Jacksonville in giving up fantasy points to WRs.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;"><strong>QB Alex Smith (SF vs. Jac) </strong></span><span style="color: #999999;">He's been pretty good since taking over for Shaun Hill a few weeks ago. He has certainly built a good rhythm with TE Vernon Davis and WR Michael Crabtree. The Jags are having a hard time preventing big plays in the passing game lately and this could be the week Smith explodes with huge numbers.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;"><strong>WR Kenny Britt (Tenn vs. Ariz) </strong></span><span style="color: #999999;">The rookie first round pick finally found the end zone for his first career TD catch last week. Arizona and Tennessee will be playing in a high scoring shootout on Sunday and Britt may be in line for another score or two from Vince Young, now that he has finally busted the TD cherry.</span><br />
<strong><span style="color: #999999;">__________________________________</span></strong><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="color: red;">JUST SAYING</span></strong><br />
<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999;">The main float in the Oakland Thanksgiving Day Parade.</span><br />
</div><span style="color: #999999;">_________________________________</span><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="color: red;">IFFL UPDATE</span></strong><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #999999;">With a climatic 49-41 victory over the West Virginia Dolphins, and losses by the Green Bay Dynasty and Buckeye Wrecking Crew I gained a cushion in the Glory Division playoff race. At 9-2 I am one game ahead of the Dynasty and two games in front of the Dolphins and Wrecking Crew.</span><br />
<br />
<table border="1" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="2"><tbody>
<tr><td><b><span style="background-color: blue;">Glory Division</span></b><br />
</td><td><span style="color: #999999;">W</span><br />
</td><td><span style="color: #999999;">L</span><br />
</td><td><span style="color: #999999;">PS</span><br />
</td></tr>
<tr><td><strong><span style="color: blue;">Miami Waves</span></strong><br />
</td><td><span style="color: blue;"><strong>9</strong></span><br />
</td><td><strong><span style="color: blue;">2</span></strong><br />
</td><td><strong><span style="color: blue;">742</span></strong><br />
</td></tr>
<tr><td><span style="color: red;">Green Bay Dynasty</span><br />
</td><td><span style="color: red;">8</span><br />
</td><td><span style="color: red;">3</span><br />
</td><td><span style="color: red;">690</span><br />
</td></tr>
<tr><td><span style="color: red;">West Virginia Dolphins</span><br />
</td><td><span style="color: red;">7</span><br />
</td><td><span style="color: red;">4</span><br />
</td><td><span style="color: red;">679</span><br />
</td></tr>
<tr><td><span style="color: red;">Buckeye Wrecking Crew</span><br />
</td><td><span style="color: red;">7</span><br />
</td><td><span style="color: red;">4</span><br />
</td><td><span style="color: red;">661</span><br />
</td></tr>
<tr><td><span style="color: red;">Pennsylvania PimpDaddies</span><br />
</td><td><span style="color: red;">5</span><br />
</td><td><span style="color: red;">6</span><br />
</td><td><span style="color: red;">734</span><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #999999;">My opponent this week is the Pennsylvania PimpDaddies. Despite the record, this is a team to be feared, especially in this scoring system. QB Donavan McNabb, RBs Adrian Peterson and DeAngelo Williams (Cedric Benson too if he's healthy), WRs Brandon Marshall, Hines Ward, and Miles Austin, and even TEs Dallas Clark and Antonio Gates. It's amazing that this team is almost out of contention for a playoff spot.</span><br />
<span style="color: #999999;">My lineup for this pivotal division contest:</span><br />
<br />
<table border="1" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="2"><tbody>
<tr><td><b>TMQB</b><br />
</td><td><span style="color: red;">Cincinnati (Carson Palmer)</span><br />
</td><td><span style="color: #999999;">vs. Cleveland</span><br />
</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>RB</b><br />
</td><td><span style="color: red;">Chris Johnson (Tenn)</span><br />
</td><td><span style="color: #999999;">vs. Arizona</span><br />
</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>WR</b><br />
</td><td><span style="color: red;">Randy Moss (NE)</span><br />
</td><td><span style="color: #999999;">@ New Orleans</span><br />
</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>WR</b><br />
</td><td><span style="color: red;">Mike Sims-Walker (Jac)</span><br />
</td><td><span style="color: #999999;">@ San Francisco</span><br />
</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>WR</b><br />
</td><td><span style="color: red;">DeSean Jackson (Phil)</span><br />
</td><td><span style="color: #999999;">vs. Washington</span><br />
</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>WR</b><br />
</td><td><span style="color: red;">Chad Ochocinco (Cin)</span><br />
</td><td><span style="color: #999999;">vs. Cleveland</span><br />
</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>PK</b><br />
</td><td><span style="color: red;">Ryan Longwell (Minn)</span><br />
</td><td><span style="color: #999999;">vs.Chicago</span><br />
</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>DST</b><br />
</td><td><span style="color: red;">Denver Broncos</span><br />
</td><td><span style="color: #999999;">vs. NY Giants</span><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<span style="color: #999999;">Tony Romo's back injury concerns me too much to start him on Thanksgiving, so I'll go with Palmer .. which is a favorable matchup against Cleveland. Again, I'm tempted to start LeSean McCoy but have no idea which WR to bench, so I'll stick with my four WR formation and gut it out.</span><br />
<span style="color: #999999;">__________________________________________</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyM7grnAsCb3UdcC_paNPOvSzDKJX4yf3VtsaOkLS2i8Q7tpRz5XvXBAUSBF7TzYwaNt8sTgPnp4-ElgFMB7sPbL6uxSFebS3gGxU_We-Ol2DbJUductJrwRVcRNDu1z-JTwM/s1600/Happy_Thanksgiving_Wreath-1.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyM7grnAsCb3UdcC_paNPOvSzDKJX4yf3VtsaOkLS2i8Q7tpRz5XvXBAUSBF7TzYwaNt8sTgPnp4-ElgFMB7sPbL6uxSFebS3gGxU_We-Ol2DbJUductJrwRVcRNDu1z-JTwM/s320/Happy_Thanksgiving_Wreath-1.gif" yr="true" /></a><br />
</div>Vicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01742397389388602847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31911763.post-50273945674497210262009-11-21T00:26:00.000-05:002009-11-21T00:26:37.228-05:00Week 11 Ramblings<span style="color: #999999;">We're coming up on the holidays which is always crunch time in NFL and fantasy football. This is the time where teams that are still in contention need to take a long look at their roster and make the critical decisions that can make or break their championship chances. It's late third quarter baby! Time to pick up the pace!</span><br />
<strong><span style="color: #999999;">_________________________________</span></strong><strong><span style="color: #999999;">_</span></strong><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="color: red;">STUDS, DUDS, AND SLEEPERS</span></strong><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #999999;">I swear I had Ricky Williams pegged as a stud this week! Darn Thursday night games!!! Oh well .... </span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: blue;"><strong>STUDS</strong></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;"><strong>RB Pierre Thomas (NO @ TB) </strong></span><span style="color: #999999;">As hard as it is to gauge which Saints RB will do well in any given week, Thomas is due for a big game. The Bucs defense 5th worse in points allowed to RBs and both Ronnie Brown (before going down for the year to an ACL) and Ricky Williams had success against them last week.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;"><strong>WR Hines Ward (Pit @ KC) </strong></span><span style="color: #999999;">Rothlisberger and company should bounce back quite nicely against the Chiefs defense. In a PPR scoring system, Ward should be gold.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;"><strong>RB Kevin Smith (Det vs. Clev) </strong></span><span style="color: #999999;">The Browns can't stop the run and if they can't score against the Lions, expect a heavy dose of running for Smith in the latter part of the game.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;"><strong>WR Anquan Boldin (Ariz vs. Stl) </strong></span><span style="color: #999999;">He's finally healthy and has a chip on his shoulder the size of a boulder. Watch him take it out on a weak Ram secondary.</span><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="color: blue;">DUDS</span></strong><br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;"><strong>RB Ladell Betts (Wash @ Dal) </strong></span><span style="color: #999999;">His solid game last week was a direct product of the injury to Kyle Orton and the poor play of Chris Simms. Don't expect similar results against a stout Dallas defense.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;"><strong>RB Justin Forsett (Sea @ Minn) </strong></span><span style="color: #999999;">Another one week wonder who's going against a Vikings defense second to only the Steelers in points allowed to RBs.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;"><strong>WR Roddy White (Atl @ NYG) </strong></span><span style="color: #999999;">The Giants had a week to resolve their issues and will be coming out determined to end their losing streak. Without Michael Turner to keep the front seven of the Giants honest, keeping White in check will be their number one goal.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;"><strong>WR Devin Hester (Chic vs. Phil) </strong></span><span style="color: #999999;">When CB Asante Samuels is on the field, the Eagles tend to neutralize a teams best WR. (See Vincent Jackson's stats from last week.)</span><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="color: blue;">SLEEPERS</span></strong><br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;"><strong>RB Bernard Scott (Cin @ Oak) </strong></span><span style="color: #999999;">Only Buffalo gives up more points to RBs than the Raiders. Cedric Benson is hurting so Scott will be seeing more touches for the time being. Worth a flyer start in a deep league.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;"><strong>WR Muhammad Massaquoi (Clev @ Det) </strong></span><span style="color: #999999;">You would think Cleveland could get at least ONE offensive TD against the Lions defense, right? Why not the #1 WR? </span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;"><strong>WR Kenny Britt (Tenn @ Hou) </strong></span><span style="color: #999999;">The Titan are going to have to score a lot of points to keep up with the Texans, and Chris Johnson won't be able to do it by himself. (Although I really hope he DOES) Britt is going to see a few more targets with Justin Gage banged up.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;"><strong>QB Josh Freeman (TB vs. NO) </strong></span><span style="color: #999999;">I'm apparently really liking rookies as sleepers this week. Freeman has played exceptionally well in his first two games, throwing four TDs against fairly decent defenses. Saints defense is tough but have some injuries in the secondary.</span><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="color: #999999;">__________________________________</span></strong><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="color: red;">IFFL UPDATE</span></strong><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #999999;">With a 76 - 61 victory over the Delaware Enforcers my record improves to 8-2 and I maintained first place in the Glory Division. But because the Green Bay Dynasty, West Virginia Dolphins, and Buckeye Wrecking Crew all won as well ... the traffic jam continues. The good news is.. I now have a cushion in points, leading by 48 over the Dynasty, by 60 over the Dolphins, and by 100 over the Wrecking Crew.</span><br />
<br />
<table border="1" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="2"><tbody>
<tr><td><b><span style="background-color: blue;">Glory Division</span></b><br />
</td><td><span style="color: #999999;">W</span><br />
</td><td><span style="color: #999999;">L</span><br />
</td><td><span style="color: #999999;">PS</span><br />
</td></tr>
<tr><td><strong><span style="color: blue;">Miami Waves</span></strong><br />
</td><td><span style="color: blue;"><strong>8</strong></span><br />
</td><td><strong><span style="color: blue;">2</span></strong><br />
</td><td><strong><span style="color: blue;">693</span></strong><br />
</td></tr>
<tr><td><span style="color: red;">Green Bay Dyansty</span><br />
</td><td><span style="color: red;">8</span><br />
</td><td><span style="color: red;">2</span><br />
</td><td><span style="color: red;">645</span><br />
</td></tr>
<tr><td><span style="color: red;">West Virginia Dolphins</span><br />
</td><td><span style="color: red;">7</span><br />
</td><td><span style="color: red;">3</span><br />
</td><td><span style="color: red;">638</span><br />
</td></tr>
<tr><td><span style="color: red;">Buckeye Wrecking Crew</span><br />
</td><td><span style="color: red;">7</span><br />
</td><td><span style="color: red;">3</span><br />
</td><td><span style="color: red;">593</span><br />
</td></tr>
<tr><td><span style="color: red;">Pennsylvania PimpDaddies</span><br />
</td><td><span style="color: red;">4</span><br />
</td><td><span style="color: red;">6</span><br />
</td><td><span style="color: red;">682</span><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<span style="color: #999999;">With my next three games against division opponents, I need to keep my winning streak going. This week is a rematch with the West Virginia Dolphins. Not an easy one though, with Dolphins RB Maurice Jones-Drew going against a weak Buffalo defense. Hopefully Chris Johnson can counter MJD's production. My probable lineup:</span><br />
<br />
<table border="1" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="2"><tbody>
<tr><td><b>TMQB</b><br />
</td><td><span style="color: red;">Dallas (Tony Romo)</span><br />
</td><td><span style="color: #999999;">vs. Washington</span><br />
</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>RB</b><br />
</td><td><span style="color: red;">Chris Johnson (Tenn)</span><br />
</td><td><span style="color: #999999;">@ Houston</span><br />
</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>WR</b><br />
</td><td><span style="color: red;">Randy Moss (NE)</span><br />
</td><td><span style="color: #999999;">vs. NY Jets</span><br />
</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>WR</b><br />
</td><td><span style="color: red;">Mike Sims-Walker (Jac)</span><br />
</td><td><span style="color: #999999;">vs. Buffalo</span><br />
</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>WR</b><br />
</td><td><span style="color: red;">DeSean Jackson (Phil)</span><br />
</td><td><span style="color: #999999;">@ Chicago</span><br />
</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>WR</b><br />
</td><td><span style="color: red;">Chad Ochocinco (Cin)</span><br />
</td><td><span style="color: #999999;">@ Oakland</span><br />
</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>PK</b><br />
</td><td><span style="color: red;">Ryan Longwell (Minn)</span><br />
</td><td><span style="color: #999999;">vs. Seattle</span><br />
</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>DST</b><br />
</td><td><span style="color: red;">Denver Broncos</span><br />
</td><td><span style="color: #999999;">vs. San Diego</span><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<span style="color: #999999;">After Sims-Walker scored this past week, I'm not benching him again this year. Most likely the lineup I start this week will be the one I go with the rest of the way. Even though I have good backups in LeSean McCoy, Laurence Maroney, and Devin Hester I can't see any reason I'd need to start them barring injury. If this was a standard scoring system I might consider it, but with the bonus points I get for long TDs, all of these guys need to stay.</span><br />
<span style="color: #999999;">_____________________________________</span><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="color: red;">GO BUCKS!!!!!</span></strong><br />
<br />
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<span style="color: #999999;">Good luck tomorrow Buckeyes!! Beat Michigan for the seventh straight time!</span>Vicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01742397389388602847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31911763.post-43447308237884144502009-11-15T00:37:00.000-05:002009-11-15T00:37:34.160-05:00Week 10 Ramblings<span style="color: #999999;">This has been a very hectic week so this version of 4th and 37 will be a bit short. Consider this my "Bye Week".</span><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="color: #999999;">_________________________________</span></strong><strong><span style="color: #999999;">_</span></strong><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="color: red;">STUDS, DUDS, AND SLEEPERS</span></strong><br />
<br />
<span style="color: blue;"><strong>STUDS</strong></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;"><strong>RB Ray Rice (Bal) </strong></span><span style="color: #999999;">Cleveland's defense will have no chance of stopping Rice on the ground OR in the passing game. I expect at least over 150 total yards of offense for the second year RB from Rutgers.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;"><strong>WR Wes Welker (NE) </strong></span><span style="color: #999999;">Randy Moss should have a big day too, but in what I think will be an offensive shootout in Indy, Tom Brady will have to pass at least 40 times. Welker should get 10 or more catches and at least 100 yards.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;"><strong>WR Percy Harvin (Minn)</strong> </span><span style="color: #999999;">The speedy rookie should have a big day against a slow Detroit defensive backfield. Could have another KR score to boot.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;"><strong>DST Dallas Cowboys </strong></span><span style="color: #999999;">If your scoring system takes sacks into account, this is almost a must-start with Green Bay's meek pass protection. DeMarcus Ware also a definitve start as an IDP.</span><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="color: blue;">DUDS</span></strong><br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;"><strong>WR Mike Sims-Walker (Jac) </strong></span><span style="color: #999999;">Jets and CB Darrell Revis pretty good at shutting down opposing #1 WRs. QB David Garrard pretty good at NOT finding his WRs on the road.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;"><strong>RB Julius Jones (Sea) </strong></span><span style="color: #999999;">This is the week the Arizona Cardinals will actually look dominant at home. They'll get off to a fast start, making Jones virtually useless in the second half.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;"><strong>QB Josh Freeman (TB) </strong></span><span style="color: #999999;">Last week the rookie looked good, but was aided by a opportunistic Tampa D. This week his learning curve gets quite a bit steeper against the Dolphins.</span><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="color: blue;">SLEEPERS</span></strong><br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;"><strong>TE Brandon Pettigrew (Det) </strong></span><span style="color: #999999;">The </span><span style="color: #999999;">Vikings are suprisingly the worst in the league at defending against the tight end. The Detroit rookie finally started getting some looks last week in Seattle with 7 catches for 70 yards and a TD. Expect more of the same this week.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;"><strong>WR Chaz Schilens (Oak) </strong></span><span style="color: #999999;">Raiders need a boost in the passing game and his hands can provide it. Chiefs pass defense among the worst in the league. Could have a nice welcome back game.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;"><strong>DST Kansas City </strong></span><span style="color: #999999;">On the other hand, Raider QB Jamarcus Russell very sloppy with the ball and could turn it over three or four times, giving Chief defenders gift TDs.</span><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="color: #999999;">__________________________________</span></strong><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="color: red;">IFFL UPDATE</span></strong><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #999999;">With a big 102-47 win over the West Virginia Dolphins I vaulted into first place in the Glory Division thanks to the Pennsylvania PimpDaddies upsetting the Green Bay Dynasty. My last three games have been huge point scorers and have allowed me to catch up after being way behind early on.</span><br />
<br />
<table border="1" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="2"><tbody>
<tr><td><b><span style="background-color: blue;">Glory Division</span></b><br />
</td><td><span style="color: #999999;">W</span><br />
</td><td><span style="color: #999999;">L</span><br />
</td><td><span style="color: #999999;">PS</span><br />
</td></tr>
<tr><td><strong><span style="color: blue;">Miami Waves</span></strong><br />
</td><td><span style="color: blue;"><strong>7</strong></span><br />
</td><td><strong><span style="color: blue;">2</span></strong><br />
</td><td><strong><span style="color: blue;">617</span></strong><br />
</td></tr>
<tr><td><span style="color: red;">Green Bay Dyansty</span><br />
</td><td><span style="color: red;">7</span><br />
</td><td><span style="color: red;">2</span><br />
</td><td><span style="color: red;">574</span><br />
</td></tr>
<tr><td><span style="color: red;">West Virginia Dolphins</span><br />
</td><td><span style="color: red;">6</span><br />
</td><td><span style="color: red;">3</span><br />
</td><td><span style="color: red;">575</span><br />
</td></tr>
<tr><td><span style="color: red;">Buckete Wrecking Crew</span><br />
</td><td><span style="color: red;">6</span><br />
</td><td><span style="color: red;">3</span><br />
</td><td><span style="color: red;">540</span><br />
</td></tr>
<tr><td><span style="color: red;">Pennsylvania PimpDaddies</span><br />
</td><td><span style="color: red;">4</span><br />
</td><td><span style="color: red;">5</span><br />
</td><td><span style="color: red;">623</span><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #999999;">Up this week are the 3-6 Delaware Enforcers, who have QB Tom Brady, RB Pierre Thomas, WR Marques Colston, and WR Wes Welker as it's main weapons. My lineup will look like this:</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<table border="1" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="2"><tbody>
<tr><td><b>TMQB</b><br />
</td><td><span style="color: red;">Dallas (Tony Romo)</span><br />
</td><td><span style="color: #999999;">@ Green Bay</span><br />
</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>RB</b><br />
</td><td><span style="color: red;">Chris Johnson (Tenn)</span><br />
</td><td><span style="color: #999999;">vs. Buffalo</span><br />
</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>WR</b><br />
</td><td><span style="color: red;">Randy Moss (NE)</span><br />
</td><td><span style="color: #999999;">@ Indianapolis</span><br />
</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>WR</b><br />
</td><td><span style="color: red;">Devin Hester (Chic)</span><br />
</td><td><span style="color: #999999;">@ San Francisco</span><br />
</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>WR</b><br />
</td><td><span style="color: red;">DeSean Jackson (Phil)</span><br />
</td><td><span style="color: #999999;">@ San Diego</span><br />
</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>WR</b><br />
</td><td><span style="color: red;">Chad Ochocinco (Cin)</span><br />
</td><td><span style="color: #999999;">@ Pittsburgh</span><br />
</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>PK</b><br />
</td><td><span style="color: red;">Nick Folk (Dal)</span><br />
</td><td><span style="color: #999999;">@ Green Bay</span><br />
</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>DST</b><br />
</td><td><span style="color: red;">Denver Broncos</span><br />
</td><td><span style="color: #999999;">@ Washington</span><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<span style="color: #999999;">Since this is Saturday, Devin Hester has already played and knotted me a big goose egg. This doesn't bode well for me. If Brady hooks up with Welker a lot and not Randy Moss, I could be in big trouble.</span><br />
<span style="color: #999999;">______________________________________</span><br />
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<strong><span style="color: red;">GO BUCKS!!!</span></strong><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDF168VhJC1jwndQp3AL-XyqGEkNNJpN9qxLlNL70XHT4RqPh_E7LBODYFin_EHYQ8kLRleLrKB9LhQv0vzl0FZVS-_N9lK_ZiXT1LhrTsNK8iFGx1Y3wBRxMLy4rtgY68EfQ/s1600-h/RoseBowlLogoColor4.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" sr="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDF168VhJC1jwndQp3AL-XyqGEkNNJpN9qxLlNL70XHT4RqPh_E7LBODYFin_EHYQ8kLRleLrKB9LhQv0vzl0FZVS-_N9lK_ZiXT1LhrTsNK8iFGx1Y3wBRxMLy4rtgY68EfQ/s320/RoseBowlLogoColor4.gif" /></a><br />
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<span style="color: #999999;">Whoooo hooo! Go Bucks!! With the win over Iowa today, the Ohio State Buckeyes are finally going to a Rose Bowl after 12 years!!! A win against Michigan this week will be icing on the cake!! O-H-I-O!!!</span>Vicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01742397389388602847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31911763.post-5876378209823164932009-11-07T12:30:00.000-05:002009-11-07T12:30:04.828-05:00Week 9 Ramblings<span style="color: #999999;"></span><br />
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<strong><span style="color: red;">EATING CROW</span></strong><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgew4ElpLsB7cbsvA7biU6hI5WbKDyHG4PMqHUBw2NIjScBycSKnpKf-qQm5SEYVD01xKzSsklT_m1uM3CT_o6tIVZpQpESUX8eJ97ibLoz8HfBinDTAz3Ij4tRkSn1iO0waL0/s1600-h/Eat+Crow_thumb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" sr="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgew4ElpLsB7cbsvA7biU6hI5WbKDyHG4PMqHUBw2NIjScBycSKnpKf-qQm5SEYVD01xKzSsklT_m1uM3CT_o6tIVZpQpESUX8eJ97ibLoz8HfBinDTAz3Ij4tRkSn1iO0waL0/s320/Eat+Crow_thumb.jpg" /></a><br />
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<span style="color: #999999;">Maurice Jones-Drew is making me eat my words. Before the season started I was shocked at how highly ranked he was in fantasy projections and aghast that in some drafts he was even going first overall. I didn't see him as a #1 RB, let alone worthy enough to be taken with the very first pick. 8 weeks later he leads the NFL in rushing TDs with ten and is gaining 5.5 yards per carry. His EIGHT carry game last week against the Titans netted him over 170 yards rushing. Yikes! My comments about him being a Darren Sproles/Leon Washington type that could not function as a lone feature back in an NFL offense was obviously very narrow minded. And the fact that he's only 5'8" has nothing to do with his abilities or his toughness.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #999999;">Normally I wouldn't bother admitting I was wrong, but this one was waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay off. Although I did say he wouldn't make it through the season and the season is not over yet ... I have a feeling he'll be just fine for the remainder. Pass me a wing please.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #999999;">______________________________________________</span><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="color: red;">STUDS, DUDS, AND SLEEPERS: WEEK 9</span></strong><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="color: lime;">STUDS</span></strong><br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;"><strong>QB Aaron Rodgers (GB @ TB) </strong></span><span style="color: #999999;">The Packers are ticked about losing to the Vikings again. Rodgers going to come into this week with a chip on his shoulder. Look for him to take it out on a very bad Tampa D.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;"><strong>RB Frank Gore (SF vs. Tenn) </strong></span><span style="color: #999999;">Okay, if Maurice Jones-Drew and light up the Titan run defense with just eight carries, think about the damage Gore can do with a steady workload. Gore already has three TD runs of 50 yards or longer.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;"><strong>RB Maurice Jones-Drew (Jac vs. KC)</strong> </span><span style="color: #999999;">Speaking of MJD ... again .... KC's run defense not much better than Tennessee's. I suspect Jones-Drew will get more than eight touches this time.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;"><strong>WR Randy Moss (NE vs. Mia) </strong></span><span style="color: #999999;">Two rookie CBs starting for the Dolphins, need I say more?</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;"><strong>DST New Orleans </strong></span><span style="color: #999999;">Jake Delhomme avoided turnovers last week in Arizona .... but an opportunistic Saints defense has a pretty good chance of scoring again on an INT return.</span><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="color: lime;">DUDS</span></strong><br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;"><strong>QB Matt Schaub (Hou @ Ind) </strong></span><span style="color: #999999;">The loss of Owen Daniels is a huge blow to this offense. There's only so many times you can throw it to Andre Johnson.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;"><strong>RB Ronnie Brown (Mia @ NE) </strong></span><span style="color: #999999;">Think the Patriots have forgotten how Brown singlehandedly destroyed them in Gillette Stadium last year? Nope. Think they'll let it happen again? Nope. Can you say "Mildcat"?</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;"><strong>RB Cedric Benson (Cin) </strong></span><span style="color: #999999;">Benson was the first RB to hit the Ravens with a 100 yard rushing day in almost two years back in week 4. The Ravens came out of the bye week breathing fire and lit Denver up .... stopping Benson from doing it again will be a top priority.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;"><strong>WR Miles Austin (Dal @ Phil) </strong></span><span style="color: #999999;">CBs Asante Samuel and Sheldon Brown have a knack for countering a team's best WR. If Austin HAS been playing over his head ... this is the game he comes back to earth.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;"><strong>WR Antonio Bryant (TB vs. GB) </strong></span><span style="color: #999999;">With a r</span><span style="color: #999999;">ookie QB vs. CBs Charles Woodson and Al Harris? No thanks, I'll pass.</span><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="color: lime;">SLEEPERS</span></strong><br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;"><strong>RB Jamaal Charles (KC @ Jac) </strong></span><span style="color: #999999;">Getting the start and has the speed to break one. With what Chris Johnson did to the Jags defense last week, Charles could make a play or two.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;"><strong>WR Michael Crabtree (SF vs. Tenn) </strong></span><span style="color: #999999;">Has had two weeks to warm up and has looked good doing it. Could see his first score against a weak Titans secondary.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;"><strong>WR Malcolm Floyd (SD @ NYG) </strong></span><span style="color: #999999;">Giants d-backs are beat up. Chris Chambers has hit the road. Floyd has a chance for some big things in the Meadowlands.</span><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="color: #999999;">_________________________________</span></strong><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="color: red;">IFFL UPDATE</span></strong><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #999999;">Improved my record to 6-2, gained some ground in total points scored, and slid into third place in the Glory Division with a 97-55 victory over the Bruney Broncos. Chris Johnson's huge game was the difference. This week is a HUGE matchup against the division rival West Virginia Dolphins, who are also 6-2 and just a few points ahead of me.</span><br />
<br />
<table border="1" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="2"><tbody>
<tr><td><b><span style="background-color: blue;">Glory Division</span></b><br />
</td><td><span style="color: #999999;">W</span><br />
</td><td><span style="color: #999999;">L</span><br />
</td><td><span style="color: #999999;">PS</span><br />
</td></tr>
<tr><td><span style="color: red;">Green Bay Dynasty</span><br />
</td><td><span style="color: red;">7</span><br />
</td><td><span style="color: red;">1</span><br />
</td><td><span style="color: red;">546</span><br />
</td></tr>
<tr><td><span style="color: red;">West Virginia Dolphins</span><br />
</td><td><span style="color: red;">6</span><br />
</td><td><span style="color: red;">2</span><br />
</td><td><span style="color: red;">528</span><br />
</td></tr>
<tr><td><strong><span style="color: blue;">Miami Waves</span></strong><br />
</td><td><strong><span style="color: blue;">6</span></strong><br />
</td><td><strong><span style="color: blue;">2</span></strong><br />
</td><td><span style="color: blue;"><strong>515</strong></span><br />
</td></tr>
<tr><td><span style="color: red;">Buckete Wrecking Crew</span><br />
</td><td><span style="color: red;">5</span><br />
</td><td><span style="color: red;">3</span><br />
</td><td><span style="color: red;">471</span><br />
</td></tr>
<tr><td><span style="color: red;">Pennsylvania PimpDaddies</span><br />
</td><td><span style="color: red;">3</span><br />
</td><td><span style="color: red;">5</span><br />
</td><td><span style="color: red;">533</span><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<span style="color: #999999;">Dolphins owner Roger Miller is one of the nicest guys you'll ever meet, but his luck in fantasy football has been atrocious over the years. This is his best start ever and while I wish I could root for him ... NOT THIS WEEK ROG! The Dolphins have QB Matt Ryan, RB Maurice Jones-Drew, RB Steve Slaton, and WR Andre Johnson as it's main weapons. My lineup should lok like this:</span><br />
<br />
<table border="1" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="2"><tbody>
<tr><td><b>TMQB</b><br />
</td><td><span style="color: red;">Cincinnati (Carson Palmer)</span><br />
</td><td><span style="color: #999999;">vs. Baltimore</span><br />
</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>RB</b><br />
</td><td><span style="color: red;">Chris Johnson (Tenn)</span><br />
</td><td><span style="color: #999999;">@ San Francisco</span><br />
</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>WR</b><br />
</td><td><span style="color: red;">Randy Moss (NE)</span><br />
</td><td><span style="color: #999999;">vs. Miami</span><br />
</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>WR</b><br />
</td><td><span style="color: red;">Devin Hester (Chic)</span><br />
</td><td><span style="color: #999999;">vs. Arizona</span><br />
</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>WR</b><br />
</td><td><span style="color: red;">DeSean Jackson (Phil)</span><br />
</td><td><span style="color: #999999;">vs. Dallas</span><br />
</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>WR</b><br />
</td><td><span style="color: red;">Chad Ochocinco (Cin)</span><br />
</td><td><span style="color: #999999;">vs. Baltimore</span><br />
</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>PK</b><br />
</td><td><span style="color: red;">Nick Folk (Dal)</span><br />
</td><td><span style="color: #999999;">@ Philadelphia</span><br />
</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>DST</b><br />
</td><td><span style="color: red;">Denver Broncos</span><br />
</td><td><span style="color: #999999;">vs. Pittsburgh</span><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<span style="color: #999999;">I do have other options to consider. Should I start Romo @Philadelphia over Palmer at QB? Should I start Laurence Maroney vs. Miami or Mike Sims-Walker vs. KC (both good matchups) instead of Hester? This IS a key game. If I win I move up into second place and gain leverage in the run to the playoffs, if I lose I risk falling back into fourth and having to play catch up all over again. I play the Dolphins again in two weeks and need to at least split with them to keep up.</span>Vicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01742397389388602847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31911763.post-57366871255507467602009-10-27T19:00:00.005-04:002009-10-27T19:05:40.154-04:00Ramblings Week 8: House Of Horrors<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cccccc;"></span><br />
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<span style="color: #cccccc;">It's mid-season for fantasy football owners and while there have been many happy returns on such players as Drew Brees, Tom Brady, Adrian Peterson, Maurice Jones-Drew, Reggie Wayne, and others ... there have been many horrors as well. Players who were drafted high but so far have been huge letdowns. What's the outlook for some of these players who have had nightmarish first halves. Will they rise from the grave or continue to plummet into the depths of fantasy hell?</span><br />
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<span style="color: red;"><strong>RB Matt Forte (Chic)</strong> </span><span style="color: #cccccc;">If you drafted him, it was most likely in the early first round. Are you gritting your teeth yet? He's only had one game of 100 yards and one TD (vs. Detroit). The only favorable match-ups left on the schedule are this week vs. Cleveland and in Week 13 against the Rams. The Bears play the Lions in Week 17 and that most likely won't help you. If he DOES go off on the Browns this week, SELL HIGH and trade him because his struggles will continue afterwards.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;"><strong>RB LaDainian Tomlinson (SD) </strong></span><span style="color: #cccccc;">After watching him try several times to get into the end zone against the Chiefs and failing, it's clear LT has lost a step or two. He's already missed two games to injury and had only one TD to his credit this year. However, hope is not lost if you look at his schedule. Oakland's swiss cheese run defense gives him one last chance to stay in your starting lineup this week. He also has good match-ups in Weeks 12 and 13 (Chiefs and Browns). And if he does manage to turn it around, he could be very valuable if you make it to "Championship Week 17" where the Chargers play the hapless Titans.</span><br />
<br />
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<span style="color: red;"><strong>WR Steve Smith (Car) </strong></span><span style="color: #cccccc;">With solid match-ups the last three games and nothing to show for it, Smith is an obvious bench candidate. He has zero touchdowns in his first five games. With the way Jake Delhomme is playing and a really rough schedule, it's unlikely we'll be seeing much production here. You might want to look elsewhere.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;"><strong>WR Terrell Owens (Buff) </strong></span><span style="color: #cccccc;">The outlook is bleak here as well. Buffalo's QBs do not have the arms to get the ball deep to T.O. and the aging Owens seems to have lost the ability to make tacklers miss and get any YAC. You might want to consider spot starting him in Weeks 10 and 14 against the Titans and Chiefs, but other than that, forget the popcorn.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;"><strong>WR Anquan Boldin (Ariz) </strong></span><span style="color: #cccccc;">Injuries have once again hampered Boldin this year, but he's always had the knack for bouncing back from them. The Cardinal's schedule is too juicy (especially in Weeks 16 and 17) to give up on him just yet. Be patient and I think you'll be glad you did come Week 10 and beyond.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;"><strong>WR Roy Williams (Dal) </strong></span><span style="color: #cccccc;">He was supposed to take T.O.'s place as the #1 WR. Didn't work out that way however as Miles Austin came out of nowhere too put up humongous numbers. Williams only has 12 catches and one TD ... having as much value as he did last year in Dallas. The Cowboys schedule doesn't get a lot easier and Williams is battling injuries. Find a replacement for him in your lineup if you can.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;"><strong>TE Jason Witten (Dal) </strong></span><span style="color: #cccccc;">Compared to other TEs like Owen Daniels (5 TDs), Visanthe Shiancoe (5 TDs), and even Ben Watson (4 TDs) Witten has been a disappointment with only 1 TD thus far. However he's still on track for 80-90 catches and with his chemistry with Tony Romo, I can see him easily scoring 5-6 TDs the rest of the way. Wouldn't give up on him just yet.</span><br />
<span style="color: #cccccc;">____________________________________________</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;"><strong>Just Saying...</strong></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz5kZIDsYhGAY4p_OWbliP1o2EjQQc0UaKuYips3_HCpuxW6BVBQ2_zWz6gcGlKHtSeBnY05c5XeomxUMZu-BYNdKhZXSabiS5yDp4nC6LoZPhE-eZkzusybDoepos4v6H7ak/s1600-h/snyderpc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz5kZIDsYhGAY4p_OWbliP1o2EjQQc0UaKuYips3_HCpuxW6BVBQ2_zWz6gcGlKHtSeBnY05c5XeomxUMZu-BYNdKhZXSabiS5yDp4nC6LoZPhE-eZkzusybDoepos4v6H7ak/s320/snyderpc.jpg" vr="true" /></a><br />
</div><span style="color: #cccccc;"> Dan Synder could easily go as PC from the PC and Mac commericals for Halloween.</span><br />
<span style="color: #cccccc;">____________________________________________</span><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="color: blue;">IFFL Update </span></strong><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><span style="color: #cccccc;"> Yo Adrian, I did it!!!! Finally a win against my arch-rival John Hatfield and his Green Bay Dynasty! Knocked the Dynasty off of the ranks of unbeaten 99-57. Huge division win and a great 5-2 first half! However, despite the win I am still amazingly in fourth place in the division. The good news is I made up some ground in points thanks to big games from Tony Romo, Chad Ochocinco, and DeSean Jackson. I'm only 16 points back from the West Virginia Dolphins who currently hold the number two spot.</span><br />
<br />
<table border="1" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="2"><tbody>
<tr><td><b><span style="background-color: blue;">Glory Division</span></b><br />
</td><td><span style="color: #999999;">W</span><br />
</td><td><span style="color: #999999;">L</span><br />
</td><td><span style="color: #999999;">PS</span><br />
</td></tr>
<tr><td><span style="color: red;">Green Bay Dynasty</span><br />
</td><td><span style="color: red;">6</span><br />
</td><td><span style="color: red;">1</span><br />
</td><td><span style="color: red;">481</span><br />
</td></tr>
<tr><td><span style="color: red;">West Virginia Dolphins</span><br />
</td><td><span style="color: red;">5</span><br />
</td><td><span style="color: red;">2</span><br />
</td><td><span style="color: red;">434</span><br />
</td></tr>
<tr><td><span style="color: red;">Buckeye Wrecking Crew</span><br />
</td><td><span style="color: red;">5</span><br />
</td><td><span style="color: red;">2</span><br />
</td><td><span style="color: red;">424</span><br />
</td></tr>
<tr><td><span style="color: blue;">Miami Waves</span><br />
</td><td><span style="color: blue;">5</span><br />
</td><td><span style="color: blue;">2</span><br />
</td><td><span style="color: blue;">418</span><br />
</td></tr>
<tr><td><span style="color: red;">Pennsylvania PimpDaddies</span><br />
</td><td><span style="color: red;">3</span><br />
</td><td><span style="color: red;">4</span><br />
</td><td><span style="color: red;">479</span><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #cccccc;"> This week I face off against the Bruney Broncos, whose main weapons are Drew Brees, Frank Gore, Joseph Addai, and Calvin Johnson (if he plays). It's a week where everyone in the Glory Division plays someone from the pathetic Power Division and I NEED the Power Division to pull some upsets ... except against me of course.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #cccccc;">My lineup for the week:</span><br />
<table border="1" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="2"><tbody>
<tr><td><b>TMQB</b><br />
</td><td><span style="color: red;">Dallas (Tony Romo)</span><br />
</td><td>vs. Seattle<br />
</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>RB</b><br />
</td><td><span style="color: red;">Chris Johnson (Tenn)</span><br />
</td><td>vs. Jacksonville<br />
</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>WR</b><br />
</td><td><span style="color: red;">Mike Sims-Walker (Jac)</span><br />
</td><td>@ Tennessee<br />
</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>WR</b><br />
</td><td><span style="color: red;">Devin Hester (Chic)</span><br />
</td><td>vs. Cleveland<br />
</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>WR</b><br />
</td><td><span style="color: red;">DeSean Jackson (Phil)</span><br />
</td><td>vs. NY Giants<br />
</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>WR</b><br />
</td><td><span style="color: red;">Mario Manningham (NYG)</span><br />
</td><td>@ Philadelphia<br />
</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>PK</b><br />
</td><td><span style="color: red;">Ryan Longwell (Min)</span><br />
</td><td>@ Green Bay<br />
</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>DST</b><br />
</td><td><span style="color: red;">New York Jets</span><br />
</td><td>vs. Miami<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<span style="color: #cccccc;">My options are limited at WR with Randy Moss and Chad Ochocinco on bye, but I am tempted to replace Manningham with LeSean McCoy or Felix Jones. Something for me to ponder before the weekend.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #cccccc;">Was another great fantasy week for me, going 4-1 again with only loss in the Total Dynasty League.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #cccccc;">____________________________________________</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #cccccc;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">Fantasy Monsters and Evil Clowns for Week 8</span></strong></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #cccccc;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">Here are some monsters that should help you ravage the competition this week:</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #cccccc;"><span style="color: red;"><strong>RB Steven Jackson (Stl @Detroit) </strong></span><span style="color: #cccccc;">If he can't score a TD or two against the Lions, I don't know WHO he can! Even with teams stacking to stop him he's managed to be among the top five in rushing yards. This is a good week to have him in your lineup.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #cccccc;"><span style="color: red;"><strong>RB Darren Sproles (SD vs. Oakland) </strong></span><span style="color: #cccccc;">If you watched the Raiders / Jets game like I did, you saw them give up over 300 yards rushing to Thomas Jones, Shonn Greene, and company. LT will get his touches, but how much you want to bet Sproles will rip off at least one long run for a score?</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #cccccc;"><span style="color: red;"><strong>QB Bret Favre (Minn @ Green Bay) </strong></span><span style="color: #cccccc;">Think Favre won't be fired up for this one? Think the Lambeau Field chaos will rattle him in any way whatsoever? I don't. I think he will put on a clinic just like he did against them on Monday Night a few weeks ago.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #cccccc;"><span style="color: red;"><strong>WR Mike Sims-Walker (Jac @ Tenn) </strong></span><span style="color: #cccccc;">Tennessee's secondary is just plain awful. I doubt the bye week helped to improve them much. Walker has developed great chemistry with QB David Garrard and is a playmaker. A must start.</span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://vice2020.webs.com/photos/halloween-animated/ANIgnarlyClown2C.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://vice2020.webs.com/photos/halloween-animated/ANIgnarlyClown2C.gif" vr="true" /></a><br />
</div><br />
<span style="color: #cccccc;">And now some evil clowns that will give you nightmares if they are in your lineup:</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #cccccc;"><span style="color: red;"><strong>WR Ted Ginn Jr. (Mia @ NY Jets) </strong></span><span style="color: #cccccc;">Did you see him drop two passes against the Saints that would have been big plays? I don't believe he will have many looks after that ... and will be covered by either Darrell Revis or Lito Sheppard. Fuggetaboutit!</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #cccccc;"><span style="color: red;"><strong>QB Matt Hasselbeck (Sea @ Dallas) </strong></span><span style="color: #cccccc;">The Cowboys defense came alive the last two games getting to the QB. Seahawks O-line aging. Result will not be good for Hasselbeck.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #cccccc;"><span style="color: red;"><strong>RB Ryan Grant (GB vs. Minn) </strong></span><span style="color: #cccccc;">He's going to have a rough afternoon against the Williams duo (Pat and Kevin). Expect the Packers to have to pass against the Vikings late in the game and abandon the run early.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #cccccc;"><span style="color: red;"><strong>RB Pierre Thomas (NO vs. Atl) </strong></span><span style="color: #cccccc;">Where did he go? Mike Bell and Reggie Bush getting majority of touches in the red zone all of a sudden. Time to step back and watch this situation.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #cccccc;">____________________________________________</span><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="color: red;"> Have a safe and very Happy Halloween!</span></strong><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://vice2020.webs.com/photos/halloween-animated/COBcourtesyLogo.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://vice2020.webs.com/photos/halloween-animated/COBcourtesyLogo.gif" vr="true" /></a><br />
</div>Vicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01742397389388602847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31911763.post-26694008858225241572009-10-23T14:55:00.001-04:002009-10-23T14:56:47.255-04:00Week 7 Ramblings: Stud Edition<span style="color: white;">A very good week for me in fantasy football. Went 4-1 with my only loss coming in the Total Dynasty League. This ran my records to 4-2 (IFFL), 4-2 (FFTwitter), 4-2 (RapidDraft), 3-3 (16 Man Brawl), and 2-4 (Total Dynasty). Almost to the halfway point in the season and things still looking positive for the most part.<br />
</span><br />
_________________________________________ <br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #aadd99;">Icon Fantasy Football League Update</span></b> <br />
<br />
<span style="color: white;">Defeated The Toronto Tigers 77-61 and squeezed into fourth place in Glory Division.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<table border="1" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="2"><tbody>
<tr><td><b><span style="background-color: blue;">Glory Division</span></b><br />
</td><td><span style="color: #999999;">W</span><br />
</td><td><span style="color: #999999;">L</span><br />
</td><td><span style="color: #999999;">PS</span><br />
</td></tr>
<tr><td><span style="color: red;">Green Bay Dynasty</span><br />
</td><td><span style="color: red;">6</span><br />
</td><td><span style="color: red;">0</span><br />
</td><td><span style="color: red;">424</span><br />
</td></tr>
<tr><td><span style="color: red;">West Virginia Dolphins</span><br />
</td><td><span style="color: red;">4</span><br />
</td><td><span style="color: red;">2</span><br />
</td><td><span style="color: red;">388</span><br />
</td></tr>
<tr><td><span style="color: red;">Buckeye Wrecking Crew</span><br />
</td><td><span style="color: red;">4</span><br />
</td><td><span style="color: red;">2</span><br />
</td><td><span style="color: red;">362</span><br />
</td></tr>
<tr><td><span style="color: blue;">Miami Waves</span><br />
</td><td><span style="color: blue;">4</span><br />
</td><td><span style="color: blue;">2</span><br />
</td><td><span style="color: blue;">319</span><br />
</td></tr>
<tr><td><span style="color: red;">Pennsylvania PimpDaddies</span><br />
</td><td><span style="color: red;">3</span><br />
</td><td><span style="color: red;">3</span><br />
</td><td><span style="color: red;">421</span><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<span style="color: white;">However, I did not make up a lot of points, still way behind in that category. This week saw me attempt to trade for Tom Brady, but to no avail. Also dropped the disappointing Beanie Wells for RB Laurence Maroney, who I will start this week against Tampa Bay in London.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: white;">My opponent, for the second time this year, will be John Hatfield and his undefeated Green Bay Dynasty. His main weapons this week... a buttload of Colts (Manning, Wayne, Collie and Indy DST), Marion Barber, and Roddy White. If by some miracle, the Rams can hold the Colts to say ... three TDs .. I may have a small chance. My lineup for the week should look like this:</span><br />
<br />
<table border="1" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="2"><tbody>
<tr><td><b>TMQB</b><br />
</td><td><span style="color: red;">Dallas (Tony Romo)</span><br />
</td><td>vs. Atlanta<br />
</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>RB</b><br />
</td><td><span style="color: red;">Laurence Maroney (NE)</span><br />
</td><td>@ Tampa Bay<br />
</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>WR</b><br />
</td><td><span style="color: red;">Randy Moss(NE)</span><br />
</td><td>@ Tampa Bay<br />
</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>WR</b><br />
</td><td><span style="color: red;">Chad Ochocinco (Cin)</span><br />
</td><td>vs. Chicago<br />
</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>WR</b><br />
</td><td><span style="color: red;">DeSean Jackson (Phil)</span><br />
</td><td>@ Washington<br />
</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>WR</b><br />
</td><td><span style="color: red;">Mario Manningham (NYG)</span><br />
</td><td>vs. Arizona<br />
</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>PK</b><br />
</td><td><span style="color: red;">Ryan Longwell (Min)</span><br />
</td><td>@ Pittsburgh<br />
</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>DST</b><br />
</td><td><span style="color: red;">New York Jets</span><br />
</td><td>@ Oakland<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<span style="color: white;">I'm hoping the Patriots have another huge game across the pond in London against the Bucs. They may be my best bet to win this game. It would be nice if Romo had a good game against the Falcons, but I'm not getting my hopes up. Manningham keeps scoring TDs when I bench him but not when I start him. McNabb finally started throwing DeSean Jackson the ball last week, but it might be harder to do so against a stingy Redskin defense. Overall, I'm not feeling very confident this week. I really would like to beat the Dynasty for once, but I have a bad feeling it won't happen this year ... again. I hope I'm wrong.<br />
</span><br />
<br />
_________________________________________ <br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #aadd99;">Start Your Studs?</span></b><br />
<br />
<span style="color: white;">This week brought an interesting debate over whether as fantasy owners we should always start our studs no matter what the matchups might otherwise tempt us to do. I have always favored the concept of starting my top guys over a good matchup spot-start, but others would argue you have a better chance to win if you play the matchups.<br />
<br />
While there are never any absolutes in fantasy football there ARE reasons we draft certain players high. It's because we know they are capable of putting up great numbers and helping us win fantasy games on a week to week basis. The risk involved in starting a lesser player just because he has a great matchup against a weak defense is just too high for my blood.<br />
<br />
A prime example: In Week 5 we saw Atlanta at San Francisco. Going into the week there were some who considered Michael Turner a risky start against the tough 49ers defense, and in foresight he probably was. But long term memory can be a fickle thing. Turner is a goal-line monster. 3 TDs against the Niners and anyone who benched him due to his "tough matchup" was cursing themselves.<br />
<br />
Another example: This past week there was some hedging about Drew Brees going against the Giants top ranked defense. One person in my IFFL league even went so far as to bench him for David Garrard against a weak St. Louis defense. Two things wrong with this logic however: A)Jaguars actually have an offense that runs the ball to set up the pass and has an elite RB in Maurice Jones-Drew, which is why Garrard is considered a #2 QB on any fantasy roster. B) The Saints offense passes to set up the run, especially in a tight game against an opponent the caliber of the Giants. If you drafted Drew Brees early, you did so because of the high powered passing game. You did so because he has the ability to throw for a lot of yards and multiple touchdowns against any team in the league. His bottom line against the Giants: 369 passing yards and 4 TDs. Garrard threw for over 300, but failed to register a score. Will Brees outscore Garrard EVERY week? No ... but he will MOST weeks.<br />
<br />
In my opinion, there are three elite QBs who should never be benched regardless of the matchup: Peyton Manning, Tom Brady, and Drew Brees. Kurt Warner and Aaron Rodgers fall close(But not quite there)to this mark as well due to the passing games of their respective teams. There is no defense these guys can't dissect in any given week.<br />
<br />
There are several RBs that should not be benched: Adrian Peterson, Michael Turner, Maurice Jones-Drew (I'll be eating some crow about this one in a future post)and Chris Johnson. All have the big play ability that even the stoutest of defenses find hard to stop.<br />
<br />
WRs? Randy Moss, Larry Fitzgerald, Reggie Wayne, and Andre Johnson. Again, their talent and knack for the big play make it a ridiculous prospect to even consider benching them, especially with capable QBs throwing to each of them.<br />
<br />
But when does a stud stop being a must-start? Or more accurately .. when does a stud stop being a stud? There are exceptions to every "rule". Things do change afterall .. how do you know when it's time to bench your high pick? When is a slump too long? Personally, I give the player five to six games to get a good read on how weak his performance really is. Say I had drafted Matt Forte in the first round this year. His production has severely lacked in the first six weeks, only one TD and one 100 yard rushing day. Now is the time to think about whether to bench him for someone else. He has lost his stud statis for now and until he starts producing the numbers I think he's capable of, he's a risk in my lineup unless I have no better options.<br />
<br />
Of course, this is all subjective to an owners personal opinion and other factors like past history or experience. But my stand on the matter of fantasy studs is you only bench them if there is a EXTREMELY good reason to. <br />
<br />
</span><br />
_________________________________________ <br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #aadd99;">Studs, Duds, and Sleepers For Week 7</span></b><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="color: red;">STUDS</span></strong><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="color: red;">RB Cedric Benson (Cin)</span></strong> <span style="color: white;">Think Benson will be fired up to play the team that gave up on him? I do. Look for him to get a couple of scores and a give a lot of stiff arms.</span><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="color: red;">RB Laurence Maroney (NE)</span></strong> <span style="color: white;">Maroney finally got an opportunity to shine last week when Sammy Morris got hurt early against the Titans. This week against the Bucs in London he should have the same success he had against Tennessee and run for over 100 yards and a TD.</span><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="color: red;">WR Vincent Jackson (SD)</span></strong> <span style="color: white;">They've been burned by big play WRs all season. No reason Jackson won't be the next one to post huge numbers against them.</span><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="color: red;">Philadelphia D/ST</span></strong> <span style="color: white;">The Redskins have had trouble scoring against inferior defenses like the Rams and Chiefs. Just because someone else is calling the plays doesn't mean that will change against a much better Eagles squad.</span><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="color: red;">DUDS</span></strong><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="color: red;">QB Mark Sanchez (NYJ)</span></strong> <span style="color: white;">Raiders will harrass the young QB and force him into even more mistakes.</span><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="color: red;">RB Chris Wells (Ari)</span></strong> <span style="color: white;">Has been biggest rookie disappointment, even with a career high number of touches last week. Hightower gets all of the red-zone touches anyway.</span><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="color: red;">RB Marshawn Lynch (Buff)</span></strong> <span style="color: white;">Not getting the touches he did last year. Fred Jackson earned his right to split time in first few weeks.</span><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="color: red;">WR Santana Moss (Wash)</span></strong> <span style="color: white;">Don't expect a long TD against the Eagles, which seems to be the only way Moss ever scores.</span><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="color: red;">SLEEPERS</span></strong><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="color: red;">RB Steven Jackson (STL)</span></strong> <span style="color: white;">Hard to label him a sleeper, but after zero TDs so far, the streak has to come to an end sometime. Colts run defense average.</span><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="color: red;">RB Chester Taylor (Minn)</span></strong> <span style="color: white;">Steelers will be focused on stopping AP and blitzing Favre. A few screen passes or draw plays to Taylor may be in the gameplan.</span><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="color: red;">WR Chaz Schilens (Oak)</span></strong> <span style="color: white;">If he plays, he would add a very needed set of hands to a dismal Raider passing game.</span><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="color: red;">WR Michael Crabtree (SF)</span></strong> <span style="color: white;">Why not? You know SF will need some sort of spark against the Texans. Maybe the rookie will surprise.</span><br />
_______________________________Vicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01742397389388602847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31911763.post-70933332314553225862009-10-16T19:03:00.000-04:002009-10-16T19:03:39.434-04:00Week 6 RamblingsWent 3-2 this week, getting wins in IFFL (3-2), Total Dynasty (2-3), and RapidDraft (3-2). Lost in FFtwitter (3-2) and 16 Man Brawl League (2-3). Overall, a very average start. Would be nice to have ONE of my teams be 4-1 or even 5-0, but I guess I should be happy none of them are 1-4 or the dreaded 0-5.<br />
<br />
_________________________________________ <br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #aadd99;">Icon Fantasy Football League Update</span></b> <br />
Squeaked out a 42-40 victory against the Delaware Enforcers to improve my record to 3-2 .... but as crazy as it may sound, I fell to LAST place in the Glory Division! This week was one of those where nobody played a game within their division. And OUR division won every game. It's incredible how these standings look after five weeks: <br />
<br />
<table border="1" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="2"><tbody>
<tr><td><b><span style="background-color: red;">Power Division</span></b><br />
</td><td>W<br />
</td><td>L<br />
</td><td>PS<br />
</td></tr>
<tr><td>Bruney Broncos<br />
</td><td>2<br />
</td><td>3<br />
</td><td>283<br />
</td></tr>
<tr><td>Toronto Tigers<br />
</td><td>2<br />
</td><td>3<br />
</td><td>171<br />
</td></tr>
<tr><td>Cincinnati Superstars<br />
</td><td>1<br />
</td><td>4<br />
</td><td>246<br />
</td></tr>
<tr><td>Running Vikings<br />
</td><td>1<br />
</td><td>4<br />
</td><td>194<br />
</td></tr>
<tr><td>Delaware Enforcers<br />
</td><td>1<br />
</td><td>4<br />
</td><td>191<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Now check out MY division:<br />
<br />
<table border="1" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="2"><tbody>
<tr><td><b><span style="background-color: blue;">Glory Division</span></b><br />
</td><td>W<br />
</td><td>L<br />
</td><td>PS<br />
</td></tr>
<tr><td>Green Bay Dynasty<br />
</td><td>5<br />
</td><td>0<br />
</td><td>360<br />
</td></tr>
<tr><td>Buckeye Wrecking Crew<br />
</td><td>4<br />
</td><td>1<br />
</td><td>321<br />
</td></tr>
<tr><td>Pennsylvania PimpDaddies<br />
</td><td>3<br />
</td><td>2<br />
</td><td>345<br />
</td></tr>
<tr><td>West Virginia Dolphins<br />
</td><td>3<br />
</td><td>2<br />
</td><td>296<br />
</td></tr>
<tr><td><span style="color: #aadd99;">Miami Waves</span><br />
</td><td><span style="color: #aadd99;">3</span><br />
</td><td><span style="color: #aadd99;">2</span><br />
</td><td><span style="color: #aadd99;">242</span><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
What really sucks about this is our playoff system takes the best two teams from each division, not the four best teams OVERALL. So if things keep going this way we could have two teams from one division with losing records make the playoffs and we could have two or three teams with winning records MISS the playoffs. So even with a winning record I'm a game out of the playoff chase and a LOT of points behind in tiebreakers. Not only do I need to win, I need to score some massive points and FAST.<br />
<br />
This week I face my fiancee Penny and her Toronto Tigers (1-4). Toronto is currently dead last in Total Points Scored in the league, but get a lot of players back from a bye. Chicago TMQB (Jay Cutler), RB Matt Forte, RB Thomas Jones, and WR Anquan Boldin are the main weapons for the Tigers.<br />
<br />
My lineup for the week COULD look like this:<br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;">TMQB Cincinnati (Carson Palmer) <span style="color: white;">vs. Houston</span></span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><span style="color: red;">RB Chris Johnson (Tenn) </span><span style="color: white;">at New England</span></span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><span style="color: red;">WR Randy Moss (NE) </span><span style="color: white;">vs. Tennessee</span></span><br />
<span style="color: red;">WR Chad Ochocinco (Cin) <span style="color: white;">vs. Houston</span></span><br />
<span style="color: red;">WR Mike Sims-Walker (Jac) <span style="color: white;">vs. St. Louis</span></span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><span style="color: red;">WR Devin Hester (Chic) </span><span style="color: white;">at Atlanta</span></span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><span style="color: red;">PK Ryan Longwell (Minn) </span><span style="color: white;">vs. Baltimore</span></span><br />
<span style="color: red;">DST NY Jets <span style="color: white;">vs. Buffalo</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;"><span style="color: white;">My debate is between WRs Devin Hester, Mario Manningham (at New Orleans), or DeSean Jackson (at Oakland) as my fourth WR. The rest of my lineup is set in stone. I'm hoping Sims-Walker makes up for getting himself inactivated for being late to a meeting before last week's game. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;"><span style="color: white;">Hester is facing the statistically weakest pass defense in Atlanta (22nd) so my initial thought is to start him. Was disappointed in Jackson only getting one catch last week and figure he will be covered by CB Nnamdi Asomugha who regularly shuts down #1 WRs. Manningham's touches have decreased since Hakeem Nicks has returned from injury. So if anyone out there reading this wants to chime in on their opinions of who they would start, I'm all ears.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><span style="color: white;">_________________________________________</span></span><br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #aadd99;">Week 6 Studs, Duds, and Sleepers</span></b> <br />
<br />
<br />
<b>STUDS</b><br />
<span style="color: red;"><strong>WR Randy Moss (NE) </strong></span><span style="color: white;">Facing a weak Tennessee secondary that gives out passing yards like they are candy, Moss could have his first huge game of the year.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;"><strong>WR Braylon Edwards (NYJ) </strong></span><span style="color: white;">Only four days after being traded from Cleveland, Edwards had an impact for the Jets on Monday night, catching a TD, (Heheh, did I mention I predicted that?) Think about what an additional week of practice with QB Mark Sanchez and a matchup against a leaky Buffalo defense will do to possibly inflate his impact.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;"><strong>RB Cedric Benson (Cin) </strong></span><span style="color: white;">Benson is now the league's leading rusher going against a defense that very susceptible to the run. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;"><strong>QB Aaron Rodgers (GB) </strong></span><span style="color: white;">The Lions will have no answer for the strong armed QB. Detroit has allowed at least two passing TDs in every game so far.</span><br />
<br />
<b>DUDS</b><br />
<span style="color: red;"><strong>QB Joe Flacco (Bal) </strong></span><span style="color: white;">Flacco will have his hands full dodging the Vikings pass rush.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;"><strong>RB Steve Slaton (Hou) </strong></span><span style="color: white;">Not having the impact of last year thus far. Chris Brown being used as goal-line back. Plus, Bengals defense is getting stronger.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;"><strong>RB Fred Jackson (Buff) </strong></span><span style="color: white;">With Lynch back and offense grounding to a halt, his value has dropped off the face of the earth. Jets defense not a good relaunching point.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;"><strong>WR Laveranues Coles (Cin)</strong></span><span style="color: white;"><strong> </strong>Ochocinco, Andre Caldwell, and Chris Henry stepping up their games. Coles is fading into the background.</span><br />
<br />
<b>Sleepers</b><br />
<span style="color: red;"><strong>TE Jeremy Shockey (NO) </strong></span><span style="color: white;">The ex-Giant could go ballistic on his former team.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;"><strong>RB Michael Bush (Oak) </strong></span><span style="color: white;">If the Raiders want any chance to score points, they'll need to use him a lot.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;"><strong>WR Michael Jenkins (Atl)</strong></span><span style="color: white;"> Has been quiet thus far, but is due for one of his sporatic 2 TD games.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;"><strong>DST Tampa Bay </strong></span><span style="color: white;">With Jake Delhomme throwing INTs and other Panthers fumbling the rock, we might just see a pick 6 or other defensive score.</span>Vicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01742397389388602847noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31911763.post-26392430997508784142009-10-08T11:38:00.004-04:002009-10-08T11:47:43.654-04:00Week 5 Rumblings and RantsNot a great fantasy week for me this time. Went 2-3, but the two wins were in FFtwitter and my first in the Total Dynasty League. I only won in the FFtwitter league by four tenths of a point!! (Yikes, talk about your close shaves.) And the only reason I won in the dynasty league was because my opponent didn't turn in a lineup and had two or three players started on a bye week. Interesting how one week can make you go from feeling really good about your teams to being angry at yourself for drafting a team full of bums. Darren McFadden??? In three leagues??? What was I thinking????<br /><br />So now my teams are 3-1 (FFtwitter), 2-2 (IFFL), 2-2 (16 Man Brawl), 2-2 (RapidDraft), and 1-3 (Total Dynasty). An even 10-10 record for me thus far. I suppose I should be happy to be breaking even ... but I'm not. Time to hit the waiver wire.....<br />___________________________________________<br /><br /><strong><font color="#aadd99">Icon Fantasy Football League Update</font color></strong><br /><br />Different year ... same result against the Green Bay Dynasty. My luck continues to be awful against John Hatfield. Lost 46-36 in a low scoring affair. Another strong game from Peyton Manning and a long TD from the Bengals defense sunk me... well that and Chris Johnson, Devin Hester, and Mario Manningham coming up goose-eggs in good matchups. Still had a chance going into Monday Night's game with Ryan Longell, but he only kicked four PATS, not near enough for me to win. Fell to 2-2 .... and last place in a really strong division. The Dynasty lead the Glory Division at 4-0. Buckeye Wrecking Crew is second at 3-1. Then the three remaining teams (including my Miami Waves) all sit at 2-2. However I'm technically last due to points scored. Wish I was in the Power Division ... best team over THERE ...is 2-2. Funny how things work out sometimes. I'll see the Dynasty again in Week 7, hopefully I have better luck then.<br /><br />This week I DID hit the waiver wire and claimed Jacksonville WR Mike Sims-Walker, dropping WR Steve Breaston. I also put RB Darren McFadden on IR and picked up RB Michael Bush. I can take McFadden off of IR when he returns.<br /><br />My Week 5 opponent is the 1-3 Delaware Enforcers. Normally Bill Euchey's lineup would have New England TMQB, but this week it appears he is going with Seattle TMQB instead vs. Jacksonville. Guess he doesn't like Tom Brady's matchup against Denver. The rest of his lineup honestly ... looks beatable. RB LenDale White, WRs Kevin Walter, Nate Washington, Wes Welker, and TE Tony Gonzalez. I'll be pretty ticked off if I lose to the team that has scored the fewest points in the league thus far.<br /><br />My starting lineup for the moment looks like this:<br /><br /><font color="#aadd99">TMQB Dallas (Tony Romo) @Kansas City</font color> <br /><font color="#aadd99">RB Chris Johnson vs. Indianapolis</font color><br /><font color="#aadd99">WR Randy Moss @ Denver</font color><br /><font color="#aadd99">WR Chad Ochocinco @ Baltimore</font color><br /><font color="#aadd99">WR DeSean Jackson vs. TB</font color><br /><font color="#aadd99">WR Mike Sims-Walker @ Seattle</font color><br /><font color="#aadd99">PK Ryan Longwell @ St. Louis</font color><br /><font color="#aadd99">DST New York Jets @ Miami</font color><br /><br />Despite Romo's struggles, there is no way I can NOT start him against the Chiefs instead of Carson Palmer at Baltimore. Chris Johnson is due a good game and should get me some points against the Colts. Moss and Ochocinco do not have great matchups but you don't bench guys with their ability to make the big play. Sims-Walker is looking like Garrard's favorite receiver in Jacksonville. He should see the same looks in Seattle.<br /><br />My other possible options would be LeSean McCoy against the Bucs or Mario Manningham against the Raiders. With Westbrook coming back, McCoy's touches will be minimal at best. Manningham IS a good matchup and a serious consideration ... but A) Eli's sore foot might lead to a more run oriented offense for the Giants this week and B) If Nnamdi Asomugha is covering Manningham, he's likely to only get a couple looks the entire game.<br /><br />So my Start Em/Sit Em quandry for the week is Mike Sims-Walker or Mario Manningham. Feel free to chime in with your opinion either here or send me a message on Twitter.<br />___________________________________________<br /><br /><strong><font color="#aadd99">Raiders Rant</font color></strong><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf3ucIMffa8sYAg_HOQv26eYArNvqWcSozSIDZxDaZypA4Gy-giTOUUHhWAfVuEG_spC4KNOTccgFoNVwaKF9O2piDl5Zb6GbOKdriBqFu5BOhqgz0rVP53X-1ha468ru5rHI/s1600-h/AlDavis576x324.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf3ucIMffa8sYAg_HOQv26eYArNvqWcSozSIDZxDaZypA4Gy-giTOUUHhWAfVuEG_spC4KNOTccgFoNVwaKF9O2piDl5Zb6GbOKdriBqFu5BOhqgz0rVP53X-1ha468ru5rHI/s320/AlDavis576x324.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389630999818291122" /></a><br /><br />Living in Central Ohio I hear a lot of Browns fans griping about their team... and the management.... and the players. There is even an online petition going around to get Al Lerner to sell the team. I can sympathize with them ... being a Raiders fan. But the Raiders are worse. Why? Because of the man pictured above: Al Davis. Unlike Lerner, Davis has his hands in everything to do with the Raiders organization. The coaches? They are just bonafide yes-men who have very little say in what actually happens as far as personnel decisions are concerned.<br /><br />Think about it ... who was the last Raider coach to have any real success? I don't count Bill Callahan ... his success in going to the Super Bowl was a product of the previous coaches reign, which he proved the following year by leading the Raiders to a disastrous season ... in which many similar seasons have followed since. Jon Gruden was the last Raiders head coach to stand up to Davis and actually make the Raiders look like a competent NFL team. Since then all we have had are guys who bow at Davis' feet and go along with anything he says.... except Lane Kiffin, but he was just a jerk who THOUGHT he could do things his way. He had the right idea ... just the wrong gameplan and attitude.<br /><br />And the drafts ... oh god, the drafts. You could see things starting to unravel back in 2000 with the drafting of Sebastian Janikowski. Now granted, Janikowski is the all-time scoring leader in Raiders history ... but a kicker in the first round???? And despite holding records for longest field goals in Raiders history, he's also been quite inconsistent. But Al wanted the guy badly enough to grab him in the first round.<br /><br />Since then, the list of first round busts has grown: DB Derrick Gibson, LB Napoleon Harris, DB Phillip Buchanon, DE Tyler Brayton, and CB Fabian Washington. Robert Gallery in 2004 was supposed to be an elite OT that would protect Raider QB blindsides for a decade or more. He's since been moved to OG ... and just a couple of weeks ago broke his leg and is out for several weeks at least. Michael Huff was supposed to be the center fielder we needed in the secondary ... but he can't tackle or cover. <br /><br />And then there's Jamarcus Russell. First overall pick in the 2007 Draft. He was annointed the QB of the future ... and then didn't sign until well into the season of his rookie year, stunting his development and leaving a bad taste in the mouths of Raider Nation. Two years later we are hearing reports of him being fined for missing meetings and being overweight. So far this season he has thrown ONE touchdown and has completed much less than 50% of his passes. That's not counting the multitude of turnovers.<br /><br />Is it just bad luck that all these players come in with high expectations and fail miserably as Raiders? Or is it the overall negative vibe of the organization as a whole that creates these situations? Look at Randy Moss, one of the best WRs of our time. He was electric when playing for the Vikings, but once traded to the Raiders, he had three miserable years that made you think he was washed up. Once he got out of Oakland and became a New England Patriot ... the magic returned.<br /><br />Now I have tremendous respect for Al Davis and everything he has done over the years. His role in developing the old AFL, his early years with the Raiders that brought several titles, his induction to the Hall Of Fame, his place in NFL history ... all great accomplishments and well earned. But he's not living in the present. The way he deals with his team and organization is antiquated. My girlfriend told me recently that she felt sorry for Davis. That at his age, he knows his time is nearly over and is desperate for one last championship. That the only way he knows how to make that happen is to look at the past and try to duplicate it. She's right. But what Al doesn't seem to understand is that you can't go back to the future. You need a system of organization that competes with the here and now in mind. <br /><br />The Raiders will NOT be back under Al Davis' tenure as owner. And while I will miss him when he's gone ... I can't wait until he is.<br />___________________________________________<br /><br /><strong><font color="#aadd99">Predictions</font color></strong><br /><br />Went three for three last week. Let's see what the tea leaves say this week:<br /><br />- Braylon Edwards will have an impact against the Dolphins. One TD.<br /><br />- Detroit will surprise the Steelers and score at least 28 points.<br /><br />- T.O. will have his first 100 yard game against the Browns.<br />___________________________________________<br /><br /><strong><font color="#aadd99">One Other Rant</font color></strong><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdCPVoDPywZBftqtskNP6r-sPIeTEgfFFPENq9OeMmY7Y6oVLekEGVA03KRTWQcv3elxdpQY2eFN027FAkQ4pc8rqHDYzDRQ3RZ1U19EKBqCB8YU_3JrK2lsduX5s4Q_E45y8/s1600-h/cornflakes.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 111px; height: 160px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdCPVoDPywZBftqtskNP6r-sPIeTEgfFFPENq9OeMmY7Y6oVLekEGVA03KRTWQcv3elxdpQY2eFN027FAkQ4pc8rqHDYzDRQ3RZ1U19EKBqCB8YU_3JrK2lsduX5s4Q_E45y8/s320/cornflakes.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390251898737218194" /></a> I hate trying to open a box of Kellogg's cereal. The plastic bag inside is a pain in the caboose to open without ripping the bag and making it difficult to pour the cereal out. And if the rip is TOO big, the cereal all falls out inside the box. You'd think by now that one of the oldest cereal makers in the world could create a better way to open their product!!! ARRGGGHH!!<br /><br />Okay, got that off my chest. Seeya next week!Vicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01742397389388602847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31911763.post-61274984139402788142009-09-29T18:38:00.013-04:002009-10-02T19:54:13.955-04:00Fantasy Rumblings Week 4Had another good week, this time going 4-1 in league play. Only loss was the Total Dynasty League in which I'm now 0-3. In every other league I'm 2-1 and off to a decent start. This week so far has been a drag, working nine hour days and going to bed early, thus missing football games I really wanted to watch, but sometimes it's a lot easier on the heart NOT to watch them, especially if your fantasy game is on the line.<br />________________________________________<br /><br /><strong><font color="#aadd99">Icon Fantasy Football League Update</font color></strong><br /><br />Defeated my old buddy Dave's Cincinnati Superstars in a low scoring, highly stressful affair: 31-27. Thank god I made a last minute change to my lineup and inserted LeSean McCoy for Felix Jones, otherwise I would have been a beaten man. And also thanks to Dave for changing his mind and NOT benching Kurt Warner for Joe Flacco. After having made my own QB blunder in Week 1, I can be a little sympathetic ............ oh who am I kidding? BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!! GOT YA DAVE!!<br /><br />Unfortunately, even at 2-1 I'm 4TH in my division behind teams who have scored more points. I've got to gain some ground on these guys. This week I face my nemesis. A guy I've played with for many years, but have only beaten maybe twice. Dave's brother John Hatfield and his Green Bay Dynasty.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOyJk7ueAi0EbzB7RzRoZF2DgIjywXJbzIUYMUVbA6iBDyH0wLIg92OMVWFniwBIYeK-RPK7Vhi0wzg3ojSRyUkmiafFvG4pqWM-_YYC_iiZU8s5fBw3TE_GVNChb8cYzkc0s/s1600-h/johnintense.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOyJk7ueAi0EbzB7RzRoZF2DgIjywXJbzIUYMUVbA6iBDyH0wLIg92OMVWFniwBIYeK-RPK7Vhi0wzg3ojSRyUkmiafFvG4pqWM-_YYC_iiZU8s5fBw3TE_GVNChb8cYzkc0s/s320/johnintense.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387028656244337618" /></a><br /><br />Shady lookin character aint he? Seriously though, my luck against him is horrible. Lost to him twice last year and his team this year is MUCH better. He's off to a 3-0 start, thanks to Peyton Manning's colossal numbers the first three weeks. He also has Reggie Wayne, Santonio Holmes, and possibly Marion Barber (if he plays). The Colts play the Seahawks, so I'm figuring on seeing more big numbers from Manning and Wayne. I'm going to need a big game from Carson Palmer and Chad Ochocinco to keep up.<br /><br />My tentative lineup for the week:<br /><br /><font color="#aadd99">TMQB Cincinnati (Carson Palmer) @Cleveland</font color> - Starting him over Romo again, but I can't turn down this matchup against the Browns. They've been throttled every week and Cincy should be able to follow suit.<br /><br /><font color="#aadd99">RB Chris Johnson (Tenn) @Jacksonville</font color> - Hoping this is an UP week for my 1st Rounder.<br /><br /><font color="#aadd99">WR Randy Moss (NE) vs. Baltimore</font color> - Moss has got to start scoring TDs SOMETIME.<br /><br /><font color="#aadd99">WR Devin Hester (Chic) vs. Detroit</font color> - Great matchup, could have another long TD or two.<br /><br /><font color="#aadd99">WR Chad Ochocinco (Cin) @Cleveland</font color> - See Palmer above.<br /><br /><font color="#aadd99">WR Mario Manningham (NYG) @Kansas City</font color> - Another great matchup against a terrible Chief defense.<br /><br /><font color="#aadd99">PK Ryan Longwell (Minn) vs. Green Bay</font color> - Longwell saved my butt last week and is the top scoring kicker early on. If I'm behind by less than 10 points going into Monday night, I'll be praying for some more FGs.<br /><br /><font color="#aadd99">DST NY Jets @ New Orleans</font color> Not expecting to get any bonuses for points allowed, but there's always the chance of a Leon Washington kick return TD.<br /><br />All of my players except Longwell and the Jets DST play in the 1:00 games so by 4:00 I'll have a pretty good idea how I did. My only other possible option this week because of byes would be McFadden against the Texans swiss cheese run defense. But the way the Raiders played this past week, and the three fumbles McFadden had, I'm not comfortable with starting him. <br /><br />Okay John, let's see if I finally get a win against you. I've got the matchups to do it.<br />________________________________________<br /><br /><strong><font color="#aadd99">Other Results</font color></strong><br /><br /><font color="#aadd99">RapidDraft</font color> - Won 124-103 vs. Victoria<br /><font color="#aadd99">16 Man Fanatics Brawl League</font color> - Won 122.38-81.08 vs. bad runners<br /><font color="#aadd99">FFTwitter League</font color> - Won 93.82-59.58 vs. Greenbacks<br /><font color="#aadd99">Total Dynasty League</font color> - Lost 257.219-168.576 to the Carolina Panthers<br />________________________________________<br /><br /><strong><font color="#aadd99">Predictions</font color></strong><br /><br />Went 2 out of 3 last week, but the one that was wrong was REEEEEEEEEEEALLY wrong. Still can't believe how bad the Raiders played against the Broncos. Here's my forecast for Week 4.<br /><br />- Both Matt Forte and Steve Slaton will score their first TDs of the season.<br /><br />- Bret Favre will beat his former team the Green Bay Packers. (With Adrian Peterson's help.)<br /><br />- The Cleveland Browns will score at TWO offensive TDs against the Bengals.<br />________________________________________<br /><br /><strong><font color="#aadd99">Perturbed</font color></strong><br /><br />For years now I've been picking up a USA Today Sports Weekly every Wednesday morning at one of the two local Speedways. But for the past month or so they have not gotten them. Come to find out they changed carriers here in town of the USA Todays. They are now distributed by our local paper The Marion Star ... a very unreliable carrier. It took them two weeks to even get the daily USA Todays to the stores. Now it's looking like they are not even going to bother distributing the Sports Weekly.<br /><br />Having an apartment, I don't want to get a subscription because it likely would get stolen from time to time. But even if I did, I don't know if I'd even get it. It seems The Marion Star has total control of the USA Today distribution in town and from what I'm hearing, really didn't want to do it in the first place. The Star is a small town rag that has gone down in quality in recent years. I'll pick up a Columbus Dispatch before even considering getting a Star.<br /><br />So, I'm left wanting. It sucks, I love the fantasy rankings and articles by Matt Pitzer. I love the game previews and the stats. Guess I'll just have to rely on the internet for all of that and take to reading The Dispatch at work everyday instead.Vicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01742397389388602847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31911763.post-87030627308492247782009-09-20T20:15:00.011-04:002009-09-22T19:40:45.673-04:00Week 3 RumblingsMuch better results in Week 2 for my teams. Chris Johnson being the catalyst for three victories. Huge wins for the Buckeyes, Raiders, and Bengals also helped to make this a happy football weekend. Went 3-2 in my five leagues this week but lost in the one league that held my lone Week 1 victory, so no undefeated season for me in any league this year. Not that I've EVER had an undefeated season before, but it would have been nice to at least chase that dream for more than two weeks into the season.<br /><br />_____________________________________<br /><br /><strong><font color="#aadd99">Icon Fantasy Football League Update</font color></strong><br /><br />Chris Johnson's 51 points spurred my Miami Waves to a 107-44 win over a strong Pimpdaddies team. Still smarting from the Week 1 gaff that saw me bench Tony Romo. I should be 2-0 and have knocked off two division opponents. But I won't dwell on it (much) unless it comes back to haunt me later in the season.<br /><br />Next up is my old buddy Dave Hatfield and his Cincinnati Superstars. The 'Stars are 1-1 and have Kurt Warner, Larry Fitzgerald, Steve Smith (Car), Housh, and Roy Williams as it's main weapons.<br /><br />I'm going with a starting lineup that <em>should</em> look like this:<br /><br /><font color="#aadd99">TMQB Dallas (Romo) vs. Carolina</font color> Can Romo bounce back on MNF?<br /><font color="#aadd99">RB Chris Johnson @NY Jets</font color> Tough matchup.<br /><font color="#aadd99">RB Felix Jones vs. Carolina</font color> Barber's out. Jones is gold.<br /><font color="#aadd99">WR Randy Moss vs. Atlanta</font color> Me likey!<br /><font color="#aadd99">WR Chad Ochocinco vs. Steelers</font color> May surprise against champs.<br /><font color="#aadd99">WR Mario Manningham @Tampa Bay</font color> Eli has a new playmaker.<br /><font color="#aadd99">K Ryan Longwell vs. San Francisco</font color> Dome kicker, must start.<br /><font color="#aadd99">DST NY Jets vs. Tennessee</font color> Very effective D so far.<br /><br />My other options would be RB Darren McFadden vs. Denver, RB Beanie Wells vs. Indy, and WR Devin Hester @Seattle. All three could have success against their opponents this week. I lean towards Manningham however because of Tampa Bay's new trend of giving up big plays to WRs the first two weeks. (Five TDs by WRs of 32 yards or longer against them thus far.) Any opinions of my choices are most welcome.<br />_____________________________________<br /><br /><strong><font color="#aadd99">Other Results</font color></strong><br /><br /><strong><em>FFTwitter League (Yahoo):</em></strong> Defeated TheOneThatGotAway 149.82 - 113.94 to go to 1-1. Jumped from dead last (12th) in the standings to fourth. Got strong performances from Johnson, Colston, Steve Smith (NYG), and Fred Jackson.<br /><br /><strong><em>Fanatics Brawl League (Yahoo):</em></strong> Lost to Cleburne Gaelics 105.00 - 100.74, fell to 1-1. Made the mistake of benching Felix Jones for Michael Bush and it cost me the victory. Didn't help that Brady and Moss fell on their faces against the Jets.<br /><br /><strong><em>RapidDraft:</em></strong> Beat Michael 154.50 - 142.00 After losing to Matt Pitzer by a <em>half of a point</em> in Week 1 I almost cried. Brees and Johnson helped me bounce back.<br /><br /><strong><em>Total Dynasty League (MyFantasyLeague):</em> </strong>Lost to the Arizona Cardinals 196.155 - 189.306 An 0-2 start is disappointing, but not surprising. Knew my roster wasn't very strong coming into the season. But both games have been close and if I had one big playmaker on my team I might have been 2-0.<br /><br />_____________________________________<br /><br /><strong><font color="#aadd99">Rookie Wideouts</font color></strong><br /><br />Darrius Heyward-Bey, Michael Crabtree, and Jeremy Maclin were the first three WRS taken in this year's NFL Draft but thus far none of them have had the impact you would have thought they might. Heyward-Bey has one catch for 18 yards in the first two Raiders contests and has been overshadowed by a fellow rookie teammate. Crabtree is not even signed yet and most likely will have minuscule fantasy value this year. Maclin only has 2 receptions for 12 yards for the Eagles. However, others taken afterwards have stepped up:<br /><br /><strong>Percy Harvin (Min)</strong> (Taken 22nd overall) Harvin has been almost everything he was billed to be in the preseason. While he hasn't had HUGE gains, he's scored two TDs and handled the ball over a dozen times. Brett Favre seems to love him in the red zone.<br /><br /><strong>Kenny Britt (Tenn)</strong> (Taken 30th overall) Six receptions for 107 yards in two games isn't bad. Had a big play against the Steelers on opening night.<br /><br /><strong>Louis Murphy (Oak)</strong> (Taken 124th overall) Looks like DHB may be taking a backseat to the 4th round pick from Florida. Murphy's 6 catches for 113 yards and a long TD against the Chargers bodes well for Oakland's vertical passing game.<br /><br /><strong>Johnny Knox (Chi)</strong> (Taken 140th overall) Knox leads all rookie WRs after two weeks with 8 catches for 152 yards and a TD. The small school prospect has already displayed a penchant for big plays. And everybody thought Earl Bennett was the sleeper WR for the Bears...<br /><br /><strong> Julian Edelman (NE)</strong> (Taken 232nd overall) Edelman got extensive playing time against the Jets because of an injury to Wes Welker and had a Welker-ish game with 8 catches for 98 yards. The converted QB may not see touches like that again this year unless Welker or another NW wideout gets hurt again, but it's a promising sign.<br /><br />It's still early and we might see some dropping off ... and others breaking out in the coming weeks. But it's nice to see guys who were considered fantasy afterthoughts getting good starts out of the gate to their careers.<br />_____________________________________<br /><br /><strong><font color="#aadd99">Predictions Of The Week</font color></strong><br /><br />Well, I was wrong about Peterson getting 200 yards, but was right about Hasselbeck and HALF right about the Cardinals. Warner only threw two touchdowns but the Cards DID bounce back. I'll give myself 1.5 out of three. Let's try it again this week:<br /><br />- QB Kyle Orton will have a horrible game against the Raiders. At least 2 Ints and no more than 1 TD pass. The Raiders defense has improved significantly and will harass Orton enough to rattle him into mistakes.<br /><br />- The Baltimore Ravens offense will rack up over 400 yards against the Cleveland Browns. QB Flacco, RBS Rice and McGahee, WR Clayton, and TE Heap are all good starts.<br /><br />- The Detroit Lions will get their first win since early 2007 over the Washington Redskins! WR Calvin Johnson will be the catalyst.<br />_____________________________________Vicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01742397389388602847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31911763.post-67231040672252582342009-09-15T17:53:00.010-04:002009-09-17T18:03:06.672-04:00Fantasy Rumblings Week 2It was not a good weekend for me in fantasy OR reality football. Ohio State and the Raiders both lost games they were leading with only a minute left on the clock. And fantasy wise I went 1-4 in my leagues this week, winning only in the Fanatics Brawl League. Ouch. Hoping to bounce back in Week 2.<br />________________________________________________________<br /><br /><strong>Icon Fantasy Football League Report</strong><br /><br />I outsmarted myself. Friday night I made the decision to bench Tony Romo for Carson Palmer and Devin Hester for Felix Jones. The result was a embarrassing loss to the Buckeye Wrecking Crew 48-26. Had I stuck with Romo I would have easily opened the season with a big division win. With Romo and Hester I left 50 points on my bench. Not a good way to open a season. What really perturbed me was that 34 of the Wrecking Crew's points came in really one play ... the 50 yard bomb from Aaron Rodgers to Greg Jennings late Sunday night. Oh well, such is my own stupidity, believing the Bengals might actually have an offense that could give Denver a whipping. Lesson learned ... don't underestimate Tony Romo.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip6ukJQE3QuHcvZx217hQyTjQOXKlLkTQ7kdXkGwpqZigO1vCQB1rgGEnHzLI4FAJFIGQWs3ssK7Nzk3eN9xtxgZj_JDAIxSBoem6DTFGPn4DV6C1tgP6PkJoZK7rTs90rBdM/s1600-h/tony_romo_200610_ap.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 160px; height: 140px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip6ukJQE3QuHcvZx217hQyTjQOXKlLkTQ7kdXkGwpqZigO1vCQB1rgGEnHzLI4FAJFIGQWs3ssK7Nzk3eN9xtxgZj_JDAIxSBoem6DTFGPn4DV6C1tgP6PkJoZK7rTs90rBdM/s320/tony_romo_200610_ap.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382180046568546546" /></a><br /><br />This week I dropped WR Mohammed Massaquoi for WR Mario Manningham. Figured I'd try a different sixth receiver with the same initials...<br /><br />Week 2 sees my Miami Waves face the Pennsylvania Pimpdaddies, another division foe. The Pimps had the luck of having the first pick and thus have Adrian Peterons leading their charge. He also has RB DeAngelo Williams, WR Brandon Marshall, and WR Hines Ward among others. His matchups scare me greatly, (Peterson vs. Detroit? Marshall vs. Cleveland? YIKES!) <br /><br />My lineup will look like this: (Barring anymore unseen stupid lineup changes.)<br /><br />TMQB Dallas (Romo) vs. NY Giants<br />RB Chris Johnson (Tenn) vs. Houston<br />RB Darren McFadden (Oak) @ Kansas City<br />WR Randy Moss (NE) @ NY Jets<br />WR Chad Ochocinco (Cinn) @ Green Bay<br />WR DeSean Jackson (Phil) vs. New Orleans<br />PK Ryan Longwell (Minn) @ Detroit<br />DST NY Jets vs. New England<br /><br />My RBS in this lineup both have good matchups and hopefully will cash in. Moss will have it a bit tougher this week against the Jets but should still be effective. Ocho vs. the Packers concerns me, especially with him declaring that he will do the Lambeau Leap if he scores in Green Bay. Don't think Al Harris and Charles Woodson want that to happen... DeSean against the Saints would look even better if McNabb were at the helm this week, but maybe Kolb can find him for a few long passes if I'm lucky.<br /><br />My other options would be Felix Jones vs. the Giants, Beanie Wells vs. Jacksonville, Devin Hester vs. Pittsburgh, or Mario Manningham vs. Dallas. Going to give Hester another week on the bench, but if he scores against the Steelers, I'll be starting him over DeSean in the future.<br /><br />If I lose this one I'm looking bad early with two division losses in a row. Would be my first 0-2 start in 5 years.<br />_________________________________________________<br /><br /><strong>Ohio State vs. USC</strong><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVQoJqTzXnpl8zqrHqLfNqF0lTCCA_I6PjmuRfM_jAk38trF6kEfZgCrd6NgPW4j28vknMbhpq6VBPq9sp43PWsdSvI_PQJD-X2DK2t6UgFe-9D4cOo0sK92uD3sfS0pjlAN0/s1600-h/ohiostadium1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 250px; height: 188px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVQoJqTzXnpl8zqrHqLfNqF0lTCCA_I6PjmuRfM_jAk38trF6kEfZgCrd6NgPW4j28vknMbhpq6VBPq9sp43PWsdSvI_PQJD-X2DK2t6UgFe-9D4cOo0sK92uD3sfS0pjlAN0/s320/ohiostadium1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382540689680180002" /></a><br />While the result of the game sucked (USC 18 Ohio State 15), the atmosphere and the game itself was phenomenal. My first night game at The Shoe was an experience I will never forget. I've been to a few big games at Ohio Stadium, but none were near as loud or exciting as this one. I screamed my head off and five days later am still a little froggy in the throat.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiXiTh36992plFfY6NiXX8b0MTjRYcl3VgY5btGL1nZB6BXL9ajDiYhwPICTzrkqZ88chYj3XcfLCHbI6XBGo3qw7K5vNdFpwxyyiIwc9zOaj_dTvbD1moPdBjMwqVzl6qwXA/s1600-h/ohiostadiumscoreboard.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 250px; height: 188px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiXiTh36992plFfY6NiXX8b0MTjRYcl3VgY5btGL1nZB6BXL9ajDiYhwPICTzrkqZ88chYj3XcfLCHbI6XBGo3qw7K5vNdFpwxyyiIwc9zOaj_dTvbD1moPdBjMwqVzl6qwXA/s320/ohiostadiumscoreboard.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382542147719076498" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPekSvFn2s7A4Yg2K7A1kG99QK0-VgX2HbHtPEn5VU9Ea3oIaqqSVfpa-_7Yt9Q52o7lL1vBIr4WSjqBKd9yxvFbKWSRUEJpE2ooarwe3-OtJPOAU5fo1z4v_kuiU58Ldt4rA/s1600-h/tbdbitl.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 250px; height: 188px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPekSvFn2s7A4Yg2K7A1kG99QK0-VgX2HbHtPEn5VU9Ea3oIaqqSVfpa-_7Yt9Q52o7lL1vBIr4WSjqBKd9yxvFbKWSRUEJpE2ooarwe3-OtJPOAU5fo1z4v_kuiU58Ldt4rA/s320/tbdbitl.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382542348841783106" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I've been to a few NFL games, but nothing compares to a Ohio State game. Especially against a huge opponent like USC or Michigan where the fans are on their feet constantly and shouting O-H-I-O!! It's practically a religious experience.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy6_6KX7UsIjJbsxKqJTjg-iyTsFVGS0v1k3NV2Mv93gqcR2AD86cgvAujF_nGgGTbHKTsZF2XkDu8MKcwTOT24dtVLNejM86Y1wdz6mIZqLDWKH6ayDDcSJfIUZHSBK1QCAM/s1600-h/ohiostateusc1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 250px; height: 188px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy6_6KX7UsIjJbsxKqJTjg-iyTsFVGS0v1k3NV2Mv93gqcR2AD86cgvAujF_nGgGTbHKTsZF2XkDu8MKcwTOT24dtVLNejM86Y1wdz6mIZqLDWKH6ayDDcSJfIUZHSBK1QCAM/s320/ohiostateusc1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382543941192605170" /></a><br /><br />_____________________________________________________________<br /><br /><strong>Predictions Of The Week</strong><br /><br />1) Not going to go TOO far out on a limb here, but I've got Vikings RB Adrian Peterson down for a 200 yard rushing game and at least two scores against the Lions.<br /><br />2) The Cardinals will rebound against the Jags this week. Kurt Warner should throw at least three TDs.<br /><br />3) Matt Hasselbeck will not have much sucess against the 49ers. 1 TD maximum.<br />_____________________________________________________________Vicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01742397389388602847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31911763.post-8409275994754698082009-09-07T20:50:00.015-04:002009-09-08T19:20:51.860-04:00Fantasy Week One RumblingsWe are just days away from the season starting and I am chomping at the bit for Thursday night! All drafts are done, all lineups are set, it's time to take the field! For the first time in my life I am in five leagues (four online) and for the most part I was diverse in my picks. But there are a few I'm counting on in more than one league...<br /><br />_________________________________________________________<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Chris Johnson</span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4m4mXd-uueVyclZS-1vt-JTN01NiK4TCT3JzH-JnJSOq7Z-2sjIRipJ_JGSSCG1ZLtOjYwUIZrZ5pvaauAkRjIkk2GlihIQFsUVBqP0YUNlWVi9g0kVnGstSVKJCiJK1qYeo/s1600-h/chris-johnson.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 112px; height: 99px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4m4mXd-uueVyclZS-1vt-JTN01NiK4TCT3JzH-JnJSOq7Z-2sjIRipJ_JGSSCG1ZLtOjYwUIZrZ5pvaauAkRjIkk2GlihIQFsUVBqP0YUNlWVi9g0kVnGstSVKJCiJK1qYeo/s320/chris-johnson.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378904751125718658" /></a>I took the second year Titans RB in the first round of three leagues this year. I'm praying for at least a repeat of his stats from 2008 when he exploded for 1228 rushing yards and ten total TDs. If a few of those TDs are of 50 yards are longer, that would be bonus for me in my money league, the IFFL. Also have him in the FFTwitter League at Yahoo and my RapidDraft team. The downside to Johnson is that LenDale White will steal goal-line carries and TDs.<br />________________________________________________________<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Felix Jones</span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjinIKXu-lTw1Um1_0Cn7_Fp8Pa4fz5KOR1KaSW8PN-kDXN6xTSdjxWW0I-4peWIJJXgDL_Vpm5PvqHfiqhF4WvOKMoAnECVCqIJAu7HVk5XAzQ-92RvTalY3HaOlsyBi_B9Do/s1600-h/Felix-Jones_1455511.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 120px; height: 90px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjinIKXu-lTw1Um1_0Cn7_Fp8Pa4fz5KOR1KaSW8PN-kDXN6xTSdjxWW0I-4peWIJJXgDL_Vpm5PvqHfiqhF4WvOKMoAnECVCqIJAu7HVk5XAzQ-92RvTalY3HaOlsyBi_B9Do/s320/Felix-Jones_1455511.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378907603274050978" /></a>Jones is reportedly going to get a lot of touches despite the presence of Marion Barber in Dallas. Felix, like Chris Johnson, will most likely not be the goal-line back unless Barber gets hurt. On my IFFL team, he's currently fourth on my depth chart behind Johnson, Beanie Wells, and McFadden but is my RB2 in my 16 man league (FF Brawl).<br />________________________________________________________<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Randy Moss</span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN-ZfHJL-x7liY3U6Lk8bxFvHkCJFPs6-a5M50R6j8I0633XTEhmPFNJay1-xj5UkBIFFLHK_3TSpX5GoHV6CRtHfbUM5nCm9rV4wJ-CnbYbf8u5M0juCW5DkTIMvH8sjEqU8/s1600-h/randy-moss-200x250.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 100px; height: 125px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN-ZfHJL-x7liY3U6Lk8bxFvHkCJFPs6-a5M50R6j8I0633XTEhmPFNJay1-xj5UkBIFFLHK_3TSpX5GoHV6CRtHfbUM5nCm9rV4wJ-CnbYbf8u5M0juCW5DkTIMvH8sjEqU8/s320/randy-moss-200x250.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379199436608847138" /></a>Banking on him regaining his 2007 form. In my two more important leagues I took a chance on him in the early 2nd round. If he can hit 15-17 TDs I'll be extremely happy. It looked like he and Brady had the needed rhythm back in the preseason so here's hoping they'll light it up like two years ago.<br />_______________________________________________________<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">IFFL Week 1 Preview</span><br /><br />Opening week and I'm playing division rival The Buckeye Wrecking Crew. Coach Zerman has two key players from my championship team last year: Aaron Rodgers (vs. Chicago) and Michael Turner (vs. Miami). Both matchups scare me to death, considering what both players are capable of. He also has Steve Smith, Greg Jennings, Kevin Smith, Anthony Gonzalez, and Jason Witten that he could start. (As of the time of this writing he has yet to turn in a starting lineup.)<br /><br />My lineup this week will most likely look like this:<br /><br />TMQB Dallas (Tony Romo) @ Tampa Bay<br />RB Chris Johnson (Tenn) @ Pittsburgh<br />WR Randy Moss (NE) vs. Buffalo<br />WR Chad Ochocinco (Cin) vs. Denver<br />WR DeSean Jackson (Phil) @ Carolina<br />WR Devin Hester (Chic) @ Green Bay<br />K Ryan Longwell (Minn) @ Cleveland<br />DST New York Jets @ Houston<br /><br />My other considerations in my lineup would be:<br /><br />TMQB Cincinnati (Carson Palmer) vs. Denver<br />RB Chris Wells (Ariz) vs. San Francisco<br />RB Darren McFadden (Oak) vs. San Diego<br />RB Felix Jones (Dal) @ Tampa Bay<br /><br />Feel free to give lineup advice if you wish.<br />_____________________________________________________<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Ohio State VS. USC</span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfrGr_OutkKmpAbf3YN67TaPQ0luLkx5TCCYRYtCQbF_bOXNg0yc-k6w7yypKzSuzMgamNXxNwg-y7NBn2LRWwdkcEt5cpCzevyOPmNKAdz7UliimHs52HLskj9CGiq07NoSo/s1600-h/PEFVHGCA76LKM1CAFOW4DOCAPF31CTCASP1D64CAUTPOBDCAK3UNIZCAXIS0SDCAEIH5E8CA2H0VGPCARFYG16CA93025PCAPHB6GVCAFO42W0CAQO4BU0CAACDHZ0CAJIE3VJCAUESO96CA98Y4E1CAPZPCVI.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 113px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfrGr_OutkKmpAbf3YN67TaPQ0luLkx5TCCYRYtCQbF_bOXNg0yc-k6w7yypKzSuzMgamNXxNwg-y7NBn2LRWwdkcEt5cpCzevyOPmNKAdz7UliimHs52HLskj9CGiq07NoSo/s320/PEFVHGCA76LKM1CAFOW4DOCAPF31CTCASP1D64CAUTPOBDCAK3UNIZCAXIS0SDCAEIH5E8CA2H0VGPCARFYG16CA93025PCAPHB6GVCAFO42W0CAQO4BU0CAACDHZ0CAJIE3VJCAUESO96CA98Y4E1CAPZPCVI.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379211442751472146" /></a>Changing the subject now, this Saturday is my birthday and I am lucky enough to have gotten tickets to the Ohio Stae vs. USC matchup at the Horseshoe in Columbus. But after a dismal performance against Navy this past week, my hopes for an upset over Southern Cal are a bit dim. However, I'm still excited because it will be my first night game. I'm hoping to get pictures!<br />_________________________________________________________<br /><br />Until next week ... GO BUCKS! GO WAVES! GO 4TH AND 37!!!Vicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01742397389388602847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31911763.post-80366125212887062982009-09-02T20:12:00.002-04:002009-09-02T20:22:33.667-04:00The Big Draft<span style="font-weight:bold;">IFFL Draft</span><br /><br />Online drafts and leagues are fun. It's nice that we have the ability in this day and age to play fantasy football with people from all over the globe. I've played in online leagues for over a decade now and have had a blast. But nothing compares to a live draft with friends you've played with for years. Nothing.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm6QpwaOEVIzCJvasW0vmAJwMyGTGzRGCgJA-O4Apu_XCjLNPlfrHSeVs0LxWgprSWW1JDBUuT8nGw0eIS89bEOY1dKbxN9hP-Jh4zOpKzUPXlbQlrgJTDoi_lULuUl_6qY9k/s1600-h/group.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 196px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm6QpwaOEVIzCJvasW0vmAJwMyGTGzRGCgJA-O4Apu_XCjLNPlfrHSeVs0LxWgprSWW1JDBUuT8nGw0eIS89bEOY1dKbxN9hP-Jh4zOpKzUPXlbQlrgJTDoi_lULuUl_6qY9k/s320/group.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376275450287463682" /></a><br /><br />This past weekend was the 7th annual draft for the Icon Fantasy Football League. I'm co-commisioner with my good friend Dave Hatfield. Dave and I have played fantasy football together for sixteen years. Also in our league is my girlfriend Penny, Dave's brother John (who I can't seem to beat if my life depended on it), a police officer, a police CHIEF, and other good old boys from around the area.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzg23NHDOlcLcrl7jliGEwKH3Zeq37EKxqTnkfG1TBUr5vPh547epKMmuk7p68GDdmLUWsnihnD22Tnhjh7ax3RPx3FxQ5iTXwIgx1t6l_u49r7I5OWaZW3mKGy4R8uK1XH40/s1600-h/009.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzg23NHDOlcLcrl7jliGEwKH3Zeq37EKxqTnkfG1TBUr5vPh547epKMmuk7p68GDdmLUWsnihnD22Tnhjh7ax3RPx3FxQ5iTXwIgx1t6l_u49r7I5OWaZW3mKGy4R8uK1XH40/s320/009.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376273171913927362" /></a><br /><br />Last season I defeated Dave for the 2008 Championship. I received the traveling trophy with extreme humility. Okay, make that extreme glee.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipp1gm3h-SFYkJZMe2xrhCglQ-3rzky_KnA3mcHLxNGIzMEskUZLMLmh2O0whsva5LoAZtMSzrMjE9qlCadXLAW9jCgco6IJDE0IO6hQP-AMOlFPzwpQhvo6tGQB4-bee-7JA/s1600-h/024.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipp1gm3h-SFYkJZMe2xrhCglQ-3rzky_KnA3mcHLxNGIzMEskUZLMLmh2O0whsva5LoAZtMSzrMjE9qlCadXLAW9jCgco6IJDE0IO6hQP-AMOlFPzwpQhvo6tGQB4-bee-7JA/s320/024.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376272698921058898" /></a><br />This year I picked from the 10th spot. (Out of ten.) Decided going in that I would take some chances and pick players I liked rather than necessarily go with value. It's what Penny (who is very smart about such things) considers a high risk/high reward team. Here's how it went:<br /><br /><strong>RD 1:</strong><font color="#aadd99"> RB Chris Johnson (Ten)</font color> Had hoped Peyton Manning (Colts TMQB) would fall but he went 6th. Considered Warner or Rodgers but decided I liked Johnson's big play potential more. It sucks that LenDale White will sap some goaline TDs, but Johnson will break off the long ones.<br /><br /><strong>RD 2:</strong><font color="#aadd99"> WR Randy Moss (NE)</font color> Again I could/should of grabbed a TMQB but I knew all of the good WRs would be gone by the time it back to me and I was hoping to start a 1 RB/4 WR lineup this year. So went with Moss because I do believe he can score in the area of 15-17 TDs ... and a few of them should be long ones.<br /><br /><strong>RD 3:</strong><font color="#aadd99"> WR Chad Ochocinco (Cin)</font color> As I predicted, a lot of WRS went in the 2nd and 3rd rounds so I felt compelled to take a chance on Chad rebounding this year. Had a few people mumbling about how they were hoping to get him in the 4th.<br /><br /><strong>RD 4:</strong><font color="#aadd99"> TMQB Dallas (Tony Romo)</font color> Debated between him and Matt Ryan but decided to give the Cowboy QB the nod. Worried that without T.O., he might not have the deep threat to get long TDs.<br /><br /><strong>RD 5:</strong><font color="#aadd99"> WR DeSean Jackson (Phil)</font color> I was pleased he was still here. A solid third WR who has breakout potential in his sophmore campaign.<br /><br /><strong>RD 6:</strong><font color="#aadd99"> RB Chris Wells (Ariz)</font color> He seems to be doing better now and I wanted at least one Arizona player. A bit of a reach considering there were still plenty of RBs left including Ronnie Brown and LenDale White.<br /><br /><strong>RD 7:</strong><font color="#aadd99"> RB Darren McFadden (Oak)</font color> Nice third back. I think I got good value here. He might actually be my second back depending on how Wells starts out.<br /><br /><strong>RD 8:</strong><font color="#aadd99"> TMQB Cincinnati (Carson Palmer)</font color> In this scoring system, I needed to take a backup QB sooner rather than later. Liked Palmer's matchup with the Texans on Romo's bye week. Might even start Palmer in Week 1 at home against the Broncos over Romo who playing the Bucs in Tampa.<br /><br /><strong>RD 9: </strong>W<font color="#aadd99">R Devin Hester (Chic)</font color> He's got the strong armed QB to get him the ball deep. Could get a few 12 point TDs out of him. Was extremely glad to get him here. <br /><br /><strong>RD 10:</strong><font color="#aadd99"> RB Felix Jones (Dal)</font color> He won't be the red zone back, but he might get a few long TDs and a couple 100 yard games.<br /><br /><strong>RD 11:</strong><font color="#aadd99"> WR Steve Breaston (Ariz)</font color> Love him as my fifth WR. Not a huge TD scorer, but could be more valubable if Boldin gets traded mid-season.<br /><br /><strong>RD 12: </strong><font color="#aadd99">RB LeSean McCoy (Phil)</font color> Had planned on grabbing Michael Bush to handcuff McFadden with my last RB slot, but McCoy's upside was too much to pass up. He's only a Westbrook injury away from huge value.<br /><br /><strong>RD 13:</strong><font color="#aadd99"> K Ryan Longwell (Minn)</font color> With the long field goal bonuses I had to get a kicker who has the leg and plays over half of his games inside a dome. Got my man.<br /><br /><strong>RD 14:</strong> <font color="#aadd99">DST NY Jets</font color> - Got them mainly because of Leon Washington's return ability.<br /><br /><strong>RD 15: </strong><font color="#aadd99">WR Mohammed Massaquoi (Clev)</font color> Always like to grab a rookie and with my sixth pick I decided to go with Massaquoi over Robiske or Britt. He'll most likely be my first waiver wire casualty if it doesn't look like he'll pan out.<br /><br /><strong>RD 16:</strong><font color="#aadd99"> K Nick Folk (Dal)</font color> A solid backup kicker ... here's hoping he hits the scoreboards with his kickoffs ... just for errr.... kicks.<br /><br /><strong>RD 17:</strong><font color="#aadd99"> DST Carolina</font color> - Last pick of the draft, just threw a dart at what was left.<br /><br />So there it is, the 2009 Miami Waves. It's going to be a very tough road defending the championship, but I look forward to it. Only a little over a week away from the first game! I'm getting tingly just thinking about it!!Vicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01742397389388602847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31911763.post-30470171184690688852009-08-23T08:50:00.003-04:002009-08-23T08:50:55.475-04:00Random Rumblings IVThe season is starting to slowly creep upon us. Can you feel the excitement? The anticipation? Forget Christmas, THIS is the most wonderful time of the year!!!!<br />_____________________________________________________<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Dynasty League Update</span><br /><br />Well, I think things are settling down to where my current roster is complete. Might make another deal or two but for right now, this looks to be my future starting lineup:<br /><br />QB: Jamarcus Russell (Oak)<br />RB: LaDainian Tomlinson: (SD)<br />WR1: Eddie Royal (Den)<br />WR2: Lee Evans (Buff)<br />TE: Kellen Winslow (TB)<br />Flex1: RB Donald Brown (Ind)<br />Flex2: WR Ted Ginn Jr. (Mia)<br /><br />Return Specialist: WR Johnny Lee Higgins (Oak)<br />K: Mason Crosby (GB)<br />P: Andy Lee (SF)<br /><br />DT: Sedrick Ellis (NO)<br />DE: Mario Williams (Hou)<br />DE: Dwight Freeney (Ind)<br />LB: Aaron Curry (Sea)<br />LB: Shawn Merriman (SD)<br />LB: Bradie James (Dal)<br />CB: Leodis McKelvin (Buff)<br />CB: Aqib Talib (TB)<br />S: Dawan Landry (Bal)<br />S: LaRon Landry (Sea)<br />Flex: LB Scott Fajita (NO)<br /><br />Bench:<br /><br />QB Joe Flacco (Bal)<br />RB Glen Coffee (SF)<br />RB Sammy Morris (NE)<br />RB Lamont Jordan (Den)<br />WR Justin Gage (Ten)<br />WR Robert Meachem (NO)<br />WR Johnny Lee Higgins (Oak)<br />TE Donald Lee (GB)<br /><br />K Dan Carpenter (Mia)<br />P Brad Maynard (Chi)<br /><br />DT Shaun Rogers (Clev)<br />DT Adam Carriker (Stl)<br />DT Sen'Derrick Marks (Ten)<br />DE Tyson Jackson (KC)<br />LB Vernon Gholston (NYJ)<br />CB Nnadami Asomugha (Oak)<br />CB Randall Gay (NO)<br />CB Usama Young (NO)<br />S James Sanders (NE)<br />S Gerald Sensabaugh (Dal)<br /><br />Practice Squad:<br /><br />QB Troy Smith (Bal)<br />WR Brain Hartline (Mia)<br />DE Lawrence Sidbury (Atl)<br />LB Marcus Freeman (Chic)<br /><br /> I don't expect this team to win much this year to be honest, but anything can happen. I may not have drafted the team, but I made trades to get a few players I liked. Eddie Royal, Donald Brown ... and hopefully Jamarcus Russell should be the backbone of my team in years to come.<br /><br />_____________________________________________________<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Bret Favre</span><br /><br />I'm not surprised Favre changed his mind again. Now the question is, can he hold up for another full season? He has a good offensive line so he should be protected adequately. He has pretty decent weapons at all the skill positions. Bernard Berrian, Percy Harvin, Sidney Rice, Chester Taylor, and Visanthe Shiancoe all go up in fantasy value as far as I'm concerned.<br /><br />But the BIG winner will be Adrian Peterson. Teams will not be able to load seven or eight in the box to stop him because they have to take Favre into account. I could easily see All Day getting close to 2,000 yards rushing and double digit touchdowns. Peterson has just become THE #1 RB in fantasy, without a doubt. Anyone who DOESN'T take him first overall in standard scoring systems is a fool.<br /><br />_____________________________________________________<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Preseason Games</span><br /><br />Preseason games for me have always been meaningless fantasy wise. Yes it's fun to watch the starters have a good series or two. It's interesting to watch all the players on the bubble fight for a roster spot. But if you watch these games thinking you're going to find a fantasy sleeper just because someone on the second team had a good game, you're only fooling yourself. Unless you have a really deep dynasty league, you can't consider guys playing with the second and third strings as sleepers. Yes, they're playing their hearts out to get the coaches attention but they're also playing against lesser talents. Now if an undrafted rookie WR blows by a Pro Bowl CB and scores a 70 yard touchdown ... okay, I'd be impressed. But how often do you see THAT in the preseason. More than likely that undrafted rookie blew by an undrafted CB and both will still be cut before the regular season begins. While a lot of fantasy owners take stock in preseason games ..... the only thing I keep an eye on is major injuries to potential draft picks ... or guys I already HAVE picked.<br />_____________________________________________________<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Icon Fantasy Football League</span><br /><br />Next Sunday is the draft for the IFFL, the league I've been co-commisioner of for seven years. Last year I took home the championship and will be receiving the traveling trophy and winner's medallion at the draft. I also am scheduled to pick in the 10th spot (out of ten). I look forward to this day every year and can't wait for this week to go by.<br /><br />One of the things I like about our league is it's unique scoring system. We don't do PPR but we do give length of TD bonuses and bonuses for exceeding 100 yards rushing or receiving and 300 yards passing. We also give bonuses to kickers for longer field goals. The system looks like this:<br /><br />Length Of TD (Passing, Rushing, Receiving, Return)<br /><br />1-19 yards = 6 points.<br />20-49 yards = 9 points.<br />50+ yards = 12 points.<br /><br />Yardage Bonuses:<br /><br />300 Passing Yards = 6 points.<br />Every 20 yards passing over 300 = 1 point.<br /><br />100 yards rushing = 6 points.<br />Every 10 yards rushing over 100 = 1 point.<br /><br />100 yards receiving = 6 points.<br />Every 10 yards receiving over 100 = 1 point.<br /><br />Field Goal Bonuses:<br /><br />21-39 yard FG = 3 points.<br />40-49 yard FG = 5 points.<br />50-59 yard FG = 10 Points.<br />60+ yard FG = 12 points.<br /><br />We do have Team D/ST and we give points for TDs (see TD Chart above), Safeties, and Points Scored Against:<br /><br />0 Points Allowed = 12 points.<br />1-3 Points Allowed = 9 Points.<br />4-7 Points Allowed = 6 Points.<br />8-13 Points Allowed = 3 Points.<br /><br />And all 2 point conversions are worth .. 2 points .. duh.<br /><br /> Other rules that differ from he norm include Team QBs which I've always liked because I'd rather not have to worry about picking up a handcuff QB. Last year when Brady went down and I had the Patriots QBs, I didn't have to bother going to the waiver wire for Matt Cassel which was nice. (I later dropped the Patriots QBs for Chicago's QBs just before Kyle Orton got hurt and Matt Cassel caught fire.)<br /><br /> We also don't require a TE in our starting lineups and for practical purposes we just count them as WRs. Not my favorite rule, but we've played with it for so long I'm not too bothered by it. What this means is we have three ways we can go in our starting lineups:<br /><br />1 Team QB - 3 RBS - 2 WRS: Wishbone Lineup<br />1 Team QB - 2 RBS - 3 WRS: Traditional Lineup<br />1 Team QB - 1 RB - 4 WRS: Run And Shoot Lineup<br /><br />The usual result of the no TE rule is that only a handful of TEs get drafted. Last year I believe we actually hit an all time high of seven TEs drafted. Witten, Gonzalez, Gates, and probably Clark will be selected this year, but I'll be surprised if there's many more than that. The reason being is that TEs so rarely get 100 yards receiving or score really long TDs that they aren't worth taking over a WR who is more likely to break loose for a 70-90 yard score.<br /><br />It's a system that definitely redefines the usual fantasy football rankings. Quarterbacks and Kickers become more valuable in our league as do wide receivers. The system practically scoffs at the idea of always drafting two RBs in the first two rounds. But we like being different in the IFFL and are content to thumb our nose at conventional scoring systems!<br /><br />I'll be keeping you updated on my team, the DEFENDING CHAMPIONS, the Miami Waves all season long.Vicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01742397389388602847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31911763.post-45474288102706701222009-08-17T19:25:00.001-04:002009-08-18T16:17:54.328-04:00Random Rumblings IIIAnother busy week in the NFL as preseason is heating up and the questions about who will sign Michael Vick were finally answered. My fantasy preseason is in full swing as well as I have worked the phones, crammed for drafts and am in full GM mode.<br /><br />_____________________________________________________<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Dynasty League Update</span><br /><br />Free agency finally began and I was able to fill out my roster and get some depth at key positions. I also made a risky trade just before FA opened. I traded WR DeSean Jackson and QB Jason Campbell for QB Jamarcus Russell and WR Ted Ginn Jr. I hated giving up DeSean because he is a high upside prospect, but I needed a QB that had better upside then Joe Flacco or Campbell and I'm optimistic that Russell could break out and produce decent numbers this year. Ginn has upside, but he needs a stronger armed QB than Chad Pennington before he becomes the deep threat he's capable of. Maybe if/when Chad Henne takes over at QB for the Dolphins, Ginn will finally produce the big plays.<br /><br />Made another trade on Saturday giving up rookie S William Moore of the Falcons for WR Johnny Lee Higgins of the Raiders. I figure Higgins can be an alternate KR to Leodis McKelvin and a possible bye week starter. He did show the ability to catch the long TD last year.<br /><br />Free Agency brought in some good talent and much needed depth:<br /><br /><font color="#aadd99">RB Sammy Morris (NE)</font color> - Should get decent amount of touches in Pats running game.<br /><br /><font color="#aadd99">WR Shaun McDonald (Pit)</font color> Will be at least the #4 WR for the Steelers.<br /><br /><font color="#aadd99">LB Scott Fujita (NO)</font color> Had 81 tackles and two INTs for the Saints last year. Possible starter for me.<br /><br /><font color="#aadd99">P Andy Lee (SF)</font color> Needed a backup punter. Wasn't picky.<br /><br /><font color="#aadd99">S Dawan Landry (Bal)</font color> Should have a much better season than last year. Will be starting two Landrys at safety.<br /><br /><font color="#aadd99">QB Troy Smith (Bal)</font color> Signed him to the practice squad as Joe Flacco insurance.<br /><br /><font color="#aadd99">WR Brian Hartline (Mia)</font color> Signed him to the practice squad. Buried on the depth chart in Miami but might be used as a returner this year.<br /><br /><font color="#aadd99">DE Lawrence Sidbury (Atl)</font color> Practice squad, but he's a sleeper.<br /><br /><font color="#aadd99">LB Marcus Freeman (Chic)</font color> He's also on the practice squad. Love my former Buckeyes!<br /><br /><font color="#aadd99">RB Lamont Jordan (Den)</font color> With Moreno hurting he might see more carries than expected. Goal line monster?<br /><br /><font color="#aadd99">DT Adam Carriker (Stl)</font color> Should be decent for Rams, maybe a spot starter for me.<br /><br /><font color="#aadd99">DT Sen'Derrick Marks (Ten)</font color> May be the one who takes over for Albert Haynesworth eventually. A project or maybe trade bait.<br /><br />Still trying to get a backup kicker! I've had bids on Shayne Graham and Jeff Reed taken away from me and I refuse to pay anymore than $1 in salary for one.<br />_____________________________________________________<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Michael Vick</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz_IJIB8gx8qQrfjVrO5dZiXdGYkBt7lOKZquVXakQ6XbUqZ3TfOPj9m5l447yiVP9XOslnnxOR3TY4AfAGZvWaV4gOcGOC4R81abmf9UpWkiccUf7hoJxrRNJI_pWIS2ESu0/s1600-h/michael-vick.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 100px; height: 100px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz_IJIB8gx8qQrfjVrO5dZiXdGYkBt7lOKZquVXakQ6XbUqZ3TfOPj9m5l447yiVP9XOslnnxOR3TY4AfAGZvWaV4gOcGOC4R81abmf9UpWkiccUf7hoJxrRNJI_pWIS2ESu0/s320/michael-vick.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371058513448837234" /></a>At first I was surprised that it was the Eagles who pulled the trigger on the former Falcon QB, but when you think about it, it actually makes perfect sense. Vick has always looked up to Donavan McNabb and the Eagles have a solid support system in place. Eagle fans may not like the move, but there is a chance that if Vick does all the right things ... he could be a starting QB in the league again someday. Personally, I'm rooting for Vick to prove all of his doubters wrong. Good luck Mike.<br />_____________________________________________________<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Maurice Jones-Drew</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbd2ynH5iDO1NojWPy-u-5iXbuXRivzMu5u_1oNFGax5pqS9-YMszxYJQ9ckcKZVEOX9XE4Pu3I1mFB4OczKC1nXvGNR4LkH0Gv-MKdns01ykOksa-7G-VWo2FT7o-HW_V9WQ/s1600-h/621170.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbd2ynH5iDO1NojWPy-u-5iXbuXRivzMu5u_1oNFGax5pqS9-YMszxYJQ9ckcKZVEOX9XE4Pu3I1mFB4OczKC1nXvGNR4LkH0Gv-MKdns01ykOksa-7G-VWo2FT7o-HW_V9WQ/s320/621170.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371058250941509618" /></a>I just don't feel the love others do for the fourth year RB in Jacksonville. I cannot see him as a Top 5 fantasy RB, no matter how hard I try. I've read and listened to all of the reasons people see MJD as a Top 5 RB .... but I can't buy it. He's a great player, but with his size I don't see him being able to go a full season as a feature back getting 25-30 touches a game.<br /><br /> He reminds me of a Darren Sproles or Leon Washington Great on returns ... great receiver out of the backfield ... and even effective in limited carries. He's like an Eric Metcalf or a David Meggett type. (Meggett was also 5'7" and only about ten pounds lighter than Jones-Drew.) But if he is used like an LT or a Steven Jackson, he's eventually going to wear down. He needs to be paired with another back like Fred Taylor to be effective for a full season. I don't like him in the first half of the first round. There at least seven RBs I'd take first.<br /><br />_____________________________________________________<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Fantasy Fanatics Brawl League</span><br /><br />Just recently joined a league with my comrades at <a href="http://fantasyfanatics.com/">Fantasy Football Rankings</a>. First 16 man draft I've ever been a part of and I like what I came out of it with. (PPR and 6 point passing TDs.)<br /><br />Team 4th And 37: (Picked 13th)<br /><br />1st: <font color="#aadd99">QB Tom Brady:</font color> Would have taken him as soon as 4th or 5th pick. With 6 points per passing TD, it was a must for me to get a top tier QB. If he's anywhere close to 2007's totals I got me a top scorer.<br /><br />2nd: <font color="#aadd99">WR Randy Moss: </font color>Well let's see, if Brady is going to be a 30-40 TD passer, who will benefit most from him returning to form? Yep, that would be Moss. I can see 15-17 TDs easy.<br /><br />3rd: <font color="#aadd99">RB Darren McFadden:</font color> Was surprised to see him still here after 45 picks. If he stays healthy I could have a steal.<br /><br />4th: <font color="#aadd99">RB Felix Jones:</font color> You look at his first six games last year before he got injured and you could see he was a stud. He also returns kicks which in a league where we get points for TDs on returns is a bonus. If Barber gets hurt I got an awesome #2RB. As it is, Barber may steal his TDs at the goal-line, but he'll get the yards and a few long TDs himself.<br /><br />5th: <font color="#aadd99">RB Donald Brown:</font color> I didn't like any of the WRs left at this point so I thought I'd grab my flex RB first. I like Brown to eventually (hopefully sooner rather than later) overtake Addai as the lead RB for the Colts.<br /><br />6th: <font color="#aadd99">WR Devin Hester:</font color> Jay Cutler's arrival should help him. He may not be a returner anymore, but he still got speed and elusiveness. Not the worst #2 WR I could have.<br /><br />7th: <font color="#aadd99">TE Dustin Keller:</font color> Broke down and took a TE way earlier than I normally do. Could have waited another round or two at least and grabbed Celek. Still, Keller should be decent in a conservative offense even with a rookie QB.<br /><br />8th:<font color="#aadd99"> WR Percy Harvin:</font color> Was hoping Ted Ginn would fall to me here, but it didn't happen so I took a chance on Harvin. Huge upside as my third WR.<br /><br />9th: <font color="#aadd99">QB Trent Edwards:</font color> Looked at Patriots bye week to see who would be a good matchup but also be a decent emergency starter if Brady got hurt. Bills play Houston at home on Brady's bye week so I have what I think is a good starter then ... and a good starter if Brady gets hurt.<br /><br />10th: <font color="#aadd99">RB Jamaal Charles:</font color> Good third down PPR back who could become starter if Larry Johnson implodes again.<br /><br />11th: <font color="#aadd99">RB Michael Bush:</font color> Could be my favorite pick. It handcuffs McFadden and makes me feel better about the risks involved in taking him.<br /><br />12th: <font color="#aadd99">WR Davone Bess:</font color> The WRs were picked over pretty good at this point. Just threw a dart at the board and it stuck to Bess. He didn't complain much and it didn't draw blood so it's all good.<br /><br />13th: <font color="#aadd99">TE Brandon Pettigrew:</font color> I do love rookies and this was my third. He's got potential and I like him as my second TE.<br /><br />14th: <font color="#aadd99">WR Keenan Burton:</font color> With Donnie Avery nicked up, it gives Burton a chance to shine. He did show ability what little he played last year.<br /><br />15th: <font color="#aadd99">K Matt Prater:</font color> Yep, waited until the last rounds to get my kicker. They're all the same anyway, really. Place your bets.<br /><br />16th: <font color="#aadd99">D/ST Buffalo:</font color> See last pick.<br /><br /><br />Basically what this team boils down to is this: Brady to Moss! Brady to Moss! Brady to Moss! If they can pick up where they left off in 2007, I've got a contender. If not .... better luck next year I guess.<br />_____________________________________________________Vicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01742397389388602847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31911763.post-64025618999522990672009-08-02T17:37:00.013-04:002009-08-10T16:57:43.147-04:00Random Rumblings IIFirst of all, thank you to Big Troph of <a href="http://www.bigtroph.com/">BigTroph.com</a> for the new logo. Looking for a fantasy sport logo? BigTroph.com can help you out. <br /><br />On to this week's ramblings....<br />_____________________________________________________<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">RapidDraft</span><br /><br />Recently I took advantage of a free team at RapidDraft.com courtesy of <a href="http://fantasyfanatics.com">Fantasy Fanatics</a>. You draft in a twelve team league against "experts" who draft based on predetermined rankings. You have only thirty seconds to make your pick, or in "Warp" speed you have ten. You can choose what position you draft from. I decided to go right in the middle at 6th and did most of the draft at warp speed. It only took about 45 minutes and I came out with what I think is a pretty decent team:<br /><br />QB Drew Brees (NO)<br />QB Kyle Orton (Den)<br /><br />RB Chris Johnson (Ten)<br />RB Knowshon Moreno (Den)<br />RB LenDale White (Ten)<br />RB Felix Jones (Dal)<br />RB Michael Bush (Oak)<br /><br />WR Greg Jennings (GB)<br />WR Eddie Royal (Den)<br />WR Lee Evans (Buff)<br />WR Devin Hester (Chic)<br />WR Chaz Shillens (Oak)<br />WR Percy Harvin (Minn)<br />WR Brian Robiske (Clev)<br /><br />TE Owen Daniels (Hou)<br />TE Brandon Pettigrew (Det)<br /><br />K Mason Crosby (GB)<br />K Matt Prater (Den)<br /><br />DST San Diego<br />DST Arizona<br /><br />If this was real league against real players, I'd be ecstatic! But seeing as it's just a free trial and the prizes are quite watered down, I'll be content with the fun I had drafting.<br /><br />I highly recommend the experience and if you want to compete for the $2500,000 Grand Prize, it's only $9.99 per team. Just go to <a href="http://www.rapiddraft.com">RapidDraft.com</a> and get your team before it's too late.<br />_____________________________________________________<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Plaxico Burress</span><br /><br />I was never that fond of him as a player in the first place, but a lot of that stems from how he singlehandedly destroyed Ohio State as a Michigan State Spartan a few years ago. Little did we know that when he caught that touchdown against the Patriots in the Super Bowl that it would most likely be his last hurrah. After being indicted this week on felony gun charges, Burress is looking at up to three and a half years in prison. He might get a lesser sentence, but it should be long enough to end his career. Maybe he could come back and play.... but that's harder to fathom than Michael Vick being able to grab a starting QB job in the NFL. From hero to zero in under two years ....but at least he had his day in the ultimate spotlight.<br />_____________________________________________________<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Derrick Mason</span><br /><br />Speaking of former Michigan State Spartan WRs, it's good to see him return after abruptly retiring last month following the death of his friend and former QB Steve McNair. Mason is the only consistent receiver on the Ravens offense and should be able to get another 60 catches, 900 yards and four or five TDs. Without him, the Ravens might have struggled even worse in the passing game then they did early last year when QB Joe Flacco was learning the ropes. Even though I only started him once, he was a member of my IFFL Champion Miami Waves last year. Welcome back Derrick, Steve would have wanted you to play.<br /><br />_____________________________________________________<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Handcuffing</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8x9KLvf8ZH8eW7MlvRzX_yRqx9TbrJ597BA_UdwUzXaUnMPWk1XyXhjUPwnt3Drql1Yq96RHaF0WGebbstH4Tng2jK6DObD3ssGPKP8pxXxj09NlOw4aQPlAWWc5wH9s8Lr4/s1600-h/handcuff.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 125px; height: 142px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8x9KLvf8ZH8eW7MlvRzX_yRqx9TbrJ597BA_UdwUzXaUnMPWk1XyXhjUPwnt3Drql1Yq96RHaF0WGebbstH4Tng2jK6DObD3ssGPKP8pxXxj09NlOw4aQPlAWWc5wH9s8Lr4/s320/handcuff.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366654328468426402" /></a>The practice of handcuffing starters to protect from injuries by drafting their backups can be a good thing if you're smart about WHICH players you handcuff. Some people believe it's a waste of a pick to grab someones backup while there may be a starter or two left on the board. Again, I say it depends on the WHO and the WHY you handcuff. Here's a list of DOs and DON'Ts of what players I think should be handcuffed.<br /><br /><font color="#aadd99"><span style="font-weight:bold;">- DO</span> handcuff Tom Brady.</font color> As we saw last year, the Patriots are confident enough in their backup QBs that they won't hit the panic button if Brady goes down again. Kevin O'Connell has had over a year to digest the offense and if history is any indication .. he'll be an okay replacement and emergency fantasy starter.<br /><br /><font color="#aadd99"><span style="font-weight:bold;">- DON'T</span> handcuff Drew Brees.</font color> If Brees goes down, Mark Brunell won't be throwing for 300 yards per game. Joey Harrington might, but seriously ... would you want to trust HIM to get you to a championship?<br /><br /><font color="#aadd99"><span style="font-weight:bold;">- DO</span> handcuff Kurt Warner.</font color> With these receivers, Matt Leinart would be hard pressed to fail. I have a feeling he's finally ready to take over if the old man goes down.<br /><br /><font color="#aadd99"><span style="font-weight:bold;">- DON'T</span> handcuff Peyton Manning.</font color> Other than Bret Favre, he's the most reliable QB ever as far as consecutive starts. Jim Sorgi won't get you points holding the clipboard.<br /><br /><font color="#aadd99"><span style="font-weight:bold;">- Other QB DOs: </span></font color> Dante Culpepper (Matt Stafford),Marc Bulger (Kyle Boller), Jamarcus Russell (Jeff Garcia), Kyle Orton (Chris Simms), Joe Flacco (Troy Smith), Brady Quinn (Derek Anderson), Kerry Collins (Vince Young), Matt Schaub (Dan Orlovsky).<br /><br /><font color="#aadd99"><span style="font-weight:bold;">- DO</span> handcuff a backfield duo.</font color> Whether it's Chris Johnson/LenDale White or DeAngelo Williams/James Stewart if both are having huge success, you have to figure it's worth the gamble to grab them both and start them every week. If you're savvy enough to draft depth behind them, an injury to one of them won't be devastating.<br /><br /><font color="#aadd99"><span style="font-weight:bold;">- DON'T</span> handcuff Matt Forte.</font color> Adrian Peterson and Garrett Wolfe won't be nearly as effective as Forte can be. Unless you have a really deep league, look elsewhere.<br /><br /><font color="#aadd99"><span style="font-weight:bold;">- DO</span> handcuff Brian Westbrook.</font color> You know he's going to get banged up as always. Grabbing LeSean McCoy as insurance is a must.<br /><br /><font color="#aadd99"><span style="font-weight:bold;">- DON'T</span> handcuff Steven Jackson.</font color> There's nobody there behind him that can get you decent fantasy points. Unless they grab Edgerrin James in free agency, forget about it.<br /><br /><font color="#aadd99"><span style="font-weight:bold;">- DO</span> handcuff Michael Turner.</font color> Jerious Norwood may not be an every down back, but if Turner goes down, his touches will definitely increase, especially in PPR leagues. He's got big play ability.<br /><br /><font color="#aadd99"><span style="font-weight:bold;">- DON'T</span> handcuff Steve Slaton.</font color> Yes I know the Texans want to use Chris Brown as a short yardage back, but if Slaton gets injured, do you think he and Ryan Moats will really put up any substantial numbers? <br /><br /><font color="#aadd99"><span style="font-weight:bold;">- Other RB DOs:</span></font color> Marshawn Lynch/Fred Jackson, Thomas Jones/Shonn Greene, Willie Parker/Rashard Mendenhall, LaDainian Tomlinson/Darren Sproles, Marion Barber/Felix Jones, Brandon Jacobs/Ahmad Bradshaw, Pierre Thomas/Reggie Bush, Tim Hightower/Beanie Wells<br /><br /><font color="#aadd99"><span style="font-weight:bold;">- DON'T</span> EVER handcuff a wide receiver!!</font color> Too many good starters out there at the position to waste a pick on them.<br /><br /><font color="#aadd99"><span style="font-weight:bold;">- DO</span> handcuff Jason Witten.</font color> The only TE I would even consider because Martellus Bennett is a playmaker that could definitely be worth it if Witten goes down. The TE will be a huge part of the Dallas offense this year and even if Witten stays healthy, Bennett will see some touches in the red zone. Only recommend it in deep leagues where you have the slots for three TEs or more.<br /><br />Be smart about your handcuffs though, don't overvalue them and draft them too quickly. You could be hurting yourself in depth in the long run.<br />_____________________________________________________<br /><br />Rumble at you later.Vicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01742397389388602847noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31911763.post-54874953845880596642009-08-02T13:16:00.009-04:002009-08-02T17:39:34.737-04:00Random RumblingsIt's a glorious time of year! Training camps are open, first round picks are signing (and getting injured), and I'm getting the drafting bug. This year I'm playing in three leagues: <a href="http://www4.myfantasyleague.com/2009/home/53428">Total Dynasty League</a> run by Joshua Torrey of <a href="http://www.fantasydc.com/">Fantasy Depth Chart</a>, the <a href="http://football.fantasysports.yahoo.com/f1/372197">FFtwitter League</a> at Yahoo started by Marcella Surra of <a href="http://www.fantasysmarts.com/sports/">Fantasy Smarts.com</a> , and of course my home league the <a href="http://www13.myfantasyleague.com/2009/home/27479">Icon Fantasy Football League</a> in it's seventh year. The latter two will have their drafts just before the season starts and I'm chomping at the bit to get to it. Already plotting, already scheming .... already rambling.<br />_____________________________________________________ <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Total Dynasty League Update</span><br /><br />This week I found out I had six players on my team that the former owner didn't bother adding to the roster:<br /><br /><font color="#aadd99"> WR Robert Meachem (NO)</font color> Was pleased about finding out the third year wideout was on my roster. Reports out of Saints training camp say he has showed improvement and that QB Drew Brees has even given him kudos. He had a couple of big plays last year for the Saints and if Marques Colston, Deverly Henderson, or Lance Moore get injured, I'd have a real sleeper on my hands.<br /><br /><font color="#aadd99">P Brad Maynard (Chic)</font color> Glad to see I'm not going to have to research punters as much as I would have.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1qkWsL_wZ9Qbs9OO3Qedk0tmTHSm5WV1yzseULYmcdhD3XRkbFx9YhYZzQRy7Ol7XBvHtCZr_aMWr2XdbYp-l4zERfA_afR2nAc8GeSr0knmLdxQSDUNwz7Ki2gxOBVEV90E/s1600-h/340x.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 148px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1qkWsL_wZ9Qbs9OO3Qedk0tmTHSm5WV1yzseULYmcdhD3XRkbFx9YhYZzQRy7Ol7XBvHtCZr_aMWr2XdbYp-l4zERfA_afR2nAc8GeSr0knmLdxQSDUNwz7Ki2gxOBVEV90E/s320/340x.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365435689862380450" /></a><font color="#aadd99">LB Vernon Gholston (NYJ)</font color> Another pleasant surprise as I had him targeted in free agency. The second year LB from Ohio State should benefit from Jets HC Rex Ryan's tutelage and hopefully be utilized as more of a pass rusher. Huge upside here.<br /><br /><font color="#aadd99">LB Dan Morgan (FA)</font color> Last with the Saints. He's retired, so I released him.<br /><br /><font color="#aadd99">CB Randal Gay (NO)</font color> With a glut of DBs in New Orleans his value is uncertain. <br /><br /><font color="#aadd99">CB Usama Young (NO)</font color> See Randal Gay above. Not sure what the previous owner saw in all these Saints players..... <br /><br />Was glad to get some depth at WR and LB. Still need to target QB, RB, DT, and S in free agency ... which hopefully will happen in the next week or two.<br />_____________________________________________________<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Brett Favre</span><br /><br /> Was surprised, but glad he finally made a decision. After watching his interview with Joe Buck a few weeks back I totally expected him to be playing for the Vikings come September. But he's right, why risk a repeat of last year when his body failed him toward the end of the season with the Jets. Enjoy retirement Brett, you've earned it, but now I've got to find another QB to target in Total Dynasty free agency. Darn it all!<br />_____________________________________________________<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Chris "Beanie" Wells</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBEGOlsNLjQ_L73GUmn66wAhAe6HQ_0z1Rmow-MDcHNuAKo6B4oJKJmAOUUJ4DPCrNzxKcMA9cbhLvg4trtHiTbJlXrlBvYtpp2WwThRpzuA7iGV2Y_Fe98S7EZugOEKTtDyc/s1600-h/wells-st.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 110px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBEGOlsNLjQ_L73GUmn66wAhAe6HQ_0z1Rmow-MDcHNuAKo6B4oJKJmAOUUJ4DPCrNzxKcMA9cbhLvg4trtHiTbJlXrlBvYtpp2WwThRpzuA7iGV2Y_Fe98S7EZugOEKTtDyc/s320/wells-st.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365437591145899634" /></a><br /> Not a good sign. Wells was carted off of the practice field mere hours after signing his 5 year deal. Reports say it's only a mild ankle sprain, but this only reinforces his reputation for being injury prone and will certainly hinder his chances of gaining the starting RB job from Tim Hightower. Being a Buckeye fan, I'm used to Wells getting hurt ... so I'm not surprised, just disappointed.<br />_____________________________________________________ <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Michael Vick</span><br /><br /> Love him or hate him, you would think he could make at least a small impact for any team wanting to run the Wildcat. But with all of the "Rules" attached to signing him, you really have to wonder if he's worth it for NFL teams to go through the PR chaos just to run a play or two with him in the lineup in November and December. He's definitely not worth drafting in fantasy ... I don't care how deep your league is.<br />_____________________________________________________ <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Dirty Dungarees</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVPDdo_GEFL8qxVAmsp-rAMJtUSDSEn87VMuLhPBHa-1jJTQN1PMP1hXBO4DNqB8Lrn1wNQFfncTMgTAyqNmosC8Nja9OoguL8Ar4SyGLYL2hNcIilvj_Ky8rMJUQB3lYp1pY/s1600-h/339_THE_BAR.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 112px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVPDdo_GEFL8qxVAmsp-rAMJtUSDSEn87VMuLhPBHa-1jJTQN1PMP1hXBO4DNqB8Lrn1wNQFfncTMgTAyqNmosC8Nja9OoguL8Ar4SyGLYL2hNcIilvj_Ky8rMJUQB3lYp1pY/s320/339_THE_BAR.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365442709201559314" /></a> This time of year I can't help reminiscing about the summer of 1991, the first year I participated in fantasy football. My first draft was held at a laundromat/bar on the Ohio State campus in Columbus called Dirty Dungarees. I didn't know a sleeper from a sleepwalker then and I showed it by taking an IDP in the third round!! (DE Bruce Smith). Somehow I muddled through the season and actually made the playoffs. From there I was hooked, never to look back. Dirty Dungarees is still there on High Street. I haven't had time to make my way down there in over fifteen years.... so if any of you stop in there, have a drink for me.<br />_____________________________________________________ <br /><br />Thanks for listening to me go on. Enjoy training camps!Vicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01742397389388602847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31911763.post-52331974792053531152009-07-18T19:45:00.007-04:002009-07-24T11:28:55.583-04:00Updated QB Rankings (Top 20)After taking some time to look at everything again, here are my updated Quarterback Rankings for the 2009 season.<br /><br /><font color="#aadd99">1) Drew Brees (NO)</font color> Despite various injuries to primary targets such as Marques Colston, Jeremy Shockey, and Reggie Bush Brees threw for a phenomenal 5,067 yards last year to go along with 34 touchdowns. WR Lance Moore had a breakout year as the second receiver with 928 yards and ten scores. Former first round pick Robert Meachem showed improvement and Devery Henderson continued to be the deep threat, averaging over 24 yards per catch. With so few changes in personnel in the offseason, there is no reason Brees can't exceed his TD totals while continuing to pass for a lot of yards. If Colston can stay healthy it's almost a guarantee.<br /><br /><font color="#aadd99">2) Tom Brady (NE)</font color> When Brady collapsed to the turf just a few minutes into the first game of the year, it was the "Injury Felt Around The Fantasy World". (I was one of those that felt it.) And while yes, he's coming off of a major injury, he's still got an elite receiving duo in Randy Moss and Wes Welker. He's got a new deep threat in Joey Galloway and nice red zone target in TE Ben Watson. If he stays healthy I believe he can come close to the numbers he put up in 2007.<br /><br /><font color="#aadd99">3) Kurt Warner (Ariz)</font color> This ranking will change if the Cardinals decide to trade WR Anquan Boldin. But with Boldin, Larry Fitzgerald, and slot receiver Steve Breaston, Warner put up huge numbers last year. Of course, the lack of a running game helped boost Warner's stats last year and that area is bound to improve with the coming of rookie RB Chris "Beanie" Wells, but I can still see 30+ touchdowns from the old man.<br /><br /><font color="#aadd99">4) Donovan McNabb (Phil)</font color> I'm hoping to get some debate about this choice (agreement would be nice too). The Eagles went out and got some weapons for McNabb in the draft in WR Jeremy Maclin, RB LeSean McCoy, and TE Cornelius Ingram. Add them to the always dangerous Brian Westbrook, up and coming WR DeSean Jackson, reliable vet WR Kevin Curtis, and red zone TD threat TE Bret Celek you have the makings of a high scoring offense. Plus you have to figure McNabb is still fired up about his Week 12 benching against the Ravens last year and all of the talk of him being traded. I think he'll be out to prove to everyone he can still get the job done. I consider him a very viable starter on any fantasy squad<br /><br /><font color="#aadd99">5) Aaron Rodgers (GB)</font color> I for one was pleasantly surprised by how Rodgers performed under intense scrutiny (Thanks to the Bret Favre Retirement Saga)last year. He had his bad moments, but his production was pretty consistent. With 28 touchdowns through the air and 4 more on the ground, Rodgers ended up being a solid starter on many fantasy teams (including mine)last year. Now that he has a solid footing in the offense and a nice tandem in WRs Greg Jennings and Donald Driver, I can see him matching and maybe even exceeding those numbers in 2009.<br /><br /><font color="#aadd99">6) Peyton Manning (Ind)</font color> Normally predicted as a Top 3 QB annually, I think he may slide a bit this year. Marvin Harrison is gone and there is no proven No. 3 receiver in Indy. The Colts drafted RB Donald Brown in the first round to pair with Joseph Addai in a more run oriented attack like that of Carolina and others. Manning still has WR Reggie Wayne and TE Dallas Clark so he will continue to be a solid starter, but the days of gargantuan numbers may be in the rear-view mirror.<br /><br /><font color="#aadd99">7) Matt Ryan (Atl)</font color> After quite possibly the most solid rookie season of any quarterback in recent NFL history, my expectations of Matt Ryan are quite high for his sophmore season. He already has a great connection with WR Roddy White and now has a legitimate red zone TD threat in TE Tony Gonzalez. And while RB Michael Turner's 17 touchdowns helped limit Ryan to only 16 passing TDs, I can't see Turner being able to repeat that total. I can see Ryan throwing around ten to twelve more touchdowns than last year.<br /><br /><font color="#aadd99">8) Carson Palmer (Cin)</font color> Moved him up a few spots since last time. Sounds like he is fully recovered after being out most of last season with torn ligaments in his elbow. You would think the loss of T.J. Houshmandzadeh would lower his value, but with an arenal of Chad Ochocinco, Laveranues Coles, Chris Henry, Andre Caldwell, and others, Palmer has the weapons to put up big numbers. The downside is, they play the Steelers and Ravens twice each. Might want to draft a strong backup to use in those four games. I still like him as a low-end starter this year.<br /><br /><font color="#aadd99">9) Philip Rivers (SD)</font color> Rivers shocked everyone last year by putting up 4,000 passing yards with 34 touchdowns. WR Vincent Jackson finally emerged as a legitimate threat while TE Antonio Gates continued to be a solid go-to guy in the red zone. Add Chris Chambers, Darren Sproles, Malcolm Floyd, and of course LaDainian Tomlinson to the mix. I'm not convinced he can repeat those numbers ... but then I didn't think he'd even come close to them LAST year. So at least for now, I have to say he's a solid starter.<br /><br /><font color="#aadd99">10) Tony Romo (Dal)</font color> Dropped him four spots from my previous Top Ten. Some people feel he is a Top 5 QB this year, but I'm not so convinced. Say what you want about Terrell Owens being a distraction or how many balls he dropped, he was still a huge playmaker that is hard to replace. WR Roy Williams is a legitimate No. 1 receiever and TE Jason Witten is one of the best tight ends in the league. But who are the number two and three WRs? Patrick Crayton and Miles Austin? I'm not convinced they can replace the numbers T.O. has put up over the last three years. I like Romo as a starter, but not quite as high on him as other folks.<br /><br /><font color="#aadd99">11) Kyle Orton (Den)</font color> Great OL, great WRs, a proven offense... what's NOT to like?<br /><br /><font color="#aadd99">12) Trent Edwards (Buff)</font color> T.O. will make this offense better and Edwards owners will reap the rewards.<br /><br /><font color="#aadd99">13) Eli Manning (NYG)</font color> Team reloaded on weapons in the draft. If Eli can gel with them early, he could be a sleeper.<br /><br /><font color="#aadd99">14) Jay Cutler (Chic)</font color> Don't like his receivers and his OL is aging fast. I can't see him as a starter this year.... except against the Lions.<br /><br /><font color="#aadd99">15) Ben Rothlisberger (Pit)</font color> Steady numbers, but never earth shattering.<br /><br /><font color="#aadd99">16) Matt Schaub (Hou)</font color> Has great WRs, needs to stay healthy for a full season.<br /><br /><font color="#aadd99">17) Matt Cassel (KC)</font color> Not as good of a supporting cast as in NE.<br /><br /><font color="#aadd99">18) Jemarcus Russell (Oak)</font color> Might be better in third year than most expect.<br /><br /><font color="#aadd99">19) Dante Culpepper (Det)</font color> Last chance for once great QB. Has Calvin Johnson which is a plus.<br /><br /><font color="#aadd99">20) David Garrard (Jac)</font color> Best of the rest.Vicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01742397389388602847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31911763.post-1350623653709565632009-07-10T20:20:00.003-04:002009-07-18T01:31:30.467-04:00Don't you hate that? Here's some things I do.After almost two decades of enjoying fantasy football I'm quite satisfied with most of the experiences I've had. But there are a few things that have driven me nuts over the years ... and still do. Whether it be live or online leagues, there's always that player, commissioner, or situation that will drive you up the wall....<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color:#aadd99;">1) Owners that give up.</span></span><span style="color:#aadd99;"></span> You see this all of the time on free online leagues, mainly because they're free. But when it happens in leagues for money or other various prizes, it's extremely frustrating. They stop bothering to check their lineups, often starting players who are injured or on a bye week. The REAL jerks can be even worse, starting whole lineups of useless players, or even TRADE their best players for next to nothing. It's extremely rare, but I've seen it happen. This can totally sabotage an entire league and ruin it for everyone.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color:#aadd99;">2) Owners that don't respond to trade offers.</span></span> This happens mainly in online leagues where the only means you have of communicating with the person is via email or message boards. I can absolutely understand someone getting an offer that totally turns them off, but at least have the courtesy to say "no thanks" or even "never going to happen", especially if you contacted that person FIRST. I won't name names or specify what league, but I recently was sent a message inquiring what I wanted for a player I had stated was on the block. I responded with an offer that I thought was reasonable and waited for several days for a response. When I didn't get one I tried a different offer, adding another player from my team to the deal. Again no response .. and I know the owner had to have seen the offer because the site keeps track of when owners log on. Extremely rude and irritating.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color:#aadd99;">3) Owners that constantly argue rules and decisions.</span></span> You know the guy. The one who thinks he/she can run the league better than the commissioner? The one who will try anything to get that extra point or two on their score? The one who is trying to make an unfair trade that is totally lopsided but says anything he can think of to justify it? Yeah, that guy. Seen a few of them over the years and they can be a real drag.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color:#aadd99;">4) "Questionable" injury reports.</span></span> A.K.A. the "gametime decision" Nothing like having a key player listed as questionable (50% chance of playing) and deciding NOT to take the chance of starting him ... only to find out too late he is playing .... and just scored a touchdown. Even with today's media resources and up to the minute information ... you never know when one of these GTDs will be just mere seconds before kickoff ... too late to switch him back into your lineup. I almost had it happen last year with Roddy White, but two minutes before kickoff I decided to chance it, even though at least two analysts on TV said he was most likely a scratch. I understand the need for coaches to keep little secrets like that until the last minutes to keep their opponents guessing ... but we fantasy owners could really use the heads up.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color:#aadd99;">5) Commissioners that change the rules EVERY season.</span></span> I was in a league for several years that actually had to have an annual Rule Change Meeting! Why? Because the owner(s) couldn't leave well enough alone. We had debates every year about things like amount of keepers, scoring system tweeks, whether tight ends should be mandatory, etc. The rules were NEVER the same from one season to the next. I say establish the rules and keep to them year after year unless absolutely necessary.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color:#aadd99;">6) Uninformed owners who draft players that have retired.</span></span> Haven't seen it personally in a long time, but I used to draft with a guy who would do this every year at least once per draft. It was funny, but who really wants to be the guy who tells this person.. "Ummm, Herschel Walker retired two years ago." <br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color:#aadd99;">7) Smoking Marijuana at the draft.</span></span> I used to be in a league a few years back where they did this. By the time it was over I thought I was in France. Several days later I was trying to figure out why I drafted Zeke Mowatt.... and I didn't take a single puff.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color:#aadd99;">8) Bye Weeks</span></span> Some people see them as adding to the strategy of fantasy football. I see them as a pain in the behind. Especially now that there are weeks where six teams are off. I'd much rather have the whole spectrum of players to start every week then to have to consider lineup changes or worry about drafting two kickers or defenses that are off the same week. But... it's not like the NFL is going to change it, so obviously I'll live with it.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color:#aadd99;">9) Linebackers who catch TDs</span></span> Being a Buckeye fan, I like Mike Vrabel ... but darn it Ben Watson should have caught those TDs!! That's six points he cost me!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color:#aadd99;">10) People who have never played fantasy football that give advice.</span></span> I recently had a Bengals fan at work tell me I should take Andre Smith if I get the chance. "He's going to be a huge factor in the running game." they told me. Thanks dude, I'll take that under consideration. Thank god he's still available on the waiver wire......<br /><br /> Alright, I've vented and feel much better. Guess I can skip that therapy session next week. On to other things....<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Dynasty League Update:</span><br /><br /> Recently made a couple of trades in a attempt to get younger at key positions. I traded WR Steve Smith (Car) and CB Alphonso Smith (Den) for WR Eddie Royal (Den) and CB Aqib Talib (TB). I got two players who looked solid in their rookie seasons and gave up a rookie CB who may or may not get playing time and Smith, who might still be in his prime .... but plays for a team that emphasizes the running game and may only have a year or two left of high production. For a dynasty trade, I think it was pretty solid.<br /><br /> I also gave up a Pro Bowl running back in Ronnie Brown (Mia) for a rookie back in Donald Brown (Ind). In the short term, this is a bad trade ... but in the long term I may see huge dividends because it looks like Joseph Addai may be on his way out in Indianapolis.<br /><br /> I've earmarked several free agents for when the signing period starts in a couple of weeks to address the depth problems I have at various positions. There are still a few gems left out there and I hope to hit on a few.<br /><br /> That's all for now. As always, I appreciate input, either here or on Twitter. Follow me on Twitter at <a href="http://twitter.com/vice2020">http://twitter.com/vice2020</a>Vicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01742397389388602847noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31911763.post-27690000850768706542009-07-05T01:54:00.004-04:002009-07-05T21:14:23.124-04:00My First Dynasty League!Well, for the first time in my seventeen years of playing fantasy football, I have finally joined a dynasty league. It's something I've wanted to do for awhile now, but hadn't had a chance to. I was asked to join the Total Dynasty League as a replacement owner just a couple of days ago and greedily accepted. Ironically enough, the team I took over was named the Oakland Raiders. (I'm keeping the name just so I can prove I'm better than Al Davis!!)<br /><br /> Immediately upon seeing my roster I realized a few things....<br /><br />A) Joining a dynasty league AFTER they've had their rookie and free agent drafts really sucks. The former owner apparently felt that rookie DEFENSE was the way to go and took four(out of five total)of his rookies on the D side. LB Aaron Curry, DE Tyson Jackson, CB Alphonso Smith, and S William Moore. (He also grabbed RB Glen Coffee.)<br /><br />B) I had no idea what I was doing! The rules of salary caps, contracts, and practice squads made my head spin. Thank god I was on vacation for the holiday or it would have taken days for me to wrap my mind around it. And the fact that this was a sixteen team league! Never have I played in a league with more than twelve.<br /><br />C) I got a LOT of work to do to get this team looking good ... at least to ME. Not that the roster was that bad mind you ... just not a lot of players I personally was high on.<br /><br /> Here's the roster as it was (and still is actually) when I acquired the team:<br /><span style="font-style:italic;"><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><font color="#aadd99">Quarterbacks:</font color></span></span> <span style="font-weight:bold;">Joe Flacco (Bal) and Jason Campbell (Was)</span> Definitely not what I was hoping to see. Flacco might be a decent starter down the road if he ever gets some receivers to throw to, but right now he's a backup at best. Campbell is only the starter in Washington by default after the team failed to acquire Jay Cutler or Mark Sanchez. Unless I pull a trade off, I'll have to play this by ear as to which one I'll start.<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;"><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><font color="#aadd99">Running Backs: </font color></span></span><span style="font-weight:bold;">LaDainian Tomlinson (SD), Ronnie Brown (Mia), and Glen Coffee (SF)</span> This could certainly be worse. LT and Brown are decent starters. The fact that technically, I only have to start ONE RB (three flex positions help) makes up for the lack of depth at the position. Coffee should get enough playing time in SF to merit a start or two during the season.<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;"><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><font color="#aadd99">Wide Receivers:</font color></span></span><span style="font-weight:bold;"> Steve Smith (Car), DeSean Jackson (Phil), Lee Evans (Buff), and Justin Gage (Tenn)</span> Not bad, but depth again is an issue. My initial thought is to trade Smith for some youth at the position. DeSean should be a solid keeper for me for years. Evans is in his prime and might have his best year this season with T.O. drawing the double coverage. <br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;"><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><font color="#aadd99">Tight Ends: </font color></span></span><span style="font-weight:bold;">Kellen Winslow (TB) and Donald Lee (GB).</span> I'm not big on tight ends so was satisfied with these two. Winslow might have a decent season in Tampa if the QB situation is decided early. Lee will get a few scores here and there with Aaron Rodgers at the helm of the Packer offense.<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;"><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><font color="#aadd99">Kickers:</font color></span></span><span style="font-weight:bold;"> Mason Crosby (GB)</span> Pleased to have a young kicker that should be solid and consistent to rely on for a few years. Signed him for four years.<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;"><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><font color="#aadd99">Punters:</font color></span></span> I have never played in a league that had punters before. And as of this writing I don't have any on my roster. The former owner apparently was waiting until free agency signing to bother with them. Can't say I disagree.<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;"><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><font color="#aadd99">Defensive Tackles:</font color></span></span><span style="font-weight:bold;"> Shaun Rogers (Clev) and Sedrick Ellis (NO)</span> Pleased with Ellis. He's young and looked good in his rookie season. I'll be holding on to him for awhile. Rogers is a decent starter this year. Another need for depth here.<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;"><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><font color="#aadd99">Defensive Ends:</font color></span></span><span style="font-weight:bold;"> Mario Williams (Hou), Dwight Freeney (Ind), and Tyson Jackson (KC)</span> Can't complain with THAT! Two big time starters with a first round rookie behind them. Sweet!<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;"><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><font color="#aadd99">Linebackers:</font color></span></span><span style="font-weight:bold;"> Aaron Curry (Sea), Shawn Merriman (SD), Bradie James (Dal).</span> Desperate need for depth here as three LBs is the minimum start and normally are the RBs of fantasy IDPs. I do like the three I have and if Curry lives up to the hype he might be on my team for his whole career.<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;"><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><font color="#aadd99">Cornerbacks:</font color></span></span><span style="font-weight:bold;"> Nnadami Asomugha (Oak),Leodis McKelvin (Buff), Alphonso Smith (Den)</span> As a Raider fan I love having Asomugha, but he doesn't get a lot of fantasy points. (Still signed him to a long term contract though.) McKelvin is young and doubles as a kick returner so he's going to be very valuable. Need some serious depth here... again.<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;"><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><font color="#aadd99">Safeties:</font color></span></span><span style="font-weight:bold;"> Laron Landry (Wash), William Moore (Atl), and Gerald Sensabaugh (Dal)</span> Landry is a solid enough starter but I need someone else. Hoping to trade for somebody.<br /><br /> By my reckoning if this team is going to contend, it's going to do so with defense. Unless I hit on some miracle free agents or make a few lucky trades, the offense is going to be average at best.<br /><br /> But I'm still excited about the possibilities of the future ... and that's one of the things that a dynasty league brings with it ... endless possibilities.<br /><br />Thanks to <a href="http://twitter.com/jmtorrey">@jmtorrey</a> for hooking me up!Vicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01742397389388602847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31911763.post-76081617567138667102009-06-24T19:10:00.008-04:002009-06-29T16:56:07.930-04:005 Guys I Won't Touch in 2009 Fantasy FootballEvery year there a few guys that just scream "RED ALERT!" to me. Last year I had guys like WR Marvin Harrison (correct), RB Chris Johnson (wrong), WR Joey Galloway (right), and RB Brian Westbrook (wrong) pegged as players I would avoid. And while some might criticize me for being so negative and actually eliminating players before the draft, I find it interesting to see if I'm right or wrong when the season is over. Here's a few guys I could see either falling in production, or crapping out all together in 2009 ... so I probably won't draft them unless they fall way lower than their value. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><font color="#aadd99">- RB Clinton Portis (Was) </font color><span style="font-weight:bold;"></span></span> Portis toughed it out through injuries last year to put up good numbers, but his history of bumps and bruises is starting to pile up. For the most part, he tends to carry the Redskin offense and with very few changes to personnel on that side of the ball he will again be counted on heavily which could easily lead to a very fatigued and very injured RB. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><font color="#aadd99">- WR Antonio Bryant (TB) </font color><span style="font-weight:bold;"></span></span> The term "One Year Wonder" comes to mind whenever I see or hear his name. Yes, he had a huge season for the Buccaneers last year, but he was out to prove himself. This year, his ego will be recharged and he will be playing with a new QB (possibly a rookie) and working with a new coaching staff. Despite the fact he was franchised by the new regime in Tampa, I strongly believe he cannot repeat the numbers he had last season.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><font color="#aadd99">- QB Marc Bulger (STL) </font color><span style="font-weight:bold;"></span></span> Inexperienced receivers, a young offensive line, and durability issues will be his undoing this year. With the departures of Torry Holt and Orlando Pace, Bulger is now the captain of a sinking passing game. It's unlikely he'll have any serious impact this year, so why even bother with him?<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><font color="#aadd99">- WR Darrius Heyward-Bey (Oak) </font color><span style="font-weight:bold;"></span></span> I'm still trying to swallow the fact the Raiders took him instead of Crabtree or Maclin without trying to trade down to get him. He's already gotten injured in OTAs and I have a feeling it won't get a lot better in his rookie year. I'll be shocked if he scores more than three TDs this year, if that.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><font color="#aadd99">- RB Jamal Lewis (Cle) </font color><span style="font-weight:bold;"></span></span> Give him credit for toughing it out in Cleveland the last couple of years, but the writing is on the wall for the former 2000 yard rusher. He is still projected to be the Brown's starting RB, but on a team with a new staff, a new offense, and an unstable QB situation I don't like his prospects for 2009.Vicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01742397389388602847noreply@blogger.com1