So how many of you tuned in at half time on Sunday to see the Philadelphia Eagles score and say 'WHAT THE HELL!!!' Tell the truth, don't lie. I'll admit it. I'm one of the people that watched that game and was absolutely blown away by Donovan McNabb, and the Eagles' performance on Sunday.
The most surprising thing was that Kevin Curtis went off like a rocket. In the preseason I had a feeling that he would be the best receiver in Philly, yet through the first two weeks of the season he had done exactly jack squat. Then Sunday against a Detroit Lions' Defense that looked completely inept and lost out there, McNabb, Curtis, and Westbrook put on an offensive show in the world's most hideous looking uniforms. I've seen NASCAR race jackets that were less annoying than those things.
Another wrinkle that the Eagles threw at us on Sunday was that Westbrook had the possibility of not even playing on Sunday. If you had to set your lineup early or just had healthier options on your bench chances are you missed out on all of those fantasy points put up by those 3 Eagles. I know I had Curtis benched in all the leagues I have him in. Which is like four leagues in all. The one league I had Westbrook I had him started, only because I didn't have access to a computer over the weekend.
So what can we expect from the Eagles offense heading forward? Is it going to be common place that McNabb will put up respectable numbers each week and help out Curtis, and Westbrook? Current wisdom would suggest that this is most likely a flash in the pan show of greatness, and that you shouldn't chase the box scores. Derek Andersen lit up the Bengals 2 weeks ago, and struggled some against the Raiders last week. I know some people sat down some good quarterbacks, to start Andersen based on the Cincinnati game.
If you drafted Westbrook and McNabb as your number ones at their position, you shouldn't hesitate to start them. (As of this writing Westbrook is Day to Day with an abdominal strain.) However, the question comes to Curtis. If you have other under-performing wideouts (see: Evans, Lee) then go ahead and start Curtis. If you have solid WRs, don't hesitate to leave Curtis on your bench. It is highly unlikely he'll put up another 220 yards with 3 TDs again.
Monday, September 24, 2007
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Hitting the Panic Button (and when to)
After 2 weeks you should know where your squad stands. Whether you are 2-0, 0-2, or coasting with a 1-1 record. Chances are if you started out with an 0-2 record, you are thinking about blowing your team up. However, there are steps you should take before doing so. You need to take a good hard look at the reason you are winless. Below are 3 reasons why you could be "O-fer" and the actions you may need to take to rectify it so you can make your push to the playoffs.
I've got a good team, but I'm just getting stomped.
This problem is spotted by seeing that your team is scoring well. It's good enough that you would beat more than half the teams on that given Sunday, except the one you played. Many on-line services have a 'power ranking' feature that tells you how powerful your team is if you played everyone in a week. If you are in the top of this listing, and are still winless, you might not want to make many changes to your core lineup. Especially with the bye weeks starting in week 4. The lower you are in this standing the more moves you may want make. Perhaps you can trade that big name, under-performing RB for a lower tier one, or a better performing WR. Trades matter on how creative you can be, and how gullible your trade partner is.
I've got a big name team that should do well, they are just performing like crap!
There are many high ranked draft picks from the pre-season that are total under-performing their draft position. Players from San Diego (excepting Antonio Gates) have struggled mightily early this season. Is that because SD sucks, or because they have played really good defenses? Also, New Orleans has been VERY disappointing this season. They had the most explosive offense in the pre-season, and now they look worse than the Vikings on offense. Your job, if you are 0-2, is to figure out where your players are on this scale? Once you figure out where you are, you need to then figure out if those players will improve, or continue to suck. If you think they will improve, then you need to toughen up and weather the storm. If you think they will continue to suck, then find some gullible tool in your league talk your guys up and unload them for better merchandise. This situation lends itself more to being patient than hitting the panic button. Week 3 should be a good show of where certain players are at, either overrated or underrated.
I drafted overrated hacks that aren't doing jack squat!
If this is your situation, then you need to find your panic button, hit it hard, hit it repeatedly. When you start 0-2 because your team isn't scoring, or injured or worse, it is time to move on. You should overhaul your roster as much as you possibly can. Perhaps hang on to a few guys that are actually performing and trade or cut the rest. Every year serviceable players emerge from nowhere that you may be able to pick up off the waiver wire. (See: Ward, Derrick, and Wynn, DeShawn.) Perhaps you can trade your hacks for different hacks with more upside.
The one thing you don't want to do, is give up completely. Even if your team sucks you need to stick it out and try and learn a thing or two, and keep fielding a "competitive" team. Update your lineup weekly, and not start injured or suspended players. If you are going to get beat, you should let it happen straight up, and not give the teams you play an unfair advantage in your league. Players HATE it when other players bail on the league halfway through the season. Don't be that guy. You owe it to your league, and your fellow players to stick it out and try and improve your team as much as possible.
Strange things happen in the game of Fantasy Football. For example 2 years ago or so I had a team I hated. It started 3-4 and was buried in my division. The WRs I drafted high were crap. The RBs were okay, but couldn't put up enough points to cover the Wide Outs slacking. After a couple trades and waiver pickups, the team came around and finished 10-4. I made the playoffs and took 3rd place in the league. It's just an example of how things can turn around if you don't give up.
Starting 0-2 isn't a death sentence in Fantasy Football. It does make things more difficult on your quest to win the championship, though. However, identifying your team's problems and establishing a plan to fix them will go a long way in turning your team around. The only problem that can't be fixed is apathy in your team. As long as you are trying, things will get better. If nothing else, it gives you a reason to develop some nifty grudges against players. I will never draft Nate Burleson again, simply because he cost me too much with high draft picks two years in a row.
I've got a good team, but I'm just getting stomped.
This problem is spotted by seeing that your team is scoring well. It's good enough that you would beat more than half the teams on that given Sunday, except the one you played. Many on-line services have a 'power ranking' feature that tells you how powerful your team is if you played everyone in a week. If you are in the top of this listing, and are still winless, you might not want to make many changes to your core lineup. Especially with the bye weeks starting in week 4. The lower you are in this standing the more moves you may want make. Perhaps you can trade that big name, under-performing RB for a lower tier one, or a better performing WR. Trades matter on how creative you can be, and how gullible your trade partner is.
I've got a big name team that should do well, they are just performing like crap!
There are many high ranked draft picks from the pre-season that are total under-performing their draft position. Players from San Diego (excepting Antonio Gates) have struggled mightily early this season. Is that because SD sucks, or because they have played really good defenses? Also, New Orleans has been VERY disappointing this season. They had the most explosive offense in the pre-season, and now they look worse than the Vikings on offense. Your job, if you are 0-2, is to figure out where your players are on this scale? Once you figure out where you are, you need to then figure out if those players will improve, or continue to suck. If you think they will improve, then you need to toughen up and weather the storm. If you think they will continue to suck, then find some gullible tool in your league talk your guys up and unload them for better merchandise. This situation lends itself more to being patient than hitting the panic button. Week 3 should be a good show of where certain players are at, either overrated or underrated.
I drafted overrated hacks that aren't doing jack squat!
If this is your situation, then you need to find your panic button, hit it hard, hit it repeatedly. When you start 0-2 because your team isn't scoring, or injured or worse, it is time to move on. You should overhaul your roster as much as you possibly can. Perhaps hang on to a few guys that are actually performing and trade or cut the rest. Every year serviceable players emerge from nowhere that you may be able to pick up off the waiver wire. (See: Ward, Derrick, and Wynn, DeShawn.) Perhaps you can trade your hacks for different hacks with more upside.
The one thing you don't want to do, is give up completely. Even if your team sucks you need to stick it out and try and learn a thing or two, and keep fielding a "competitive" team. Update your lineup weekly, and not start injured or suspended players. If you are going to get beat, you should let it happen straight up, and not give the teams you play an unfair advantage in your league. Players HATE it when other players bail on the league halfway through the season. Don't be that guy. You owe it to your league, and your fellow players to stick it out and try and improve your team as much as possible.
Strange things happen in the game of Fantasy Football. For example 2 years ago or so I had a team I hated. It started 3-4 and was buried in my division. The WRs I drafted high were crap. The RBs were okay, but couldn't put up enough points to cover the Wide Outs slacking. After a couple trades and waiver pickups, the team came around and finished 10-4. I made the playoffs and took 3rd place in the league. It's just an example of how things can turn around if you don't give up.
Starting 0-2 isn't a death sentence in Fantasy Football. It does make things more difficult on your quest to win the championship, though. However, identifying your team's problems and establishing a plan to fix them will go a long way in turning your team around. The only problem that can't be fixed is apathy in your team. As long as you are trying, things will get better. If nothing else, it gives you a reason to develop some nifty grudges against players. I will never draft Nate Burleson again, simply because he cost me too much with high draft picks two years in a row.
Saturday, August 18, 2007
Updating the Lists, (QBs) - 2007
Here we have the top 25 QBs. The top 5 changed slightly, as well as the bottom 5. The middle stays fairly stable.
Marc Bulger moves into the top 5 bumping Rivers to 6th. Bulger has signed his contract, is in camp, and supposedly happy. He has some of the best supporting cast in the NFL with my #1 WR, and #2 RB. Bulger, if he stays healthy, could be the best QB this year.
Additions: T. Jax, and J. Heatherton. Jackson is looking competent in camp and preseason games. Williamson is looking like he can catch this year, and he could be great as a last round flier. Joey - well, he's a veteran starter.
Byron Leftwich moved up. He's got good receivers and great backs, and he is looking determined to be the long term starter in Jacksonville. He could be an acceptable back-up QB for your squad.
Donovan McNabb looked great in his first start, answering questions about his new knee.
Jason Campbell, in Washington could be interesting. But I don't know what he will do. Redskins are just annoying to try and figure out this early. The last fw years they have been terrible, but Campbell is showing flashes. Can he be a fantasy starter? No. Last round backup? Sure.
Chad Pennington looked brutal in his game against the Vikings. Is that a trend or mirage? I'll think it to be a mirage, until there is more evidence to convince me otherwise.
You don't want to deal with the Tampa Bay Quarterbacks. Garcia looks bad. Simms is rumored to be traded. Their offensive line looks brutal too. You just don't want anything to do with them.
JaMarcus Russel hasn't signed yet, and won't be the starter. Daunte Cullpepper signed in Oakland and is taking a crash course in their offense. He could be the starter, but you don't want to dabble in Oak Town, until someone proves they are worthy.
Tom Brady is looking rusty in the Pre-Season. Although I still believe he will be better than Peyton Manning this year. Manning is still the first round 'safe' pick. Whereas I'm seeing Brady go later in drafts. Around round 4 as an average.
| 1. Tom Brady - NE |
| 2. Peyton Manning - |
| 3. |
| 4. Drew Brees - NO |
| 5. Marc Bulger - STL |
| 6. Phillip Rivers - SD |
| 7. Donovan McNabb - PHI |
| 8. Matt Hasselbeck - SEA |
| 9. Jon Kitna - DET |
| 10. Matt Leinart - ARI |
| 11. Jay Cutler - DEN |
| 12. Jake Delhomme - CAR |
| 13. Brett Favre - GB |
| 14. Eli Manning - NYG |
| 15. Vince Young - TEN |
| 16. Ben Roethlisberger - PIT |
| 17. |
| 18. J.P. Losman - BUF |
| 19. Byron Leftwich - JAX |
| 20. Rex Grossman - CHI |
| 21. Tony Romo - DAL |
| 22. Jason Campbell - WAS |
| 23. Steve McNair - BAL |
| 24. Joey Harrington - ATL |
| 25. Tarvaris Jackson - MIN |
Marc Bulger moves into the top 5 bumping Rivers to 6th. Bulger has signed his contract, is in camp, and supposedly happy. He has some of the best supporting cast in the NFL with my #1 WR, and #2 RB. Bulger, if he stays healthy, could be the best QB this year.
Additions: T. Jax, and J. Heatherton. Jackson is looking competent in camp and preseason games. Williamson is looking like he can catch this year, and he could be great as a last round flier. Joey - well, he's a veteran starter.
Byron Leftwich moved up. He's got good receivers and great backs, and he is looking determined to be the long term starter in Jacksonville. He could be an acceptable back-up QB for your squad.
Donovan McNabb looked great in his first start, answering questions about his new knee.
Jason Campbell, in Washington could be interesting. But I don't know what he will do. Redskins are just annoying to try and figure out this early. The last fw years they have been terrible, but Campbell is showing flashes. Can he be a fantasy starter? No. Last round backup? Sure.
Chad Pennington looked brutal in his game against the Vikings. Is that a trend or mirage? I'll think it to be a mirage, until there is more evidence to convince me otherwise.
You don't want to deal with the Tampa Bay Quarterbacks. Garcia looks bad. Simms is rumored to be traded. Their offensive line looks brutal too. You just don't want anything to do with them.
JaMarcus Russel hasn't signed yet, and won't be the starter. Daunte Cullpepper signed in Oakland and is taking a crash course in their offense. He could be the starter, but you don't want to dabble in Oak Town, until someone proves they are worthy.
Tom Brady is looking rusty in the Pre-Season. Although I still believe he will be better than Peyton Manning this year. Manning is still the first round 'safe' pick. Whereas I'm seeing Brady go later in drafts. Around round 4 as an average.
updating the lists (WRs) -2007
Here are the updated WR rankings.
Enjoy!
Dennis Northcutt is added to the list this time. Rumors out of Jacksonville, is that he will be the #1 WR there. He has been getting a majority of the looks this preseason.
Wes Welker has moved up nicely in my rankings. He looks to be the #3 in NE, but that's the slot/underneath receiver. Which could be helpful in the dump off and run game. Especially if the NE O-Line continues to struggle.
Joe Horn stays on the list mainly for name recognition. I wouldn't draft him. Atlanta looks terrible this year.
DJ Hackett is listed above Deion Branch in Seattle. Words out of Seattle is that Hackett has been the best player in camp. Nate Burleson is also getting praise in Seattle this year, although I'm still not going to give up a high draft pick on him. Let other owners draft Branch too high, and take Hackett on the discount.
I believe this is the year that Reggie Wayne takes over as the #1 receiver in Indy. Marvelous Harrison is still going to be a great fantasy play, but I feel that Wayne will be the better one of the two overall.
Randy Moss is falling in my eye because he continues to be hurt. The history has not looked good for Moss, so I have to move him down some. Stallworth has moved up in NE as well because of that.
Kevin Curtis could be the number 1 Receiver in Philly this year. If that officially happens, then Brown and Curtis would swap positions. If your draft is sooner rather than later, I'd take Curtis before Brown.
Enjoy!
| 1. Torry Holt - StL | 2. Steve Smith - CAR |
| 3. Larry Fitzgerald - ARI | 4. Roy Williams - DET |
| 5. | 6. Reggie Wayne - |
| 7. Javon Walker -DEN | 8. Marvin Harrison - |
| 9. Terrell Owens - DAL | 10. Anquan Boldin - ARI |
| 11. Lee Evans - BUF | 12. Marques Colston - NO |
| 13. Donald Driver - GB | 14. TJ Houshmandzaden - CIN |
| 15. Hines Ward - PIT | 16. Randy Moss - NE |
| 17. Calvin Johnson - DET | 18. Andre Johnson - HOU |
| 19. Chris Chambers - MIA | 20. Darrell Jackson - SF |
| 21. Plaxico Burress - NYG | 22. Braylon Edwards - CLE |
| 23. Laveranues Coles - NYJ | 24. Vincent Jackson - SD |
| 25. Jerricho Cotchery - NYJ | 26. Reggie Brown - PHI |
| 27. Greg Jennings - GB | 28. DJ Hackett - SEA |
| 29. Donte Stalworth - NE | 30. Kevin Curtis - PHI |
| 31. Joey Galloway - TB | 32. Santana Moss - WAS |
| 33. Muhsin Muhammad - CHI | 34. Matt Jones - JAX |
| 35. Terry Glenn - DAL | 36. Santonio Holmes - PIT |
| 37. Mike Furrey - DET | 38. Wes Welker - NE |
| 39. Bernard Berrian - CHI | 40. Drew Bennett - StL |
| 41. Robert Meachem - NO | 42. Mark Clayton - BAL |
| 43. Brandon Jones - TEN | 44. Troy Williamson - MIN |
| 45. Deion Branch - SEA | 46. Jerry Porter - OAK |
| 47. Brandon Marshall - DEN | 48. Joe Horn - ATL |
| 49. Ronald Curry - OAK | 50. Dennis Northcutt - JAX |
Dennis Northcutt is added to the list this time. Rumors out of Jacksonville, is that he will be the #1 WR there. He has been getting a majority of the looks this preseason.
Wes Welker has moved up nicely in my rankings. He looks to be the #3 in NE, but that's the slot/underneath receiver. Which could be helpful in the dump off and run game. Especially if the NE O-Line continues to struggle.
Joe Horn stays on the list mainly for name recognition. I wouldn't draft him. Atlanta looks terrible this year.
DJ Hackett is listed above Deion Branch in Seattle. Words out of Seattle is that Hackett has been the best player in camp. Nate Burleson is also getting praise in Seattle this year, although I'm still not going to give up a high draft pick on him. Let other owners draft Branch too high, and take Hackett on the discount.
I believe this is the year that Reggie Wayne takes over as the #1 receiver in Indy. Marvelous Harrison is still going to be a great fantasy play, but I feel that Wayne will be the better one of the two overall.
Randy Moss is falling in my eye because he continues to be hurt. The history has not looked good for Moss, so I have to move him down some. Stallworth has moved up in NE as well because of that.
Kevin Curtis could be the number 1 Receiver in Philly this year. If that officially happens, then Brown and Curtis would swap positions. If your draft is sooner rather than later, I'd take Curtis before Brown.
Updating the lists (RBs) - 2007
Here are the new RB rankings...
There are some significant moves made.
There are some significant moves made.
| 1. Ladanian Tomlinson - SD | 2. Steven Jackson - StL |
| 3. Rudi Johnson -CIN | 4. Shaun Alexander - SEA |
| 5. Larry Johnson - KC | 6. Frank Gore - SF |
| 7. Brian Westbrook - PHI | 8. Laurence Maroney - NE |
| 9. Ronnie Brown - MIA | 10. Joseph Addai - |
| 11. Reggie Bush - NO | 12. Thomas Jones - NYJ |
| 13. Willie Parker - PIT | 14. Maurice Jones-Drew - Jax |
| 15. | 16. Travis Henry - DEN |
| 17. Edgerrin James - ARI | 18. Willis McGahee - BAL |
| 19. Cedric Benson - CHI | 20. Marion Barber - DAL |
| 21. Duece McAlister - NO | 22. Brandon Jacobs - NYG |
| 23. Carnell Williams - TB | 24. LaMont Jordan - OAK |
| 25. Marshawn Lynch - BUF | 26. DeAngelo Williams - CAR |
| 27. Adrian Peterson -MIN | 28. Jamal Lewis - CLE |
| 29. Ahman Green - HOU | 30. Jerious |
| 31. | 32. Chris Henry - TEN |
| 33. Fred Taylor - JAX | 34. DeShaun Foster - CAR |
| 35. Tatum Bell - DET | 36. Julius Jones - DAL |
| 37. Verand Morency - GB | 38. Brandon Jackson - GB |
| 39. Ladell Betts - WAS | 40. Warrick Dunn - ATL |
| 41. Michael Turner - SD | 42. Mike Bell - DEN |
| 43. Kevin Jones - DET | 44. LenDale White - TEN |
| 45. Leon Washington – NYJ | 46. Reuben Droughns - NYG |
| 47. TJ Duckett - DET | 48. Ron Dayne - HOU |
| 49. Dominic Rhodes - OAK | 50. Anthony Thomas - BUF |
The Atlanta backs both fell a bit... Warrick Dunn has fallen dramatically, and Norwood has either stayed the same or fallen a bit. Dunn is hurt, and Atlanta has a silly QB. You can take a chance on Norwood, but I'd just rather avoid the Falcons altogether.
Chris Henry of the Titans, is falling. The signing of Chris Brown hurts his value and he isn't doing anything with his opportunities in the preseason. I'd rather avoid this backfield as well.
There are few other notables, such as Kevin Jones, and Thomas Jones... Kevin is a flier, and Thomas might be making strides into the top ten. Leon Washington would be a mandatory handcuff to Jones, Washington looked nice against a stout Vikings rushing defense.
Friday, August 17, 2007
Updating the lists, TE - 2007
It's about that time to rethink my thinking...
Lets get right into it.
1. Greg Olsen - CHI : He has shot up my chart for TEs. Word out of Chicago is that Olsen is lighting up the camp. The Bears are also doing more two TE sets, designed to get Olsen and Clark the ball under 'confused' LBs. If the top name TEs are off the board, Olsen and Clark could be good chances.
2. Chris Cooley - WAS : Moved down on this list. Jason Campbell is the main reason for this. I'm just trusting him, and the Redskins, less and less each day. Let someone else fall for the name recognition that is Chris Cooley.
3. Visante Shiancoe - MIN : Moved down to 'honorable' mention for this list. Again, I don't really trust him, or Jackson at QB, but he is just one of those guys to keep in the back of your mind, should you need a #2 TE.
The top 10 TEs stayed fairly consistent. I had thought about moving Tony Gonzo down a bump or two, but that's probably as low as he needs to be. I still would let someone else draft him too high, than to target him as your starting TE.
Lets get right into it.
1.Antonio Gates – SD
2. Jeremy Shockey – NYG
3. Todd Heap – BAL
4.
5. LJ Smith – PHI
6. Alge Crumpler – ATL
7. Ben Watson – NE
8. Tony Gonzalez – KC
9. Kellen Winslow – CLE
10. Randy McMichael – StL
11. Greg Olsen – CHI
12. Heath Miller – PIT
13. Jason Witten – DAL
14. Chris Cooley – WAS
15.
16. Owen Daniels – HOU
17. Marcedes Lewis – JAX
18. David Martin – MIA
19. Daniel Graham – DEN
20. Tony Sheffler – DEN
21. Desmond Clark – CHI
22. Leonard Pope – ARI
23. Ben Troupe – TEN
24. Eric Johnson – NO
25. Visante Shancoe - MIN
1. Greg Olsen - CHI : He has shot up my chart for TEs. Word out of Chicago is that Olsen is lighting up the camp. The Bears are also doing more two TE sets, designed to get Olsen and Clark the ball under 'confused' LBs. If the top name TEs are off the board, Olsen and Clark could be good chances.
2. Chris Cooley - WAS : Moved down on this list. Jason Campbell is the main reason for this. I'm just trusting him, and the Redskins, less and less each day. Let someone else fall for the name recognition that is Chris Cooley.
3. Visante Shiancoe - MIN : Moved down to 'honorable' mention for this list. Again, I don't really trust him, or Jackson at QB, but he is just one of those guys to keep in the back of your mind, should you need a #2 TE.
The top 10 TEs stayed fairly consistent. I had thought about moving Tony Gonzo down a bump or two, but that's probably as low as he needs to be. I still would let someone else draft him too high, than to target him as your starting TE.
Saturday, August 4, 2007
Analyzing a draft.
I had my first fantasy football draft on July 20th. It turned out very interesting. I had the 6th pick in a 12 team league, which is not my favorite spot to draft. I prefer either end of the line.
My Team breaks down as follows for a QB Heavy type league.
1. R. Johnson - RB
2. T. Holt - WR
3. T. Jones - RB NYJ
4. M. Colston - WR
5. M. Lynch - RB
6. M. Barber - RB
7. Cal. Johnson - WR Det
8. M. Leinart - QB
9. J. Cutler - QB
10. R. McMichael - TE
11. Vikings -DST
12. A. Thomas - BUF
13. Josh Brown - K
14. W. Welker - WR
I like this team. I got my 3rd rated RB at #6, and my top rater WR in the 2nd round.
The only weak spot I have is at QB, when Tom Brady got sniped in front of me in the 2nd rd. (pick 18), So I got to take Holt at 19. Then when I was looking at my 5th overall QB Phillip Rivers, he got sniped 1 spot in front of me in rd 6. So I took Barber as a time was running out sort of panic. Rivers went 66 overall. Jon Kitna also got gobbled up at #87 before I had to settle and take Leinart at 91. I grabbed Cutler the next round, with the theory that one of the kids would work out. Eli Manning went at 89.
Surprises at the QB position wer that Vince Young went at #40. I think that is overrating him significantly. I have Young as my 15th QB, based on his upside. But he was drafted ahead of QBs like Rivers, Matt Hasslebeck, Jake Delhomme, and Brett Favre. This is a very high ranking for a 2nd year quarterback that is less accurate than Michael Vick. Sure he makes plays with his feet, but that is a very risky proposition to put into your starting QB and a 4th round guy. Players that could have been taken instead include, the afor mentioned QBs, D. McAlister, Jamal Lewis, Tatum Bell, Cedric Benson, A. Boldin, M. Colston, J. Walker, Lee Evans, and Darrell Jackson. That's putting a lot of faith in a guy that only got the Madden Curse, er I mean the cover because Tomlinson didn't want it.
Tony Romo at #72 overall was a surprise as well... I guess it just means people are still drinking the Big Blue Kool Aid. I have him as my 21st QB overall, and he went ahead of my 9-14th ranked QBs. We'll have to see how that one plays out. All I know is I would rather have Kitna (9), than Romo.
The other big surprise in a position is at TE. Tony Gonzalez went 39 overall. He still seems to be living on name recognition. I have him as my 8th ranked TE. His offense is going to be terrible this year, with no real answer at QB, and no WRs to speak of. Tony will be doubled frequently, if not held at the line to block for the weakening O-Line. Gonzo would be a good TE, just not at #39. He belongs in the mid-late rounds with the rest of the TEs these days.
The steal of the draft is going to be Wes Welker. He will get a lot of open looks with Watson, Maroney, Some guy named Moss, and Stallworth flanking all the defenders. Welker could have a better season in NE than he did in Miami.
The Running Back steal of the Draft is LaMont Jordan at #116. He was a top 10 RB last year, and after a season of being in a terrible offense with an OC that was a bed and breakfast owner, people are really down on LaMont. I wouldn't hesitate to have him as my 3rd RB this year, and if his draft slot is any indication, you can easily have him for your 4th RB.
Braylon Edwards was drafted at 117, and I have him as my 17th WR. I may need to rework his slotting because of the QB situation in Cleveland, since Brady Quinn doesn't want to sign. Joe Horn and Mark Clayton were drafted way too early (82, 52). Atlanta could be the worst team in the league, especially with Joey Heatherton throwing the ball, and Baltimore is a run first team, with an ancient QB. I'm staying away from those 2 this year. Mike Furrey also went undrafted this draft. I have him as my 37th WR. Meanwhile, Terry Glenn, my 35th WR went at 53. These are just some oddities that show how far name recognition goes for some people.
Well that is all for this draft. I have a few coming up that I may go over, but I expect many will be similar to this.
Be on the look out for my updated rankings coming in a week or so.
Best of luck to you all this draft season!
My Team breaks down as follows for a QB Heavy type league.
1. R. Johnson - RB
2. T. Holt - WR
3. T. Jones - RB NYJ
4. M. Colston - WR
5. M. Lynch - RB
6. M. Barber - RB
7. Cal. Johnson - WR Det
8. M. Leinart - QB
9. J. Cutler - QB
10. R. McMichael - TE
11. Vikings -DST
12. A. Thomas - BUF
13. Josh Brown - K
14. W. Welker - WR
I like this team. I got my 3rd rated RB at #6, and my top rater WR in the 2nd round.
The only weak spot I have is at QB, when Tom Brady got sniped in front of me in the 2nd rd. (pick 18), So I got to take Holt at 19. Then when I was looking at my 5th overall QB Phillip Rivers, he got sniped 1 spot in front of me in rd 6. So I took Barber as a time was running out sort of panic. Rivers went 66 overall. Jon Kitna also got gobbled up at #87 before I had to settle and take Leinart at 91. I grabbed Cutler the next round, with the theory that one of the kids would work out. Eli Manning went at 89.
Surprises at the QB position wer that Vince Young went at #40. I think that is overrating him significantly. I have Young as my 15th QB, based on his upside. But he was drafted ahead of QBs like Rivers, Matt Hasslebeck, Jake Delhomme, and Brett Favre. This is a very high ranking for a 2nd year quarterback that is less accurate than Michael Vick. Sure he makes plays with his feet, but that is a very risky proposition to put into your starting QB and a 4th round guy. Players that could have been taken instead include, the afor mentioned QBs, D. McAlister, Jamal Lewis, Tatum Bell, Cedric Benson, A. Boldin, M. Colston, J. Walker, Lee Evans, and Darrell Jackson. That's putting a lot of faith in a guy that only got the Madden Curse, er I mean the cover because Tomlinson didn't want it.
Tony Romo at #72 overall was a surprise as well... I guess it just means people are still drinking the Big Blue Kool Aid. I have him as my 21st QB overall, and he went ahead of my 9-14th ranked QBs. We'll have to see how that one plays out. All I know is I would rather have Kitna (9), than Romo.
The other big surprise in a position is at TE. Tony Gonzalez went 39 overall. He still seems to be living on name recognition. I have him as my 8th ranked TE. His offense is going to be terrible this year, with no real answer at QB, and no WRs to speak of. Tony will be doubled frequently, if not held at the line to block for the weakening O-Line. Gonzo would be a good TE, just not at #39. He belongs in the mid-late rounds with the rest of the TEs these days.
The steal of the draft is going to be Wes Welker. He will get a lot of open looks with Watson, Maroney, Some guy named Moss, and Stallworth flanking all the defenders. Welker could have a better season in NE than he did in Miami.
The Running Back steal of the Draft is LaMont Jordan at #116. He was a top 10 RB last year, and after a season of being in a terrible offense with an OC that was a bed and breakfast owner, people are really down on LaMont. I wouldn't hesitate to have him as my 3rd RB this year, and if his draft slot is any indication, you can easily have him for your 4th RB.
Braylon Edwards was drafted at 117, and I have him as my 17th WR. I may need to rework his slotting because of the QB situation in Cleveland, since Brady Quinn doesn't want to sign. Joe Horn and Mark Clayton were drafted way too early (82, 52). Atlanta could be the worst team in the league, especially with Joey Heatherton throwing the ball, and Baltimore is a run first team, with an ancient QB. I'm staying away from those 2 this year. Mike Furrey also went undrafted this draft. I have him as my 37th WR. Meanwhile, Terry Glenn, my 35th WR went at 53. These are just some oddities that show how far name recognition goes for some people.
Well that is all for this draft. I have a few coming up that I may go over, but I expect many will be similar to this.
Be on the look out for my updated rankings coming in a week or so.
Best of luck to you all this draft season!
Friday, July 20, 2007
Top 25 TEs 2007
Time for the top 25 TEs.
Only the first 10-15 matter, but We're going to do more than we need.
1. Antonio Gates - SD
2. Jeremy Shockey - NYG
3. Todd Heap - BAL
4. Vernon Davis - SF
5. LJ Smith - PHI
6. Alge Crumpler - ATL
7. Ben Watson - NE
8. Tony Gonzalez - KC
9. Kellen Winslow - CLE
10. Randy McMichael - StL
11. Chris Cooley - WAS
12. Heath Miller - PIT
13. Jason Witten - DAL
14. Dallas Clark - IND
15. Owen Daniels - HOU
16. Marcedes Lewis - JAX
17. Greg Olsen - CHI
18 David Martin - MIA
19. Daniel Graham - DEN
20. Tony Sheffler - DEN
21. Visante Shancoe - MIN
22. Leonard Pope - ARI
23. Ben Troupe - TEN
24. Eric Johnson - NO
25. Desmond Clark - CHI
Antonio Gates is head and shoulders above the rest of the TEs. He's the only TE you'd consider drafting in the upper 3 rounds. Everyone else is just details.
Tony Gonzalez is showing up in his lowest ranking in years. This is because of the low hope of the KC Offensive Line. KC doesn't have as good a QB as they used to have. Therefore, Gonzo is expected to stay in and block more than usual. He is still a good choice in the later rounds, but not the top 3 TE he was going into last year.
Everyone else is rather unremarkable. Randy McMichael could enjoy a resurgence in a new town, with a better quarterback. He could be vastly under rated at #10.
Only the first 10-15 matter, but We're going to do more than we need.
1. Antonio Gates - SD
2. Jeremy Shockey - NYG
3. Todd Heap - BAL
4. Vernon Davis - SF
5. LJ Smith - PHI
6. Alge Crumpler - ATL
7. Ben Watson - NE
8. Tony Gonzalez - KC
9. Kellen Winslow - CLE
10. Randy McMichael - StL
11. Chris Cooley - WAS
12. Heath Miller - PIT
13. Jason Witten - DAL
14. Dallas Clark - IND
15. Owen Daniels - HOU
16. Marcedes Lewis - JAX
17. Greg Olsen - CHI
18 David Martin - MIA
19. Daniel Graham - DEN
20. Tony Sheffler - DEN
21. Visante Shancoe - MIN
22. Leonard Pope - ARI
23. Ben Troupe - TEN
24. Eric Johnson - NO
25. Desmond Clark - CHI
Antonio Gates is head and shoulders above the rest of the TEs. He's the only TE you'd consider drafting in the upper 3 rounds. Everyone else is just details.
Tony Gonzalez is showing up in his lowest ranking in years. This is because of the low hope of the KC Offensive Line. KC doesn't have as good a QB as they used to have. Therefore, Gonzo is expected to stay in and block more than usual. He is still a good choice in the later rounds, but not the top 3 TE he was going into last year.
Everyone else is rather unremarkable. Randy McMichael could enjoy a resurgence in a new town, with a better quarterback. He could be vastly under rated at #10.
Top 50 WRs in 2007.
Here we go... Gotta keep on keepin' on.
Now we have my Top 50 WRs.
1. Torry Holt - StL 2. Steve Smith - CAR
3. Larry Fitzgerald - ARI 4. Chad Johnson - CIN
5. Roy Williams - DET 6. Marvin Harrison - IND
7. Javon Walker -DEN 8. Reggie Wayne - IND
9. Terrell Owens - DAL 10. Randy Moss - NE
11. Donald Driver - GB 12. Anquan Boldin - ARI
13. TJ Houshmandzaden - CIN 14. Marques Colston - NO
15. Hines Ward - PIT 16. Andre Johnson - HOU
17. Braylon Edwards - CLE 18. Lee Evans - BUF
19. Chris Chambers - MIA 20. Darrell Jackson - SF
21. Plaxico Burress - NYG 22. Calvin Johnson - DET
23. Reggie Brown - PHI 24. Vincent Jackson - SD
25. Laveranues Coles - NYJ 26. Santana Moss - WAS
27. Matt Jones - JAX 28. Greg Jennings - GB
29. Jerricho Cotchery - NYJ 30. Donte Stalworth - NE
31. Joey Galloway - TB 32. Muhsin Muhammad - CHI
33. Santonio Holmes - PIT 34. DJ Hackett - SEA
35. Terry Glenn - DAL 36. Ronald Curry - OAK
37. Mike Furrey - DET 38. Kevin Curtis - PHI
39. Bernard Berrian - CHI 40. Drew Bennett - StL
41. Robert Meachem - NO 42. Mark Clayton - BAL
43. Brandon Jones - TEN 44. Joe Horn - ATL
45. Deion Branch - SEA 46. Jerry Porter - OAK
47. Brandon Marshall - DEN 48. Wes Welker - NE
49. Sidney Rice - MIN 50. Troy Williamson - MIN
I have Torry Holt as my #1 WR this year. He is, year in year out, one of the top 5 WRs in the league. While in the QB ranks that's enough to bump Peyton Manning down, in the WRs that's consistency that you have to have on your roster.
I ranked Randy Moss back in the top 10, simply because he moved to New England. I think under the tutiledge of Bill Belichick and Tom Brady, Moss will return to his former forceful self. He may have lost a step, but his desire to win a ring, overcomes any of that jazz.
Last year's 7th round phenom Marques Colston vaulted into the top 15. He is the number 1 option in a pass happy New Orleans offense. Rookie Robert Meecham should win the number 2 job and form one of the top WR tandems in the league catching balls from Drew Brees.
Now we have my Top 50 WRs.
1. Torry Holt - StL 2. Steve Smith - CAR
3. Larry Fitzgerald - ARI 4. Chad Johnson - CIN
5. Roy Williams - DET 6. Marvin Harrison - IND
7. Javon Walker -DEN 8. Reggie Wayne - IND
9. Terrell Owens - DAL 10. Randy Moss - NE
11. Donald Driver - GB 12. Anquan Boldin - ARI
13. TJ Houshmandzaden - CIN 14. Marques Colston - NO
15. Hines Ward - PIT 16. Andre Johnson - HOU
17. Braylon Edwards - CLE 18. Lee Evans - BUF
19. Chris Chambers - MIA 20. Darrell Jackson - SF
21. Plaxico Burress - NYG 22. Calvin Johnson - DET
23. Reggie Brown - PHI 24. Vincent Jackson - SD
25. Laveranues Coles - NYJ 26. Santana Moss - WAS
27. Matt Jones - JAX 28. Greg Jennings - GB
29. Jerricho Cotchery - NYJ 30. Donte Stalworth - NE
31. Joey Galloway - TB 32. Muhsin Muhammad - CHI
33. Santonio Holmes - PIT 34. DJ Hackett - SEA
35. Terry Glenn - DAL 36. Ronald Curry - OAK
37. Mike Furrey - DET 38. Kevin Curtis - PHI
39. Bernard Berrian - CHI 40. Drew Bennett - StL
41. Robert Meachem - NO 42. Mark Clayton - BAL
43. Brandon Jones - TEN 44. Joe Horn - ATL
45. Deion Branch - SEA 46. Jerry Porter - OAK
47. Brandon Marshall - DEN 48. Wes Welker - NE
49. Sidney Rice - MIN 50. Troy Williamson - MIN
I have Torry Holt as my #1 WR this year. He is, year in year out, one of the top 5 WRs in the league. While in the QB ranks that's enough to bump Peyton Manning down, in the WRs that's consistency that you have to have on your roster.
I ranked Randy Moss back in the top 10, simply because he moved to New England. I think under the tutiledge of Bill Belichick and Tom Brady, Moss will return to his former forceful self. He may have lost a step, but his desire to win a ring, overcomes any of that jazz.
Last year's 7th round phenom Marques Colston vaulted into the top 15. He is the number 1 option in a pass happy New Orleans offense. Rookie Robert Meecham should win the number 2 job and form one of the top WR tandems in the league catching balls from Drew Brees.
Top 50 RBs of 2007
Here we go... Time to list the top 50 RBs heading into this year. Like my QB list, this one should have a few surprises.
So without further ado...
1. Ladanian Tomlinson - SD 2. Steven Jackson - StL
3. Rudi Johnson -CIN 4. Shaun Alexander - SEA
5. Larry Johnson - KC 6. Frank Gore - SF
7. Brian Westbrook - PHI 8. Laurence Maroney - NE
9. Maurice Jones-Drew - Jax 10. Joseph Addai - IND
11. Reggie Bush - NO 12. Ronnie Brown - MIA
13. Willie Parker - PIT 14. Clinton Portis - WAS
15. Thomas Jones - NYJ 16. Marion Barber - DAL
17. Edgerrin James - ARI 18. Cedric Benson - CHI
19. Travis Henry - DEN 20. Willis McGahee - BAL
21. Duece McAlister - NO 22. Brandon Jacobs - NYG
23. Carnell Williams - TB 24. Adrian Peterson -MIN
25. Marshawn Lynch - BUF 26. DeAngelo Williams - CAR
27. Chris Henry - TEN 28. LaMont Jordan - OAK
29. Ahman Green - HOU 30. Jamal Lewis - CLE
31. Chester Taylor - MIN 32. Warrick Dunn - ATL
33. Tatum Bell - DET 34. DeShaun Foster - CAR
35. Jerious Norwood - ATL 36. Julius Jones - DAL
37. Verand Morency - GB 38. Ladell Betts - WAS
39. Fred Taylor - JAX 40. Brandon Jackson - GB
41. Michael Turner - SD 42. Mike Bell - DEN
43. Anthony Thomas - BUF 44. LenDale White - TEN
45. Leon Washington - NYJ 46. Reuben Droughns - NYG
47. TJ Duckett - DET 48. Ron Dayne - HOU
49. Dominic Rhodes - OAK 50. Kevin Jones - DET
LT is the predominate rusher in Fantasy Football. He might not score as many TDs this year, as last, because Phillip Rivers has come into his own. However, he still is the undisputed #1 overall in Fantasy land.
LJ, Last years #2 heading into the preseason, is bumped down to #5. He's still a great player, and heading into a contract year. However, his coach has stated that he is not going to be used as much, his line got worse, his QB got worse, and Michael Bennett could steal some of his 400 carries from last year.
Steven Jackson is this years #2 RB. He does it all in St. Louis. He catches out of the backfield, and rushes more than anyone wants to give him credit for. Since Marshall Faulk went down, Jackson has become the focal point of the offense. Being surrounded by Marc Bulger, Torry Holt, Ike Bruce, and whoever else wants to catch passes, tends to leave Jackson with more running room than most rushers in the NFL.
Brian Westbrook is much like Jackson, in that he does it all, and has a great team surrounding him. He isn't ranked higher because he has a history of injury. However, last year he proved he could handle 90% of the season, which moved him up from the late teens to #8. I have a lot of faith in Westbrook, and wouldn't mind him as a #1 RB, depending where you draft.
The rest of the backs have their reasons for being where they are, if you have any questions, feel free to email me at eikey1729@sbcglobal.net.
Rhodes is 49 because he got himself suspended for 4 games for a DUI in Oaktown shortly after moving out there.
Kevin Jones is currently 50th, because noone knows if he will play this season. If he does play, you would move him closer to Tatum Bell (while moving Bell down). The Detroit backfield could be a complete mess this year, and I'd probably just stay away from it, like I do with Denver's Backfield.
So without further ado...
1. Ladanian Tomlinson - SD 2. Steven Jackson - StL
3. Rudi Johnson -CIN 4. Shaun Alexander - SEA
5. Larry Johnson - KC 6. Frank Gore - SF
7. Brian Westbrook - PHI 8. Laurence Maroney - NE
9. Maurice Jones-Drew - Jax 10. Joseph Addai - IND
11. Reggie Bush - NO 12. Ronnie Brown - MIA
13. Willie Parker - PIT 14. Clinton Portis - WAS
15. Thomas Jones - NYJ 16. Marion Barber - DAL
17. Edgerrin James - ARI 18. Cedric Benson - CHI
19. Travis Henry - DEN 20. Willis McGahee - BAL
21. Duece McAlister - NO 22. Brandon Jacobs - NYG
23. Carnell Williams - TB 24. Adrian Peterson -MIN
25. Marshawn Lynch - BUF 26. DeAngelo Williams - CAR
27. Chris Henry - TEN 28. LaMont Jordan - OAK
29. Ahman Green - HOU 30. Jamal Lewis - CLE
31. Chester Taylor - MIN 32. Warrick Dunn - ATL
33. Tatum Bell - DET 34. DeShaun Foster - CAR
35. Jerious Norwood - ATL 36. Julius Jones - DAL
37. Verand Morency - GB 38. Ladell Betts - WAS
39. Fred Taylor - JAX 40. Brandon Jackson - GB
41. Michael Turner - SD 42. Mike Bell - DEN
43. Anthony Thomas - BUF 44. LenDale White - TEN
45. Leon Washington - NYJ 46. Reuben Droughns - NYG
47. TJ Duckett - DET 48. Ron Dayne - HOU
49. Dominic Rhodes - OAK 50. Kevin Jones - DET
LT is the predominate rusher in Fantasy Football. He might not score as many TDs this year, as last, because Phillip Rivers has come into his own. However, he still is the undisputed #1 overall in Fantasy land.
LJ, Last years #2 heading into the preseason, is bumped down to #5. He's still a great player, and heading into a contract year. However, his coach has stated that he is not going to be used as much, his line got worse, his QB got worse, and Michael Bennett could steal some of his 400 carries from last year.
Steven Jackson is this years #2 RB. He does it all in St. Louis. He catches out of the backfield, and rushes more than anyone wants to give him credit for. Since Marshall Faulk went down, Jackson has become the focal point of the offense. Being surrounded by Marc Bulger, Torry Holt, Ike Bruce, and whoever else wants to catch passes, tends to leave Jackson with more running room than most rushers in the NFL.
Brian Westbrook is much like Jackson, in that he does it all, and has a great team surrounding him. He isn't ranked higher because he has a history of injury. However, last year he proved he could handle 90% of the season, which moved him up from the late teens to #8. I have a lot of faith in Westbrook, and wouldn't mind him as a #1 RB, depending where you draft.
The rest of the backs have their reasons for being where they are, if you have any questions, feel free to email me at eikey1729@sbcglobal.net.
Rhodes is 49 because he got himself suspended for 4 games for a DUI in Oaktown shortly after moving out there.
Kevin Jones is currently 50th, because noone knows if he will play this season. If he does play, you would move him closer to Tatum Bell (while moving Bell down). The Detroit backfield could be a complete mess this year, and I'd probably just stay away from it, like I do with Denver's Backfield.
Sunday, July 15, 2007
Top 25 QBs of 2007
It's that time, finally. Time to start looking at the player rankings for 2007. I'll start this series by listing my top 25 QBs. I chose 25 because if you are in a 12 team league, like many of you are, then that leaves a starter and a backup for each team. So without further ado, lets get started!
Hopefully these rankings won't scare you too much.
1. Tom Brady - NE
2. Peyton Manning - IND
3. Carson Palmer - CIN
4. Drew Brees - NO
5. Phillip Rivers - SD
6. Donovan McNabb - PHI
7. Marc Bulger - STL
8. Matt Hasselbeck - SEA
9. Jon Kitna - DET
10. Matt Leinart - ARI
11. Jay Cutler - DEN
12. Brett Favre - GB
13. Eli Manning - NYG
14. Michael 'Ron Mexico' Vick - ATL
15. Vince Young - TEN
16. Jake Delhomme - CAR
1 7. Ben Roethlisberger - PIT
18. Chad Pennington - NYJ
19. J.P. Losman - BUF
20. Rex Grossman - CHI
21. Tony Romo - DAL
22. Matt Schaub - HOU
23. Jason Campbell - WAS
24. Byron Leftwich - JAX
25. Steve McNair - BAL
I know it may come as some surprise to see Peyton Manning not listed as the #1 QB, by myself. Many outlets indeed do have the elder Manning as their number 1 QB. I suppose I should attempt to rationalize this. First, I absolutely love what the Patriots have done to their receiving corps this off season. Adding Randy Moss is easily the best reason to bump Brady. However, they also added Donte Stallworth and Wes Welker, as fabulous counterparts to Moss. The receiving corp, has suddenly gotten so swollen that it may be hard to find Troy Brown a spot on this roster. Keep in mind that Brady has a great tight end in Ben Watson, and Laurance Maroney who can catch passes out of the backfield. Without a true 'Goal Line Back' the Patriots could be forced to throw it in from 10 yds out, which is how Peyton Manning got all his touchdowns a few years ago.
Secondly, Peyton Manning's big claim to fame is that he is consistent week to week. Which if you are pulling a mid first round pick, Manning would be a great choice. However, you need to remember that Manning has rarely finished as the number 1 overall fantasy quarterback. Last year he wouldn't have gotten close if McNabb hadn't blown out a knee in week 9. While I appreciate all of Manning's skill and prowess for putting up points, I just don't think that he will be this year's number 1. Harrison is getting older, and was showing signs last year of losing a step. Joseph Addai has to prove that he can handle a full year as the feature back, now that Dominic Rhodes has moved on to Oakland to get a fresh set of DUIs.
Another surprising top 10 guy, is Jon Kitna. This just shows what kind of faith I have in the Mad Scientists offense. Kitna was among the leaders in yardage last year. He just needs some more TDs to go with it. Calvin Johnson, and Roy Williams should be all the Lions need to bolster those numbers. Also the Detroit running game looks dismal at best, with Kevin Jones, not likely to do anything special after Lis Franc surgery on his foot. Tatum Bell, TJ Duckett, and Shawn Bryson really aren't going to strike fear into the hearts of defenses, but they may be respectable enough to keep defenses from playing the pass too much. Also Detroit gets to play the Vikings Secondary twice, so that should help.
Five more QBs to keep an eye on.
1. Trent Green - MIA
2. Damon Huard - KC
3. Brady Quinn - CLE
4. Jeff Garcia - TB
5. Tarvaris Jackson - MIN
Green got an off season relocation to Miami. There he will have better receivers to throw to, and a decent running game to back him up. Green has also been among the league leaders before 2006, when he got his bell rung and missed most of the season. The knock this year on Green, is that Miami's O-Line isn't all that great. It could protect him well enough, but all it did last year is get Daunte Cullpepper nearly killed. Trent is just one good hit away from being knocked into retirement, so if you need a late round flier on a proven commodity, Green might be your man.
Damon Huard, Green's replacement is penciled in as the starter in KC. However, word out of Arrowhead is that the Chief's will do everything they can to make Brodie Croyle the starter. Huard proved last year that he is capable of handling the starter's gig. He played well enough to support fantasy teams, but not well enough to star. He does have Larry Johnson, who should put up fantastic numbers again this year, regardless of the troubles that have gone on with their O-Line. Although, if Croyle wins the job, don't expect Johnson or the Chief's to do anything fantastic this year.
Brady Quinn, has the weapons on Offense to do so damage, and a rebuilt O-Line to protect him. However, being a rookie, he needs to prove it in camp. Quinn would also be helped out with a running game. The Browns currently have no one of name, unless you think an old Jamal Lewis is going to regain his prior form. Quinn also needs to be able to beat out Charlie Frye to win the job, which could pose a bit of a challenge to the rookie. Most pundits seem to think that that won't be too hard. Look for Quinn to be one of the more surprising players this year.
Jeff Garcia - He should win the job in Tampa. Even though he has a sub-par offensive line. A running back coming off of a disappointing 2nd year, and a group of under performing wide outs. Will he be able to reproduce the magic that made him millions coming out of Philly? Doubtful. But he's good enough to keep an eye on.
Tarvaris Jackson - Umm.... He's the starter in Minnesota. That's worth something. His wide outs aren't stellar, but he does have a terrific running game with Adrian Peterson and Chester Taylor. Plus Jackson can move a little when pressure is on. His O-Line SHOULD be the best in the league this year, after a year of gelling all the new parts together. However, he is from a small school, and didn't do anything last year to prove he's worthy of fantasy consideration. Like Garcia, he's just a guy to keep an eye on should your drafted QBs falter or get hurt.
Likely to go BUST in the night -
1. JaMarcus Russel - OAK - Rookie, bad offense, another new young coach. Could be the worst #1/#1 since Ryan Leaf.
2. Steve McNair - BAL - Old, losing his trick, can't run anymore. No targets to throw at that stay healthy. McGahee ain't going to save the ground game either.
3. Tony Romo - DAL - Was the media darling for 4 games. Then defenses figured him out. Throw in the fact that the last time we saw him on the field, he was crying. I don't see him doing much of anything this year.
4. Brett Favre - GB - Just a flat out wild card. Favre is always planning on retiring, but never goes through with it. He had a decent season last year, but is only one season away from setting an INT mark. He has good young WRs, but no ground game to speak of. He could be great this year, or he could be awful. That's the chance you take with the gunslinger from cheddar town.
5. Chad Pennington - NYJ - Chad had a decent year last year, only because nobody expected it. He is accurate, but still has a wet noodle for an arm. Thomas Jones should take pressure off Pennington, leading to lower overall numbers for Chad. He could be a serviceable backup, or he might not get out of the Preseason. Such is the chance you take with the leader of Gang Green.
There you have it, my predictions on the QBs this season. If you have any comments, criticisms, concerns, or questions, feel free to email me at eikey1729@yahoo.com . There is a direct link on the side bar of this blog. Hope you all have a great season!
Be on the look out for my top 50 RBs coming soon!
Hopefully these rankings won't scare you too much.
1. Tom Brady - NE
2. Peyton Manning - IND
3. Carson Palmer - CIN
4. Drew Brees - NO
5. Phillip Rivers - SD
6. Donovan McNabb - PHI
7. Marc Bulger - STL
8. Matt Hasselbeck - SEA
9. Jon Kitna - DET
10. Matt Leinart - ARI
11. Jay Cutler - DEN
12. Brett Favre - GB
13. Eli Manning - NYG
14. Michael 'Ron Mexico' Vick - ATL
15. Vince Young - TEN
16. Jake Delhomme - CAR
1 7. Ben Roethlisberger - PIT
18. Chad Pennington - NYJ
19. J.P. Losman - BUF
20. Rex Grossman - CHI
21. Tony Romo - DAL
22. Matt Schaub - HOU
23. Jason Campbell - WAS
24. Byron Leftwich - JAX
25. Steve McNair - BAL
I know it may come as some surprise to see Peyton Manning not listed as the #1 QB, by myself. Many outlets indeed do have the elder Manning as their number 1 QB. I suppose I should attempt to rationalize this. First, I absolutely love what the Patriots have done to their receiving corps this off season. Adding Randy Moss is easily the best reason to bump Brady. However, they also added Donte Stallworth and Wes Welker, as fabulous counterparts to Moss. The receiving corp, has suddenly gotten so swollen that it may be hard to find Troy Brown a spot on this roster. Keep in mind that Brady has a great tight end in Ben Watson, and Laurance Maroney who can catch passes out of the backfield. Without a true 'Goal Line Back' the Patriots could be forced to throw it in from 10 yds out, which is how Peyton Manning got all his touchdowns a few years ago.
Secondly, Peyton Manning's big claim to fame is that he is consistent week to week. Which if you are pulling a mid first round pick, Manning would be a great choice. However, you need to remember that Manning has rarely finished as the number 1 overall fantasy quarterback. Last year he wouldn't have gotten close if McNabb hadn't blown out a knee in week 9. While I appreciate all of Manning's skill and prowess for putting up points, I just don't think that he will be this year's number 1. Harrison is getting older, and was showing signs last year of losing a step. Joseph Addai has to prove that he can handle a full year as the feature back, now that Dominic Rhodes has moved on to Oakland to get a fresh set of DUIs.
Another surprising top 10 guy, is Jon Kitna. This just shows what kind of faith I have in the Mad Scientists offense. Kitna was among the leaders in yardage last year. He just needs some more TDs to go with it. Calvin Johnson, and Roy Williams should be all the Lions need to bolster those numbers. Also the Detroit running game looks dismal at best, with Kevin Jones, not likely to do anything special after Lis Franc surgery on his foot. Tatum Bell, TJ Duckett, and Shawn Bryson really aren't going to strike fear into the hearts of defenses, but they may be respectable enough to keep defenses from playing the pass too much. Also Detroit gets to play the Vikings Secondary twice, so that should help.
Five more QBs to keep an eye on.
1. Trent Green - MIA
2. Damon Huard - KC
3. Brady Quinn - CLE
4. Jeff Garcia - TB
5. Tarvaris Jackson - MIN
Green got an off season relocation to Miami. There he will have better receivers to throw to, and a decent running game to back him up. Green has also been among the league leaders before 2006, when he got his bell rung and missed most of the season. The knock this year on Green, is that Miami's O-Line isn't all that great. It could protect him well enough, but all it did last year is get Daunte Cullpepper nearly killed. Trent is just one good hit away from being knocked into retirement, so if you need a late round flier on a proven commodity, Green might be your man.
Damon Huard, Green's replacement is penciled in as the starter in KC. However, word out of Arrowhead is that the Chief's will do everything they can to make Brodie Croyle the starter. Huard proved last year that he is capable of handling the starter's gig. He played well enough to support fantasy teams, but not well enough to star. He does have Larry Johnson, who should put up fantastic numbers again this year, regardless of the troubles that have gone on with their O-Line. Although, if Croyle wins the job, don't expect Johnson or the Chief's to do anything fantastic this year.
Brady Quinn, has the weapons on Offense to do so damage, and a rebuilt O-Line to protect him. However, being a rookie, he needs to prove it in camp. Quinn would also be helped out with a running game. The Browns currently have no one of name, unless you think an old Jamal Lewis is going to regain his prior form. Quinn also needs to be able to beat out Charlie Frye to win the job, which could pose a bit of a challenge to the rookie. Most pundits seem to think that that won't be too hard. Look for Quinn to be one of the more surprising players this year.
Jeff Garcia - He should win the job in Tampa. Even though he has a sub-par offensive line. A running back coming off of a disappointing 2nd year, and a group of under performing wide outs. Will he be able to reproduce the magic that made him millions coming out of Philly? Doubtful. But he's good enough to keep an eye on.
Tarvaris Jackson - Umm.... He's the starter in Minnesota. That's worth something. His wide outs aren't stellar, but he does have a terrific running game with Adrian Peterson and Chester Taylor. Plus Jackson can move a little when pressure is on. His O-Line SHOULD be the best in the league this year, after a year of gelling all the new parts together. However, he is from a small school, and didn't do anything last year to prove he's worthy of fantasy consideration. Like Garcia, he's just a guy to keep an eye on should your drafted QBs falter or get hurt.
Likely to go BUST in the night -
1. JaMarcus Russel - OAK - Rookie, bad offense, another new young coach. Could be the worst #1/#1 since Ryan Leaf.
2. Steve McNair - BAL - Old, losing his trick, can't run anymore. No targets to throw at that stay healthy. McGahee ain't going to save the ground game either.
3. Tony Romo - DAL - Was the media darling for 4 games. Then defenses figured him out. Throw in the fact that the last time we saw him on the field, he was crying. I don't see him doing much of anything this year.
4. Brett Favre - GB - Just a flat out wild card. Favre is always planning on retiring, but never goes through with it. He had a decent season last year, but is only one season away from setting an INT mark. He has good young WRs, but no ground game to speak of. He could be great this year, or he could be awful. That's the chance you take with the gunslinger from cheddar town.
5. Chad Pennington - NYJ - Chad had a decent year last year, only because nobody expected it. He is accurate, but still has a wet noodle for an arm. Thomas Jones should take pressure off Pennington, leading to lower overall numbers for Chad. He could be a serviceable backup, or he might not get out of the Preseason. Such is the chance you take with the leader of Gang Green.
There you have it, my predictions on the QBs this season. If you have any comments, criticisms, concerns, or questions, feel free to email me at eikey1729@yahoo.com . There is a direct link on the side bar of this blog. Hope you all have a great season!
Be on the look out for my top 50 RBs coming soon!
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Ahhhh the Sports Abyss of July
July has got to be the single-worst month for sports. The NHL is done with their playoffs, the NBA is done, and their draft is over. All you have left is the most pointless month in MLB to pay attention to. What is worse, the NFL is still a month away from opening training camps.
Is there any reason to be paying attention to the sports pages in July? Absolutely. Especially if you are a Fantasy Football player. This is prime time to be tracking your team if it's a keeper league, and setting your player rankings if you redraft each year.
July is also a great month to catch up on the movers and shakers in the NFL, that you may have missed while watching the great hockey playoffs this year.
In the coming weeks I'm going to get my player lists in order, and post them here for the world to see. Hopefully some people will take my advice, and take heart in the rankings that will be released. Perhaps then a few people can even beat me this year.
Last year in 4 leagues, I had all 4 of my teams make the playoffs of their respected leagues. I won one championship, and a couple seconds and a third. This year I look to improve on those numbers, as I prove that yes, I really do know my stuff when it comes to this silly but great game.
I'll be posting my lists in this order, Top 25 QBs, Top 50 RBs, Top 50 WRs, Top 25 TEs, Top 20 Team Defense/Special Teams, and top 20 K. And if there's time, a composite list.
And yes, when I get done with these rankings, I'll be using them in all my drafts this year.
As always, my email address on the side bar is available for those with questions that need answering. I'll do my best to get back to you as soon as possible.
Good luck to all this year!
Is there any reason to be paying attention to the sports pages in July? Absolutely. Especially if you are a Fantasy Football player. This is prime time to be tracking your team if it's a keeper league, and setting your player rankings if you redraft each year.
July is also a great month to catch up on the movers and shakers in the NFL, that you may have missed while watching the great hockey playoffs this year.
In the coming weeks I'm going to get my player lists in order, and post them here for the world to see. Hopefully some people will take my advice, and take heart in the rankings that will be released. Perhaps then a few people can even beat me this year.
Last year in 4 leagues, I had all 4 of my teams make the playoffs of their respected leagues. I won one championship, and a couple seconds and a third. This year I look to improve on those numbers, as I prove that yes, I really do know my stuff when it comes to this silly but great game.
I'll be posting my lists in this order, Top 25 QBs, Top 50 RBs, Top 50 WRs, Top 25 TEs, Top 20 Team Defense/Special Teams, and top 20 K. And if there's time, a composite list.
And yes, when I get done with these rankings, I'll be using them in all my drafts this year.
As always, my email address on the side bar is available for those with questions that need answering. I'll do my best to get back to you as soon as possible.
Good luck to all this year!
Thursday, May 3, 2007
"I look forward to teaching you"
These were some of the famous last words uttered by MeShawn Johnson on National TV at the NFL Draft, after the Carolina Panthers selected Dewayne Jarrett from USC.
"The News
In a surprise move, the Panthers released wide receiver Keyshawn Johnson on Tuesday. "They said they wanted to get younger," Johnson told the St. Petersburg Times. "That's fine with me. I'd like to go somewhere and help win another Super Bowl." He signed a four-year contract with Carolina last year and finished the season with 70 receptions for 815 yards and four touchdowns."
-fanball.com
All I have to say is, I hope Keyshawn taught Jarrett a lot in those 5 days.
As for the fantasy implications of this move, this elevates Steve Smith even higher on the overall boards, and cements as the #1 WR in the fantasy world. However, he does need a legitimate partner to emerge on the other side to take away some double and triple coverages. Keary Colbert and Drew Carter will be the leaders in the clubhouse for the gig. Of course there is always a chance that 'Dale' Jarrett could emerge from the pack without Meshawns tutelage and take over the gig.
Keep an eye on this scenario over the summer as you head into your drafts.
"The News
In a surprise move, the Panthers released wide receiver Keyshawn Johnson on Tuesday. "They said they wanted to get younger," Johnson told the St. Petersburg Times. "That's fine with me. I'd like to go somewhere and help win another Super Bowl." He signed a four-year contract with Carolina last year and finished the season with 70 receptions for 815 yards and four touchdowns."
-fanball.com
All I have to say is, I hope Keyshawn taught Jarrett a lot in those 5 days.
As for the fantasy implications of this move, this elevates Steve Smith even higher on the overall boards, and cements as the #1 WR in the fantasy world. However, he does need a legitimate partner to emerge on the other side to take away some double and triple coverages. Keary Colbert and Drew Carter will be the leaders in the clubhouse for the gig. Of course there is always a chance that 'Dale' Jarrett could emerge from the pack without Meshawns tutelage and take over the gig.
Keep an eye on this scenario over the summer as you head into your drafts.
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
Are we done with Tony Romo now?
First off, before I go on my rant, I'd like to apologize for not keeping up on my writings here as of late. I've been having a rough time with various illnesses and such that have kept me away from the computer, and from concentrating on the postseason of the NFL. I've still got a cold today, but this particular topic is one that has gotten my ire up enough that I'm going to fight through the coughs and the sniffles to blast one Tony Romo.
I believe it was after the Thanksgiving day massacre of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers where Romo threw five touchdown passes that a fantasy football writer and commentator that I highly respect was commenting that 'Next year Tony Romo will be a Top Five fantasy quarterback.'. I about crapped my pants. Are you kidding me? When it was announced that we would be taking over for Drew Statue, er I mean Bledsoe the only nice thing these guys could say about him was that he was athletic enough to get out of the pocket when his line broke down. Suddenly, five weeks, and only 3 of them were what i would call good fantasy games later, and he's a Top 5 into 2007?
Thankfully, Romomania fell on its face in the following weeks. That Thanksgiving day game was the high point against a terrible Bucs team. In the following weeks he only had one game that was fantasy starter worthy. In week 13, the Giants crushed him again, but one lucky pass to Jason Witten to save the game covered up his 0TD 2INT performance, and kept the Romo love train rolling. In week 14 he totally got shown up by Drew Brees, while dropping another 2INT performance on us, yet somehow, the Romo love train kept right on track, while the Cowboys chances at the Division were slipping away. In week 15 he got to beat up on a terrible Atlanta Falcons team that was in free fall mode. Week 16 was a good time to showcase how far he had fallen, leading the Cowboys to a season low 7 points against the surging Eagles, effectively handing them the Eastern Division lead. In that game, Romo completed less than 50% of his passes and had 2INTs, yet people STILL thought he was a great QB. In week 17, he lost to the Lions. The stats are irrelevant. He lost to the LIONS!
Then we come to the post season. After choking away a chance at hosting a game, they have to go on the road to play a Seattle team that was in the Super Bowl last year. Granted, that Seahawks team isn't as good as it was last year, but it still won its division in a year of adversity. Even in this game I didn't think Romo played particularly well. They were in it at the end thanks to a kickoff return for a touchdown. Once we get under the last two minutes of the game we get the funnest play of the year for me. This is where Gramatica is setting up to kick the go ahead field goal.
Romo began the year as the holder, and ended the year as the holder. As the holder for the Cowboys, he botched the hold, and let the ball slip through his hands. He then picked the ball up and tried to run for another shot, before being tackled from behind. Granted, Gramatica could have blocked the tackler better to give Romo a chance, but that didn't happen.
We are left with numerous scenes of Romo crying on the field, crying on the bench, and crying as he leaves the field.
Where does this leave Romo heading into the Fantasy Season in 2007? Before the draft this weekend, I'm not ready to put him in the top ten, and close to the bottom of the top 20. I wouldn't trust him to be my starter, unless you pull him with with a 9th pick, and your team is stacked. Romo, at this time, is best suited as a backup caller on your team.
Of course, we'll see how this all shakes out come closer to August.
I believe it was after the Thanksgiving day massacre of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers where Romo threw five touchdown passes that a fantasy football writer and commentator that I highly respect was commenting that 'Next year Tony Romo will be a Top Five fantasy quarterback.'. I about crapped my pants. Are you kidding me? When it was announced that we would be taking over for Drew Statue, er I mean Bledsoe the only nice thing these guys could say about him was that he was athletic enough to get out of the pocket when his line broke down. Suddenly, five weeks, and only 3 of them were what i would call good fantasy games later, and he's a Top 5 into 2007?
Thankfully, Romomania fell on its face in the following weeks. That Thanksgiving day game was the high point against a terrible Bucs team. In the following weeks he only had one game that was fantasy starter worthy. In week 13, the Giants crushed him again, but one lucky pass to Jason Witten to save the game covered up his 0TD 2INT performance, and kept the Romo love train rolling. In week 14 he totally got shown up by Drew Brees, while dropping another 2INT performance on us, yet somehow, the Romo love train kept right on track, while the Cowboys chances at the Division were slipping away. In week 15 he got to beat up on a terrible Atlanta Falcons team that was in free fall mode. Week 16 was a good time to showcase how far he had fallen, leading the Cowboys to a season low 7 points against the surging Eagles, effectively handing them the Eastern Division lead. In that game, Romo completed less than 50% of his passes and had 2INTs, yet people STILL thought he was a great QB. In week 17, he lost to the Lions. The stats are irrelevant. He lost to the LIONS!
Then we come to the post season. After choking away a chance at hosting a game, they have to go on the road to play a Seattle team that was in the Super Bowl last year. Granted, that Seahawks team isn't as good as it was last year, but it still won its division in a year of adversity. Even in this game I didn't think Romo played particularly well. They were in it at the end thanks to a kickoff return for a touchdown. Once we get under the last two minutes of the game we get the funnest play of the year for me. This is where Gramatica is setting up to kick the go ahead field goal.
Romo began the year as the holder, and ended the year as the holder. As the holder for the Cowboys, he botched the hold, and let the ball slip through his hands. He then picked the ball up and tried to run for another shot, before being tackled from behind. Granted, Gramatica could have blocked the tackler better to give Romo a chance, but that didn't happen.
We are left with numerous scenes of Romo crying on the field, crying on the bench, and crying as he leaves the field.
Where does this leave Romo heading into the Fantasy Season in 2007? Before the draft this weekend, I'm not ready to put him in the top ten, and close to the bottom of the top 20. I wouldn't trust him to be my starter, unless you pull him with with a 9th pick, and your team is stacked. Romo, at this time, is best suited as a backup caller on your team.
Of course, we'll see how this all shakes out come closer to August.
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