360 Sports Network

The Joke of NCAA Suspensions

2013-08-27T10:24:00.000-04:00

The college football season begins this Thursday. Over the past seven months, we have heard one of three topics: Alabama going for a three-peat, Ohio State improving on perfection, and Johnny Manziel's off-the-field issues.

On Monday, Manziel reportedly met for over six hours with the NCAA at College Station. Reports say that this meeting is to determine whether or not Manziel accepted money for his autograph and if he will be suspended for any games in the 2013 season.

I can promise you that he will not be suspended, and not because he is innocent.

Johnny Manziel will not be suspended because he is the face of college football right now. He is the one who makes people show up and tune in on Saturday. Do you really think the NCAA will suspend him for an infraction that everybody in the country has said is outdated and incorrect?

He SHOULD BE SUSPENDED! He broke a rule (and it's obviously not a new rule that nobody knew about) and must suffer the consequences. Terrelle Pryor was suspended for five games for selling his autograph for tattoos. If the NCAA wants to be consistent and not hypocritical, Manziel ought to be suspended for the same amount of time.

However, all eyes look to Texas A&M's September 14th game against #1 Alabama. Manziel and the Aggies defeated the defending champion Tide last season AT Alabama. This has been identified as the game of the season since January. It won't be a game if Johnny Manziel is not on the field. I will guarantee that you will see Johnny Football on the field for that game.

He won't be suspended. The NCAA loses too much by suspending the defending Heisman winner.

However, with all of the issues lately with the NCAA (especially Jay Bilas trying to single-handedly take down the corporation), don't be surprised if Mark Emmert and the NCAA try to save face a bit. My gut feeling is that Manziel WILL BE SUSPENDED, but only for a game or two. If he gets a suspension, it will be short enough for him to return against Alabama in the third game of the year.

The NCAA will suspend him for at most two games (which would be against Rice and Sam Houston State). Those two games will not affect national ratings, will not affect the Aggies' season, and will not affect the outcome of the "game of the season" that the NCAA needs.

Too often now have suspensions for college athletes been obsolete. Even the Terrelle Pryor suspension back in 2011 was a joke. He was suspended for non-conference games against Akron, Toledo, Miami (going through their own NCAA sanctions), and Colorado. Those four teams finished a combined 19-31 that season, with seven of those wins coming by Toledo against MAC opponents. The only game that really mattered in the suspension was the fifth game, the Big Ten opener against Michigan State. The Buckeyes lost 10-7.

Now of course Pryor went to the NFL and missed the entire season, but other players (including Dan Herron) missed those first five games. What I'm trying to say is that the suspension was irrelevant. If you suspend an entire starting lineup of a top 25 team for the "preseason" (the non-conference games to start the season) then a majority of those teams will enter conference play undefeated still.

Those cupcake games are meaningless. What message do you send by suspending a player for a meaningless game?

Let's take another step forward. Urban Meyer has suspended RB Carlos Hyde for the first three games of the 2013 season due to his involvement in an incident at a Columbus nightclub. He has been cleared of all charges, yet the suspension holds. Meyer said he still suspended him because he wants to have the harshest punishments of any team in the country.

That's a joke. He's sending a message to his team without hurting his team. He's sending a message that he WILL supsend you if you do something you shouldn't. However, he does it in a way that does not hold Hyde accountable for his actions. Being suspended for games against Buffalo, San Diego State, and California will not hold Hyde accountable.

If you want to hold your players accountable, suspend them for MEANINGFUL games. Suspend them for conference games against quality opponents. That when when the team loses (and at least this way they have the CHANCE of losing...) you can look a young man straight in the eye and tell him that he let his team down.Especially with drugs, where you see players suspended for one game against North Catholic State A&T for smoking weed. You sure showed me!

It's not just the college game. Even MLB has this issue. They suspend players for two games. That player appeals so he can play that night in the series finale against their division rivals. After that game, he says "you know what, forget it, I was wrong, I'll serve my suspension." He accepts his suspension now for the series against the bottom-dweller of the league. It's sad. Then they suspend Ryan Dempster for five games for hitting Alex Rodriguez. The way the schedule played out with off days during that suspension, Dempster never even missed a start. How did that suspension punish him or the team? It didn't.

MAKE SUSPENSIONS RELEVANT! HOLD PLAYERS ACCOUNTABLE FOR ONCE! Until these leagues begin to do so, these players will just feel entitled and that they can get away with whatever they want. And then you end up with guys like Aaron Hernandez (who was suspended a single game in college for drug use, failed a drug test at the combine, and had numerous other issues that never led to any suspensions).

Why are these leagues holding back? It's the money. Period. ESPN Radio host Paul Finebaum said it perfectly on ESPN today: when it comes to sports, "money trumps justice."

#BilasForPres

That's what's wrong with sports.

Gutterball 2013 : The New York Jets

2013-08-26T05:00:00.000-04:00

When I was a young kid growing up, my mother always told me to get my mind out of the gutter. Well, that was great parental advice that kind of fell flat as I got older. There is a kind of strange fascination of watching a slow moving train wreck occur…especially when it involves highly paid people and NFL Teams.

Each week during the rest of the pre-season and throughout the regular season, I will explore the dark underbelly of the league. The nether regions of football will be scrutinized with the fascination of watching a disaster flick. This week’s team featured in Gutterball 2013 is the New York Jets.

J.E.T.S. JETS, JETS, JETS…JUST END THE SEASON! This was Chris Berman’s rant many years ago when the Jets were coached by Eric Mangini. This team has been snake bit for many, many years. The hiring of Rex Ryan to be its head coach several years ago has not helped this team in any way. Sexy Rexy seems to pander more to the New York Media rather than coach his team. His bombastic ways are media gold in sensation starved New York City. Ryan’s bold predictions of winning a Superbowl came to a loud thud when his team literally fell apart the first year at the helm. Last year, the Tim Tebow media circus came to town. The misuse of Tebow was quite evident as it seemed that Ryan was bent on making Tebow a failure rather than trying to help his team win.

Enter the 2013 football season. The New York Jets have fired Tony Sparano as their offensive coordinator and have hired Marty Mornhinweg who spent the last 7 years with Andy Reid at the Philadelphia Eagles. Dennis Thurman is now the Defensive Coordinator leaving his post from the past five seasons as Defensive Backs Coach. On paper, the coaching, minus Rex Ryan is not the problem. The problem is the personnel.

Mark Sanchez or Geno Smith? If either of these are the answers, I really don’t know what the question is… Both of these Quarterbacks are lackluster. Pete Carroll, Sanchez’s former Head Coach at USC said it best when Sanchez entered the NFL draft, “He needs more time to develop” Last year Sanchez, as the starting quarterback, threw for 2883 yards with 13 touchdowns. He had 453 attempts, with a lackluster 246 completions.

Half of the problem of Sanchez’s stats falls in the hands of the Jets receiving corps. The likes of Jeremy Kerley (827 yards and two touchdowns), Chaz Schilens (289 yards and two touchdowns), Santonio Holmes (272 yards and a touchdown) and Braylon Edwards (199 yards and a score) are not the basis of an all pro, nor championship, NFL team! The Jets top office must realize that there was a reason why Braylon Edwards was cast off from the Browns and Santonio Holmes is not the hot shot he thinks he is.

The running game last year was a bit better, but not by much. Shonn Green started out hot, but ended the season with 1063 yards rushed and 8 touchdowns. Bilal Powell had 437 yards rushed with touchdowns and Joe McKnight finished the season with 179 yards rushed and zero scores.

What changes have occurred in 2013 that will make this team more competitive? Seriously, I do not think Geno Smith will be the answer to a lackluster Sanchez. Chris Ivory was added to the team from the New Orleans Saints. This move was actually quite good for Ivory as he will be the main back provided that he can stay healthy. Ivory’s shifty style of running and quickness will definitely help the running game. However, Bilal Powell cannot be counted out as competition for the featured running back spot.

Other than that, there is really not big change from the Jets this year. Yes, Santonio Holmes is coming back from surgery to repair his Lisfranc sprain in his left foot. Jeremy Kerley is shifty and quick, but is at the mercy of whoever is throwing the ball to them. Marty Mornhinweg’s offense does feature the tight end position. However, Dustin Keller is not a Jet anymore, so Jeff Cumberland will figure big in this position. Last year, Cumberland had 359 yards receiving with 3 touchdowns.

Defensively, Darrell Revis has left the team. Ryan has drafted Dee Milliner as CB to help fill this void. There is a serious lack of talent at all of the key positions in the Jets organization. What talent is there, is overshadowed by injuries. Mark Sanchez has not grown as a QB since he has been drafted. If anything, his development has been stifled by the unrealistic expectations of what he can do by Rex Ryan. Geno Smith will perform as a rookie and make rookie mistakes! Unless Rex Ryan is dethroned as Head Coach, this team will be just a backdrop to the Sexy Rexy show where his weight loss, and sexual peccadilloes will be profiled by the New York media…at least Mrs Ryan has nice feet!

The Hypocrisy of Sports

2013-08-26T00:00:00.000-04:00

All sports groups are becoming more and more hypocritical. When will the hypocrisy stop? The NFL fines for "illegal" hits make no sense when career-ending hits don't get penalized. The NCAA profits on the names of players on their online store, yet will suspend players like Terrelle Pryor and now maybe Johnny Manziel for profiting. They even sell Joe Paterno "409 Wins" memorabilia when the NCAA themselves vacated over 100 wins. MLB wants to protect its players, yet suspends a pitcher for throwing at Alex Rodriguez, and that suspension isn't long enough for Ryan Demptster to miss a start.
What's Wrong With Sports? #BilasForPres

Using the 3SN Custom Fantasy Football Cheat Sheet

2013-08-25T15:10:00.000-04:00

For fantasy football owners, research tends to be the hardest part to start. Quite literally, I have found nearly 100% of fantasy owners I've talked to actually be able to talk fantasy football for hours and hours, but when they need to take that knowledge, back it up with some player statistics and construct player lists, power rankings and fantasy tiers, they just can't find an easy way about it.

Now, you can let the 360 Sports Network help, with our customizable fantasy football cheat sheet...and right now, this fantasy football guru is going to show you EXACTLY how to use it, to get started in your fantasy research, and more. We'll cover various league types, fantasy football scoring and player stats and adjusting them.

Step #1 - Download the free cheat sheet!

Let's download our fantasy football cheat sheet to get started. The file is in EXCEL format, and the computations are automated for you, so not too much is involved. I would recommended saving the cheat sheet in an folder, and making copies (we all play in different scoring and team compositions setups for fantasy leagues, so we can gear a particular cheat sheet to those needs).

When you open up your cheat sheet, you are presented with a pretty detailed and editable form of scoring options, team makeup and fantasy football league settings and options. Do not panic! Really, these are there for you to refine your needs, they are not mandatory for you to edit to get your fantasy rankings and fantasy football lists started.

Quite literally, you can be done here! Just click on the tabs at the bottom for 'Positional' (the list is broken into fantasy football positions), and 'Top 300' (the list displays the ranked players, in order, based on weight by league settings and fantasy scoring). These two cheat sheets alone are what cause most fantasy football owners to break down and spend $20-$30 a year on fantasy football magazines...but you get them FREE!!!

Step #2 - Enter your Fantasy Football League Settings

Not every fantasy football is the same, but our free cheat sheet is customizable, and that is the first thing we are going to do. Head back to the form by clicking on the 'Instructions' tab if you are not already there. Edit your league settings, including:

Passing Yardage
Rushing Yardage
Receiving Yardage
Passing TDs
Receptions
and more fantasy stats!

On the right side of the cheat sheet's form, you will notice an area for league and team make-up. Set the number of your teams, how many of each position you are expected to start, and bench players. Remember, for flex, if it can be a running back or wide receiver, add .5 to the total starting roster count for each position; or weight them heavier, meaning, if you expect the flex position to be a running back, add .75 or .8 to the running back count, and only .2 or .25 to the wide receivers.

Now, to get your new cheat sheets ready, click the 'Create Cheat Sheets' button, and you will see the file resetting some numbers. When you view your fantasy football rankings by position and your Top 300 rankings, things might have changed. And, once again, you are ready for your draft!

Step #3 - Let's edit some player's data

Using our free customizable fantasy football cheat sheet, you can edit the expected statistic of the NFL players listed, to create an even more refined list of where you think your fantasy players are going to finish, their total stats and their fantasy football rankings. Just click the tab at the bottom of the file, find the player and edit their stats.

Once you have edit all of the players you wanted to edit, click on the 'Instructions' tab at the bottom, and click 'Create Cheat Sheets' again. After a quick recalculation of the players, their stats and fantasy league settings, your cheat sheets will be ready once again!

That's it for our quick, how to guide on using the 360 Sports Network free customizable fantasy football cheat sheet. It's as simple as download, edit and clicking a button, and it is all free! Happy fantasy football Sunday everyone, enjoy these last two draft weekends, and we'll catch you soon!

Top Five Fantasy Football Wide Receiver Sleepers

2013-08-24T01:46:00.000-04:00

Welcome back to our look at fantasy football sleepers by position. Today, we are going to take a look at five of the top fantasy football sleepers around. A few are deeper thoughts on the subject, while two are about right and the last is gaining a lot of attention; by the time you draft, Hilton might not be around!

So what makes a wide receiver sleeper different from the rest? First, his potential could land him a Flex1 position from the very first game. Most running back sleepers and fantasy quarterback just don't have enough umph to do this at times. Next, fantasy wide receivers usually don't spike out their play when solid from the beginning of the NFL season...they either stay strong, progressively get better, or just fade away until the free agency wire is their team. The last item, years played. Everyone you see here is less than two years in the league, with one exception; so for any keeper league drafters, this list is for you!

Kenbrell Thompkins (WR - New england Patriots)

Why is Kenbrell Thompkins a fantasy sleeper?

While starting quarterback Tom Brady (QB - New England Patriots) never seems to discriminate against his potential receivers year in and year out, this one is starting to show a solidified relationship. Thompkins caught eight passes for 116 yards against Detroit in their last pre-season game; catching 6 passes for 90+ with Brady at QB.

Where do you draft him in your league?

Tompkins is going to go late. With the potential there, Brady healthy, and Thompkins being keyed in on so early, he could finish with 70-80 receptions, 1200+ yards and ten touchdowns...or could drift off into a mist of forgotten dreams - it's too early to tell. I could see myself taking him round 11-13 in a ten team, standard redraft. For keeper leagues, you have a ton of gold with this one...just a heads up.

Deandre Hopkins (WR - Houston Texans)

Why should Hopkins be considered a fantasy football sleeper this year?

Playing opposite Andre Johnson (WR - Houston Texans) has been a sore spot for most receivers and their fantasy football production. Kevin Walter and James Casey combined for over 70 catches last season, and it could've been much more. Deandre Hopkins definitely shows two things fantasy football owners need to know, that these other receivers do not show: 1) a wide receiving radius no matter his location on the field, and 2) his awareness in and around the end-zone. Oh, and Matt Schaub will be looking for targets to deflect from Andre Johnson and his man-zone coverages and double man problems.

Where do you draft Hopkins for your fantasy team?

This is easy, round 12 in a standard, redraft league. I have a problem with him being on the Texans this year, especially if Arian Foster (RB - Houston Texans) cannot stay healthy and any problems at all spring up on Ben Tate (RB - Houston Texans). However, and once again, Matt Schaub is throwing the ball! ESPN is projecting him catching 40+ balls this year; look for that number to be a lot higher!

Andre Roberts (WR - Arizona Cardinals)

Why is Andre Roberts a fantasy sleeper at wide receiver?

A lot has changed in Arizona this off-season...a new offensive coordinator, new starting quarterback and a new mentality. While under the old regime, Roberts was able to play fairly decent in most fantasy football circles at wide receiver. Roberts finished last season with 64 receptions for 759 yards while catching off of Kevin Kolb, John Skelton and Ryan Lindley...ya... Now he has Carson Palmer throwing to him, a passer who has netted 189 career touchdown passes thrown.

Where should you take this fine sleeper of a wide receiver?

Round 10 seems to be the consensus if you reach, with round 12 being the standard. I think my scorecard will see me taking him possibly earlier, if receivers are flying off of the board in my redrafts.

Golden Tate (WR - Seattle Seahawks)

Why Golden Tate looking so Golden as a fantasy football sleeper this season?

Golden Tate was originally thought of as an after-thought in this new fantasy football corps in Seattle, behind receivers Percy Harvin and Sidney Rice. However, Golden Tate has been the most productive and reliable receiver this pre-season, due to injuries and playtime; and hell, I'll say it, skill! Tate came on like lightning last year, and had measurable chemistry with Russell Wilson through the stretch. However, his history of flaking out at wide receiver in ups and downs have led to his undervalued status.

Where does Golden Tate look like fantasy football sleeper gold?

Drafting him earlier than round 9 is a stretch, especially if the health of the rest of the receivers gets ironed out. However, that being said, I could see him as a solid WR3 or a WR2 in deeper leagues.

T.Y. Hilton (WR - Indianapolis Colts)

Why is T.Y. Hilton a wide receiver fantasy sleeper this year?

First of all, he is playing on the Colts. Led by Andrew Luck (QB - Indianapolis Colts), this offense is showing why every member may make the 'Undervalued Fantasy Football Squad' for life soon. Next, his projections by last year's standards and what should come of him being a #2 (he moved past Darrius Heyward-Bey in the depth charts this week) are skewed (Chris Carter of ESPN said it best in a tweet - "Look for @Colts T.Y. Hilton to catch 80 balls this year". If those numbers hold true, his overall fantasy football value would put him at numbers 13-15 of the top wide receivers this season.

Where do you draft T.Y. Hilton?

He's a solid #2 receiver, with a ton of potential and barely any question marks surrounding him. He has 4.3 speed, and managed to rack up 861 yards on 50 catches last season with 7 touchdowns...by the way, 11 of those catches were for 25 yards or more (can you say YAC?!?!). I would take him as my number two wide receiver, rounds 6 and back. If he falls in your lap after round 9, you are a genius...anything later, and you are playing against fantasy owners in a coma!

That's it for our look at the top five fantasy football wide receiver sleepers for this year. Next week, we will wrap things up with a look at tight ends. Take it easy everybody and have a great one!

The NFL, RG3 and ESPN walk into a bar...

2013-08-23T16:04:00.002-04:00

Reggie Bush (RB - Detroit Lions) looked like a magician, leading his team to a 40-9 butt-whooping over the New England Patriots in pre-season action last night. Bush only carried the ball six times for one yard, but caught 5 passes for 103 yards, including a 67 yard reception that set up a David Akers field goal.

On the other side of the ball, Kenbrell Thompkins (WR - New England Patriots) showed a ton of chemistry with Tom Brady (QB - New England Patriots) last night, grabbing 8 receptions on 12 looks for 116 yards; with Brady at the helm, 6 receptions for 93 yards.

A report has surfaced that the NFL pressured ESPN to back out of a PBS "Frontline" documentary concerning concussions. Publicly, the league office denies the report, however, sources are quoted as stating a meeting took place between Roger Goodell, Steve Bornstein (president of the NFL network), ESPN's president John Skipper and ESPN's executive vice president of production John Wildhack.

Greg Aiello, spokesman for the NFL, told the Times, "At no time did we formally, or informally, ask them to divorce themselves from the project." ESPN spokesman Chris LaPlaca said Thursday that ESPN's decision wasn't based on concerns about it's contractual relationship with the NFL, but instead, because of disputes with editorial oversights concerning the piece.

In 'stupid as hell' news, the NFL has fined Robert Griffin III (QB - Washington Redskins) for a uniform and dress code violation during warmups before the pre-season game versus the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday night. Griffin wore a 'OPERATION PATIENCE' t-shirt on the sidelines; the game, he didn't even play in. Because of the NFL's contract with Nike, and the shirt being an Adidas brand shirt, RG3 violated the dumbest rule in the NFL.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have diagnoses two players with MRSA infections. Guard Carl Nicks and kicker Lawrence Tynes are being treated for the infections. MRSA is a staph infection that is resistant to some antibiotics. The Buccaneers do not know where the two were exposed to the infection, and there is no timetable set for their return.

That's it for me, be sure to check out this weekend's look at the top 5 fantasy football wide receivers, as well as a how to on using 360 Sport Network's free customizable fantasy football cheat sheet tool! Have a great Friday!

Top 5 Fantasy Football Cheat Sheet of Tips

2013-08-23T11:00:00.000-04:00

Nothing is worse than showing up to a live fantasy football draft, or even an online one, only to realize, you are unprepared; no lists, no information, nothing. You sit down and as the draft starts, people snicker as you make selections, you not realizing your starting quarterback and second wide receiver are on injured reserve. Yes, it is sad.

But you can change that all at once! By preparing, practicing, printing, listening and being awesome, you are bound for fantasy football glory this year. So lets look at my 5 fantasy football cheat sheet of tips right now! Don't want to wait, but you want to get started on your fantasy football glory right now??? Download the 360 Sports Network's free customizable fantasy football cheat sheet now!

Tip #1 : Prepare by grouping your players based on position, then on expected points (tiering)

One thing you see in fantasy football, and even in fantasy magazines, are these huge lists of NFL players, in the order of their Overall Draft Value. The ODV lists are great if you are thinking about sleeping during the draft because a)the people you play fantasy football with suck, or b)you just don't care (in this case, don't play the game!).

However, what are these long Top 300 Fantasy players, or Top 100 Fantasy Football Stars lists really saying? Just that based on position, expected finishing stats for the year and given those positions weighted value gives you this massive list...however, you don't know certain things. For instance, looking at it, you can see a few running backs next to each other, but are they really of equal value. You might even see a wide receiver or tight end all by themselves, and does that make them a single entity at that value?

Tiering needs to be done before any and every draft. You need to be able to weight players' position, to their expected fantasy football weekly points, to get a true value of the player, at that position. Then, calculate the average points, and now, you basically have the value of the tier of each position. You can use a little more math, and get the weighted value of the position based on league settings...and your tiering is now done.

Long story short when it comes to those massive lists of player power rankings in fantasy football...do some foot work yourself prior to each and every draft, and it will push you into a solid position to start the season.

Tip #2 : Practice fantasy football, don't just play it!

One tip I can never stress enough, is if you do want to play fantasy football, and compete, get better and try to win, it's best to test out some drafting techniques in public leagues. Seriously, some call it practice, but I call it trend analysis (in the end, fantasy football + trend analysis = WIN!!!).

There are a lot of capable public leagues out there, including ESPN.com, Yahoo.com and NFL.com. You can even find some smaller sites, up and comers and sites that give very customizable settings for you to play with. Google or Bing these my friend, as your fantasy football world is digital, making your fantasy football sandbox right there at the tip of your fingers.

Now, how do you practice? I know I got asked this question a lot by newer players whenever I started giving advice on actually playing fantasy football and not just on players and teams.

First, practice taking positions at different times during the draft. You know what most of the players in the couple of hundred are expected to get in the way of fantasy totals based on you ACTUALLY doing what was mentioned in Tip #1, so ya. My biggest 'wow' moment that new I give to new players, is doing ten drafts, each with drafting their starting quarterback in a different round just to see what their team makeup becomes, and how happy or miserable they are with the team. Imagine getting a Tier 1 and Tier 2 running back, two Tier 2 wide receivers and a Tier three or four quarterback, but it having the same value as drafting a quarterback before round three? Ya, it opens your eyes.

Next, try drafting defenses and kickers right at the very end and see where you team value is, compared to other teams. Drafting isn't a race. We are in a hurry for picks to get back to us, but you should be analyzing each and every pick during the draft, not just your own. When defenses and kickers go off of the board, don't freak and reach for one...stay content, knowing these two position, unless you get one of the top two or three, are very inconsistent throughout the season, and are worth late-round picks in your fantasy draft.

Finally, practice foresight! In fantasy football drafts, you are not just drafting, but seeing where others are making reaches, or waiting, guessing where their next draft pick is going and then adjusting certain draft selections for yourself based on that. Yes, sometimes it seems like it's only based on chance when you are looking down a snaked selection at 18 more picks until your next one, but it is also about skill, determining what your opponents will do and planning ahead, so that you do not get screwed out of each and every friggin' pick right before you are about to take all five guess on your que...UGH!!!! Sorry, war wounds never do heal in fantasy football.

Tip #3 : Carry more than one list of picks with you

Okay, so you show up on draft day, you have your tiered list, your pencil, some paper and are ready for the draft...right? RIGHT ?!??!?! Nope, not even close! In every draft, we have some foresight, either via articles, or assumption, about certain players that are a)rock solid in fantasy scoring or b)are fantasy football sleepers waiting to become a gold mine of fantasy points in the upcoming season! With that being said, one missing element in your arsenal is the Targets and Sleepers list you need to make.

For your fantasy targets, you are looking for players that, despite countless moves, trends, injuries and additions, they just get points for you. Either construct a list of them, or denote them on your tiering list. Either way, these guys are solid fantasy football selections, and have never been duds.

For your fantasy sleepers, things get a bit murkier in the waters of data analysis. First, you need to have cause for a sleeper to be. Some classic questions I hear the word 'yes' to in a lot of cases are: Are they a rookie running back primed to take over the starting position? Is a new quarterback to the team, but not league getting the start? Is it a third-year receiver? Is it a tight end able to get 40-50 catches every year? Is it a receiving running back who is above 30 receptions last season?

Next, you need to confirm a few things, specifically, the people around this player. If a running back, has their been any major downgrade at offensive line? For wide receiver, has the quarterback changed while this receiver has gotten used to him? For quarterback, have offensive coordinators changed...maybe receivers, blockers and tight ends?

Finally, test out who people feel are sleepers during your practice drafts. See if anyone is taking that rookie before round 11. Who is taking the free agent signee quarterback before round 12? How often do you see the same receivers, none of which have over 60 receptions nor 700 yards go way too early based on last year's totals?

Tip #4 : Listen to the stats, not to the yaps

Don't listen to every fantasy football expert...hell, don't listen to any of them! Each and every reporter, writer, critic, fantasy guru and NFL analyst, are simply, well, data nerds and reporters. When you dive into fantasy football beyond the simple, you begin to be a number cruncher, an evaluator of possibility, a fantasy football quantum physicist dealing with piles of incoming data, all waiting to tell you, not what will happen, but what will most likely occur.

And its in that hailstorm of points, and yardage and fantasy rumor, that you can make the same intelligent assumption and conclusion that every other knucklehead with a brain and some time can. So, make sure that your lists are your own, that you've investigated and evaluated every player needed before game-day, and you take any 'rock solid, get him now Super Sunday fantasy football picks' as nothing more than someone saying 'this guy is 90% more likely to outscore everyone than player B'.

Tip #5 : Use the 360 Sports Network's Free Customizable Fantasy Football Cheat Sheet

Yes, I just said don't listen to the 'experts' about fantasy football...however, there is no listening here. Download the fantasy football cheat sheet. Then, you plug in your league settings, touchdowns, yardage, positional points, and then rank, modify your players' expected stats. In the end, you have a list to actually see who has value and where. Start your tiering and 'BAM', you are good to go. No more being unprepared, drafting Ryan Leaf in the first round...oh, no, not you, my friend...not you! You are now bound for the fantasy football hall of fame of awesomeness; all because you followed LostCause's Top 5 Fantasy Football Cheat Sheet of Tips!

Injuries, fines and contract extensions day!

2013-08-22T11:20:00.002-04:00

Sean Lee (LB - Dallas Cowboys) has agreed to a sizable contract extension, with the deal equating to six years for an estimated 7 to 8.5 million dollars a year on average (10.63 for one year, 16.13 for two and between 18 and 20 for three, depending on conditions).

The fourth year starting linebacker only played in six games last season, after suffering a toe injury versus the Carolina Panthers that landed him on injured reserve. The Cowboys are looking to rebound from a disappointing 8-8 season last year, and it looks like Lee is their anchor on defense.

Robert Griffin III (QB - Washington Redskins) took snaps against the starting defense yesterday, a good sign that his deadline of return will be a hit. While the starters were not in full pads yesterday, they were at full speed, and RG3 was quoted as saying "I feel good."

Le'Veon Bell (RB - Pittsburgh Steelers) is expected to miss six to eight weeks with a Lisfranc injury, unless season-ending surgery is required. The Steelers' second round draft pick was slated to start beside Isaac Redman on the depth charts. After this injury, not only is that no longer true, but his fantasy football value plummets him nearly out of range on draft day.

Arian Foster (RB - Houston Texans) was removed from the PUP list yesterday and practiced with the team for the first time this season. The running back has been hampered by a nagging back soreness, as well as soreness, stiffness and pain in his legs that has left him turning to injections for relief and therapy. Coach Kubiak has stated that while Foster looked good in his return, it would be unlikely to see him play in either of the Texans' remaining pre-season games.

Linebacker Jonathan Bostic (LB - Chicago Bears) was fined $21,000 for a hit the NFL has ruled as "lowering his head and making forcible contact with the top or crown of his helmet" and "delivering a hit against a defenseless receiver". While the live video shows an apparently clean hit against Chargers' receiver Mike Willie, the review committee examined stills that show an illegal hit. The interesting part about all of this, is on NFL.com, a site owned exclusively by the NFL, who said the hit wasn't clean, called the hit in it's headline "spectacular".

That's it for me today. Take it easy, and enjoy the sunshine!

Fantasy Football Wide Receiver Rankings - 3SN Live

2013-08-21T17:21:00.001-04:00

We will be LIVE at 6:00 from the Crane Room Bar and Grille to expand your fantasy football Virtual Draft Guide! Send us your fantasy questions on twitter (@3SNetwork), in the comments section below, on Facebook, or on Ustream! We'll talk position rankings, sleepers, and general draft strategy. Come join the fun!

Fantasy Football Power Rankings Changes

2013-08-21T14:03:00.000-04:00

Not too much to report concerning player moves so lets take a look at some power rankings. Whenever I cover power rankings, and fantasy football player movement, keep in mind, I use standard scoring, and that is...1 point for every 25 yards thrown, 1 point for each 10 yards rushing or receiving, along with 6 points per touchdown, whether thrown or otherwise.

Robert Griffin III (QB - Washington Redskins) is finally starting to come up on draft boards from his previous number 15 position into the tier 4, some even placing him into the tier 2. This, about the only good news for a fairly banged up passing corp for the Washington Redskins.

Matt Ryan (QB - Atlanta Falcons) is finally getting some more respect. Previous to this week, the average draft position for the Atlanta Falcon starting quarterback was somewhere in the tier 5 region. Currently he is ranked on average as the number 6 to number 9 fantasy football quarterback.

Eli Manning (QB - New York Giants) is still falling in value. The injury to Victor Cruz and problems with the backfield in New York might have helped this Giant fall. Right now, his projection is nearly a round 9 selection...that is completely undervalued.

Andrew Luck (QB - Indianapolis Colts) seems to finally be breaking the top ten for fantasy football quarterbacks, sleepers or not. The averaged draft position for Luck is now leaning towards QB9 through QB12, with him now considered a solid tier 3 quarterback.

Arian Foster (RB - Houston Texans) is on a free-fall in his fantasy football value. A sore back was the initial reasoning for him missing games and practices, but now it's public knowledge he is receiving injections for pain, soreness and stiffness into his legs too. WOW!

Jamaal Charles (RB - Kansas City Chiefs) hasn't seen a lot of movement in his fantasy football value after his injury last week...not much to cover.

Trent Richardson (RB - Cleveland Browns) is surging his placement this week. After missing some practices before last week's game against the Detroit Lions with a shin injury, he still rushed 6 times for 33 yards. Norv Turner has also stated that he is targeting more carries and more catches for the running back...all good music to my fantasy football ears!

CJ Spiller (RB - Buffalo Bills) is starting to fall, as the mist known as pre-season hope starts to fade away from the Buffalo Bills once again. A question at quarterback, along with lackluster depth at receiver, have turned the backfield into a Thunderdome of potential problems.

Brandon Marshall (WR - Chicago Bears) has found a groove with Jay Cutler (QB - Chicago Bears), and fantasy football owners are taking notice, as Brandon Marshall moves into a virtual tie with Demaryius Thomas (WR - Denver Broncos) for the number 2/3 position for wide receivers.

Larry Fitzgerald (WR - Arizona Cardinals) has fell hard in fantasy rankings. After starting the pre-season in the top ten, has is barely squeaking into the top 15 with an average draft position at round 7 through 10.

Dez Bryant (WR - Dallas Cowboys) and AJ Green (WR - Cincinnati Bengals) both continue to slide, each moving further and further until now, they are both tier two receivers.

That's it for me, as we look briefly at some rankings' changes in fantasy football. Check out Dotson and Dellav, live at the Crane Room Bar and Grille in New Castle PA tonight, starting at 6 o'clock...all of it live, on 360 Sports Network. Take it easy everybody...

Andre Roberts - Fantasy Football Sleeper

2013-08-21T10:43:00.000-04:00

So we have yet to come out with our top five sleeper wide receivers for the 2013-14 fantasy football season. When that list comes out, it is quite likely that Andre Roberts's name will make the cut. That's because Roberts is such a deep sleeper that TOO MANY will forget about him. Some will say that he's such a sleeper pick that he's "in a coma." However, I believe that YOU will want to be in a coma if you don't go after this guy, especially if you are in a PPR league.

Past success: Each of his last two years as an Arizona Cardinal, Andre Roberts has caught over 50 passes. Each of the past two years he has had over 100 targets. Most of those targets and catches have come from prolific passing machines like Ryan Lindley and John Skelton. Now he has a proven QB in Carson Palmer throwing him the ball.

Why Roberts is overlooked: People overlook Andre Roberts because of Larry Fitzgerald and Michael Floyd ahead of him. It's true that Roberts got his looks ONLY because Fitz was being triple teamed and ONLY because Floyd had training camp issues and missed regular season games. Once Floyd got back in the saddle by the end of the year, Roberts took a back seat. Roberts had 50 catches in his first 11 games, and only 14 over the last five weeks once Floyd taken his spot as the #2 receiver.

This year, Floyd is projected as a breakout player as the #2 receiver. That means that Roberts is the #3 and only on the field in three-WR sets.

Why you pick Roberts: Again, now he has Carson Palmer throwing him the ball. Maybe even more important is the new coach: Bruce Arians. Maybe you remember a couple of other slot WRs who have succeeded in the Bruce Arians system: Antonio Brown and T.Y. Hilton. Both were far beyond the sleeper role with the Arians offense. They were closer to Sleeping Beauty roles, rarely drafted or even known. But both ended up their years as top 30 WRs as a slot guy.

With no-name QBs, Roberts was able to rack up over 100 targets, 50 catches, and 3 TDs on average over the past two years. I see another 50 reception season quite easily, probably over 60, approaching 700 yards and probably 4 TDs. The catches alone make him worthy of a pickup. That's 4 catches per game, and even in a half-point PPR league that's an extra two points per game that many WR3 will not be able to give you. And not to mention you're one injury (or suspension if you think of Floyd) away from Roberts being an every-down player again. Floyd might seem like the breakout player, but I see Roberts having the better year in the Cardinals system.

Fantasy Football Toolkit for August 20th, 2013

2013-08-21T08:00:00.000-04:00

Sooooo, fun tale. The Mad Scientist and I recorded an episode of the Fantasy Football Toolkit last night. We covered it all, and then some...including running back handcuffs, sleeper picks in fantasy football by position, even did full team coverage on who has the plethora of fantasy love by team. Then, a strange thing happened on the way to editing...the files were corrupt during editing! Ya, technical things happen, and the Fantasy Football Toolkit, as well as your ol' buddy, the Lostcause, are not immune.

The good news? Well, we have a hidden, destroyed, never-will-be-heard first episode this season out there, and gone...we're going to call it the Ryan Leaf's Talent episode. If you want to listen, just put out your ear and wait for Jacksonville fans to root for their team in the Superbowl...yes, you will hear the same silence as the lost episode.

Sorry all, including my co-captain, The Mad Scientist. Next week, though, my friends, next week, we shall be hitting all facets fantasy football on the Toolkit. Be there for all the help you need to make your fantasy football team THE team in your fantasy league this year. We'll have insights for each team, quarterback break-downs, running back handcuffs and wide receiver sleepers...all that and more, as I and the Mad Scientist help you on the Fantasy Football Toolkit.

Also, some programming news and a heads up, August 28th, 2013, live from the Crane Room Bar and Grille, the boys of 360 Sports Network, along with some friends, will be drafting on air, live on 3SN. Come out for the wings, beer and specials of the Crane Room, but stay for the sh*ts and giggles knows as the 3SN Live crew!

Take care and my apologies to all!

The It's Crap Edition of Fantasy Football Daily Pigskin Blink

2013-08-20T15:00:00.000-04:00

"It's crap" This a quote from Brian Hartline (WR - Miami Dolphins), with respect to Houston Texan rookie D.J. Swearinger's hit on Dustin Keller, that resulted in a torn ACL, MCL, PCL and a dislocated knee cap. Swearinger, speaking after Saturday's game, stated, concerning the hit and the injury, "My senior year I had like three helmet-to-helmet [penalties]. I knew I had to change my style of play and start targeting low." (Quote provided by ESPN.com)

So what is it in the NFL? Below the shoulders and above the knees? Or is it smaller? For everyone old enough, it reminds me of a certain scene from "The Jerk" starring Steve Martin (best Roger Goodell impression, ever!)

The Redskins, without RG3, come out with a win over the Steelers last night, in what could be considered the Injury Bowl. Nearly ten players from both sides of the ball, including Rex Grossman (QB - Washington Redskins), Lawrence Timmons (LB - Pittsburgh Steelers) and Kirk Cousins (QB - Washignton Redskins) all missed time due to injury during the match-up.

The Cleveland Browns have announced Brandon Weeden (QB - Cleveland Browns) as their starting quarterback. Weeden has proved solid this pre-season, going 10 of 13 for 112 yards and touchdown again the Rams in weekone, and then 8 of 12 for 117 yards and two touchdowns this last week. The 29-year-old is completing over 70% of his passes, without throwing an interception.

In some 'shouda known better news', for Defenses and IDPs in fantasy football, Von Miller (LB - Denver Broncos), All-Pro and star sack leader for the Broncos, will now miss the first six games of regular season action for violating the NFL's policy on performance enhancing drugs. In his past two seasons, he has been the Broncos' sack leader, grabbing 30. If unchanged, his banishment from the team will begin August 30th.

That's it for me today. Tonight, I'll be recording, along with The Mad Scientist, a new episode of the Fantasy Football Toolkit. Tomorrow, check out Dellav and Dotson live from the Crane Room Bar and Grille in New Castle for 3SN live. Take it easy everybody!

Top Five Fantasy Football Running Back Sleepers

2013-08-20T08:00:00.000-04:00

Running backs are the staple to fantasy football, and on my fantasy roster, the running back position is just as important as paying my entrance fee each year. Everyone knows Adrian Peterson, Arian Foster and Doug Martin are some of the top fantasy football players in the backfield, but what about the forgotten few that can see some action at RB2 or Flex? Let's take a look at the top 5 fantasy football running back sleepers.

Andre Brown

What makes Andre Brown a sleeper pick?

Andre Brown is already designated as the third down, short-yardage running back for the New York Giants. However, he could end up being a solid replacement for Wilson if either a)his injuries start to creep up (they will) or b)the fumblitis gets caught again.

Where should I draft him in my fantasy football draft?

You can get him as a solid round 10 to round 13 pick. If you are able to grab him, towards the end of the draft, you got a damn good fantasy football player to plug in. He should be a starter by the end of the year, and will be a situational / match-up player as the weeks go on, so RB2 or Flex could be a definite spot for Brown on most teams.

Danny Woodhead

What makes Danny Woodhead a sleeper this year?

Danny Woodhead, as a third down back in New England last year, got 76 rushes for about 300 yards, as well as 446 in the air, with three more touchdowns. In Sand Diego this year, the Chargers are asking Woodhead to do much the same, however, with Ryan Mathews in front of him, and not dealing with the rotating running back of the week that was the Patriots, he could be a starter by the middle of the year.

Where should I draft Woodhead this season?

If you picked up Mathews, then handcuff Woodhead (any round past 9 is fine). If you are not handcuffing, you are betting on his receiving totals or on Mathews getting injured early and often...in which case, rounds 12 through 15 is a normal spot, with round 14 being the target.

Ben Tate

What makes Ben Tate a sleeper in my draft?

In 2011, he rushed only 175 times for 940+ yards and 4 touchdowns. Last season, he had only 65 rushes for only 279 yards, and barely any receiving yards or catches (he did go 11 for 11 in the air). What makes this interesting is the fact that Arian Foster is nursing a bad back, that is causing, not only soreness, but stiffness in his legs. Running backs need to run, and if your starter is having leg problems, this could mean a ton of fun for the backup.

Where should I draft Ben Tate?

If you get Foster, round 7 isn't bad. However, without, rounds 9 through 12 are acceptable, and if you get him in round 12, you might just have drafted another 1000 rusher this season.

Vick Ballard

What makes Vick Ballard a fantasy sleeper?

Last year, in his rookie season, amid much transition and pressure, Ballard rushed for 800+ yards and 2 touchdowns. He also caught 17 passes for 152 and a touchdown. His true value dropped whenever the Colts signed Ahmad Bradshaw. That aside, Bradshaw has, shall we say, a mistress known as injury, that, if she casts her spell this season, could leave Ballard as the unquestioned starting running back in Indy.

Where should I draft Vick Ballard?

Once again, if you are handcuffing, rounds 8 to 10. Otherwise, round 11 through 13 are where drafting him might mean money. The problem with this running back especially, is that I have an overwhelming feeling, he will see more and more playing time than not, with Bradshaw's injury-filled fantasy football career.

Ronnie Hillman

What makes Ronnie Hillman a good fantasy football sleeper?

Well, he is playing on Denver, which is a pretty good indication he will see the ball. Next, he is playing at a position in transition; so as Montee Ball makes his way into being a true starting running back, Ronnie Hillman could get reps numbering 12-18 per game. Finally, his coaches see him as dependable and capable of being a starting option, something Moreno doesn't have because of injury, and Ball isn't 100% of a guarantee yet because of his rookie status.

Where should I draft Hillman?

Well, this one is tough, because you might not. His sleeper status in fantasy football is such, that Ronnie Hillman could be a bench pickup. Really, it comes down to your strength of team, where you handcuff your running backs and what kind of space you have to take some chances. Most of Hillman's numbers could come earlier in the year, rather than later, due to Montee Ball and how much he emerges as the #1 he was drafted to be. In deeper leagues, I could see him going round 14 or later in 12 or more team leagues.

That's it for my look at some of the best fantasy football running back sleepers. Be sure to check out my next break-down of fantasy sleepers, this time, the wide receivers of the NFL, coming to you on Saturday. Also, be sure to check out the Fantasy Football Toolkit, as always with The Mad Scientist, coming to you tomorrow night!

Injuries, fantasy football news and more

2013-08-19T12:10:00.002-04:00

Andrew Luck (QB - Indianapolis Colts) threw for a little over 100 yards and two touchdowns in the Colts' win over the New York Giants Sunday night. Reggie Wayne and T.Y. Hilton were on the receiving ends of those passes.

EJ Manuel (QB - Buffalo Bills) will be considered day to day after pre-season ends, and could start game one of the NFL season. He underwent the knife Sunday morning, and although there were signs of swelling, the procedure was considered so minor, it shouldn't impact his playing time more than these couple of weeks.

Victor Cruz (WR - New York Giants) left the game early last night for X-rays on his foot. Reports are negative for injuries and it turns out he simply had a bruised heel. No word on his return to practice.

Arian Foster (RB - Houston Texans) is still considered out of team practices with a sore back. Head coach Gary Kubiak was hoping to have his All-Pro running back back on the field by this morning, but that isn't going to happen. Injections and rest have been the order of the day for the young running back, and no time-table for his return to practice has been set.

Jamaal Charles (RB - Kansas City Chiefs) was practicing without hesitation Sunday, after sustaining a leg strain earlier this week. It was the first time Charles had this kind of foot strain, calling the injury "weird" and that "it was definitely scary" because it affected the way he runs.

That's it for me. Tonight, Steelers at the Redskins, and tomorrow, the Fantasy Football Toolkit returns. Take it easy everybody.

Saturday's NFL action, fantasy football news and more

2013-08-18T15:16:00.004-04:00

Had a great article on why Tannehill might be a sleeper, and Dustin Keller (TE - Miami Dolphins) goes and poops on it by injuring himself; and now he's gone for the year. The tight end was brought onto the Miami Dolphins to help Tannehill with a more reliable pair of hands. No word on the extent of the damage, nor a time-frame for his return.

Mark Sanchez (QB - New York Jets) had the biggest up / down game of his career last night, in the Jets' 37 to 13 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. Sanchez led the way on 5, count them, 5 scoring drives, only to put a dark cloud over the solid performance by throwing an interception in the red zone, and not knowing to get rid of the ball preventing the Jets from grabbing an extra field goal at the end of the half. The outlook for the starting quarterback in New York is still not determined, as Rex Ryan says, and most fantasy football fans agree, "we're not comfortable making that decision"...and neither are we.

In other news Saturday night, the Cardinals held down the Dallas Cowboys' late-game rally, winning 12 to 7. Tony Romo (QB - Dallas Cowboys) finished the game with 7 of 10 for 142; and on the other side of the ball, Kerry Taylor (WR - Arizona Cardinals) grabbed 4 passes for 85 yards.

The Cincinnati Bengals keep the Tennessee Titans without a win this pre-season, beating them 27 to 19. Dan Herron (RB - Cincinnati Bengals) was the leading rusher for the Bengals, going 9 rushes for 81 yards and a touchdown. Damian Williams (WR - Tennessee Titans) was the leading receiver, with 4 grabs for 65 yards.

Ryan Tannehill (QB - Miami Dolphins) looked impressive as he went 10 of 15 for 141 and a touchdown, as the Dolphins lose, not only the game to the Texans, but also, as I noted earlier, Dustin Keller. Matt Schaub (QB - Houston Texans), Case Keenum (QB - Houston Texans) and T.J. Yates (QB - Houston Texans) all had a touchdown for the Texans.

Green Bay takes a game from the Rams, 19 to 7. Aaron Rodgers (QB - Green Bay Packers) went 10 of 12 and 134, without finding the end-zone, and Sam Bradford (QB - St. Louis Rams) finished up 8 of 12 for 156, and no touchdowns (a fumble lost on fourth and goal from the late, late in the first quarter with the Rams trailing 3 to 0 was all on him).

The Denver Broncos get routed by the Seattle Seahawks 40 to 10. Peyton Manning (QB - Denver Broncos) finished the loss with 11 completions for 163 and a touchdown. Russell Wilson (QB - Seattle Seahawks) finished up 8 of 12 for 127 and a touchdown.

That's it for me everybody, take it easy and have a great Selfie-Sunday!

Top 5 Fantasy Football Quarterback Sleepers

2013-08-18T08:00:00.000-04:00

Every year, we start off the season thinking about those big names, the guys in fantasy football and the NFL that can take our fantasy football team to the top, or be the biggest fantasy dud ever since believing Doogie Howser M.D. could be real (you know who you are!). Today, we are going to take a look at quarterbacks, specifically, those guys that are falling under the fantasy football radar, for better or worse, and how and when to get these gems of fantasy goodness on your fantasy football roster!

Andrew Luck

Why is Andrew Luck a fantasy football sleeper?

Simple...he gets the job done, but gets lost in the hustle and bustle of the fantasy football and NFL world among names like Tom Brady, Aaron Rodgers, Drew Brees, and the previous starting quarterback for the Colts, Peyton Manning.

In his first year with the Indianapolis Colts, Andrew Luck racked up 4300+ yards in the air with 23 touchdowns...not bad for a rookie year. But these totals are only a surface-level glimpse of what talent can lie underneath for Andrew Luck and his fantasy football owners.

This year, Reggie Wayne is still a key target, albeit an aging one at 34. But, you also get fantasy value from T.Y Hilton, a second year receiver who showed signs of fantasy football 'goodness' last year, and Darrius Heyward-Bey who is known around most fantasy football water coolers as 'the get' from free-agency last season (41 receptions for 606 and 5 touchdowns). Lets also give a nod to second-year tight ends Dwayne Allen (45 receptions for 521 and 3 touchdowns last year) and Coby Fleener (26 receptions for 281 and 2 touchdowns); together could prove to be the next great two-headed giant of tight ends for a fantasy football team.

Where does Andrew Luck go in my fantasy football draft?

If you are right on the money, and you have some stars at running back adn wide receiver for your team, picking up Andrew Luck in rounds 6, 7 or 8 of a ten-team league would force me to give you a gold-star my friend. People will be grabbing Eli Manning, RG3 and even Tony Romo ahead of Luck, simply because, it's Andrew Luck. Look to the trends, though, my friends, and you will see the light in sight...

Ryan Tannehill

Why is Ryan Tannehill a fantasy football sleeper?

Simply put, his situation changed in a way to allow him greater success without people taking enough notice...simple. Getting Mike Wallace changes things, escecially because year after bloody year, Miami has needed a dependable deep-threat to go along with an arm. And now they have both.

Trends are what I like in fantasy football, however, Tannehill doesn't have it...282 for 3200+ yards and a touchdown ratio that makes you a QB3 or QB4 at best. But, I will say this, when receivers get the types of quarterbacks they need, or quarterbacks get the types of receivers they need, the duo because an instrumental of fantasy football win!

Let's also not overlook, with all the talk of Mike Wallace, the impact of having Dustin Keller (28 receptions for 317 and 2 TD in half of a season last year), as well as Brain Hartline's continued growth (74 receptions for 1083 yards and a touchdown), Brandon Gibson (51 receptions for 691 yards and 5 touchdowns with the Rams last year) and second-year receiver Rishard Matthews.

Where does Ryan Tannehill get drafted this year?

Well, you can expect nearly 4000 yards this season, and close to 20 touchdowns, if not more. These stats put him as a solid #2 quarterback on your team, with potential to blow up and be a situational spot. This all makes him a 7th to 10th round pick.

Carson Palmer

Why is Carson Palmer a fantasy football sleeper....again??

The Arizona Cardinals...ya, literally him landing on THIS team, THIS season equates to what a lot of experts and just fantasy football fans alike are projecting to be a sleeper kind of season for the 33-year-old quarterback. Larry Fitzgerald needs a quarterback...it's a proving fact that Harvard, Yale and Canton have all shown (ok, not quite, but it's true!!!).

With Kurt Warner, a perfect example of a fantasy football quarterback of unknown and sleeper-value made good, Larry Fitzgerald managed three season with at least 1400+ yards receiving and 10 or more touchdowns. Since, he flirts with both...2009 was a great season (1000+ yards receiving and 13 touchdowns), but once the reigns were handed over to Matt Leinart....hmm...1100+ and 6 touchdowns? Last year, it was more of the same statistically for Fitz...71 receptions for 798 and 4 lowly touchdowns.

Carson Palmer can use star receivers and lesser-tiered ones. Last year, he was playing with an ever-changing starting lineup of hands and managed a 4000-yard season (345 of 565 for 4018 yards and 22 touchdowns). In Arizona, it's more of the same, but with a star wide receiver. Michael Floyd showed a lot of spark in teh final two games of NFL action last year (15 catches for 213 and one touchdown)...but he needs to do more than the one catch for 18 yards in the latest pre-season game. Rob Housler is a tight end that is also showing signs of dependability (last year, finished with 45 catches for 417 yards)...but he has 4.4 speed and can run routes, so this could open up a lot of possibilities.

Where does Mr. Carson Palmer go in my fantasy football draft?

Let me put it this way, Carson Palmer is a number two quarterback, with hints of possibly huge games if played right. This means he will be available in later rounds (9th through the 12th). However, it doesn't mean he isn't worth a higher pick if need be. I can see him getting some consistent points, but they play in a hot division and it could hurt more than help in a couple of the weeks I'm looking at.

EJ Manuel

Why is EJ Manuel a fantasy football sleeper this year?

He's in the midst of a quarterback showdown, he finishes out the first pre-season game by taking his team on a 10-play, 92-yard touchdown drive. He is on a team that has no clear-cut 'star' receiver. And lastly, it's the Bills...so go #*$# yourself!

The biggest problem, and the newest with EJ Manuel, is the fact he just got hurt. Nothing major, but a minor knee problem that will have him miss the remained of the pre-season, as well as get his knee drained and looked at. I don't, however, think this will lose him the starting job...as I would have an injured EJ Manuel over a healthy Kevin Kolb any day.

Where does EJ Manuel get drafted this year?

Probably late, late, late; especially with this injury. Look to take him as an alternate (last round pick), or even as a post-draft selection from the pine. He will be starting sometime this year, but if he re-aggravates his knee, you taking him before the last three rounds of your draft, well, it will be like draft Ryan Leaf (ya, I said it!!!).

Sam Bradford

Why is Sam Bradford a fantasy football sleeper yet again this year?

Sam Bradford has shown that through adversity and sub-par receiving corps, that he can get the job done. 3500 yards and 23 touchdowns in a season does not make a tier one quarterback...however, it shouldn't make him a QB3 option either.

What has changed for him is both a blessing and a curse for most quarterbacks. Namely, Steven Jackson has flown to Atlanta, and Bradford finds himself surrounded by a literal short-stack of running backs in Daryl Richardson, Isaiah Pead and Zac Stacy, who will all not amount to forcing this offense into run-first mode.

As far as additions go, look for Jarod Cook at tight end (awesome player potential here) and Tavon Austin (yes a rookie, but what a great situation he comes into!) to work hard in the slot. You can also bet on Stedman Bailey, Chris Givens, Austin Pettis and Brian Quick to show signs of solid depth and some, large play potential, for the Rams' passing game.

Where should you take Sam Bradford in this year's fantasy football draft?

Solid round 9 pick...simply put. He is a #2 option, and could possibly show some signs of situational play if your other QB is tier 3 or lower. I think some weeks are going to be heartaches, especially at Seattle, Houston and San Francisco.

That's it for my look at sleeper picks for your fantasy football team at the quarterback position.

Friday Night Fantasy Football Highlights

2013-08-17T14:16:00.000-04:00

Alex Smith (QB - Kansas City Chiefs) struggled Friday Night, taking a few pretty hard shots, and never finding the end-zone against his former team in the San Francisco 49ers. Smith finished the game 7 of 16 for 62 yards.

Tom Brady (QB - New England Patriots) started for the Patriots Friday night, and any questions about his knee were quickly answered, as he went 8 of 8, for 72 yards and a touchdown on his first drive.

Drew Brees (QB - New Orleans Saints) had a strong game Friday night as the Saints topped the Oakland Raiders 28 to 20. Brees went 14 of 18 for 202 and 1 touchdown.

In Buffalo, it was a tale of two cities on the same field, for the same team, as the Bills beat the Minnesota Vikings, 20 to 16. Kevin Kolb (QB - Buffalo Bills) had a dissapointing outing, going 12 of 21 for 111 yards, no touchdowns, but a costly interception. EJ Manuel (QB - Buffalo Bills) on the other hand, shined, completing 10 of 12 for 92 with a touchdown and no picks. This was Kolb's first action since October 14th, when he sustained a season-ending rib injury with Arizona.

That's it for me, tomorrow, I start breaking done some positional players as well as sleepers to keep your ears and fantasy football eyes out for. Until then, take it easy everybody.

Injury news, fantasy football pre-draft info and more

2013-08-16T13:30:00.001-04:00

Tom Brady (QB - New England Patriots) took snaps and threw in light practice drills on Thursday. This after a spill involving a defenseman falling into his surgically repaired knee, and is day to day, practice to practice.

The Pittsburgh Steelers backfield took a hit yesterday, as both Isaac Redman and rookie running back Le'Veon Bell found themselves laying on the field. Redman received a decent shot from Larry Foote resulting in a reported stinger (at first thought to be a concussion), and Bell with an "aggravated knee"; some believing to be much worse.

Michael Vick (QB - Philadelphia Eagles) and Nick Foles (QB - Philadelphia Eagles) are making it harder and harder as the preseason goes on for head coach for the Philadelphia Eagles Chip Kelly to make a decision on who is starting. Both looked sharp in last night's action; Vick finishing the game 9 for 10 for 105 and rushing 20 yards, Foles 6 for 8 for 53 yards, 13 rushing yards and a rushing TD.

C.J. Anderson (RB - Denver Broncos) and Knowshon Moreno (RB - Denver Broncos) are both dealing with injuries to their knees. Anderson was diagnosed with a sprained MCL Thursday and will miss four to six weeks, while Moreno continues to miss practices with a bruised knee.

Tom Brady's Knee, RG3 and more quarterback news!

2013-08-15T09:44:00.000-04:00

Tom Brady (QB - New England Patriots) took a hit to his knee, causing most of the crowd in attendance at yesterday's Patriots' practice to gasp in disbelief. While the image of Brady laying on the ground, holding his knee, looked serious, initial reports are a slight sprain and he could return to the practice field today or tomorrow.

Robert Griffin III (QB - Washington Redskins) took his first snaps in 11-on-11 drills yesterday. The second year quarterback has had a sheltered pre-season thus far, as he recoups his injured knee; of which Head Coach Mike Shanahan will not be pushing. Shanahan is also taking all the RG3 relationship hype, and plans for RG3's knee, with some levity.

Kevin Kolb (QB - Buffalo Bills) will be the starting quarterback for the Bills Friday night against the Minnesota Vikings. Kolb, who is competing with EJ Manuel for the starting nod, missed Buffalo's first preseason game because of a left knee injury.

Nick Foles (QB - Philadelphia Eagles) will be under center to start versus the Carolina Panthers tonight. Both he, and Michael Vick are expected to play a full quarter tonight. Vick started last week's game against the New England Patriots, and is why, according to Head Coach Chip Kelly, Foles gets the nod tonight.

Jo-Lonn Dunbar (LB - St. Louis Rams), has been suspended four games for violating the NFL's policy on performance-enhancing drugs. Dunbar will be able to take part in all practices, exhibitions and meetings prior to the first game of the season, when his actual suspension begins.

"I just want to say that I did not take a performance enhancing drug," Dunbar said. "I mistakenly took something that prompted a failed drug test."

Catch ya all tomorrow, for more NFL and fantasy football news!

Every Star Athlete Must Use PEDs, Right?

2013-08-15T09:00:00.000-04:00

Adrian Peterson. Albert Pujols. Justin Verlander.

What do these three star athletes have in common, besides being considered some of the best athletes in the world?

All three have been accused in the past week of using Performance Enhancing Drugs in the past week, even though no evidence exists that any of these three stars have doped.

Enough is enough.

In the aftermath of Major League Baseball suspending over a dozen players for PED use, including a 211-game suspension for Alex Rodriguez, apparently certain people didn’t think that it was enough. Former MLB player and current radio analyst Jack Clark took matters into his own hands. He used his new spot on WGNU AM in St. Louis to accuse Pujols and Verlander of using PEDs. He had been on the show less than a week before attacking the two stars.

A couple of days later, news comes out of anonymous sources accusing Adrian Peterson of doping.

Now it’s bad enough that accusations are being made, but before diving head first into that fiasco, let’s first examine each athlete’s reactions to being accused of using PEDs.

Let’s start with Verlander. Clark accused him of using PEDs based on “evidence” of his fastball velocity. He threw in the upper 90s and even would hit 100 mph. After signing a long-term contract with the Tigers in the off-season, his fastball is now only reaching mid-90s. Clark says that this is a typical athlete, using drugs to get money, and then all of a sudden not playing well because they wouldn’t be using any more. He called it “a free pass to steal.”

Verlander’s retort: “It’s moronic.” Plain and simple. And he just dismissed it.

Pujols on the other hand took a much different route. Clark claimed that Pujols’s former trainer Chris Mihfield told Clark that he would “shoot up” Pujols. Clark said he “knew for a fact” that Pujols was a user based on this.

Pujols’s response: A lawsuit. “I am going to send a message that you cannot act in a reckless manner, like they have, and get away with it. If I have to be the athlete to carry the torch and pave the way for other innocent players to see that you can do something about it, I am proud to be that person. I have five young children and I take being a role model very seriously. The last thing I want is for the fans, and especially the kids out there, to question my reputation and character.”

As for Adrian Peterson’s response: gratitude. "When you know you don't do it, and someone's saying you do, you're like, 'Wow. They think I'm on HGH? I'm doing that good? Well, hoo! Thank you, Jesus!' It's a compliment. I don't get mad about it at all.”

So what’s the best reaction? Name calling, a lawsuit, or taking it as a compliment?

Honestly, the lawsuit seems like an overreaction to me. Yes, it’s slander and not legal, but at the same time it almost cries “Oh no, somebody suspects me, I can’t let them see that he’s right!” And I highly doubt that Pujols juices. I never thought of him as one. And a guy accusing him of using PEDs didn’t change my opinion on the matter. Him filing a lawsuit on the other hand makes me at least consider that it might be true…sadly.

Verlander just called it moronic and brushed it aside. He said that Clark clearly “is not watching” and “know[s] nothing about” any of it. I can honestly say that I haven’t seen a lot of Verlander this year, but I don’t recall his pitches being in the 92-93 range as Clark seems to think. Clark’s faulty logic is brushed aside, just like every TomDickAndHarry across the country who thinks he knows everything.

Peterson takes it as a compliment. Honestly, his response is best for public image as it is one that I believe most can relate to in their own lives. “Do you work out?” “No, but thank you I’m glad you think I look good!” “Can I see your ID?” “I’m 42, but of course you can check to see if I’m legal!” “You take PEDs.” “I’m so good that I must be cheating? That’s cool.”

So where Pujols does what is best legally, his response ends up looking the worst for the most important court out there: the court of public opinion.

That’s what’s wrong with sports.

Now as for Jack Clark: shame on you. You played 18 years in the majors. You hit 340 home runs in your career. But apparently you don’t like being out of the spotlight now do you. You try to throw others under the bus so that you can get your 10 seconds of fame back. You could have made these accusations at any time, but you chose to do so right when you started your new job as a co-host. Thankfully your employers have parted ways with your stupidity.

Jack Clark, you like too many out there have their own agenda. Like too many around the world, you assume that just because somebody is a great athlete that he MUST be a cheater. He MUST have used performance enhancing drugs.

That’s what’s wrong with sports.

3SN Live - Fantasy Football Running Backs

2013-08-14T17:13:00.001-04:00

We continue to build your Fantasy Football Virtual Draft Guide tonight at 7:00 pm! We discuss running backs, ranking our top prospects and discussing some basic strategy for you to build a powerhouse fantasy team! Send us your questions on twitter @3SNetwork and we will answer them live! Stop by the Crane Room to join the fun!

Burress, Richardson and Floyd...oh my!

2013-08-14T09:52:00.000-04:00

The Steelers have put Plaxico Burress (WR - Pittsburgh Steelers) on the IR. Burress had surgery Monday morning to repair a torn rotator cuff in his right shoulder. Burress only played 3 games last season for the Steelers, and this move could mean no games this year.

Trent Richardson (RB - Cleveland Browns) will finally play a pre-season game as a Brown. The second year starting running back looks to better his rookie season for fantasy football players over last year's 267 rushes for 950 yards and 11 touchdowns on the ground, along with one in the air.

Buffalo Bills coach Doug Marrone said in a recent interview with the NFL Network that he'll name a starting quarterback no later than 10 days before the season opener, if no clear pick emerges any sooner. First-round pick EJ Manuel is the current favorite after his strong outting on Sunday.

As a follow-up to some injury news, Malcolm Floyd (WR - San Diego Chargers) has a sprained knee and will be out until week one. This news could lead to other problems we eluded to as well, including the fact the expected starters at wide receiver are now injured for the Chargers.

Doug Martin - Fantasy Sleeper to Fantasy Stud

2013-08-14T08:00:00.000-04:00

My how times have changed for Doug Martin since I wrote about him last year. At that time in the fantasy football world, people scoffed at the notion of a 1st round running back in Tampa Bay having success with the likes of LeGarrette Blount roaming in the backfield. Today, Doug Martin has gone from a nearly unwanted, barely draftable in fantasy leagues or a doubtful start, to a top 5 fantasy football pick. In fact, he is leading most Tier2 groups for running back; with some even placing him into the top tier, now with Jamaal Charles's injury.

Doug Martin showed last year how to get things done in the NFL as a rookie running back. Nearly reaching 2000 all-purpose yards, he amassed 1454 on the ground, with an average of 4.6 yards a carry, along with 11 touchdowns, thank you very much!

And for all you points per reception aficionados, let's not overlook his 49 receptions for 470+ yards and a touchdown.

I made the mistake of calling him a good third down back last season, yet his stats show otherwise...he's a GREAT first down back! 189 times last season, he rushed for over 6 yards on first down, with 3 touchdowns. And in the second half, he was real money, hammering out 820 yards on the ground, with 8 touchdowns, to go with his fantasy football niceness of 27 catches for 290 yards and a touchdown.

So, where are his faults? First, he is coming into his sophomore year...which means we have no NFL stats to check out trends. The only trend I can see, is, apart from the week 15 loss to the Saints last year, he dominates his NFC South opponents. Next, the AFC South and the NFC South fixate on rushers who have had one good season...which is especially a problem with Tampa Bay, who can't seem to keep the backfield at 100% for any year that I can remember.

Is he a top 5 running back in fantasy football?

The simple answer is yes. I know I'm a stickler for previous experience to formulate and view trends, but this guy, this 'Muscle Hamster' as he is better known, just flat out runs. He's strong on the left side, and just as potent in the middle. He can also break out a catch in the backfield for positive yardage on a constant basis. These two facts, alone, make him valuable in normal redrafts and PPR leagues.

That's my look back at 'sleeper' pick from last season Doug Martin...who now is no where close to that, and if you are lucky to get him, then congrats to you, my friend!

Do you have a sleeper pick this season that you want us to review? Or, would you like to write your own thoughts about him? Comment or send me a message at thefantasyfootballtoolkit@gmail.com and I'll get you hooked up on your fantasy football needs!

Malcolm Floyd and RG3

2013-08-13T11:13:00.001-04:00

Chargers wide receiver Malcolm Floyd (WR - San Diego Chargers) was carted off of the field Monday after banging his knee during one-on-one drills. Looks like this could be a strain that holds him out of active duty for two to six weeks. Floyd led the team with 56 receptions for 814 yards and 5 touchdowns last year.

The fantasy football outlook for this injury is fairly simple. Philip Rivers is going to have to rely more on Robert Meachem and Eddie Royal, as well as Vincent Brown who missed all of 2012 with a broken ankle. Antonio Gates could be targeted more, especially early in the season, and this could mean more carries and catches for Ryan Matthews.

Last week, Danario Alexander sustained a season-ending ACL tear. This being the first of his NFL career, after sustaining three in his college days. In the last nine games of last season, Alexander caught 37 passes for 650+ yards and seven touchdowns. Floyd and Alexander were expected to be the Chargers' one-two punch this season.

Robert Griffin III (QB - Washington Redskins) is butting heads with head coach Mike Shanahan...but in a good way. It seems RG3 is lobbying, heavily, to get back on full 11-on-11 practices and to take live snaps in preseason games. However, Shanahan is sticking by his guns and making sure RG3 is at 100% before he goes full-bomber-squad.

RG3 completed his stellar rookie season with 3200 yards passing, 20 touchdowns and 5 interceptions. He also added over 800 yards on the ground and 7 touchdowns.