Sunday Morning Quarterback

There’s a lot to look forward to Week 3 in the National Football League. Still early in the season, fantasy owners have yet to see whether their draft strategy has been a success of failure (unless you drafted Tom Brady).

It’s also easy to fall in love with your waiver wire wonders early on. But you have to remember to be patient with your stars, and don’t make irrational starts that’ll have the Monday Night Countdown crew saying, “C’mon man!”

Start ‘Em

The last time the Bears and Packers met, it was the NFC Championship game and Jay Cutler had a sour puss tattooed on his face. After an offseason of criticism and a mediocre effort against the Saints last week, Cutler is poised for a strong game.

The Bears' Jay Cutler last faced the Packers in the NFC Championship game, when he sat out the second half due to injury. (Credit: beargoggleson.com)

Green Bay has allowed opposing quarterbacks to throw for 800 yards, (Drew Brees: 419 yards; Cam Newton: 432 yards). With safety Nick Collins set to miss the remainder of the season, the depleted Packers secondary faces a motivated Cutler, atSoldier Field, in a rivalry game. Bet on Cutler.

Looking back at all of the offseason moves, theKevin Kolb trade, thus far, has proven to be a success. In two starts, Kolb has thrown for 560 yards and four touchdowns — I don’t think anybody is missing Max Hall or John Skelton in the desert now.

It’ll be a tougher test on the road in Seattle, though, facing a Seahawks defense that is holding opposing offenses to just about 100 yards per game. If the Cards can’t establish a running game with Beanie Wells, they’ll rely on Kolb to get on the board. It’s not even fair how Larry Fitzgerald stacks up the Seahawks’ defensive backs. Look smart; start Kolb.

In the mold of a Jerome Bettis or a Stephen Davis, Mike Tolbert is the Chargers’ bowling ball of a running back, and this week he’ll look more like he did Week 1 against the Vikings.

The Kansas City Chiefs, off to a profound 0-2 start, are on the road, facing a Chargers team that just suffered a disappointing loss against New England. The Chiefs are allowing multifaceted backs to run all over them.

Fred Jackson torched ‘em for 112 yards in Week 1, while Darren McFadden rewarded his fantasy owners with 143 total yards and two touchdowns, one on the ground and one via the air. After Philip Rivers leads the Chargers to a two-touchdown lead, expect Tolbert to seal the deal.

So it’s been the Cam Newton show so far, but this week the Panthers are actually favored against the Jags. Newton has tossed a shocking 854 yards, but in an offense in which he’s averaging 40 attempts per game.

Against the Jags, who are starting fellow first-round draft pick Blaine Gabbert, picked 10 picks after Cam, the Panthers should take an early lead as Gabbert struggles to move the chains.

This might be the welcome back party for DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart. The dynamic duo has a combined 30 rushing attempts in two games. Look for Ron Rivera to remember he’s got $43 million man in his backfield.

The Ravens were embarrassed Week 2 in Nashville, allowing Kenny Britt to have his way with the secondary en route to 135 yards and a score. You would think John Harbaugh would have his defense ready to make amends for that horrid effort against the winless Rams this week…don’t count on it.

Brandon Gibson is one of three Rams receivers who could be poised to beat up on the Ravens' secondary. (Credit: sportschannelnews.com)

The Rams, desperate for their first “W” and playing in front of the home crowd, are going to attack the Baltimore secondary. The Ravens’ defensive front will shut down whoever lines up in the Rams’ backfield — if it’s Steven Jackson there’s a glimpse of hope; otherwise don’t bother starting his back-up (Cadillac Williams or Jerious Norwood).

Whatever offense the Rams muster up, it’ll be through the air. Look for Brandon Gibson to make his first stamp in the fantasy football world. But if you own Danario Alexander, who was the most-targeted Rams wideout last week, or Mike Sims-Walker, the most proven of the bunch, don’t be afraid to make them your WR3 or flex.

Sit ‘Em

This seems peculiar, but I’m advising you to bench Shonn Greene against the Oakland Raiders, the NFL’s sixth-worst run defense.

Greene, always a candidate to break out as an elite running back, is averaging just 13 carries in the first two games. Despite the lackluster workload, he’s barely getting three yards per attempt.

The Jets are relying on Mark Sanchez to pass them to victories. Well, it has been working, but travelling to the West Coast to face a talented defensive front seven — not exactly the right formula for Greene to have a big day.

Expect Santonio Holmes and Dustin Keller to have a greater impact than Greene will on Sunday. In the Raiders’ home opener, they’re not letting Gang Green run all over them.

Jamaal Charles had the chance to be the No. 1 fantasy back in 2011. A torn ACL later, teams that put their faith in Charles to be their star are scurrying for his replacement. My advice: don’t look the other Chiefs.

Head coach Todd Haley is looking to go with a running back-by-committee approach, meaning Thomas Jones, Dexter McCluster and even Le’Ron McClain are candidates for touches.

To be fair to Jones, he looks like he can be still compete in the league. He’s as ripped up as Rambo, but he can’t carry the rock…at all. McCluster, more a slot-receiver and Wildcat quarterback, will only receive a handful of touches in the backfield; he doesn’t have the ability to be a featured back. And there’s no sign that McClain is going to move from the fullback position.

If you’re looking to replace Charles on your roster, check the waiver wire for other solutions. Like Charles’ season, the Chiefs are done. Their offense is going to be putrid; I’d sell all of the Chiefs if I could.

Denarius Moore torched the Bills for 146 yards Week 2, but now he's bound for a trip to Revis Island.

benching Denarius Moore. Sure he torched the Bills for 146 yards last week, and Hue Jackson said he’s going to get the talented wideout more involved in the offense. But this week, he gets the Revis

So he was my pick for breakout rookie, but this week I’m

Island treatment.

Darrelle Revis is going to shadow the Raiders’ most potent wideout like white on rice. Sure, he’s third on the depth chart. But Jacoby Ford has yet to practice this week and he’s questionable to even see the field. Darrius Heyward-Bey is available; tell me the last time he made an impact.

The Raiders’ passing game is going to be stifled by Revis and the Jets secondary. McFadden is the only Raider worth starting Week 3.

Originally posted on;

http://thecovertwo.com/2011/09/start-em-sit-em-week-3/

Fantasy: What to look for tomorrow

2011-09-10T16:37:00.002-04:00

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What to Watch For

There are some things we’ll never be able to figure out, especially after Week 1, Bill Belichick. But fantasy-wise, we can get a gage on the situation in primary ball carriers and most-targeted receivers.

Here’s a look at what to look for tomorrow:

Reggie Bush is the Miami Dolphins’ starting running back. For the first time in his career, the former Heisman Trophy winner will be the featured back, receiving the bulk of carries in the Wildcat formation.

Bush has also played second fiddle to either Deuce McAllister or Pierre Thomas, and has not received much praise because his electric playmaking ability did not exactly translate from USC to the pros.

For the first time in his career, Reggie Bush is expected to be a featured back. (Credit: Miami Herald)

From 2006 to the 2008, though, Bush’s yards-per-attempt average did rise, and in injury-shortened seasons in 2009 and 2010 he averaged 5.6 and 4.2 yards per rush, respectively.

There is, however, a power back listed second on the depth chart. Former Kansas State star, Daniel Thomas, could be the Dolphins’ short-yardage and goal line back, though reports from the preseason have not been too encouraging for the rookie.

And then there’s Lex Hilliard, another bruiser who could earn carries. Entering his third season with Miami, Hilliard will have an opportunity to impress the coaching staff with Thomas listed as questionable for Monday night’s match-up against New England.

Don’t trust that Bush can be the every-down back, but Miami did begin the Wildcat trend in the National Football League. They traded for Bush and put their faith in him for a reason.

What is the deal with the Raiders’ wide receiving corps? According to their depth chart, Jacoby Ford andDarrius Heyward-Bey will start, but this is Oakland we’re talking about it. The R-R-Raiders.

Louis Murphy, currently recovering from sports hernia surgery last month, most likely will not be available until Week 3. Zach Miller has been the team’s leading receiver, but among wideouts Murphy has been the leader in receptions and yardage for two straight seasons.

With Murphy out, it’s a chance for Ford, Heyward-Bey and Denarius Moore to Wally Pip him in the lineup.

Ford caught 25 passes and averaged 18.8 yards per catch last year, his rookie season. That number could rise to 80, according to his new head coach Hue Jackson, the Raiders’ offensive coordinator in 2010.

Raiders head coach Hue Jackson said Jacoby Ford could catch 80 balls in 2011. (Credit: orangeandwhite.com)

Opposite Ford is the real question. Heyward-Bey, the seventh overall picks in the NFL Draft in 2009, is penciled in as the starter, despite racking up 35 catches, two touchdowns and less than 500 yards in his first two seasons.

If Heyward-Bey does not impress in the opener, it could be Murphy or Moore taking his spot. Moore, the highly touted rookie, was the team’s leading receiver this preseason, and Jackson wants to find ways to get him the ball.

Is it finally the time for these young quarterbacks to take the next step?

There were two popular strategies enacted during fantasy drafts this summer – go big on your quarterback or grab one late/cheap. This is where we find out who was right.

In this discussion: Matthew Stafford, Matt Ryan, Sam Bradford and Kevin Kolb.

Stafford was probably the trendiest pick to break out in 2011, of course being healthy the biggest obstacle thus far in his career. The Lions quarterback has played in 13 games over the course of his first two seasons, throwing 19 touchdown passes and 21 interceptions.

But paired with arguably the most talented wide receiver in the NFL, Calvin Johnson, experts agree Stafford could explode in this pass-heavy Lions offense. (Last season the Lions ranked third in pass attempts). With Johnson, rookie Titus Young and Jahvid Best around him, Stafford is projected to have a big year.

As is Ryan, who, this offseason got a gift in the form of Julio Jones, among the top-rated wideouts in the 2011 draft. Jones, paired with Roddy White, immediately forms one of the most talented tandems in the league.

Ryan’s pass attempts and touchdowns have both risen in each of his three seasons, and with the expected decline of Michael Turner there could definitely be a greater reliance in the Falcons’ aerial attack. Last year Ryan tossed 28 touchdown passes; he could reach the elite 30-35 touchdown range this year.

With the addition of Julio Jones, the Falcons upgraded their passing attack. Is it time for Matt Ryan to enter the elite class of NFL quarterbacks? (credit: graphicshunt.com)

Bradford came in and started his NFL career with a splash, barely missing a beat after sitting out his senior season at Oklahoma with a shoulder injury. The Rams quarterback attempted nearly 600 passes, third most in the league behind only Peyton Manning and Drew Brees, and finishing with a stat line of more than 3,500 yards and 18 touchdowns.

This offseason the Rams upgraded his receiving corps with rookie tight end Lance Kendricks, veteran receiver Mike Sims-Walker and offensive guru Josh McDanielscalling the shots.

McDaniels helped Kyle Orton and Matt Cassel earn starting quarterback duties in the league, not to mention that in 2007 was calling plays for Tom Brady and the record-setting Patriots offense. Now he’ll have another talented player in Bradford to mold.

And of course there was the trade we all waited for – Kolb to the Cardinals. The former Eagles quarterback fell out of fortune in Philly, losing his job to Michael Vick, and now found a landing spot in the desert where he gets an elite receiver to throw to.

Kolb threw just one touchdown during the preseason, though it was an 80-yard bomb to Larry Fitzgerald. I’ll assume the chemistry is there and will develop further throughout the season.

During the past two years, we’ve seen glimpses of potential with Kolb as a gunslinger in this league, especially coming out of the pass-happy offense at Houston. In 2009, in spot duty, Kolb posted back-to-back 300-yard games against the Saints and Chiefs, with a combined four touchdown passes. A year later, he started the season as the Eagles quarterback, tossing seven touchdown passes in four games, not including the opener in which he left with an injury.

It’ll be interesting to see if Kolb develops into the quarterback many, including Andy Reid, thought would be.

Fantasy Preview: NFC West

2011-08-27T09:41:00.002-04:00

Whether it’s a first-year player or a flat-out bust under center this season, the 49ers offense is going to be horrific and should not be counted on to perform. Michael Crabtree and Braylon Edwards, both of whom would normally be WR2s, are worth considering as WR4s, if that.

Though the receivers aren’t much to rave about, it’s worth noting that Vernon Davis is still a top-tier tight end. It has yet to be seen how Davis will fit in with Harbaugh’s offense, but over the past two seasons, he’s racked up 20 touchdowns and over 900 receiving yards per year. After finishing fifth among tight ends in receiving yardage in his breakout 2009 campaign, he finished second last season.

The other option to consider is, of course, Frank Gore. The talented but oft-injured running back is expected to have a dynamic 2011 season, though we’ll have to see if his contract dispute will weigh on him. He held out earlier this training camp.

The team added insurance during the draft, snaring Kendall Hunter as a possible third-down option, though Gore is currently penciled in to take those snaps still.

Gore is a threat not only on the ground but also out of the backfield. Since 2006, his breakout season, Gore has averaged about 250 rushing attempts and 50 catches per year, which equals out to about 1,600 total yards and nine scores per year. And in this style of offense Gore could see an even heavier load in the passing game.

The main problem, though, is health. Gore has played in just one full season this entering the league. Coming off a hip injury, Gore’s agent, Drew Rosenhaus, declared him healthy. Owners must realize the possibility of Gore going down; Anthony Dixon is the sure handcuff.

Fantasy Preview: AFC West

2011-08-25T11:05:00.002-04:00

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The Wild Wild West saw its share of fantasy surprises in 2010, as well as some ultimate busts. The Kansas City Chiefs turned out to be an offensive juggernaut, while Mike Tolbert turned out to be the better back than Ryan Mathews. What should we make of the AFC West this year?

Denver Broncos

Kyle Orton won the quarterback competition over Tim Tebow, if you haven’t heard. But with Orton, the Broncos are getting a sure thing behind center. So with Tebow supposedly battling to be the third- or fourth-string quarterback now, Orton is the one to target.

He’s not going to wow you with his heroism like Tom Brady or his record-breaking performances like Peyton Manning, but Orton is solid producer and a valid starter in a 12-team league. Last season, his career year was cut short because then-head coach Josh McDaniels benched him due to injury in an effort to get Tebow on the field.

Orton had 1,733 yards and eight touchdowns through five weeks last year. After a two-game slump, he picked up where he left off and tossed another 1,229 yards and five touchdowns. Keep in mind that he was operating in McDaniels’ pass-first scheme, and with John Fox on the sidelines there will be a greater emphasis on the running game.

Consider Orton a high-upside QB2 and a solid back-up option. He has potential, despite the lack of weapons around him and the little faith his coaches have put into him.

The less pass attempts also diminish the value of wideout Brandon Lloyd. Currently the 18^th receiver drafted, he’s being considered a better investment than Santonio Holmes, Marques Colston, Anquan Boldin and Jeremy Maclin.

Lloyd may have had a career season in 2010, but there’s no way that he can replicate those results given the new offensive system he’s in and the fact that there may be a new quarterback throwing him passes mid-season.

Broncos' Knowshon Moreno could be in store for a breakout season under new head coach John Fox and a revamped running game.

If we’re talking running game in Denver, we’re talking about third-year running back Knownshon Moreno, who is entering a critical make-or-break year in his career. Moreno has yet to surpass 1,000 yards in a season, though his statics reveal some potential to be used in aDeAngelo Williams-like way.

Moreno has impressedduring training camp, showing up in the best physical shape of any player. All the tealeaves spell that Moreno is in store for a breakout season, but to be safe consider him a RB2 or flex option before we see results on the field.

Moreno owners should also keep an eye on Willis MacGahee, who signed with the Broncos as a goal-line back. In touchdown-heavy leagues, MacGahee is a great gamble in the later rounds, especially if you went after Moreno.

Kansas City Chiefs

The year 2011 should be heralded as The Year of Jamaal Charles. His 2010 breakout campaign had fantasy owners intrigued and frustrated – sure he managed almost 2,000 yards from scrimmage and eight scores, but why does Todd Haley insist of feeding Thomas Jones with carries?

Charles rushed the ball 230 times in an effort to remain healthy and effective throughout the season, and Haley believes this is the right formula for the Chiefs to win. However, though he won’t just come out and say he wants Charles to have an even bigger workload, he’s surely implied it.

Charles was suddenly thrust into the elite four running backs for 2011, along with Adrian Peterson, Arian Fosterand Chris Johnson. Though I would not hesitate to snare Charles in a snake draft, I’m not paying huge money for him in an auction. Unlike the aforementioned backs, Charles is still splitting carries, and there’s a chance he loses goal-line carries to Jones. He’s obviously a RB1 because of his talents, though I’d be wary of ranking him along the likes of AP or CJ.

The other Chief who enjoyed a breakout season under Haley’s direction was Dwayne Bowe, who, when paired with Matt Cassell, had almost 1,200 yards and a league-high 15 touchdowns.

There are plenty of naysayers, though, that believe Bowe’s 2010 season was merely an aberration and that there’s not a chance he can produce those same numbers this year. I don’t think Bowe can catch 15 touchdowns again, but I do expect him to post WR1 numbers.

The Chiefs bolstered their wide receiver corps by adding Steve Breaston in the slot and drafting Jonathon Baldwin out of Pittsburgh. Jerheme Urban, who spent all of last season on injured reserve with a torn flexor tendon in his right hand, is taking snaps as the flanker opposite of Bowe. That’s a pretty electric top four wideouts, if Urban can prove to be a capable No. 2 receiver. Baldwin, recovering from a thumb injury, could eventually replace Urban during the season.

Quick Hit: If you’re looking for a sleeper tight end, consider Tony Moeaki. In his first season, Moeaki caught three touchdowns, all within the opponents’ 20-yard line. Another year in the league, another season in Haley’s system, Moeaki could double those touchdown numbers and be drafted as your back-up.

San Diego Chargers

You know who led the National Football League in passing last year? Not Manning, or Brady, or Drew Brees; it was Philip Rivers.

Still, with Michael Vick and Aaron Rodgers better threats to post more touchdowns with their athleticism, Rivers is arguable the best pure passer and should be the third quarterback off the board in all leagues.

Rivers tossed 4,710 yards and 30 touchdowns last season. His leading receiver: Antonio Gates, who played in just 10 games. Second: Malcolm Floyd, who played in 11 games. Third: Vincent Jackson, who played in five.

What Rivers did was make the most out of an awful situation in San Diego. Receivers riddled by injury, a running game that did not exist, and Rivers threw 30 touchdowns to the likes of Seyi Ajirotuto and Patrick Crayton andKelley Washington. Now imagine what he can do with a healthy Gates and a full 16 games with Jackson.

Now keep in mind Jackson held out last season in hopes of being rewarded with a new contract. He’s taken the opposite approach this year, playing for that big-money deal. Tell me what’s more intriguing that a 6-5 wideout paired up with Rivers in a contract year?

The Chargers’ passing attack is going to be dynamic, no question about it. The running game, though, is suspect. It’s Ryan Mathews’ sophomore year, after a rookie campaign where he did finish with 675 yards and seven rushing scores in just a dozen games.

But Mathews’ value is hurt by the grounder, the pounder that is Mike Tolbert, who’s expected to be the goal-line and short-yardage back in the team’s two-back system. Tolbert finished fifth among backs with 11 touchdowns last season, tied with Chris Johnson and Peyton Hillis.

Mathews is being drafted 22^nd among running backs, ahead of Mark Ingram, Ryan Grant and Fred Jackson.Meanwhile, Tolbert is being drafted nine slots later, and will be the far superior fantasy producer in 2011.

Oakland Raiders

Here’s a sleeper for ya, Terrelle Pryor. Nah, but I would stay tuned to see if Hue Jackson finds an innovative way to use the former Ohio State quarterback in the offense, somehow, someway.

Perhaps the safest – if you want to deem it that – fantasy commodity on the R-R-R-aiders is Darren McFadden, a season removed from his breakout campaign. McFadden finished fifth in yards from scrimmage last season, with almost 1,200 rushing yards and over 500 receiving yards and 10 total touchdowns.

In 2011, under Jackson’s tutelage, the Raiders offense was constructed around Run DMC’s talents…whatever that means. The Raiders’ offensive line ranked 26^th in the league last season, and their best wideout would normally be a third or fourth receiver on a championship-caliber team.

As the centerpiece of the offense, barring injury, McFadden should be in store for another top-10-like season. He’s being drafted ninth among running backs, though he should outproduce a player like LeSean McCoybecause of the fewer talented players around him.

Among the wideouts, Jacoby Ford is the Raiders’ No. 1 option right now, as Louis Murphy, the team’s leader in touchdown receptions in 2009, is injured. In his rookie season, Ford finished fourth on the team in receiving yardage behind the team’s leading pass-catcher, Zach Miller, who has since left for Seattle.

Ford has been a coach’s favorite this offseason, and has added value as a kickoff returner. Last season Ford returned three kickoffs for touchdowns, tied among the best in the league along with Leon Washington.

Ford is being drafted as the 42^nd receiver, and he’s definitely worth it with the kickoff return points. Draft Murphy, too, as a late-round flier towards the end of your draft.

Quick Hit: Replacing Miller as the Raiders’ tight end is Kevin Boss, who was signed away from the New York Giants, and could actually upgrade the position.

Fantasy Preview: NFC South

2011-08-24T10:44:00.002-04:00

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One of the most competitive divisions in all the National Football League and one the deepest in fantasy talent, the AFC South saw its fantasy pool grow through the draft this past April. With many young superstars, let’s examine which should be targeted at your fantasy draft.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

One of our favor waiver wire selections last year was LeGarrette Blount, who down the stretch of the season posted RB1-type numbers. From Week 7 on, Blount rushed for 977 yards (88.8 per game) and five touchdowns. In contrast, that was more than 10 of the top 12 rushers – Darren McFadden, Peyton Hillis, Ray Rice, Ahmad Bradshaw, Steven Jackson, Rashard Mendenhall, Adrian Peterson, Maurice Jones-Drew, Chris Johnson andMichael Turner. Only Jamaal Charles and the league’s leading rusher Arian Foster rushed for more yards during that span.

Over a full 16-game schedule, Blount projects to more than 1,400 yards and between 10 to 12 total touchdowns, which is most rankings would earn top-tier RB1 numbers. And with the loss of Cadillac Williams to the St. Louis Rams, Blount is in store to get more opportunities to make an impact in the Bucs’ passing game, too.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers' LeGarrette Blount rushed for 977 yards from Week 7 on, more than 10 of the 12 leading rushers in 2010.

Blount, according to Fantasy Football Calculator, is being drafted towards the end of the third round, behind backs like Jackson and Turner and Jones-Drew, who are riddled with question marks heading into 2011. The third round is a steal for Blount; he’s easily a second-round talent.

The other Buc not receiving his due credit is Mike Williams, the talented second-year wide receiver who has far and away distinguished himself asJosh Freeman’s go-to guy. In his rookie season, Williams caught 11 touchdown passes – and did so in a consistent fashion. His longest touchdown drought was two weeks.

Williams ranked 13^th in targets in 2010, tied with the likes of Hakeem Nicks, ahead of WR1s like Greg Jennings, Miles Austin and Mike Wallace, all of whom are being drafted ahead of Williams. Like Blount, he’s being overlooked and underrated; draft with confidence.

Atlanta Falcons

Once touted as one of the up-and-coming quarterbacks in the league, now Matt Ryan is being considered one of the up-and-coming fantasy quarters in the league.

Last year, Ryan attempted and completed more passes, throwing for a career-high 3,705 yards and 28 touchdowns, only being picked off nine times. As we know, there’s two different schools of thought when it comes to drafting quarterbacks: draft an elite quarterback early (or devote a lot of money in your auction budget), or stockpile talent positions and get your quarterback late. Ryan is the type of quarterback you can gamble on later and expect results.

Ryan is being drafted ninth among quarterbacks in 10-team leagues. He not only has an elite wide receiver inRoddy White, a Hall of Fame-bound tight end in Tony Gonzalez and perennial Pro Bowl running back Michael Turner, but the team traded up in the draft to snare Julio Jones out of Alabama to buff up the receiving corps and add yet another weapon for the fourth-year signal-caller.

White and Jones already classify as one of the more formidable receiver tandems in the entire league. Coming out of four straight 1,000-plus-yard seasons, double-digit touchdown totals in the last two, White has distinguished himself as an elite talent, and he’s finally garnering the credit he deserves.

Jones, an impressive physical being, is already inserted into the starting lineup, and will be the reason whyteams can no longer double-team White. With Gonzalez commanding the attention of linebackers in the middle of the field, and White and Jones spread out wide, Ryan and the Falcons’ passing game should thrive in 2011.

Of course, with Jones being the recipient of more passes, White owners should expect a dip in his product, mainly in PPR leagues. Still, though, White is an elite receiver, and Jones should be a safe WR3. Gonzalez, being drafted eighth among tight ends in 10-team leagues, should be a safe TE1.

Quick Hit: Despite a 1,371-yard, 12-touchdown campaign in 2010, Turner is a back expected to start declining this season. Of course, a small dip in those numbers would still be wonderful for owners. However, Turner is in his eighth season in the league, and he’s ran the ball more than 330 times in two of the past three years, after missing five games due to injury in 2009.

Turner has the potential to be a touchdown machine, but eventually the heavy workload has to catch up with him. We already saw third-down back Jason Snelling begin to steal carries from Turner, which could help Turner stay on the field for first- and second-down, but it does cut into his production.

Carolina Panthers

Before you can ask, the answer is no; do not expect Cam Newton to be a fantasy sleeper. If you don’t believe, seewhat I wrote back in the spring.

However, with a rookie quarterback behind center, or Jimmy Clausen for that matter, a heavy running attack is to be relied on. But due to the Panthers resigning DeAngelo Williams, an already cluttered backfield just got a lot more confusing. Ugh.

Addressing the best wide receiver corps the Panthers have had in years, surprisingly, expect Steve Smith to have yet another wasted season. Newton has a big arm, but we’ve yet to see him air it out to Smith to burn opposing defenses, especially within a division with some talented defensive backs.

Smith has been on the decline since 2008, when he lost Jake Delhomme and began the quarterback carousel ofMatt Moore and Clausen. Smith barely put up WR4 numbers last season, but with Delhomme he managed to finish WR2-worthy. The Panthers’ third preseason game should help forecast the chemistry between Newton and Smith.

One option to surprise, however, is tight end Greg Olsen, who the Panthers traded for from the Chicago Bears. The talented pass-catcher fell out of favor in Mike Martz’s offense, and could benefit from a rookie quarterback. Olsen, currently the 17^th tight end being taken, could easily emerge as Newton’s safety valve, and perhaps his main target. Draft as a back-up; he could surprise.

New Orleans Saints

Frequently being heralded as the offseason victors, the Saints added one key component on the offensive side of the ball that turned heads. I am, of course, talking about drafting Mark Ingram this past April.

Are we making too much of a big deal about it, though?

Ingram currently sits second atop the depth chart behind incumbent Pierre Thomas, while the team also addedDarren Sproles to fulfill the third-down back role. Considered the candidate to receive goal-line carries, Ingram is perhaps a bit overrated.

He’s still not the team’s featured back; the best-case scenario that he and Thomas split carries evenly this season. Nonetheless, Ingram is being drafted in the fifth around, ahead of Thomas.

There is, however, a good chance Thomas gets hurt this year. Thomas has yet to play in all 16 games in his career, and missed eight games due to an ankle injury that required surgery last year.

When healthy, Thomas is a threat near the goal line, where in 2008, as the featured back, scored seven touchdowns between the opponents’ 19- and one-yard line. That is, of course, expected to be Ingram’s role this season. We’ll have to see what head coach Sean Peyton decides to do – but for now, consider Ingram only in touchdown-heavy leagues.

The Saints’ biggest concern should be their wideouts. Their No. 1 receiver, Marques Colston, is coming off yet another knee surgery, and experience irritation and swelling earlier this month. The surgery was Colston’s fifth in five career seasons, so there’s a question of whether he’ll be able to maintain health over the course of the season.

Colston, to his credit, was a clear-cut WR1 down the stretch of the 2011 season, though. From Week 7 to Week 16, (he did not play Week 17), he caught 54 passes (5.4 per game) for 683 yards and seven touchdowns, right when fantasy owners were selling him after a painfully slow start.

So it is tough to write Colston off, because when healthy, he and Drew Brees are among the top duos in the NFL. If he’s injured to start the season, do not expect the No. 2 wide receiver, Devery Henderson, to take his place.

Henderson is not even considered a lock to make the Saints’ roster this year, and instead its slot receiver extraordinaire Lance Moore turning heads. Moore, fresh off a five-year deal signed in the offseason, scored a team-high eight touchdowns and was the second-most popular target. Currently the 47^th receiver taken, taken behind Santana Moss, Hines Ward, Michael Crabtree, Johnny Knox, Moore could be a late-round steal.

Quick Hit: Jimmy Graham, the Saints’ second-year tight end who caught five touchdowns last year, is considered a break-out candidate with the departure of Jeremy Shockey. While Graham could be in store for another five-touchdown campaign, the addition of Ingram convinces me Brees will look less to pass by the goal line, where Graham caught all of his touchdowns. However, Graham’s usually the seventh tight end off the board. If you’re not planning to spend big or invest in a tight end early, he’s not the worst option to settle for in touchdown-heavy leagues.

Fantasy Preview: AFC South

2011-08-24T10:43:00.002-04:00

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Last year, the AFC South played host to the biggest fantasy sleeper, Arian Foster, as well as top-10 talents likePeyton Manning, Chris Johnson and Maurice Jones-Drew. Ironically, all four of those fantasy superstars have glaring question marks hovering over them entering the 2011 season.

Indianapolis Colts

The biggest news out of Colts camps this weekend was that Manning may not be starting under center in Week 1 against the Houston Texans. Manning is recovering from offseason neck surgery, and has yet to participate in team drills. He said he’s a little behind schedule in his recovery, and Colts owner Jim Irsay implied it was likely the Manning will miss the early part of the season.

In 2008, Manning missed the entire preseason and training camp after having surgery to remove an infected bursar sac in his left knee. The lack of a preseason showed its ill effects, though, as Manning tossed a combined three touchdowns in his first three contests, and threw four interceptions during that same span.

However, after a bye week in Week 4, Manning began to resemble his usual self; he threw for 24 touchdowns to just nine picks the rest of the season, leading the Colts to 11 straight wins from Week 9 on en route to the playoffs.

Will Peyton Manning's offseason surgery and lack of training camp cause him to miss time in 2011?

It took Manning about a month, the usual length of a training camp, to ready himself into his regular-season form. If, hypothetically, Manning misses Weeks 1 and 2, and struggles through his first month back, he really will not put up top-tier quarterback numbers. Manning threw just 27 touchdowns that 2008 season without missing any regular season games; he would be on pace to throw between 20 and 25 in 2011, ranking him outside the top 10, around Sam Bradford, Matt Schaub and Jay Cutler.

Of course if Curtis Painter or newly signed Dan Orlovskystarts for Indy in Manning’s absence, the wide receiver corps’ draft stock all take an enormous blow. Reggie Wayne’s stock has already fallen in pre-draft rankings this season, despite posting yet another 1,300-yard, six touchdown campaign in 2010.

Wayne obviously won’t produce early in the year without Manning rifling passes to him, but the fact you can draft him orAustin Collie and Dallas Clark in the later rounds could be a draft strategy. When Manning is healthy, he will post week-to-week numbers that will be among the top quarterbacks in the league; as will his receivers. If you draft the Colts as back-ups, they can pay off with starter-like statistics later and down the playoff run.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Another major injury concern out of the AFC South is the health of MoJo-Drew’s knee.

Jones-Drew had offseason surgery on his knee, which has fantasy guru’s questioning his ability to display the burst and quickness that allowed to him to run for back-to-back 1,300-yard seasons.

However, Jones-Drew suggests he’s fully healthy and that fantasy owners should draft him with ease. He’s probably a top-10 running back still, but we’ve yet to see him on the field, so how could we expect him to keep his word?

So far, he’s impressed in training camp. With a quarterback controversy brewing in Jacksonville, and a lack of a true No. 1 wideout, the Jags should rely on a heavy rushing attack all season long. Of course if David Garrard is anointed the starter he’s more of a threat to produce in the passing game, opening holes for the backs; if it’s first-rounder Blaine Gabbert taking snaps by mid-season then Jones-Drew should expect nine-men defensive fronts.

There is, of course, another setback foreseen by reporters. Rashad Jennings, Jones-Drew’s backup. This is nothing new in Jacksonville; in MoJo-Drew’s first few seasons, he split carries with the incumbent, Fred Taylor. And after seeing what Jennings is capable of last year – 5.5 yards per carry, four touchdowns and a receiving threat out of the backfield – another two-back system may be on the horizon.

Jones-Drew signed a five-year deal in 2009, so the team shouldn’t be worried about giving Jennings an opportunity to supplant Jones-Drew right away. But if they’re worried about their featured back’s recently repaired knee, or the fact he’s carried the ball close to or more than 300 times the past two seasons, then Jennings will get his fair share of carries. Consider Jennings a must-have handcuff, and a RB2 if Jones-Drew is injured at some point in the year.

Quick Hit: The loss of Mike Sims-Walker, really a mediocre wide receiver, leaves the Jaguars short of a true No. 1 threat. Mike Thomas showed glimpses of being a main receiver last year, posting 73 catches for over 850 yards and five touchdowns. Upgraded in the depth chart, as long as Garrard is under center, consider Thomas the only receiver worth drafting. He’s a safe WR3, with WR2 upside.

Houston Texans

Last year, Foster shocked the fantasy football world, going from Ben Tate’s back-up to the dude who blasted the Colts for 231 yards and three touchdowns in his season debut. A year later he’s considered the top-ranked running back, or least among the top three elite backs.

There was a quick scare for prospective Foster owners after missing the preseason opener against the New York Jets with a sore hammy. But Foster returned to action Sunday, rushing for 95 yards and scoring thrice against the News Orleans Saints in the first half.

Because of Foster’s ability to run and catch passes, he has a higher upside than both Adrian Peterson and Chris Johnson, his two closest competitors at the top fantasy back. He led the National Football League in rushing yardage, rushing touchdowns, yards per attempt, yards per game, receiving touchdowns and yards from scrimmage in 2010 – wow. And the fact is that he is now the centerpiece of a high-scoring offense translates into another spectacular season.

The only question mark is his health, as it is with every talented player. The preseason hamstring injury should be buried, but if it were to pop up again, consider Tate the best option to replace him. Derrick Ward is currently slated as the No. 2 back, but Tate was highly touted in pre-draft rankings for a reason; Ward is just a veteran who’s been in the system longer. We also saw Chris Ogbonnaya tear up the Jets in the preseason opener.

The emergence of Foster seems to have indirectly hurt the stock of quarterback Matt Schaub. After throwing three straight 4,000-plus-yard seasons, averaging 26 touchdowns per season, Schaub is merely ranked at the bottom of the top-10 quarterbacks, sometimes considered No. 11 or 12.

Schaub has a dynamic back lined up behind him, but that only forces opposing defenses to prepare for either a smash-mouth running game or a more-than-capable passing attack based primarily on wideout Andre Johnson.

Johnson, year-in, year-out should be considered the top wide receiver. He’s put together three consecutive 1,200-plus-yard seasons, five in all, with eight touchdowns four years in a row. Drafting Johnson is equivalent to drafting a RB1 because of his consistency. If you miss out on a Ray Rice or Jones-Drew, and you’re nearing the second class of running backs, make a play for Johnson, a sure thing.

The best Texans receiver aside from Johnson is tight end Owen Daniels, who appears to be fully healthy after two injury-plagued seasons. His last full season, in 2008, Daniels caught 70 passes for 862 yards and five touchdowns. Not only a safety valve for Schaub, Daniels receivers a lot of attention with defensive backs focusing on Johnson and linebackers struggling to keep up with him. He can match the production of Dallas Clark orVernon Davis, if healthy, and should be considered the No. 2 wideout on the team compared to Kevin Walter orJacoby Jones.

Tennessee Titans

Out with the old and in with the … old. The Titans exchanged veteran signal-callers this offseason, replacing the retired Kerry Collins with Matt Hasselbeck, who despite a mediocre 18-touchdown season last year with theSeattle Seahawks, lifted his team to the second weekend of the NFL playoffs.

Of course Hasselbeck isn’t a plausible option to start on your fantasy team; he had one 300-yard passing performance last season, and give in the last four years. But his veteran presence allows for Kenny Britt to be a high-upside WR2 for 2011.

Britt, despite a lack of a true quarterback under center his first two years with the Titans, has posted back-to-back 42-reception seasons, posting more than 700 yards both years. Far and away the most talented receiver on the roster, Britt should see an increase in targets, receive yards and touchdowns in 2011.

However, his productivity is contingent on a date with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell Tuesday, which will determine if and the length of a suspension for some offseason antics that made headlines for the wrong reason. If suspended for more than two games, obviously Britt’s stock will take a huge hit, but like we discussed with the Colts wide receivers earlier, he could be drafted later on, or for less auction money, and could have an immediate impact when he returns.

The presence of Hasselbeck will benefit Chris Johnson, if and when the No. 3-ranked running back reports to Titans camp. Johnson had what fantasy owners would deem a “down year” in 2010, rushing for 1,200 yards and 10 total touchdowns after a 2,000-yard season the year prior with 16 total scores.

Johnson saw more defenses loading up the box against him when Collins went down and Vince Young was benched. Stuck with Rusty Smith as his quarterback on a struggling offense, Johnson still produced Pro Bowl numbers, including the fourth-higher rushing yardage total, sixth-most rushing touchdowns and seventh most scores overall.

He’s could be in line to improve all those numbers and vie to be the top back again in 2011, but his absence from camp means less chemistry with his team and less time to get into playing shape. Titans’ owner Bud Adamswon’t make an offer until Johnson reports to camp, and Johnson won’t report to camp until an offer is made. As the hardball continues, it becomes more and more of a question mark whether Johnson will play in 2011.

If he doesn’t play, Javon Ringers is currently second on the depth chart. The former Michigan State star averaged 4.7 yards-per-carry in back-up duties last year, and is very elusive in space like Johnson.

So far this preseason, however, Jamie Harper has received the bulk of the carries, followed by Stafon Johnsonand Herb Donaldson. Pay attention to their third preseason game Saturday night against the Chicago Bears to see which back gets the nod as the starter.

Fantasy Preview: NFC North

2011-08-19T11:28:00.002-04:00

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The NFC North is one of the deceptively talent-loaded divisions, with teams that used to be famous for their rough-and-tough defenses now flaunting their star power on offense. Here’s a preview of the fantasy talent team by team.

Chicago Bears

Jay Cutler is like the rock band you used to jam with in high school – sure there are glimpses of hope but are you ever really going to reach your potential? In his second season in Chicago he did cut down on the number of interceptions, but there was also a decrease in passes attempted, yardages and touchdowns.

Heading into his second year in Mike Martz’s offense, he should feel more comfortable with the ins and outs of the system – not to mention he’s getting a boost in his receiving corps. Roy Williams, who enjoyed a career-best season under Martz in Detroit, comes over from the Cowboys. In 2006, Williams posted 82 receptions for 1,310 yards and seven touchdowns, earning Pro Bowl honors and finishing among the top 10 fantasy wideouts.

Williams is already the most talented receiver on the Bears, and automatically will become Cutler’s top target overDevin Hester. Martz predicts Williams will haul in between 70 and 80 catches in 2011, which he hasn’t done since that 2006-07 season with the Lions. The combination of Cutler’s arm strength with the ability William displayed prior to joining the Cowboys would likely make him a WR1. However, there’s a reason to be skeptical – so while he may have WR1 potential, draft as a WR2 with high upside.

Williams wasn’t the only Cowboy to make his way to the Windy City. Marion Barber joined the Bears after falling out of favor in Big D under head coach Jason Garrett, and registering just 374 yards all of last season. In Chicago, Barber is expected to receive goal line carries, an area where the Bears struggled with in 2011.

The Bears ranked 24^th in the National Football League, as the team struggled to figure out whether Matt Forte orChester Taylor was the right guy to pound it in. The addition of Barber answers that question, and should also reduce the number of pass attempts by Cutler there – an area where he tends to force the ball – thereby cutting his interception total, too.

In touchdown-heavy leagues, consider Barber a late-round steal if he’s around; though don’t expect him to put up huge yardage totals. Forte, in the midst of negotiating a contract extension, should continue to receive the bulk of the carries, as well as a threat out of the backfield to catch 50 to 60 passes for a handful of touchdowns.

Detroit Lions

It’s almost cliché to say this now, but if the Lions’ Matthew Stafford can stay healthy for a full season then the team may not only be a playoff-caliber team, but a fantasy haven.

The Lions' Matthew Stafford and Calvin Johnson could be one of the most dynamic duos in the NFL in 2011.

Unable to play a full 16-game schedule in his first two years in the leagues, Stafford is always a risk to draft. But, like other injury-prone quarterbacks (i.e.Michael Vick) loaded with talent, there’s a high upside. The Lions attempted the third most passes in the NFL last season (633), with a combination of Stafford (for three games), Shaun Hilland Drew Stanton. The three combined for 3,810 yards and 26 touchdowns, which should resemble Stafford’s 2011 projections over 16 games.

No matter who the quarterback is, though, it’ll Calvin Johnson they’re targeting most of the time. Megatron, entering his fifth year with the Lions, is coming off a 1,100-yard, 12-touchdown campaign where he didn’t know who his quarterback was each week.

Consider this: in 2009, when Stafford started 10 games for the Lions in his rookie season, the quarterback-receiver tandem combined for 728 yards and four touchdowns. Together, their chemistry and talent ceiling could be among the best in the league in 2011.

Another one of Stafford’s receiving threats is Jahvid Best, the second-year back who turned heads during the first few weeks last season before suffering a turf toe injury. The Lions drafted bruiser Mikel Leshoure out of Illinois to complement Best, but the rookie was injured during training camp and will miss the remainder of the season. Best’s draft stock, of course, was lifted due to the injury. Here’s what you can expect.

Green Bay Packers

In Titletown, the Pack is gearing up for another Super Bowl run, and another chance to be the most electrifying offense in the entire league.

Headlined by quarterback Aaron Rodgers, the talent on Green Bay’s offense is the type of players you want to target in your drafts, according to the age-old mantra of getting players on highly productive offenses. But you don’t need me to lecture you on Rodgers, who, aside from Vick could be the No. 1 fantasy player in 2011.

Ryan Grant returns to the Packers after missing 2010 due to injury. A motivated, hungry Grant immediately regains his starting role, over sophomore James Starks, and is a solid RB2 that you can snag in the later rounds.

In 2008 and 2009, Grant rushed for over 1,200 yards, and in his first three seasons scored 24 total touchdowns. Green Bay notoriously runs a pass-first offense, but as we saw in the playoffs, they use the pass to establish the rushing attack. Grant should put together another 1,000-yard season and find the end zone at least eight or so times.

In the receiving corps, expect Donald Driver to lose another step, allowing the recently resigned James Jonesstart as the flanker opposite Greg Jennings. Jones should see an increase in receptions and touchdowns given his new role, though be cautious when dealing with an offense with so many receivers.

Jennings is probably the only safe WR1 among these receivers — Jones, Jordy Nelson are safer bets as WR3.Rookie Randall Cobb, the rookie out of Kentucky, likely won’t supplant Nelson as the team’s third wideout this year, but he has been “a natural” there in the preseason thus far.

Another popular debate is whether or not to draft Jermichael Finley, the talented but oft-injured tight end. Finley has without a doubt a huge upside and the potential to finish the season with Antonio Gates-like numbers. But he’s missed games in each of his first three seasons, which makes past and future owners a bit weary.

Finley swears he’ll be healthy and have a definite impact this season, which sounds great and all, but really can’t protect him from a linebacker crushing his knee Week 4. If you decide to get Finley, handcuff him with Andrew Quarless, his back-up who totaled 148 yards in the final six games of the season.

Minnesota Vikings

Out with old and in with the old — the Vikings replaced Brett Favre with Donovan McNabb this offseason, hoping to recapture the magic of the Vike’s offense from 2009 when they made a run to the NFC Championship game.

Many consider McNabb on his last legs, essentially his career over. But there’s an argument to be made that his 2010 season in Washington under Mike Shanahan was merely an aberration.

McNabb threw just 14 touchdowns, compared to 15 picks, last season, the first time his touchdown total was less than his interception total. In 2009, his last season with Philadelphia, McNabb thew from 22-10, one of his more productive seasons in his career.

With Minnesota, McNabb will unite with offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave, who utilizes the West Coast offenses that McNabb has been the focal point in 11 of his 12 NFL seasons.

Of course, at the age 34 going on 35, he may not be a lock for a 25-touchdown season, but he could be drafted as a solid back-up with surprising upside.

The problem is McNabb is dealing with a talentless wide receiver corps. Gone is Sidney Rice, and what’s left isMichael Jenkins. Of course Percy Harvin is still around, but the talented weapon is a migraine waiting to happen, and doesn’t have to skill-set to be a possession wide receiver.

Oh, there is Bernard Berrian, B-Twice to the ladies. Haven’t seen him in quite some time.

Perhaps the only safe player in Minnesota to draft is Adrian Peterson, who will benefit from McNabb’s presence because defenses won’t be able to load up the box like they did against Joe Webb or would have if Christian Ponder was starting.

Peterson is a lock for double-digit touchdowns, and is the best running back in all formats. Peterson is likely to see an increase in his statistics as a pass-catcher in Musgrave’s scheme — not to mention he’s in a contract season. Draft with ease.

Fantasy Preview: AFC North

2011-08-18T12:21:00.000-04:00

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The AFC North is notorious for its defensive reputation. In 2011 that remains true. There are a few elite fantasy football stars in the division, though, and some middle to late-round sleepers you could snatch up later in your draft.

Baltimore Ravens

The Ravens dropped a load of dead weight this offseason, allowing receivers Derrick Mason, Donte Stallworthand T.J. Houshmandzadeh to leave, as well as longtime tight end Todd Heap and backs Willis MacGahee andLe’Ron McClain.

The loss of the veterans means an increased importance of the young players the organization has put their faith in. Joe Flacco will have a new cast of wideouts to throw to, including second- and fourth-rounders Torrey Smith(Maryland) and Tandon Doss (Indiana), and Lee Evans, who the team recently traded for from the Buffalo Bills.

Evans will get the nod opposite of Anquan Boldin, who should flourish as Flacco’s go-to guy in his second year in the system. Evans and Smith should command some attention from defensive backs with their deep-threat ability, and fit well with Flacco’s big arm. Doss, currently fourth on the depth chart, but his physical attributes may allow him to be a future dynasty pick.

Ray Rice enters the 2011 season in a contract year, playing behind a new fullback.

The Ravens added fullback Vonta Leachto the mix to pave holes for Ray Rice, who is entering a contract season. Rice is without a doubt the featured ball carrier this season; though Ricky Williams was brought as his back-up, he shouldn’t threaten Rice’s workload. The addition of Leach, considered one of the elite run-blocking fullbacks in the National Football League, puts Rice at the top of the second-tier running backs for 2011. Leach blocked for the Houston Texans’ Arian Foster last season.

The loss of Heap to the Arizona Cardinals was to make way for second-year tight ends Ed Dickson and Dennis Pitta to enter the mix. Dickson will have the first shot to earn a starting gig, but Pitta impressed when Dickson missed time due to injury. Heap caught more than 50 passes for almost 600 yards and six touchdowns when healthy in 2009, and produced similar statistics last season despite missing time due to injury. It’s unlikely Dickson (or Pitta) will match those numbers immediately, but could be in store for three to four touchdowns as a TE2.

Cincinnati Bengals

The Bengals are a mess, period. Carson Palmer would at least give the team a glimpse of hope for fantasy relativity, but since Andy Dalton, the rookie out of TCU is currently getting first-team repetitions I would stray from drafting any Bengals in 2011.

Dalton has first-round selection A.J. Green to throw to, but it’s still a question whether he’ll be able to get the physically gifted wideout the ball. Jerome Simpson and Jordan Shipley’s values are also diminished.

The team managed to resign Cedric Benson, who’ll continue to steal carries for the more talented Bernard Scott. Benson’s best two seasons were with the Bengals the past two years, posting more than 1,000 yards and at least six touchdowns. However, in 2010, Benson averaged a mere 69.4 yards per game and 3.5 yards per carry. He offers no pass-catching ability and lost five fumbles. He surpassed the 100-yard rushing mark only three times. Against division foes he’s managed 414 yards and two touchdowns – and that’s six times per year.

Scott, on the other hand, receives one-fifth the amount of carries Benson does, despite averaging nearly five yards per carry. Scott may not be able to carry the physical load like Benson, but should be featured as the clear change-of-pace back and given the ball in space more. Potential aside, Scott, along with the rest of the Bengals, should be avoided in drafts everywhere.

Cleveland Browns

Enshrined on the Madden ’12 cover, is Peyton Hillis in line for another 13 touchdown season with the Browns? Hillis averages between the top 12 to 20 running backs in 2011, projected to rush for just over 1,000 yards and find the end zone far fewer times.

The odds are stacked against Hillis’ chance of repeating his surprising 2010 season. He’s now joined byBrandon Jackson in a new offense, and Montario Hardesty is now healthy after missing all of 2010 due to injury. Hillis should receive a lighter workload, and his receiving numbers should drop due to Jackson’s third-down role.

Consider Hillis a RB2, with the chance of injury due to not only the supposed Madden curse but his rumbling, stumbling, bumbling running style that eventually will take a toll on his body.

Entering his second year in the pros, and first full year as the Browns’ starting quarterback, Colt McCoypossesses some fantasy relevance as a back-up. In eight games last year, McCoy threw for over 1,500 yards and six touchdowns, and ran another one in on the ground. In a full 16-game schedule, he projects to pass for around 3,000 yards, 12 touchdowns and perhaps a few more rushing scores.

McCoy can easily be overlooked because the odds are stacked against him as an NFL-level prospect. He does have a budding star in Mohamed Massaquoi at wide receiver, and as McCoy progresses Massaquoi gains more and more value. I’d take a flier on him in the later rounds because McCoy eventually will air it out to him.

The other receiver to keep an eye on is Brian Robiskie, not second-round selection Greg Little, who has yet to impress during training camp thus far. Robiskie improved from year one to year two, but like Massaquoi his ceiling is capped until McCoy proves he can be a capable passer.

The sleeper on the Browns this year is tight end Evan Moore, who despite being listed as No. 2 on the depth chart behind Ben Watson, has been touted as the best player in training camp this year. Moore had 16 receptions for 322 yards and a touchdown in a dozen games last season, but a 20-yard-per-catch average. The Browns use Moore split out wide like a slot receiver, and should see an increase in catches, possibly supplanting Watson in the lineup.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Perhaps the biggest steals of fantasy drafts in 2010 was Mike Wallace, who had seven 100-yard receiving games en route to a breakout campaign. Wallace had 10 touchdowns, and averaged an impressive 21 yards-per-catch and 80 yards-per-contest. Though he’s mostly in that DeSean Jackson mode as a big-play receiver, his electrifying speed is nearly unstoppable.

According to Rotoworld, Wallace was the only top-10 wide receiver not to finish in the top 15 of most-targeted. In other words, if Ben Roethlisberger looked Wallace’s way just a little bit more often, this guy could easily make his way into the top five come season’s end.

Wallace headlines a young receiving corps including Antonio Brown and Emmanuel Sanders. Hines Ward is still the No. 2 wideout, and the team recently signed former Jet Jericho Cotchery. Brown is currently the slot receiver since Sanders underwent foot surgery this preseason, and it’s looking more and more likely Brown will get the nod ahead of him.

Neither Brown nor Sanders put together eye-opening campaigns last season, though their late-season impact is surely a forecast of their future roles on the team. It also spells the decline of Ward, now 35 and entering his 13th season in Pittsburgh. Ward caught 59 balls last year, the second lowest total of his career. He still found the end zone five times, which means he’s not completely irrelevant, but he’s a WR3 at best.

In the backfield, the often overlooked Rashard Mendenhall is entering his third year as the Steelers’ starter. He’s put together back-to-back 1,000-plus-yard seasons, increasing his touchdown total from eight to 13.

Mendenhall was a consistent RB1 all season long, scoring in 11 of 16 games, though he only surpassed the 100-yard rushing mark four times. He’s not going to impress in receiving numbers, averaging 24 catches the past two years, and Mewelde Moore taking third-down snaps. But Mendenhall is a dime in touchdown leagues, and is considered at the top of the second class of backs.

Also posted on: http://thecovertwo.com/2011/08/fantasy-preview-afc-north/

Fantasy Preview: NFC East

2011-08-17T13:02:00.002-04:00

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Is Michael Vick the clear-cut No. 1 fantasy QB in 2011?

Dallas Cowboys

Garrett, an offensive guru, demonstrated why Jerry Jones viewed him as a future head coach in the National Football League, helping a Jon Kitna-led squad to the seventh highest scoring team in the league, averaging over 360 yards per game. Now insert Romo into the mix. Since 2006, Romo has completed more than 60 percent of his passes, and since becoming a full-fledge starter in 2007 has averaged 4,000 yards through the air and nearly 30 touchdowns.

Romo’s best season came in 2009 during the emergence of wideout Miles Austin. He has always had a solid No. 1 WR to throw to (Terrell Owens included), but now has the combination of Austin and second-year stud Dez Bryant, not to mention Jason Witten and Felix Jones, a palpable option out of the backfield.

When healthy, Romo finishes among the top 10 fantasy quarterbacks. While I wouldn’t expect him to finish in the top tier – Michael Vick, Aaron Rodgers, Tom Brady or Peyton Manning – Romo could easily match stats withDrew Brees or Philip Rivers.

His weapons – Austin and Bryant – are one of the few duos in the league that both can be considered WR1 on the same team. Austin seemed to disappoint owners in 2010 after a breakout campaign the year prior, but aside from a drop in touchdowns (11 to seven) Austin still managed over 1,000 yards and averaged more than four receptions per game.

Kitna seemed more comfortable throwing to Bryant and Witten; he did not target Austin until Bryant was lost for the year. Romo has developed a comfort playing with Austin, and opposing defenses are going to have to target either him or Bryant. He’s in store for another huge year.

On the other side, Bryant is also likely to surpass the 1,000-yard mark. His superior athleticism and downfield speed, though, makes him more prone to making the big play. In 12 games Bryant had six touchdowns; he could be more of a threat in touchdown-heavy leagues, finishing the season with eight to 10 scores.

New York Giants

The G-Men resigned feature-back Ahmad Bradshaw, but other than that deserve an F for their free agency performance. The team lost tight end Kevin Boss, slot receiver Steve Smith and most of their starting offensive linemen. This means there will be a lot of younger players getting opportunities for snaps.

Smith fled New York to join the rival Eagles, opening the slot role for either Victor Cruz or Dominik Hixon. Cruz, according to offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride and general manager Jerry Reese, is the likely successor to Smith. During the 2010 preseason, Cruz caught 15 balls for nearly 300 yards and four scores, but injuries and derailed any hopes of getting action in the regular season. Cruz has WR3 upside if he solidifies a spot in the starting lineup this year.

As Boss signed with Oakland Raiders this offseason, third-year tight end Travis Beckum will get the nod as the starter. Beckum’s an unproven commodity, with just 21 career receptions for 171 yards. In three years starting for the Giants, Boss averaged around 500 yards and five touchdowns; expect Beckum – who is more athletic than Boss – to produce similar numbers as a red zone target for Eli Manning.

The wide receiver carousel leaves Hakeem Nicks and Mario Manningham as the starting wideouts. Nicks, considered a top-five talent in some rankings, definitely has that sort of upside, especially after a 1,000-yard, 11-touchdown season in 2010. He may be the most under-the-radar top 10 wide receiver this year.

Manningham established himself last season as a legitimate NFL receiver. His nine touchdowns and 944 receiving yards are easily overlooked, as his finished in the top 20 for his position. He also had the longest reception last year. He could be a late-round steal as well.

Philadelphia Eagles

Let’s talk about the elephant in the room – is Vick the No. 1 fantasy quarterback?

There are so many different perspectives on this: Does his proneness to injury affect his draft stock? Will he play in all 16 games this year? Are we overrating his 2010 statistics?

Here’s my view: Vick is such a threat, as a quarterback and running back, that even if he were to miss a handful of games, the numbers he will post will still be worth it for the games he does play in. and based on last season, if he were to stay healthy for all 16 games, his final season statistics would look like: 4,000 passing yards, 900 rushing yards and 40 total touchdowns. In other words, dominance.

If you’re in an eight-team league, or a 10-team league, it is still possible to find a capable fill-in for Vick if he were to miss time due to injury. There’s also his back-up, Vince Young, who could easily throw for touchdowns and run one in himself with the talent he’s surrounded with in Philly. In Tennessee, Young had Chris Johnson, but dealt with receivers like Justin Gage and Roydell Williams.

As for the rest of the Eagles, there’s no risk in drafting DeSean Jackson, who, every year is overlooked because he’s simply a big-play threat. He may only catch three to four passes per game, but he averaged 75 yards 7.5 touchdowns the past two years, while finishing with more than 1,000 yards. In leagues where 40-plus-yard touchdowns are rewards, Jackson’s a steal. But if you’re looking for PPR value, Jackson should be passed on.

Injury concerns are definitely understood with Jeremy Maclin, who is supposed to become the Eagles’ possession receiver this season. No one understands what’s going on with Maclin, but head coach Andy Reid said he was optimistic he’d be ready for Week 1.

Maclin improved drastically from year one to year two, increasing receptions, yardage total and touchdowns. He doesn’t have the prototypical makeup of a possession receiver (i.e. Andre Johnson, Larry Fitzgerald), but with Jackson a threat to go deep every play, Maclin has the opportunity to catch the short and intermediate routes.

If Maclin is not healthy, expect Smith to assume his role when healthy. Second-year receiver Riley Cooper and slot man Jason Avant are also candidates for more catches if Maclin is not on the field, as well as Brent Celek and running back LeSean McCoy.

As for McCoy, don’t expect too much of a downgrade with the addition of Ronnie Brown. Although it could be argued Brown was brought in for goal-line duties, he’s not expected to be a major threat to McCoy’s workload. In the red zone, expect McCoy, Celek and Vick himself to be the primary targets.

Washington Redskins

Want to talk fantasy quarterbacks? Then I suggest we stay away from the Washington Redskins. The quarterback competition between Rex Grossman and John Beck is laughable, but you would have to expect that given his skill-set and his preseason performance thus far that Mike Shanahan would opt for the experienced Grossman this year. It will bring him that much closer to drafting Andrew Luck in April.

Shanahan prefers quarterbacks who can utilize the rollout effectively (i.e. Jake Plummer, Jay Cutler), which Grossman can actually do. At least Grossman, despite the doubters in Chicago in 2006, helped the Bears all the way to the Super Bowl. That season, he threw for just under 3,200 yards and 23 touchdowns, in addition to his 20 picks.

Fortunately, with a Shanahan offense comes a solid running game. It’s also a guessing game. The incumbent,Ryan Torain, is in the midst of competition with Tim Hightower, who the team traded for from the Arizona Cardinals. Torain, often injured, racked up 742 yards in 10 games last season, averaging 4.5 yards per carry. Hightower, who lost his job to first-round selection Beanie Wells, averaged 4.8 yards per carry in 2010, but managed 736 yards and five touchdowns in split duties.

Hightower will presumably be the starter, considering the Skins traded for him after already having Torain andKeiland Williams, and drafting Roy Helu from Nebraska and Evan Royster from Penn State. Like his M.O. with the Denver Broncos, the crowded backfield will be a week-to-week adventure for fantasy owners, so it’s suggested to draft cautiously. Many experts predict Helu will finish the season as the team’s starter, but with this much depth that’s hardly a lock.

The Skins bolstered their wide receiving corps with free agent Donte Stallworth and third-round draft choiceLeonard Hankerson from Miami (FL). Santana Moss is still the No. 1 wide receiver, though he barely possesses WR2 value. He should be drafted as a WR3, as he’s on his last legs on a really shaky offense.

Jabar Gaffney, who the Skins traded for from Denver, put together an 875-yard, two-touchdown season in 2010, his best season as a pro. He doesn’t have too much upside either. Anthony Armstrong, who finished second in receiving yards and touchdowns last year in D.C., likely has the most upside, and could surpass Gaffney on the depth chart at some point this season. Hankerson and Stallworth are long shots to have an impact this season.

Fantasy Preview: AFC East

2011-08-16T11:19:00.001-04:00

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Today marks the first of eight division previews in a series of my fantasy sleeper series. Beginning with the AFC East, we’ll examine possibly breakout candidates that you could target in the earlier, middle and later rounds of your fantasy football draft.

Tom Brady and Ochocinco should be a dynamic duo in 2011 for fantasy owners.

The AFC East is not exactly an offensive powerhouse. The Buffalo Bills and Miami Dolphins will have trouble scoring again in 2011, after finishing 28^th and 30^th, respectively, a season ago.

The New York Jets, the 13^th-highest scoring offense in 2010, have regressed on the offensive side of the ball after losing Braylon Edwards, the team’s leading receiver, and Jericho Cotchery, a safety valve for Mark Sanchez.

Perhaps the team who led the National Football League in scoring last season will repeat, especially adding Chad Ochocinco to the receiving core. The New England Patriots’ rookie tight ends have a year in the system under their belt, and added two more weapons in the backfield in Stevan Ridley and Shane Vereen in the 2011 draft.

Here’s a list of possible sleepers in the division:

Buffalo Bills

Though he’s not a top-tier quarterback, Ryan Fitzpatrick put together a 3,000-yard campaign last season, despite a lack of talent surrounding him. Fitzpatrick started 13 games, the most in a season of his career, likely projecting for more than 3,500 if given a full 16-game season.

Fitzpatrick lost Lee Evans, who for many years led the Bills in receiving yardage. Instead, he found Speedy Stevie Johnson, who compiled 1,073 yards and 10 touchdowns with Fitzpatrick behind center. Johnson is the clear-cut starting wideout in Buffalo, with a WR2 ceiling as long as Fitzpatrick stays health. It’s not like Tyler Thigpen is pushing him for his job.

There’s also been talk of Donald Jones replacing Evans’ production as the starting flanker opposite Johnson. It appears as if David Nelson, though, is a superior option out of the slot, considering there’s no true receiving threat from the tight end position. Nelson, according to Pro Football Focus, led all wide receivers with 94.35 percent of his snaps from the slot last year. Jones caught more than 58 percent of his passes over the middle and on plays short of 10 yards, giving him more value in PPR leagues.

In the backfield, Fred Jackson is once again going to be the team’s leading rusher, as C.J. Spiller will prove yet again he did not warrant the No. 9 overall pick in the 2010 draft. Spiller didn’t surpass 300 yards rushing in his rookie season, nor did he impress much as a receiver out of the backfield. He scored two touchdowns, one on a kickoff return. Head coach Chan Gailey has stated he wants to use Spiller in a Reggie Bush/Darren Sproles type of role; but it’s yet to be seen whether Spiller has the talent of those two third-down backs.

Miami Dolphins

The fan don’t want Chad Henne to play quarterback; but head coach Tony Sparano doesn’t seem to really care…even if second-stringer Matt Moore outplayed him thus far in the preseason. Henne, considered a steal in the second round of the NFL Draft a few years back, has failed to impress in his first two seasons as the Fins’ starter.

Henne has improved each year – slightly – increasing his completion percentage, yardage total, touchdowns, as well as interceptions. He finished in the bottom third of fantasy quarterback rankings in 2010, despite the addition of Brandon Marshall to his receiving corps.

Understandably, Moore doesn’t even match up to Kyle Orton, who was nearly traded from the Denver Broncosearlier in the offseason. However, he hasn’t really received the credit he’s due as an NFL quarterback.

Dealing with inferior talent in Carolina, Moore, in five games started before missing the season due to injury, threw for 857 yards and five touchdowns while completing 55 percent of his passes. It doesn’t sound like much, but consider this: he played against the New York Giants, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Chicago Bears, San Francisco 49ers, St. Louis Rams and New Orleans Saints – four teams whose defense ranked in the top half of the league’s best against the pass.

Overall, in 14 more career starts, Henne has a 27-33 TD-INT ratio. Moore: 16-17. Tell me why Henne is that much better.

Among the Dolphins’ skill players, the team traded in the tandem of Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams for Reggie Bush and Daniel Thomas, the second-round bruiser out of Kansas State. Currently Bush is penciled in as the starter, but we’ve seen in New Orleans that Bush doesn’t have the capabilities to be an every-down back. It’s just a matter of time before Thomas starts stealing Bush’s carries, and Bush assumes third-down responsibilities.

Despite an offseason stabbing, Marshall is above and beyond the best receiving threat on the Dolphins. Brian Hartline and Davone Bess are No. 2 and 3, respectively, with Bess’ sure hands out of the slot a sure option to finish second on the team in receptions, a solid performer in PPR leagues. Aside from the top three, it’s a crop of unproven receivers, none of which seem to have fantasy value. Anthony Fasano, who is tied with Bess for the most touchdown receptions with Henne quarterbacking, barely warrants a TE3 ranking.

New York Jets

Losing Edwards and Cotchery and signing Derrick Mason and Plaxico Burress is definitely a gamble for the Jets, and Sanchez. Edwards, always chastised for dropped passes, only let one ball slip through his fingers last season and proved to be a clutch performer in the postseason. Cotcher, never a fantasy superstar, has faltered to fifth on the depth chart for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Mason provides Sanchez with a reliable, veteran presence. With Burress sidelined with injuries and an overwhelming question mark hovering over his effectiveness, Mason will likely start opposite Santonio Holmes, the deep threat and most talented and productive receiver on the team. Mason, though, despite his age, caught 60 balls for over 900 yards and seven scores with the Baltimore Ravens last year, and will likely average between 11 and 20 yards per catch. In the red zone, an area where the Jets are looking to improve their offense, Mason had six touchdowns a year ago.

Also helping their red-zone offense is jump-and-catch specialist Burress, who, if healthy, will be a candidate for six-to-eight scores in 2011. The cornerbacks in the AFC East alone will not be able to defend Burress’ height and hands. Burress has a high ceiling in TD-heavy leagues, but shouldn’t be drafted as a solid WR3 until it’s known he’s healthy.

It’s finally Shonn Greene in New York, as the former Iowa Hawkeye has been given the keys to the backfield overLaDainian Tomlinson. Greene was overdrafted in leagues far too often last year, primarily because of his impressive playoff performances the season prior. With LT version 3.0 relegated to a candidate for third-down duties – along with second-year back Joe McKnight – Greene will headline the Jets’ run-heavy ground-and-pound attack.

When it’s all said and done, Greene will finish among the top 10 to 12 fantasy running backs this season. On his last legs, Tomlinson finished in the top 20. Greene, receiving 39 less touches, only finished 148 yards behind him. Switch that around, Greene should finish the season with over 900 yards. Greene will also assume goal-line carries, which should help increase his touchdown total to about eight.

New England Patriots

The top-scoring offense in 2010, with the most touchdown passes (37) and eighth-most yards overall (5,820) added more to their arsenal this season. And yes, they still have Tom Brady.

The 2011 NFL MVP, Brady and Michael Vick vied for No. 1 fantasy quarterbacks honors last season, with Brady throwing for 3,900 yards and 36 touchdowns to a cast of unknown characters. In year two of the new-look Patriots, is Brady being – dare I say, underrated?

Brady is ranked behind Aaron Rodgers, Peyton Manning and Vick in most draft guides this year, despite Vick’s propensity for being injured and Manning coming off a missed training camp due to neck surgery. And still, Brady outproduced Rodgers head-to-head.

Added to his receiving core is Ochocinco, with an incentive to disprove the doubters who consider his career on the downside. The leading receiver last year was of course PPR specialist Wes Welker (848 yards), ahead of a revitalized Deion Branch and the tandem of tight ends, Aaron Hernandez and Rob Gronkowski.

Ochocinco is a breakout candidate because he’s not receiving the credit he ought to. In Cincinnati, playing underMarvin Lewis and owner Mike Brown, Ochocinco was disgruntled and had no motivation to put forth his best effort because he has no desire to stay with the organization. With a chance to make a deep playoff run and work with arguably the greatest passer of this generation, Ochocinco could emulate what Randy Moss did in 2007, emerging from the dark to be a top receiver, with WR1 potential.

The bigger question marks on the offense pertain to the tight end position, where both Hernandez and Gronkowki wowed in their rookie campaigns. Gronkowski is penciled in as the starter for now, but let’s be honest – that doesn’t carry too much meaning as long as Bill Belichick is still the head coach.

Hernandez began the season as the hot receiver, catching 32 balls between Weeks 1 and 8 for the Pats. He then caught four touchdowns in Weeks 10 to 14, finishing with six for the season.

On the other hand, Gronkowki was more an end zone producer. He caught 10 touchdowns, the most on the team, and surpassed the 100-yard mark in Week 16 against the Dolphins.

Hernandez’s athleticism and Gronkowski’s size make it difficult to decide which tight end will have the better 2011 season. Based upon the current depth chart and end-of-season production, Gronkowski is a better option in touchdown leagues, with Hernandez perhaps in store for more receptions and yards.

The other question mark comes in the backfield, where The Law Firm – BenJarvus Green-Ellis – the team’s leading rusher, has company in the form of a pesky Danny Woodhead and rookies Vereen and Ridley. Oh, and third-down specialist Kevin Faulk is healthy again.

While Vergeen has been sidelined with a hamstring injury, Ridley, the LSU product has thrived, running for 64 yards and two touchdowns, and catching seven passes for 47 yards and a score in the first preseason contest against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Ridley may have the most talent in the backfield, coming off a 1,100 yard, 15-touchdown season as the featured back for the Tigers in 2010. However, the depth in the Pats’ backfield hurts his value, as the Hoodie will rotate the Law Firm, Woodhead and Faulk, as well as Ridley. The carousel hurts all their values.

Reaction: ESPN The Magazine 2011 Ultimate Team Rankings

2011-06-17T15:40:00.001-04:00

This week ESPN The Magazine released their annual ultimate team rankings for 2011. The list, featuring 122 franchises from the four major professional sports -- NBA, NFL, MLB and NHL -- takes into consideration the following attributes:

Bang for the buck: How many wins the franchise has accumulated during the past three years, including the postseason.
Fan relations: How the franchise -- players, coaches, management -- treats their fans.
Ownership: The loyalty and honestly displayed towards the players and area.
Affordability: The costs associated with game attendance (ticket prices, parking fees and concessions).
Stadium experience: The environment of the stadium, including game-day promotions and general atmosphere.
Players: How the franchise players perform both on and off the field.
Coaches: How well the coach leads the team.
Title track: The number of championships won or expected to win in the future.

Without further ado, here's analysis of the franchise rankings by the tiers they were broken down into.

Tier 1: Top 15

Of course the Super Bowl-winning Green Bay Packers, the champions of America's most popular sport, boast the top overall spot. In 2010 Titletown held the No. 9 overall spot, so clearly the Lombardi Trophy was the difference-maker.

The Packers are renowned for their first-class organization, so it is really not a shock to see them earn the top spot. However, a hockey franchise No. 2 overall?

The Tampa Bay Lightning made a strong playoff run this postseason, but let me be perfectly redundant -- it's an NHL team -- in where? Tampa.

The fans in Tampa Bay -- actually, Florida, in general -- really fail to demonstrate their affection for their teams. Think about it ... the Tampa Bay Rays and Florida Marlins rank last in their respective leagues; the Rays are less than three years removed from a World Series appearance, while the Marlins won a championship in the past decade.

The Heat have arguably two of the top three stars in all of The Association and fell just two games shy of bringing home the Larry O'Brien Trophy last week. With LeBron James and Dwyane Wade and perennial super power in the NBA in the coming years, fans continue to leave games early.

Florida has had their fair share of successful franchises, but in no way does that mean they earn the No. 2 spot, especially for their hockey team. This could be different tune if Barry Melrose and his impeccable mullet was still the head coach, though.

Tier 2: 16-30

I really like the respect the Orlando Magic get, earning the No. 16 spot. Although they're a small-market team with a one-man team, GM Otis Smith is constantly trying to make trades to bring in talent to put a competitive product on the court. While they are not always the most logical trades -- bringing in Vince Carter after a trip to the NBA Finals, trading back for Hedu Turkgulu after a pathetic season up north with the Toronto Raptors -- he gets an "A" for effort.

I'm also glad the Detroit Red Wings are recognized in the second tier, although I believe they probably deserve to get the top ranking for NHL teams, or at least should be in that discussion along with the Washington Capitals (No. 27).

My biggest beef here is the Philadelphia Phillies at No. 24. Four other MLB teams, including the Colorado Rockies and Cincinnati Reds, are ranked above the Phils -- the same team that won it all in 2008 and made an appearance a year later.

The Phillies, year-in and year-out, are a playoff team. They are a National League All-Star team and have made the right trades and free agent signings each year to compete. Come on -- Roy Halladay, Cliff Lee, Cole Hamels and Roy Oswalt compromise four spots in the starting rotation -- that's two of the elite pitchers in all of baseball and four of the best starters in the past five years.

Tier 3: 31-45

Just to show you where baseball falls in these rankings, the World Series champions don't make an appearance until No. 32.

The most shocking part of the third tier is the New England Patriots at No. 38.

The Patriots have three Super Bowl championships in the last decade and were one game short of the first undefeated season since Mercury Morris and his Miami Dolphins. Unfortunately for fans everywhere, the Pats got onto Morris' block but were unable to pull into his driveway.

But if the Patriots are to get ranked No. 38, the Minnesota Twins right behind them is quite deserving. Though a small-market team, the Twins are a threat to crack the postseason each year with their fundamental style of play on the field and their always-successful farm team.

Consider the homegrown stars on the team: Joe Mauer Justin Morneau, Joe Nathan, Denard Span, Francisco Liriano. They can't afford to go out and sign Cliff Lee or CC Sabathia; they usually don't even have the ability to always hang on to their homegrown talents like Johan Santana. They are quite deserving to be recognized in the third tier.

Tier 4: 46-60

The Los Angeles Lakers at No. 56, really? Just four spots above the Kansas City Royals, and a spot below their neighboring Kings?

This is the upset of the rankings thus far, as the Lakers are the first NBA team to nearly three-peat since ... the Lakers.

With All-Star and the best player over the past decade Kobe Bryant on the roster, and a competitive group of players each season, it is shocking to see that the Indiana Pacers and San Diego Padres are considered better franchises than the Lakers.

Like my argument with Floridians, fans in L.A. often attend games in a nonchalant manner, showing up and wearing shades. But come playoff time -- every year -- they are always their to cheer on their teams, evident by the five NBA Championships they have since in the past decade.

Tier 5: 61-75

Considering that these ranking take into account the past three seasons, I understand that the Cleveland Cavaliers received the No. 65 ranking -- obviously they took the 2010-2011 NBA season into effect, though, as they ranked No. 10 last year.

Still, putting the Cavs, Baltimore Orioles, Seattle Seahawks, Charlotte Bobcats, Florida Marlins and the Pittsburgh Pirates -- stop, I know they're above .500 for the first since like 1960 right now but give me a break -- above the New York Yankees ... unthinkable.

You can call me a homer, but since I currently reside in Maryland and have been to my share of Orioles games in the last three years, this is utter non-sense.

The O's practically beg fans to attend "Birdland" for most of their regular season contests, and really can only bank on a high volume of ticket sales when the Yankees and Red Sox come to town, and most of the time it's New Yorker and Bostonians travelling down to the Charm City for a weekend getaway.

Other franchises -- the Seahawks, Blue Jays, Bobcats, etc. -- are rarely competitive in their respective leagues. This past season the Hawks made the NFL playoffs by default, shear luck that they beat their division foe, the St. Louis Rams, to become one of the only teams to win the vision while boasting a record below .500.

The Blue Jays, although stuck in the AL East with the Yanks, Sox and Rays, are often an afterthought. The fact that the team gets excused because of their division should be proof alone that they cannot be a better franchise than the Yankees.

Although the Yankees spent money a few years ago to bring in Mark Teixeira, CC Sabathia and A.J. Burnett, and they still own the highest payroll in MLB, it just goes to show you they have a pressing need to be competitive year in and year out. The fans expect it. The owners expect it. And a World Series title in 2009, the 27th in franchise history, should be enough to earn the Bronx Bombers a top 10 ranking.

Tier 6: 76-90

Title me with the homer label once again, but the New York Jets just a notch below the under-appreciated Yankees on the list is pathetic.

In the sixth tier, the Jets rank a few slots above the Washington Nationals -- a team that has failed to reach the playoffs in their existence, as well as consistent non-competitive teams like the Oakland Athletics, Denver Broncos, Houston Astros, Golden State Warriors and San Francisco 49ers.

The Jets share the sixth tier with their neighbors, the New York Giants. The G-Men shocked the world in 2007 when they beat the then-undefeated Patriots in one of the greatest Super Bowls ever to be played. And despite playing in arguably the toughest division in all of the sports, let alone the NFL, the Giants are usually postseason contenders.

Gang Green hasn't hoisted a Super Bowl trophy since 1969, but in the past three seasons have reshaped the franchise. In addition to most of the most devoted fan bases in all of sports, the team has drafted well (Mark Sanchez, David Harris, Darrelle Revis, Shonn Greene), made significant trades (Braylon Edwards, Kris Jenkins, Santonio Holmes) and free agent signings (LaDainian Tomlinson, Brett Favre).

Their consecutive appearances in the AFC Championship Game under a quarterback in his rookie and sophomore seasons should speak for itself.

Tier 7: 76-90

Not too surprising to see the collection of franchises falling in the seventh tier. The Detroit Lions, although a team certainly on the rise under third-year head coach Jim Schwartz that has made significant improvements in terms of drafting and signing players, still is just a few seasons removed from a zero-win season and has not made the playoffs since Barry Sanders donned a No. 20 uniform.

Joining the list of teams you would expect to be ranked this low, the New Jersey Nets, Carolina Panthers, Cleveland Browns, Oakland Raiders and Los Angeles Clippers.

It is a little eye-opening, however, to see the San Diego Chargers and Dallas Cowboys falter this low. Under the Marty Schottenheimer and Norv Turner eras in San Diego, the Chargers are consistently playoff-caliber teams, although it is indisputable they are teams that succeed during the regular season and disappoint when the stakes increase.

In the most popular league, the most popular franchise is the Cowboys -- hello, America's team? Like the Chargers, the Boys have had their fair share of playoff failures. But the spotlight is always on Big D, so it is questionable to see how they fell this low.

One more note on the seventh tier -- the Atlanta Hawks at No. 103. You would think this is extremely low for a team that has been a playoff team the last couple of seasons, but aside from those postseason failures, it is simply a community that does not care enough about the team on the court, which is sad considering the talent they have.

Tier 8: The Bottom-Feeders

Perhaps my one real objection to the eighth tier -- the bottom of the pack -- is the Minnesota Vikings.

Put 2011 aside, the Vikings were arguably the best team in the NFC under Brett Favre, and flaunted Pro Bowl talents Adrian Peterson, Sidney Rice, Percy Harvin and Jared Allen. A few Favre-esque interceptions less in the NFC Championship Game and the Vikings may have faced the Indianapolis Colts in the Super Bowl in 2010.

I was close to ripping the list for putting the New York Knicks at No. 109. Aside from their first finish above .500 in years and their first playoff appearance since Isiah Thomas was head coach, the Knicks -- in all honesty (and it breaks my heart to admit it) -- deserve to be a bottom-feeder.

With that being said, the additions of Carmelo Anthony via trade and signing Amare Stoudemire to a max contract last summer to make the Knicks a playoff team actually might not improve their chances of rising in the coming years either, surprisingly. Those two players, which correspond to max contracts, subject the Knicks to salary cap restrictions which hinder their chances to put a capable roster around them. GM and President of Basketball Operations Donnie Walsh has been ousted by owner James Dolan, so unless the upper management can peruse the current salary cap difficulties the team is facing over the course of the next few seasons, signing a top-tier free agent in 2012 to form their own "big three" remains a long shot.

To wrap up, let's just look to the No. 121 and 122-ranked teams on the list. The Washington Redskins, a team loved in the Washington, D.C. area like none other, takes the second-to-last spot. It is a fall from prominence for the Skins, who in the past decade have become notorious for the awful free agent signings on behalf of owner Daniel Snyder and the most recent fallout from the Donovan McNabb trade. The team has lacked true star power and the future does not appear too bright, even with Mike Shanahan (or should I say son Kyle) at the helm.

Last and most certainly least, is the Cincinnati Bengals. This is a team that had a chance to be a championship-winning team for a number of years if Steelers defensive end Kimo von Oelhoffen did not destroy Carson Palmer's knee in the team's opening snap in the 2005 playoff game. Since then Palmer has failed to perform as he did that season, and the team has followed that same formula.

Chad Johnson became Chad Ochocinco, T.J. Houshmanzadeh fled town and the team signed Terrell Owens. Although a glimmer of hope reappeared in 2009 when the team won the AFC North, it was more of a fluke considering they were blown out by the Jets in back-to-back weeks.

Today even Palmer wants out of town, Ochocinco is more of a reality star than a wide receiver and Marvin Lewis seems to be a lame duck coach. More than any other NFL franchise, the Bengals organization is constantly being criticized for poor management and below-standard training facilities -- not to mention they are just a few years removed from a season in which half the roster seemed to have gotten in trouble with the law.

The Bengals may have locked up the bottom spot of franchise for 2011 and beyond, pending what management does following the current NFL lockout. No Palmer, no Ochocinco could be a positive move depending on the success of recently drafted A.J. Green and Andy Dalton. However, that remains moot considering the franchise's M.O.

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LeBron James: The Most Scrutinized Athlete ... Ever

2011-06-11T12:55:00.002-04:00

Move over Dwayne Johnson, no longer are you the most electrifying man in sports entertainment.

Well, that has been the case for over a decade. But nonetheless, the most recent NBA Finals has helped to prove Miami Heat forward LeBron James is the center of attention. Despite how well or how poorly he is playing, it is obvious the camera and the pressure is on LeBron.

After all, we have seen nothing like this in sports before. LeBron is, without argument, the most scrutinized athlete ... ever.

As LeBron made the leap from high school directly to the Cleveland Cavaliers, NBA fans were in his pocket. Anointed The King at the ripe age of 18, the expectations were set for LeBron, as he carried the weight of the world on his shoulders to prove he could be the second-coming of the great Michael Jordan.

His first game he dropped 25 points. We were sold.

And you know the rest of the awards and accolades. LeBron earned Rookie of the Year honors his first season after averaging more than 20 points per game. Those numbers only escalated. LeBron surpassed superstar Kobe Bryant to become the league's leading scorer in 2009, then took home the MVP trophy in 2009 and 2010. Add in LeBron is a three-time member of the NBA All-Defensive team and a seven-time All-Star.

Like with every sport, though, great athletes distinguish themselves with not only exception statistics, but championship trophies. Jordan was the MVP of six NBA Finals, while Bryant added two more championship rings during LeBron's time in the league to bring his total to five.

But for LeBron, disappointment was a common theme during his tenure with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

LeBron carried his Cavs to the playoffs every season from 2006 to 2010, his final year with the team. Averaging 29 points per game in his playoffs career, there was not much else LeBron could do with the cast of characters around him.

With the pressure to succeed, to surpass Jordan as the greatest of all time, blaming the poor makeup of the Cavaliers roster was a common excuse for LeBron's post-season failures. The best players to surround him include an unproven shooter in rookie Daniel "Booby" Gibson in 2006, and out-of-their-prime stars like Shaquille O'Neal and Antawn Jamison.

Still LeBron willed his team to an NBA Finals appearance, although the Cavs were swept cleanly by the San Antonio Spurs. He experienced similar failures each year after, losing to the Boston Celtics (the eventual NBA champions) in the second round in 2007, the Orlando Magic in the Eastern Conference Finals in 2008 and the Celtics in the semis in 2009, despite owning the best record in the league during the regular season.

LeBron regressed.

Standout regular seasons were meaningless without post-season success, especially with the bar set so high. What other athletes have had to deal with this pressure?

Unlike LeBron -- Mr. Basketball during his high school basketball days -- Jordan failed to make the cut for his high school team.

When the New York Yankees called up a skinny shortstop in 2005, no one singled him out and suggested he would be the captain and World Series hero a decade later.

Tom Brady was a fifth-round flier in the NFL Draft. If not for an injury to Drew Bledsoe the New England Patriots would likely be short of three Lombardi Trophies.

Other superstars did not beg the attention that LeBron did, therefore they did not inherit the pressure he did. And while some may argue that this is unfair, a national television appearance to announce his new team may have changed their minds.

This past summer, "The Decision" took place live on ESPN, where LeBron announced he would take his talents to South Beach, joining fellow superstar Dwyane Wade and perennial All-Star Chris Bosh on the Heat.

But pairing up with other star players -- for LeBron that was unprecedented. After all, he was supposed to deliver the Cavs a championship, a quest he began the moment he put on his No. 23 jersey.

"The Decision" was golden material for LeBron critics, like Skip Bayless, because it put LeBron in a different light. Instead of the league's most popular player, he became the most hated.

Surrounded by other All-Stars, LeBron essentially asked for help to win a title. Forget that Shaq and Kobe were a dynamic tandem, or Jordan and Scottie Pippen, or Kareem and Magic.

If that was not enough to enrage NBA enthusiasts who hoped LeBron would help Cleveland to earn their first-ever championship and salvage a city who is accustomed to post-season disappointment, an ensuing after-party did.

Along with his new teammates, LeBron promised not one, not two, not three, not four ... you get the deal ... championships for the Heat.

Not only were Cavs fans pissed off; the entire country was.

More antagonizing, though, was seeing LeBron succeed on his new team. LeBron and Co. -- The Big Three -- cruised through the first round of the NBA playoffs past the Philadelphia 76ers, easily put away the defending Eastern Conference champion Celtics and defeated the No. 1-seeded Chicago Bulls.

And did I mention LeBron was outstanding during those three rounds?

During the series against the Celtics and Bulls, LeBron looked like a different species than we had seen in years past. Clutch shot after clutch shot, LeBron appeared unguardable. And on the defensive side of the ball, he became the go-to stopper against the opposing team's best player.

This was absolute chaos for the critics. And following a strong start to the NBA Finals, LeBron claimed he was "unguardable."

Perhaps that comment incited the Dallas Mavericks, as now the series has moved to 3-2 in favor of the underdog, and the most-hated team in the history of NBA -- and perhaps professional sports -- is on the brink of elimination.

And LeBron, who used to have NBA fans across the globe in his corner, rooting for him to succeed and capture a championship ring, has become the reason for his team's failures.

Most notable is the lack of "clutchness" LeBron has displayed in the fourth quarter of these NBA Finals. It has been the knock on LeBron for most of his career. Just like his regular season success, the first three quarters of the game are often meaningless unless he can come through when it means the most -- the fourth quarter.

Jordan and Kobe made their reputations on late-game heroics. On their championship teams it was not a question of who was going to handle the ball with the game in the balance. That is clearly not the case with the Heat.

When you are paired with other superstars, or stars for that matter, there must be that closer -- the alpha male -- to close out games. Pippen was a Hall of Famer and one of the best to play the game, but it was Jordan who was going to have the last shot.

With the Heat, there is plenty of question marks surrounding whether LeBron or Wade should handle those responsibilities. During the regular season this was the knock on this team, and more often than not they made the wrong decision at the end of the games and they paid for it.

But with all of the scrutiny, all of the pressure mounted on LeBron these Finals to be the MVP, it is without question Wade has been the Heat's best player. And in the fourth quarter LeBron is trying to be that closer -- like Jordan, like Kobe -- and he cannot seem to do it.

LeBron has totaled just 11 fourth quarter points through five Finals games. And let's be honest, the easy layup in Game 5 -- his "biggest game ever" -- came when the Mavericks had a lead and chose not to foul him.

In the fourth quarter, according to SB Nation, LeBron has taken 16 shots on average, seven less than he averaged in first and third quarters during the series.

LeBron is averaging just 2.2 points in the final quarter versus the Mavericks, according to ESPN Stats & Info, compared to the 7.6 points in the three prior series. The cherry on top? He is scoreless in the final five minutes of games when the score is within five points, shooting a porous 0-7.

Even after a sub-par eight-point effort in Game 4 was followed up with a triple-double, perhaps the most meaningless trouble-double of all time.

As the series shifts back to Miami, the focus remains on LeBron.

Will he bounce back? Will his fourth quarter numbers improve? Is he going to be a Jordan or Kobe, or ring-less like Patrick Ewing, Charles Barkley and Karl Malone?

usatoday.com

The anticipation is building up for Game 6 and how LeBron will respond to the enormous attention on him. His legacy depends on it, because since he was 18 he was burdened with this challenge.

How many other athletes have garnered this much attention? What other teams have a specific beat on ESPN to examine their every move? Which other players have their legacy debated on a near-daily basis?

So much depends on Game 6, and possibly Game 7 of the NBA Finals, including LeBron's future in Miami.

Will he respond to his critics or crack under pressure? Our answer comes Sunday night.

MLB Drawing Parallels to NBA

2011-02-15T15:05:00.000-05:00

Let the favorites be the favorites. The post-season hardware will speak for itself. The only thing that goes hand in hand with exorbitant expectations is failure and disappointment.

A handful of superstars uniting on one team with one goal -- draw the attention of the entire league and fans everywhere. Oh, and win a couple of championships in the process.

Sound familiar? More than likely, you would expect I was going to go on a rant about The Big Three 2.0, you know, the Miami Heat?

Actually, I was referring to the Philadelphia Phillies, the automatic favorite to represent the National League in the World Series come October once they emerged from the shadows to sign the the most clamored free agent pitcher on the market this off-season, Cliff Lee.

bleepingidiots.com

It is ironic how a year ago at this time, Lee was ousted from Philadelphia so the team could sign on then-newest acquisition, Roy Halladay. A year, a mid-season trade and a premature defeat in the playoffs later, the Phillies now boast the most intimidating starting rotation in all of Major League Baseball, including the aforementioned Lee.

The combination of Lee, Halladay, Roy Oswalt and Cole Hamels is rivaled by few rotations in the league. One group that hopes to have their say, however, is that of the San Francisco Giants. You know, the World Series champs?

Tim Lincecum, Matt Cain, Jonathon Sanchez and Madison Bumgarner make up the Giants rotation, one that defeated the Phillies in the playoffs en route to their title this past fall.

Yet being champions seemingly means zip when it comes to picking pre-season favorites. Like the Phillies were suddenly granted the right to play for the championship this past winter, as were the Heat when LeBron James and Chris Bosh joined forces with Dwyane Wade in South Beach.

The Heat trio promised fans multiple championships; I could have sworn I heard King James suggest not five, not six, not even seven. Pretty bold of a prediction if you asked me, as the team never played a pick-up game before Halloween, not to mention a playoff series.

Sure, basketball poses a bit more of a chemistry problem than does baseball. I mean, let the pitchers throw the ball down the pipe and let the batters knock in runs, right? There's no offensive plays to practice or comfort level to develop like on the hardwood.

Yet there are stories of catchers and pitchers not on the same page -- one calling for the curve ball and the other demanding that the fastball is the correct choice to get an out. Quite a dilemma, especially if chemistry is not part of the equation.

There is also that one thing that seems to not really matter come post-season: the regular season. Whether you had 80 wins or 105 wins in the regular season, as long as you're in the big dance your record is essentially meaningless. The Phillies could set a N.L. record for wins between April to August, but all is fair when it comes to the first round of the playoffs.

rbimagazine.com

The bill is not out yet on the Miami Heat, who will likely seize one of the top three seeds in the Eastern Conference and challenge for the conference crown. But their road will not be any more or less easy in their playoff series, as they play seasoned teams like the Boston Celtics and the Orlando Magic on their road to try and get a match-up with the NBA champions. Because of all the hype their off-season transactions the team created, lofty expectations were tagged on the franchise, and anything short of a championship will be considered ultimately a failure.

So sure, the Phillies will look invincible when they play clubs like the Mets and Nationals (or "Natinals"). Anoint them champions of the baseball world then.
All I want to do is caution you to think twice come October. They are probably the most talented team in all of baseball, just like the Heat sport three of the top 10 players in all the NBA. Still, the Heat cannot conquer the veteran Celtics, and at times they are challenged by the all-mighty warriors, the Detroit Pistons and the Indiana Pacers.

In the pre-season, the New York Jets proclaimed that they were "the Miami Heat of the N.F.L.," as brilliantly stated by the often outspoken cornerback Antonio Cromartie. Well, their Week 1 opponents, the Baltimore Ravens, shellacked them. Poetically, Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis answered back if Gang Green were supposedly the Heat then his team had to be the Lakers.

Warning: it is may not be a good idea to try and be like Miami.

Far and away, the Phillies are the proverbial favorites to bypass the shortage of competition in the N.L. and make their way to the Fall Classic. For every contender, a gaping weakness. And to be both honest and realistic, it would be idiotic not to put my money on the Phillies in 2011.

yazmar.com

But if you were to take a chance, make a leap of faith, stand out from the majority and believe that the World Series champion Giants will once again take the N.L. crown, or that Ubaldo Jimenez and the Colorado Rockies can score runs with anyone, or that the St. Louis Cardinals one-two punch of Chris Carpenter and Adam Wainwright can't go pitch-for-pitch with any Lee and Halladay -- think again.

If you don't believe me, ask LeBron how it feels in May.

Recap: Joe Cip and The Bull

2011-02-07T10:00:00.002-05:00

http://www.wmucradio.com/media/joesippintheball.mp3

New York Yankees Doing It Old School

2011-02-01T19:16:00.000-05:00

It's become a trend in sports -- adding veterans to the roster, hoping their experience and hunger for one last championship will be enough to lead your team to The Promised Land.

The Celtics did it. The Patriots did it. Even the Detroit Red Wings did it. All have created a dynasty, or at least a year in, year out reputation from being at the top in their respective sports. I guess that is why the Yankees are taking a page out of their book.

Here are some of the monumental signings on behalf of the Yanks in the past month:

Mark Prior
Andruw Jones
Bartolo Colon
Freddy Garcia

There is also confidence within the organization that if there is enough money on the table, they can persuade Andy Pettitte to put on the pinstripes for one more year. And if their efforts fall short, they are holding out hope that they can pull David Cone and Paul O'Neill out of the Y.E.S. broadcast booth.

thesportshernia.typepad.com

My objection is that although I do understand what the Yankees are attempting to do, they are going about it in the wrong way. Essentially, it's trying to fight a fire with baking powder instead of baking soda. Sure it sounds similar but does produce the same results, Jeremy Giambi.

New York obviously swung and missed on prized free agent starting pitcher Cliff Lee, and rightfully kept their distance with former Yank Carl Pavano. Jorge De La Rosa opting to remain with the Colorado Rockies, meaning the top three free agent starters were off the markets. With Pettitte seeking to hang up the pinstripes and Javier Vazquez exiled to Florida, the Yanks were left to three in the rotation.

This is the Yankees though; can't they just go out and trade for The Freak? Maybe they can pry Albert Pujols away from St. Louis and hold him hostage for Adam Wainwright. Trust me, the movement is already underway.

Maybe the more conventional move would to someone a veteran, someone who could come at a cheap rate, under the radar. One candidate: Kevin Millwood. Sure he played like a scrub in Baltimore. Can you blame him? Still, I would consider his season with the O's a one-year blip on the radar. The dude pitched well down in Texas for a long time; the same can't be said about Prior.

Or why wasn't a trade made for Armando Galarraga, you know, that guy who really did throw a perfect game last year? Nah, getting old chubsters seemed like the better option, right?

Along with Prior, as I mentioned earlier, the Yankees went out and signed 2005 Cy Young Award winner Colon, who hasn't thrown a pitch in the Majors since 2009, and Garcia, who once helped the Chicago White Sox to a World Series title before injuries hampered in his career. Last season Garcia threw 157 innings, the most since 2006 in the South Side of Chi-Town.

While the Garcia signing is somewhat qualified, Prior and Colon have combined to toss just over 300 innings since in the past five seasons. Compare that to Yankees workhouse CC Sabathia, who has accounted for over 237 last year and more than 1400 in that same span of time.

I hope you don't have high expectations.

It's hard to argue against the signing of Jones, who will replace Marcus Thames as a designated hitter and right-handed pinch hitter off the bench. Jones hit seven more out of the park than Thames did last season, although Thames seemed pretty clutch, especially his two-run homer against Brian Duensing in the A.L.D.S. Oh well.

So the swapping of role players, invitations of elders to Spring Training is what the Yankees are all about in 2011 -- rolling the dice and hoping for the best.

Once Lee resided in Philly, once the rival Red Sox added Carl Crawford and Adrian Gonzalez to their arsenal, all expectations for a new beginning in the Bronx faltered. Why bother, asked Brian Cashman or the Steinbrenner brothers. Now that is why the G.M. did not want to waste his money on that relief pitcher.

Instead, N.Y. spent their money on overpaying Derek Jeter to be the first Gold Glove winner at shortstop while splitting time in left field and a catcher with a bad knee that drove in all of 26 runs in 2010. Simply brilliant.

This year, it looks as if the Bronx Bombers are yielding the American League to the new-look Sawks. They spend the money, they deserve it. Well, Pujols may be on the market next month anyway.

cbc.ca

Well, at least they let Man-Ram and Johnny Damon settle for Tampa. Dodged a bullet there.

samspiegs@aol.com
Twitter: @samspiegs

NFL: Thank You for the Pro Bowl

2011-01-28T18:33:00.000-05:00

There really was only way to improve the Pro Bowl. Moving it to the weekend right before the Super Bowl Sunday: simply brilliant.

A gathering of N.F.L. superstars a month after the conclusion of the regular season, strapping up the pads one more time to play in a game with utmost meaning – to be determined.

Many have suggested that like Major League Baseball’s All-Star Game, the winner of the Pro Bowl should be determine home field advantage in the Super Bowl. There of course would be no better way than this to decide who should wear the home and away jerseys in a neutral stadium in a neutral city. The home field advantage is obviously one thing, but the drag of wearing road whites – simply unbearable. I would hate the thought of calling heads or tails if donned the away team, too.

Fortunately, as the importance of the game has seemingly risen over the years, the game’s level of play and excitement surrounding it has appropriately escalated. From Honolulu to Miami, second-stringers to third-stringers. Next up: defense optional.

Oops.

The move to before the Super Bowl this season is a test run, as if the previous tradition of the week after the big game was a failure. It is now planned for right in the beginning of media week, so the attention can be drawn off of the quarterback comparison between Big Ben Roethlisberger and Aaron Rodgers, or which defense will bring more heat on third downs, or who among Clay Matthews and Troy Polamalu have better salads.

Instead of that nonsense the attention can be focused on a game, one that will weigh heavily on the outcome of the Super Bowl in 2012. Therefore, it is only logical that the two likely candidates for N.F.L. M.V.P., Tom Brady and Michael Vick, will play field general for their respective conferences in this crucial contest.

Oh, Brady has a sore shoulder? Or is it a sports hernia? No. Wait, a foot? Has got to be the foot!

http://backseatcuddler.com

It seems like this cat has a new injury every time he gets voted on in. It must a coincidence he gets hurt before his annual trip to Honolulu. Oh well. I’m sure there are better things to do at homeanyways.

But even if Brady could play, there’s still too much of a chance the perplexing Pro Bowl defenses would stifle him. Two defensive gurus, Mike Smith of the Atlanta Falcons and Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots, will be licking their chops to go after opposing quarterbacks. House blitzes, press coverage; they might even find a way to block a punt or two.

Offensively, there is no doubt it will be a show. We saw what The Hoodie was able to do with scrubs like Deion Branch, Danny Woodhead and two rookie tight ends. Now factor in that he can really go with some unorthodox formations – three wide-outs, of course lining up on the same side, and of course no players shifting. That would be chaotic.

So this year, when you’re turning on the tube to catch the always exciting, never predictable game of chess that is the Pro Bowl, try to pretend like it is not The League’s gift of an extra week of playoff games. Then, it will all make sense. That’s why you voted your favorite left guard in.

Sam Spiegelman
samspiegs@aol.com
Twitter: @samspiegs
samspiegs.blogspot.com

Connecticut: Tell Robert Burton There's A No Return Policy

2011-01-26T14:54:00.000-05:00

Have you heard the one about the booster wanting his money back? Oh my God, it's a classic.

Robert Burton's name is imprinted on the Connecticut football team's training complex. Years back, he donated $2.5M to build the facility. Now he wants his money back.

This cat is unhappy with the school's hiring of former Cuse coach Paul Pasqualoni to replace Randy Edsall after he jet Storrs for College Park, literally.

“We want our money and respect back,” Burton wrote in his letter to Jeff Hathaway, UConn's Athletic Director.

Well, Bob, you can have your money back. But your respect is non-refundable.

I am sure all of your contributions were well appreciated in Storrs. And I am very confident you feel very responsible for the emergence of Connecticut football into national relevance over the past decade, too. After all, all the checks are signed with your name.

It's not like Edsall deserves any credit for anything.

Every school needs a Burton, at least money-wise. Even if the UConn program doesn't parallel those of Texas or Florida or Southern Cal, even the most minute versions of Phil Knight can pay dividends. But I don't recall Knight having the final say on the Chip Kelly hire when Oregon was looking for a head coach two years ago.

So if the most recognized booster in the game today isn't choosing coaches, what makes you think you have the right to? Former Terp and Under Armour C.E.O. Kevin Plank was likely campaigning for his friend Mike Leach to take over Maryland football, but A.D. Kevin Anderson opted for your boy Edsall. Did Plank go and take away the team's uniforms?

But you went ahead and took the low road, an illustration of your character.

Take away the player's scholarships. Refuse to advertise with the program. Stop helping the business school; send your managers elsewhere.

And while your at it, say goodbye to your luxury box. It's better off empty than with you sipping Mike's Hards on Saturdays.

You're upset because you were not consulted for the head coaching hire. Get over it. You are not an expect, despite what you think. I understand you were drafted by the N.F.L.. But if you haven't noticed, they no longer have 19 rounds; it's for a reason, Bob.

Pasqualoni hasn't coached a down in Rentschler Field and already you're disgruntled. One of your kids played for the guy at Syracuse, and your other is a former Huskie. Congratulations, now your own sons probably think you're a jerk.

As you keep waiting for your $3M check in the mail, consider this: you have given over $7M to Connecticut. Knight had a new basketball court built for his school a few weeks ago...it cost $220 more than your donations.

Being a booster does not automatically incorporate you into the school's brain trust. It simply means you are supporting the school, offering them financial assistance for them to succeed.

You're not even a UConn grad; you went to Murray State. So why don't you bring your checkbook there. I hear their looking for someone to fill their booster, head coach and athletic director jobs. You sound like the guy for the job.

samspiegs@aol.com
Twitter: @samspiegs

Top Five Reasons You Do Not Want to See an N.F.L. Lockout

2011-01-18T13:03:00.000-05:00

Have you seen a lot of these Tweets today? The N.F.L. Lockout website has launched a campaign for all of its fans and players alike to sign a petition to stop the potential work stoppage.

The N.F.L. superstars and Twitter aces haves taken to their laptops and iPhones to get the message across.

The effort is understandable, but is this the best way to exhibit the sense of urgency this problem really calls for?

An N.F.L. lockout would be detrimental to society. Men everywhere would be clueless to how to spend their weekends. Sunday would become merely just another day of the week, simply the day before we all head back to work Monday.

In a purely gratuitous effort, I have shed some light on the situation. Here are the top five reasons why the N.F.L., specifically its fans across the globe, cannot suffice if there is no football next season.

5. You will lose weight

Of course this sounds excellent to fatties everywhere. No Sunday, no beers, no planting yourself on the coach from noon 'til midnight and unfortunately no more artichoke dip. You could find yourself so bored to the extent that hitting the weights or the stair-master is a more plausible option.

watchmojo.com

This is not 'The Biggest Loser' -- there is no Jillian Michaels on your tail making sure you live to see another day.

Better said, this is you losing your manhood. Sundays are meant for beer and wings, not celery sticks and Vitamin Water -- just ask Yao Ming.

Soon enough your Sunday workout will turn into a social occasion between you and your new gym buddies -- you know, the guy with those goggles and the always-handy towel, wearing a sweatband around their crown and more often than not those old school headphones.

It really makes you appreciate your beer belly now, doesn't it?

4. You may realize you are not on God's good side

Without football, there is no purer way to spend a Sunday by reverting to your inner Sunday School student and returning to the house that God built. No I'm not talking about Soldier Field; I mean church, dude.

Let me be a messenger from up above -- God sees all, and he is aware that you are going to church just because you have lost your top priority on Sunday. And plain and simple he will not approve.

You can't just trade touchdowns for The Old Testament, blitzes for The Bible, play action passes for prayer.

3. You will become a better spouse/boyfriend

Again, I am sure this sounds wonderful -- falling in favor with your loved one and perhaps reaping all the benefits that come along with that.

But let me remind you, it is far from as fantastic as it may sound.

Getty Images

Consider this: going on regular trips to Bed, Bath and Beyond; starting up a lovely tomato garden in the backyard and becoming her foremost source on how well she looks in her pants suit.

You used to love to watch your fantasy team rack up the points and talk smack to your brethren about how you knew Arian Foster would be the sleeper of 2010, or that your relentless pursuit of Peyton Hillis on the waiver wire was something you had planned to do all along and that is why you won your league.

Now you talk about how quickly your seeds are sprouting. You can't help but brag about how wonderful it is to get a delish salad and fruit daiquiri at The Cheesecake Factory. Oh, and those trips to the gym -- yeah, now your new workout buddy has become your girl.

Enjoy pilates bro.

2. You will begin to love bowling

Maybe you won't turn down the wrong path of exercise or a girls' day on the town. Perhaps sticking with the tube will remain your top options.

But with no Fox or CBS or NBC at nighttime, you'll fall in love with the ESPN's Sunday afternoon special -- the PBA Tour.

Before long, you can boast to your friends that you are now the foremost expert in everything bowling -- The master of the lanes, the king of the pins, the sultan of strikes.

If you're comfortable with that then so be it.

1. Your son will follow in your wife's footsteps

You are no Troy Aikman, no Peyton Manning, not even an Eli Manning for that matter. But when it comes to your son, your offspring, you expect to be the one who molds them to be the athlete in your favorite quarterback's image.

nflgridirongab.com

How many hours have you spent watching the throwing motion of Brett Favre mumbling to yourself, "Man, I could do that."

Without the N.F.L. though, your son doesn't know who Favre or Manning is. They see you watch the P.B.A. Tour or plant damn tomatoes on Sundays. For goodness sake, they are begging to accompany you to the mall.

What kind of role model have you become, you monster.

Your son thinks your garden is bad ass, and he's asking for a pair of bowling gloves for Christmas.

Now tell me this: do you really want to see the National Football League disappear?

samspiegs@aol.com
Twitter: @samspiegs

It's Only Right N.Y. Jets Must Travel Through Pittsburgh to go to Super Bowl

2011-01-16T20:53:00.001-05:00

Brady, Manning and Roethlisberger -- combined 32 playoff victories with Brady leading the way with 14 and Big Ben and Manning with nine apiece, and six Super Bowls in all.

The win was the second of a three-game series in the 2010-2011 N.F.L. season against A.F.C. East foe New England, the third in Mark Sanchez's two-year career. A little over a month earlier the Jets were embarrassed in their regular season series finale in Foxborough 45-3. But on this day, head coach Rex Ryan continued to live up to his defensive resume and stopped one of the all-time greats, Tom Brady.

www.worldcorrespondents.com

When the N.Y. Jets shocked the world Sunday evening by defeating the New England Patriots 28-21, it was Gang Green's all-time winningest post-season quarterback completing his fourth win in the N.F.L. playoffs, all of which have come on their opponents' turf.

Eight days earlier, Sanchez and Co. traveled to Indianapolis to face off with Peyton Manning and the Colts. A win in Indy granted the Jets the right to play in today's divisional playoff game.

Now the Jets must once again pack up and hit the road, this time to familiar Heinz Field, better known as 'The Big Ketchup Bottle' to some. Coming off a second half comeback win over the Baltimore Ravens, the Pittsburgh Steelers and their leader, quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, look to even the series with New York after the Jets pulled off a road upset against them earlier this season.

Since H.B.O.'s Hard Knocks series, the Jets have anointed themselves Super Bowl champions. In order to live up to their own expectations though, they must travel the path through Pittsburgh and a two-time winning quarterback.

If the Jets want to proclaim themselves as 'the team to beat' so be it. Next week they will face a proven winner, yet again, this time for the right to march on the Super Bowl.

But like the Jets proved on this day, the past does not precipitate the future.

samspiegs@aol.com
Twitter: @samspiegs