I don’t know about you but the seemingly endless Brett Favre saga is driving nuts. And if you think its bad where you are, try being a Vikings fan who lives in a Minnesota town that sits on the border with Wisconsin and is populated with a large percentage of green and gold cult members. Not only do you get it in every RSS feed, every radio broadcast and every TV channel but it is what everyone continues to talk about. SERENITY NOW!

But today - two days after coming out of fantasy blogging retirement - it hit me.  While thanking my good friend Sara at fflibrarian (psst…go subscribe because she is very good) the other day for welcoming me back and giving me some link love, I realized what Brett Favre must feel like this time of year.

Last year during a long and very busy football season I started to loath fantasy football. The task of writing multiple blog posts per week, writing for a local newspaper, managing three teams, working fulltime and trying to be a father of three and husband was - frankly - kicking my ass.

My Team

As some of you may know I am a Vikes fan and if you have followed them at all, then you know they not an easy team to be a fan of. They have broken my heart a million times, they repeatedly underachieve and do some boneheaded things. So why not just find another team right? I could save myself the heartache and just find another squad with a better track record. Simple right?

Not really because that is just not me. No matter what, the Vikes have been my team for as long as I can remember and I will continue to be a Vikes fan through thick and thin. Not by choice but because they are in my blood. They are kinda like family member, no matter how much they piss you off, at the end of the day, your still family.

Besides, it really isn’t that bad - and it could be much worse. One of my very good freinds has been a Lions fan for his entire life - and he isn’t changing anytime soon. He lives right on the Minnesota-Wisconsin border where he gets pummeled by Vikings and Packer fans year in and year out. Imagine that!

The Other Women

Another reason why it would be tough to switch over is, you would probably have to deal with some backlash from other fans of that team. They sure get pissy if you are thinking about jumping ship.

For instance, a few years ago I bought and frequently wore a Patriots hat.  Boy did I hear it from fellow Vikes fans, freinds and even members of my own family everytime I wore it somewhere.

I wasn’t jumping ship but just showing my appreciation for a team I admire.  I’ve always appreciate the Pats - and more specifically Bill Bilichicks coaching style (if only he was the Vikes coach, I can only dream. lol ). It started when they beat the Rams as huge underdogs  in Super Bowl XXXVI and then continued to over-achieve no matter how much adversity they face season after season (last year even, lose your MVP QB, go 11-5 and BARELY miss the playoffs? That’s classic Bilichick and as a long time NFL football fan, I appreciate it (spy gate or not).

Anyway, the bottom line is, I’m wearing the damn hat! I doesn’t mean I’m not a Vikes fan, I just have two favorite teams, thats all!

Fantasy Flux

Fantasy football contributes to a fluxuation in team loyalties (again without comprimising my Vike fandom). I find myself having a new team or two that I pull for during the season and even in the playoffs depending players I might have.

Last year I Chris Henry of the Titans which meant I was watching a lot of their games. before I knew it, there I was pulling for them late in the season and again in the playoffs.

Bottom Line

If you’ve been a fan for one particular team a long time, it isn’t easy - and maybe not very respectable - to jump ship. Hell, if it were  easy, we could all just convert to being Steeler fans - one of the easiest teams in the NFL to be a fan off. Instead of lamenting anything less than perfection, we could be going around annoying the hell out of everyone with chants of “sixburgh”.

But, at the same time, there is nothing wrong with having a team or two to pull for. It just means you get to enjoy more NFL football, and that my friend, is a very good thing.

How do you feel about it? Would you ditch your team? Do you have more than one favorite? Share in the comments below.

OH! And one last thing before I go. Whether you are new or a Goat veteran, you will want to sign up for the new newsletter I set up. Why? Not only will I be sending out each posts right to your inbox but there will be times when I will send you some stuff that I don’t want to share with the world by posting live. Get the newsletter now!

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Anyway, I wanted to throw this out there for you.  Last night my buddy and I were throwing around some names of guys that we thought we would like to have on our team this year.

Read them over and see if you agree or disagree and then, in the coments below, throw down some of the names that may be circling around in your head.

Lee Evans WR (BUF) - While everyone in your league jumps all over the TO train, wait a round or two and grab Evans. He showed in the past that he can be a monster when there is someone else keeping the defence honest.

Roy Williams WL (DAL) - Remember him? He still has skills and the Cowboys will still have a good offense with or without TO. Roy will be the go to guy.

Percy Harvin WR (MIN) - I’m not as high on this guy as my buddy seems to be but there is no doubt the the Vikes intend to give him tohe opportunity to succeed. If he is as good as advertised, he could do just that.

Don’t break the bank on him because  I really don’t see him as being much more than a bit player for your team.  Kinda like a feast or famine type player. 2 plus TD’s one week and goose eggs for the next two.

Chris Henry WR (CIN) - With housh in Seattle and Palmer healthy, Chris Henry should get the opportunity to mix it up for the Bengals.

Jerome Harrison RB (CLE) - He is turning heads in Minicamp. Could he be a poor mans Leon Wahington for Mangini’s Browns?

Kyle Orton QB (DEN) - No he is not Jay Cutler but he has all the guys that Cutler had to through to and the same crappy defense to compensate for. How hard could it be to throw to a guy like Brandon Marshall?

I know this list is incomplete but that is were you come in. Help us build a nice list by posting your picks in the comments below.

But anyway, there ya go. That should start getting the fantasy gears turning.

OH! And one last thing before I go. Whether you are new or a Goat veteran, you will want to sign up for the new newsletter I set up. Why? Not only will I be sending out each posts right to your inbox but there will be times when I will send you some stuff that I don’t want to share with the world by posting live.  Get the newsletter now!

You can also win some of those weekly prizes they are giving out. Top ten scores of the week get to pick out prizes like NFL jerseys, Nintendo Wii’s, Sony PSP’s and more.

Good luck.

First, tune into my live internet radio show - Waiver Wire Live - tonight at 10:30 pm EST (9:30 pm CST) over on BlogTalkRadio.com . I will be put the list together for you live on the air. I will review Sundays players to look out for, give a sneak peak at next weeks games and take your questions via live chat and an exclusive call in line. Stop by and check it out if you can (if you can’t there will be an archive version for you to check out.

Second, you can stop by and vist the Fantasy Football Librarian. She posts waiver wire reports from all over the net. Also, The Hazean offers up his picks in his weekly “Grab Bag.” And last - and definitely not least - we have FootbalJabbers Weekly Waiver Wire Buffet.

Thanks for your understanding and see you tonight.

Start em if you got em

Dwayne Bowe WR (KC) -The Chiefs have been putting some offense together lately. They are averaging almost 24 points a game in their last three. A big reason for that has been the play of quarterback Tyler Thigpen. This week KC welcomes the reeling and batter the 27th ranked Saints defense to Arrowhead. Look for D. Bowe to let it all hang out this week with 7-10 catches for 100+ and at least one touchdown.

Santana Moss WR (WAS) - Maybe this is obvious by now but just in case you didn’t catch it. Mini Moss has made the Boys his beeatch lately. In his last three games against them he’s had 25 catches for 381 and two touchdown. There is no reason that should change this Sunday night. Look for 100+ and 1-2 touchdowns.

Sit em if you got em

Willis McGahee RB (BAL) -  When hes been healthy he has posted some solid RB2 numbers this year. This week don’t look for him to do much of anything against a Giants defense that has only allowed 4 rushing touchdowns all season. he’ll be lucky to get 50 yards and I doubt there is a touchdown in his stat line come Monday.

Kerry Collins QB (TEN) - He looked great last week but look for the Titans to return to their roots and run the ball all over over and over this Sunday. They play a Jaguars team that put Chris Johnson on the map and gave up 104 to Cedric Benson a few weeks ago. Collins will be back to around 175 and maybe a touchdown to Scaife.

Sleepers: Don’t be surprised if…

…Jerious Norwood RB (ATL) shares a chunk of the spotlight with the Burner. Look for him to go for 100+ total yards and get into the endzone at least once against a very lowsey and soft 27th ranked Denver rush defense.

…Mark Bradley WR (KC) to continue his bid for late season uber sleeper and pulls down stats are in the neighborhood of Dwayne Bowes.

More for you

Don’t forget to check this post again after the games. Every Monday or so I go through and grade my performance based on the final stats so that you know how much stock you can put into my picks the following week.

Also, be sure to stop by and check out the Fantasy Football Librarians blog for her extremely thorough listing of start em, sit ems from around the web. I may have a few more for you too so check back later in the week.

Listen to this

Do you like to do more than just read? Grab your iPod or mp3 player and check out my start em sit em podcast. Each Thursday morning I put my start and sit ideas out in audio format. Not only do I offer up more insight on the picks above BUT I add a few more players and discuss some injuries for you to keep an eye on.

Also, check out my Waiver Wire Live radio show over on Blog Talk Radio’s Fantasy Sports Network.  I give you a ton of players that may be available to help your team out as well as give you an early bird preview of next weeks games.

Stick around

Don’t you miss any of my start em, sit ems or my acclaimed Monday waiver wire watch by subscribing to the Goat now. Subscribing is easy and at the all time low price of free. You can subscribe to The Fantasy Football Goat by email and have this stuff in your inbox seconds after I post it or you can subscribe in your feed reader or on your home page. Either way you get the info fast and easy. Don’t understand this whole subscribing thing? Check out this short video on RSS and this video series I put together to get ALL of your fantasy football news lighting fast. Isn’t technology great?

May be available now…

Tyler Thigpen QB (KC) - Not to long ago he was a desperation play, boy has he come a long way. Three solid games in a row. This week he went for 266 and three touchdowns (and no turnovers). The KC offense is playing good right now and their schedule features some soft defenses with games against the Saint, Broncos, San Diego, and Cinci. You could do a lot worse if you are looking for a QB.

Brady Quinn QB (CLE) -He was solid in his debut and has a few decent match ups down the stretch if you are out of options.

Larry Johnson RB (KC) - It is possible that some owner in your league gave up on the guy. If so, why not grab him. The offense is playing pretty damn good, their schedule is fairly soft from this point on and they are pretty much out of running backs. Who know what he will do when he returns this week from suspension to play the Saints but why not throw him on the bench until you know for sure.

Ben-Jarvis Green-Ellis RB (NE) - He may be gone by now but it is starting to “look” like he is the man with his 26 carries for 105 and touchdown. Jordan was active but whether Green-Ellis will do it when Morris is active is another story. Snatch him if he is out there, he could help you in a pinch.

Mark Bradley WR (KC) - He is officially off the “Keep an Eye on” list. He follows up 4 catches for 65 yards with one pass for 37 yards and a touchdown this week last week with 9 catches for 81 yards and touchdown this week. He is at home against New Orleans this week. Grab him.

Matt Spaeth TE (PIT) - If Heath Miller misses more time with the high ankle sprain, Spaeth is a solid option this coming week against the Chargers who for some reason let tight ends have there way with them.

Caroline Defense - They should be a good play this week at home against the Lions. No explanation needed.

Keep an eye on…

Shaun Hill QB (SF) - Came in for O’Sullivan after a bad interception. Not sure if he is the starter now and I’m not sure how he will do if he is but watch him this week. In a Mike Martz offense he could present some value in deeper leagues or leagues that start two QB’s.

Kerry Collins QB (TEN) - I am not sure how often he will throw 30 times, post close to 300 yards and throw for two touchdowns but it is worth keeping an eye on. More teams may dare them to throw like the Bears did and they do have a fairly soft schedule from here on out (especially during fantasy playoff time).

Dante Culpepper/Drew Stanton QB (DET) - I don’t know what to tell you if you are this desperate except that one of these guys should come cheap and provide a warm body for a desperate line-up.

Malcome Floyd WR (SD) - He had 4 for 76 and a touchdwon but it is hard to get completely behind him when he is on a team with so many weapons.

Chad Johnson WR (CIN) - Is it possible someone in your league gave up on him? He caught two touchdowns against Jacksonville. He has a pretty stiff schedule but he could be worth a flier if the Bengals continue to improve.

Brandon Jones/Justin Gage WR (TEN) - 8 for 82 for Jones, 4 for 47 and a TD for Gage. Again, more teams may dare them to throw like the Bears did and they do have a fairly soft schedule from here on out (especially during fantasy playoff time).

Bo Scaife TE (TEN) - 10 for 78 and a touchdown (also see Collins, Jones and Gage). Should be fairly safe in spot duty.

Peyton Hills FB (DEN) -  Could be the man by default since everyone else is injured.

Notable performances…

Nobody really jumped out at me this week…how about you? Did you see any one week wonders?

Hear it live…

If you would like to hear an audio version of this post - and offer up an opinion yourself or ask a question - check out my live internet radio show over on BlogTalkRadio.com. It is called Waiver Wire Live and it airs every Monday night at 10:30 pm EST (9:30 pm CST). I will be discussing this list, reviewing last weeks entries, giving a sneak peak at next weeks games and taking questions via live chat and an exclusive call in line. Stop by and check it out if you can.

Before you go…

If you haven’t had your fill just yet, the Fantasy Football Librarian will have her post listing waiver wire reports from all over the net. Also, The Hazean offers up his picks in his weekly “Grab Bag.” And last - and definitely not least - we have FootbalJabbers Weekly Waiver Wire Buffet.

Also, stop back because I will be updating throughout the week if and when anyone jumps out at me. Also, I know many of you see things that I don’t so feel free to throw down some of your thoughts below in the comments.

Don’t you miss any of my start em, sit ems or my acclaimed Monday waiver wire watch by subscribing to the Goat now. Subscribing is easy and at the all time low price of free. You can subscribe to The Fantasy Football Goat by email and have this stuff in your inbox seconds after I post it or you can subscribe in your feed reader or on your home page. Either way you get the info fast and easy. Don’t understand this whole subscribing thing? Check out this short video on RSS and this video series I put together to get ALL of your fantasy football news lighting fast. Isn’t technology great?

1) Join RotoHog.com
Why let all of that studying and knowledge go to waste. Go over to RotoHog.comand compete for some of those weekly prizes they are giving out. Top ten scores of the week get to pick out prizes like NFL jerseys, Nintendo Wii’s, Sony PSP’s and more.

I have been playing over there for over a year now and I love it. Stop in and see why I think it just might be the fairest way to play fantasy football.

2) Spend time with your family and/or friends
Each second you spend honing your squad is time spent away from family and friends. Maybe you could make good by spending some quality time with your gal and/or the family. Go to a movie or out to a nice restaurant to show them you still care.

Besides, the NFL play-offs will be here soon and you’ll need a few brownie points if you want watch all the action.

There you have it; play some more fantasy with the boys over at RotoHog.comor spend some quality time with loved ones. Either way I don’t see how you can go wrong. Hell you could probably do both if you know your stuff.

Start em if you got em

DeAngelo Williams RB (CAR) - If you have DeAngelo Williams on your squad, you need to get him into your line-up this weekend. He has been getting a larger share of the work lately and he is at home against the 30th ranked Oakland rushing defense that was torn up by both of Atlanta’s running backs last week.  Look for 150 all purpose yards and at least 1 touchdown.

Chad Pennington QB (MIA) - Chad has been playing great over the last few games and there is no reason for that to stop this week. The Seahawks are in town, they are ranked 31st against the pass and they don’t travel well - especially over 3 times zones. Chad should have a solid day if you are looking for some bye week love. I’m thinking 250 and 2 touchdowns.

Sit em if you got em

Matt Forte RB (CHI) - If Orton doesn’t play this week, you might also want to think about sitting Matt Forte of the Bears this week. You really don’t think Grossman is going to keep a disciplined Titans defense on their heels do you? I know he has been a rock star so far this season but the Titans are coming to town and they will be able to key on him all day without Orton at the helm. I know its a bold call but look for 50-75 all purpose and no touchdowns.

Nobody Else - I’m just feeling too positive, just one sit today.

Sleepers: Don’t be surprised if…

…Brady Quinn QB (CLE) has a solid outing versus the 27th ranked Denver passing defense that will be without its top corner Champ Bailey once again. And I say all that with the assumption that Braylon Edwards will CATCH the damn ball. I can see 275 and 2+ touchdowns in Brady’s future.

…Miami Dolphin D comes away with a bunch of sacks and a few turnovers against the struggling Seahawks. With the exception of a gift wrapped victory in San Fransisco a couple weeks ago, the Seahawks haven’t scored more than 10 points on the road all year. Meanwhile, the Phins are quietly racking up just over two sacks a game and forcing some turnovers. None of that should change this Sunday. 10 points allowed, 4 sacks and two turnovers that could lead to scores.

More for you

Don’t forget to check this post again after the games. Every Monday or so I go through and grade my performance based on the final stats so that you know how much stock you can put into my picks the following week.

Also, be sure to stop by and check out the Fantasy Football Librarians blog for her extremely thorough listing of start em, sit ems from around the web. I may have a few more for you too so check back later in the week.

Listen to this

Do you like to do more than just read? Grab your iPod or mp3 player and check out my start em sit em podcast. Each Thursday morning I put my start and sit ideas out in audio format. Not only do I offer up more insight on the picks above BUT I add a few more players and discuss some injuries for you to keep an eye on.

Also, check out my Waiver Wire Live radio show over on Blog Talk Radio’s Fantasy Sports Network.  I give you a ton of players that may be available to help your team out as well as give you an early bird preview of next weeks games.

Stick around

Don’t you miss any of my start em, sit ems or my acclaimed Monday waiver wire watch by subscribing to the Goat now. Subscribing is easy and at the all time low price of free. You can subscribe to The Fantasy Football Goat by email and have this stuff in your inbox seconds after I post it or you can subscribe in your feed reader or on your home page. Either way you get the info fast and easy. Don’t understand this whole subscribing thing? Check out this short video on RSS and this video series I put together to get ALL of your fantasy football news lighting fast. Isn’t technology great?

May be available now…

Sage Rosenfels QB (HOU) -If Schaub misses any time, Sage steps in. As explosive as the Houston offense is, he would be someone you would consider starting week to week. Grab him if it is not looking good for Schaub OR if you own Schaub.

Dan Orlovsky QB (DET) - His 292 and 2 touchdowns performance versus the Bears on the road indicates that he could be a decent desperation play next week at home against a Jacksonville team who just laid a big one in Cinci.Oh and he has Calvin Johnson to throw to.

Tyler Thigpen QB (KC) - 280 and a two touchdowns against the Jets and then 164 passing with a touchdown AND a 37 yard touchdown reception (yes you read that right). The Chief seem to be moving the ball and they play pretty weak defenses from here on out.  He may be worth a start next week against San Diego if you need some bye week help.

Tim Hightower RB (ARI) - He is probably gone but check just in case. His first start gets him 22 carries for 109 yards and a touchdown. If he continues to be the man, he will be a decent start almost every week on this offense.

Jamaal Charles RB (KC) - He went from questionable to playing and getting 106 yards against the Bucs defense after Kolby Smith went out with an injury. Larry Johnson will not be playing next week since he is suspended and Kolby might still be out so Jamaal could be a decent start against San Diego since the Chiefs are putting together some offense.

Ray Rice RB (BAL) - 154 rushing and 3 for 22 receiving against Cleveland.  If you have McGahee, you better have Rice. If you don’t Have McGahee, you might wanna find some room.

Pierre Thomas / Aaron Stecker RB (NO) - With Reggie Bush out for a few weeks and Deuce facing a possible suspension for juicing it up, these guys will provide some decent fantasy production. I would be all over Pierre but he didn’t really show much earlier in the season when he had a chance. That said, he does have the most upside of the two. Stecker is my choice in a PPR leagues. He had 5 catches for 27 versus the Bolts.

Kevin Faulk/Ben-Jarvis Green-Ellis RB (NE) - If Morris and Jordan continue to miss time, Faulk and Green Ellis are going be a solid plays as a RB3 or flex. If you can afford to keep one of these two on the bench do it for spot duty.

Cedric Benson RB (CIN) - This is what I said last week “The desperate owners only deep league special. He is here because he starts but that is about it at this point.” So what does he do? He goes out and posts 104 and a touchdown. Not bad. Worth a roster spot at this point but he will be on a bye this week.

Billy Miller TE (NO) -For three weeks in a row Billy has went over the 50 yard mark (this week 7 catches for 82). Not sure whats up with Shockey but if he continues to battle injuries and be a pain in the ass, Miller looks like he could be a solid TE option going forward.

Miami D - They have been causing turnovers, getting sacks and overall just making things rough for opposing offenses. Next week they get the horrible Seahawks at home. Seattle does not travel well, especially when the go two or three time zones.

Keep an eye on…

Rex Grossman QB (CHI) - If Orton misses any time with the sprained ankle, Grossman could be a decent play in deeper leagues (except maybe next week versus Tennessee).

Shaun Hill QB (SF) - Came in for O’Sullivan after a bad interception. Not sure if he is the starter now and I’m not sure how he will do if he is but watch him this week. In a Mike Martz offense he could present some value in deeper leagues or leagues that start two QB’s.

Ryan Torain RB (DEN) - Didn’t do much against Miami - 3 carries for 1 yard - but with all of the preseason hype and Shanahan’s affinity for him, we should keep an eye out.

Chad Johnson WR (CIN) - Is it possible someone in your league gave up on him? He caught two touchdowns against Jacksonville. He is on a bye next week. After that he has a pretty stiff schedule but he could be worth a flier if the Bengals continue to improve.

Mark Bradley WR (KC) - 4 catches for 65 yards with one pass for 37 yards and a touchdown this week. The week before he had 5 for 42 and a touchdown. They found a few ways to get him involved Sunday. He might be someone to keep an eye on over the next few weeks.

Brent Celek TE (PHI) - After going 6 for 131 he is definitely worth considering in spot duty if LJ Smith misses more time.

Notable performances…

Peyton Hills FB (DEN) -  WHO? And did that say fullback? When he grabs 7 catches for 116 yards and a touchdown we should take a minute to recognize him. Since he came out of nowhere it is hard to believe he will be worth much going forward. If i see something Thursday night in Cleveland maybe I’ll bump him up.

Koren Robinson WR (SEA) - The 4 for 106 and a touchdown is something that you might not see again this year…that is if Hasselbeck doesn’t return.

Derek Stanley WR (STL) - 1 catch for 80 yards and a touchdown. Pretend you never saw this.

Remember the bye weeks…

This upcoming week: Bengals, Cowboys, Buccaneers, Redskins

Hear it live…

If you would like to hear an audio version of this post - and offer up an opinion yourself or ask a question - check out my live internet radio show over on BlogTalkRadio.com. It is called Waiver Wire Live and it airs every Monday night at 10:30 pm EST (9:30 pm CST). I will be discussing this list, reviewing last weeks entries, giving a sneak peak at next weeks games and taking questions via live chat and an exclusive call in line. Stop by and check it out if you can.

Before you go…

If you haven’t had your fill just yet, the Fantasy Football Librarian will have her post listing waiver wire reports from all over the net. Also, The Hazean offers up his picks in his weekly “Grab Bag.” And last - and definitely not least - we have FootbalJabbers Weekly Waiver Wire Buffet.

Also, stop back because I will be updating throughout the week if and when anyone jumps out at me. Also, I know many of you see things that I don’t so feel free to throw down some of your thoughts below in the comments.

Don’t you miss any of my start em, sit ems or my acclaimed Monday waiver wire watch by subscribing to the Goat now. Subscribing is easy and at the all time low price of free. You can subscribe to The Fantasy Football Goat by email and have this stuff in your inbox seconds after I post it or you can subscribe in your feed reader or on your home page. Either way you get the info fast and easy. Don’t understand this whole subscribing thing? Check out this short video on RSS and this video series I put together to get ALL of your fantasy football news lighting fast. Isn’t technology great?