Fantasy Football N' Stuff

Fantasy Football Eliminator Challenge

2009-09-10T14:27:00.000-07:00

The NFL kicks off tonight with Pittsburgh and Tennessee. That means once again it's Fantasy Football time! As Fantasy Football grows into a huge hobby so do the websites, leagues, as well as the rewards!

That's right, rewards. Some leagues offer a prize for winning, even without an entry fee. I found a Football Eliminator Challenge where there is no entry fee, and you can win $1,000!

An Eliminator Challenge is pretty straightforward. Each week you must predict the winning team. You pick one team a week, and you can't pick the same team to win twice during the season. So you have to use the schedule to figure out who you want to pick.

This week I chose the San Diego Chargers, because I want to make sure to get into round 2, but the most popular choice this week seems to be the New Orlean Saints over the Detroit Lions

Eliminator Challenge Sign-Up

To be eligible to win the $1000, follow these steps.

Register a username at ESPN.com if you don't have one.

Join the SpendOnLife group, the password is creditcard1.

Start picking the winning team each week.

Post a comment at the SpendOnLife blog and follow their instructions to be eligible for the prize money.

That's it! Good luck.

What is Brett Favres Fantasy Value?

2008-08-05T20:56:00.000-07:00

We've all seen the charade that has become Brett Favre's career. It's really just been a circus.

Has that diminished his fantasy value?

Well, essentially he had none to begin with. Aaron Rodgers has been designated the go-to guy and WILL be the Green Bay Packers opening day quarterback barring injury.

Where does that leave Brett Favre?

Essentially, on another team.

According to the NFL Network's Adam Schefter, Favre spoke to both the Buccaneers and Jets on Tuesday to discuss a possible trade with either of the two clubs.

That still leaves Favre in a Quarterback battle where it may still question his fantasy value.

In Tampa Bay there is Jeff Garcia, Brian Griese, Luke McCown, Chris Simms, and recently drafted Josh Johnson.

In New York, it's not nearly as bad a situation, but Chad Pennington and Kellen Clemens to deal with.

Just like last year, Brett Favre may be entering the season with little to none fantasy value. But, just like last year, he may surprise us.

Pacman Jones Reinstated in Dallas - Almost

2008-06-03T14:38:00.000-07:00

Adam "Pacman" Jones can join the Dallas Cowboys, but hasn't technically been unsuspended. He has been granted allowance to participate in off season workouts and practice. He could join the team as early as today.

Commissioner Roger Goodell will decide by September 1st whether to fully end the suspension or not. If Jones can keep straight for the next few months, we should see him on the field this regular season.

Jones played a total of 30 games for the Tennessee Titans. He accumulated a total of 115 tackles and 4 interceptions. He was valuable on special teams as well. He has recorded 4 punt return TDs.

Dallas traded a fourth round pick in this years draft to acquire Pacman Jones. If he plays that investment should pay off. With the pick the Tennessee Titans chose wide receiver Lavelle Hawkins.

Jason Taylor Dancing His Way Out Of Miami?

2008-05-28T12:33:00.000-07:00

As Jason Taylor finished second on Dancing with the Stars, he may have also danced his way off the Miami Dolphins.

Since Taylor isn't expected to take part in any training camp activities it has irked Bill Parcells and coach Tony Sparano. It appears both sides are unhappy with eachother, that may signal the end of his tenure as a Miami Dolphin since 1997. Jason Taylor was the only Miami Dolphin to be selected to the Pro Bowl, so moving on without him may not be the best thing for rebuilding.

Defensive tackle Vonnie Holliday said that Taylor's absence hasn't been a distraction to players.

"All they want to know is if and when he's coming back," Holliday said. "That's the only issues we have with JT right now."

Jason Taylor has been on and off the trading block, with Jacksonville being interested. Owner Wayne Huizenga has said the team is open to trading Taylor. In the draft, Miami took two defensive ends in the second and third round.

Last season Jason Taylor has 11 sacks to make his career total 117. That is third among active players.

Anyone who ends up with Jason Taylor will be lucky. I am predicting he will have an explosive season. Although he is 33, his Dancing with the Stars experience has made for a quicker and faster Taylor. With last seasons stats of 56 tackles, 11 sacks, 4 forced fumbles and an interception, I only see him improving on those statistics.

2008 NFL Draft Picks

2008-04-27T13:02:00.000-07:00

The 2008 NFL Draft was pretty interesting. It was full of interesting picks as well as trades and very strategic planning. Here is the first round results for the 2008 NFL Draft.

1 Miami: Jake Long OT
2 St. Louis: Chris Long DE
3 Atlanta: Matt Ryan QB
4 Oakland: Darren McFadden RB
5 Kansas City: Glenn Dorsey DT
6 NY Jets: Vernon Gholston DE
7 New Orleans: Sedrick Ellis DT
8 Jacksonville: Derrick Harvey DE
9 Cincinnati: Keith Rivers LB
10 New England: Jerod Mayo OLB
11 Buffalo: Leodis McKelvin CB
12 Denver: Ryan Clady OT
13 Carolina: Jonathan Stewart RB
14 Chicago: Chris Williams OT
15 Kansas City: Branden Albert OG
16 Arizona: Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie CB
17 Detroit: Gosder Cherilus OT
18 Baltimore: Joe Flacco QB
19 Carolina: Jeff Otah OT
20 Tampa Bay: Aqib Talib CB
21 Atlanta: Sam Baker OT
22 Dallas: Felix Jones RB
23 Pittsburgh: Rashard Mendenhall RB
24 Tennessee: Chris Johnson RB
25 Dallas: Mike Jenkins CB
26 Houston: Duane Brown OT
27 San Diego: Antoine Cason CB
28 Seattle: Lawrence Jackson DE
29 San Francisco: Kentwan Balmer DE
30 NY Jets: Dustin Keller TE
31 NY Giants: Kenny Phillips FS

The first six picks were pretty straightforward. It seemed as the draft started thats what everyone predicted it to do. I knew who was getting picked when. After the top 6 it got a bit more interesting.

New England was able to trade down a bit, but still reached with their pick Jerod Mayo. Kiper and other analysts had him going later in the round. I didn't realize how much needs New England has, so they could of done better.

Baltimore did great with trading down to get more choices. Baltimore traded with Jacksonville. Jacksonville traded all the way down to pick #8 to reach for Derrick Harvey which may prove to be too much.

Baltimore in turn went after quarterback Joe Flaco since Matt Ryan was already chosen.

San Diego was pretty much certain to pick an offensive lineman or corner back. Most people had them selecting Brandon Flowers. Instead they went with Antoine Cason. That led to Brandon Flowers dropping to round 2. He was selected 35th overall by Kansas City.

This draft definitely made the AFC even more interesting. Especially the AFC West and the AFC South.

First Draft Pick of 2008

2008-04-26T10:41:00.001-07:00

Well the mystery of the first pick was given away a little premature.

The Dolphins signed Jake Long to a 5 year deal worth 57.5 million.

Long is brought in to build the offensive line hoping to give whichever guy is quarterback some protection. He should also help the running game which struggled after Ronnie Brown went down.

Was this the right choice for Miami?

Well so far I think it is, but only time will tell. Who will be draft pick #2?

Jared Allen Traded for Load of Picks

2008-04-23T14:42:00.001-07:00

The Kansas City Chiefs are officially in rebuilding mode after trading Jared Allen to the Vikings. Pro Bowl defensive end and last years sack leader nets the Chiefs a load of picks.

The Chiefs get:

First round pick (17th overall)
Third round pick (73rd overall)
Third round pick (82nd overall)

The Vikings signed Allen to a 6 year 73.26 million dollar deal.

This is a questionable trade for both teams.

Kansas City gains a ton of great picks, but loses their defensive leader.

Minnesota is giving up a lot of picks when they have a few needs other than lineman. I don't know if the running game will be enough to make them real contenders.

Mel Kipers Top 25 in the 2008 NFL Draft

2008-04-11T10:25:00.000-07:00

As the NFL draft gets closer, there is more and more talk about who will be drafted where. Mel Kiper JR has put together his top 25 players in the 2008 NFL Draft. This list is as of April 11th and should continue to change until draft day.

1. Glenn Dorsey DT
2. Darren McFadden RB
3. Matt Ryan QB
4. Jake Long OT
5. Chris Long DE
6. Sedrick Ellis DT
7. Vernon Gholston DE
8. Ryan Clady OT
9. Branden Albert OG/OT
10. Rashard Mendenhall RB
11. Chris Williams OT
12. Jeff Otah OT
13. Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie CB
14. Aqib Talib CB
15. Phillip Merling DE
16. Keith Rivers LB
17. Jerod Mayo LB
18. Felix Jones RB
19. Leodis McKelvin CB
20. Devin Thomas WR
21. Jonathan Stewart RB
22. Mike Jenkins CB
23. Derrick Harvey DE
24. Joe Flacco Sr. QB
25. Kentwan Balmer QB

Who are your top draft picks?

Just Leave LT Alone

2008-01-27T14:32:00.000-08:00

The world already knows that LaDanian Tomlinson was limited to only 3 plays in the AFC Championship game with the New England Patriots. Fans, announcers, and former football players have called LT on sitting out.

Just Leave LT Alone

The backlash has been plastered all over the newspapers, internet, and television. Fans have expressed their disappointed with the San Diego Chargers star running back sitting out. Not only did he sit out, he basically turned off. He remained on the sideline with his helmet on throughout the game. He barely moved.

Just Leave LT Alone

Sportswriters have jumped to Tomlinsons side providing many great articles that LT must have been seriously injured not to play. He's never missed a game. If he didn't have it, and couldn't play that should be enough. Just Leave LT Alone!

I completely agree 100%, but as a fan, I still think he should of played. Not necessarily a Charger fan, but more, a football fan. I wanted the best teams to win Sunday. Without LT on the field I don't think the Chargers had a chance to be the best team. With Rivers hobbling around and Gates coming in and out of the game, just trying to play, it was hard to watch LT on the bench.

I read several articles about all the things they needed to do to beat the Patriots. They did all of those things. Except, have a productive game out of LT that should of included 100 yards+ and a TD.

As a fan, and a sports blogger, I am torn between the two. It's already been a week already and in San Diego we are still getting the LT backlash of him sitting out. Within reason, LT was too hurt to play, I understand that. However, LT has been nothing less than excellence, especially lately. As a diehard football fan, I still believe LT should have played, whether it was reasonable or not. We expect nothing but the best of our sports heroes. LT is just that. When you have several Chargers banged up throughout the year, and players like Owens who managed to play with a broken ankle or leg. It's hard to watch one of the greatest running back, spend the biggest game of his career, on the bench.

It's still time to leave LT alone.

Week 16

2007-12-18T07:29:00.000-08:00

You don't get much time off between articles at this point in the season.

The Thursday night game is already two days away and we just had the Monday game.

This Thursday's game is a fantasy footballers dream. The Pittsburgh Steelers against the St. Louis Rams. My reasoning behind this is that they each have very reliable starting players. With the Steelers you have Roethlisberger, Willie Parker, Hines Ward, the entire defense and even Santonio Holmes. For the Rams you have Torry Holt, Issac Bruce, Steven Jackson, possibly Marc Bulger and even their defense at times.

The Rams enter the game with a record of 3-11. Very poor for this team. Over the past year or so they've begun a fast decline down the standings while the Steelers quickly rose past peoples expectations. The Rams' O-Line has allowed 44 sacks this season, all but 11 being placed on starting quarterback Marc Bulger.

Bulger is up to a rousing total of 2,008 passing yards with 7 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. Bench him. Steven Jackson doesn't even have 1,000 yards on the ground yet. In the offseason he was way overrated as he was ranked the highest of one in the league in the running backs subcategory.

Flipping over to the Steelers.

They've gotten big games out of Big Ben this year. His five touchdown game against Baltimore in week 9 was truly impressive. Since 2004 when he took over he's shown quite an array of passing skills. He can maneuver the ball over the heads of defensive backs and linebackers and in to the hands of his receivers.

Fast Willie (Parker) is the teams leading rusher, no surprise, with 1,317 yards but only 2 touchdowns. He is quick but gets pounded easily by defensive backs equally as fast.

Fantasy Notes

Roethlisberger is a definite start every week. Like I mentioned earlier he had a five touchdown performance. Luckily he's been able to refrain injuries so far this year.
Steven Jackson, Mr. Overrated, is now a bench in my mind.
Torry Holt and Issac Bruce are starts depending on who else you have on your roster.

My pick: Steelers

- Rex

Bears @ Vikings

2007-12-17T17:16:00.000-08:00

Tonight is the clash of the Peterson's.

Adrian versus Adrian, that is.

The Minnesota version of AP is a highly touted rookie and has a clear shot at the Rookie of the Year award in the NFL. He has exactly 1,200 yards in only 11 games at the running back position. Where as the Bears' has only 291 yards.

If I were a betting kind of fellow I would put my money on the Bears and I'll tell you why.

The Minnesota Vikings team as a whole have only complied 14 interceptions in their 14 games thus far. The Bears are mainly a passing team due to the unreliability in their running backs. The Chicago wide receivers have a total of 3,214 yards which is great for Chicago. The main threat for the Bears is speedy Bernard Berrian and Devin Hester (who can flat-out out run anyone in the league in my opinion). If quarterback Kyle Orton can get his passes over the defensive backs I can see Chicago pulling away quickly.

Speaking of Orton, he'll be out to prove himself as a legitimate NFL quarterback. Like I said, if his passes are what they could be he may get the nod for next week as well. I've seen him play quite a lot, what with living near Chicago, so I know when he's on top and when he's hit rock bottom.

But heres what I think about Minnesota.

The Vikings offensive attack is mainly based around running back Adrian Peterson, whom I mentioned earlier. The Chicago defensive line has been banged up to this point and have allowed 1,601 rushing yards, 224 of which came from Peterson on October 14th.

The wide receiving core of the Vikings has been over shadowed by the terrific running ability of Adrian Peterson so I'll spend a little time on them.

Former Bear Bobby Wade is the team leader in the yards category with 451 and is averaging 11.3 yards per reception. Sidney Rice, however, is the leader in touchdown catches with 4 and 386 yards. Quaterback Tarvaris Jackson, in my mind, has yet to show his true throwing ability and tonight is probably not the night to start that. The Bears' defensive backing has been quite impressive so far and they can keep pace with speedy receivers.

My pick: Bears, due to their spectacular line backing core and their defensive backs.

Fantasy Notes - Most fantasy leagues are winding down, but oh well...

Adrian Peterson is still nursing his leg from his injury. I'm not taking anything away from his ability but he may not be on-par with what hes capable of. I don't have him on my roster but if I did I'd be a little wary when starting him.
If you have the Chicago Bears as a team you may want to look into starting them. I'm posting this real, real late but I'll say it anyway: start 'em. You'll get a boat load of points from Devin Hester's kick returns if they dare kick/punt to The Windy City Flier.
Kyle Orton may not be a bad start tonight. If you have him benched or if you see him on the wire go ahead and slot him in a backup position. This all depends on how many quarterback slots your roster allows you to maintain. If it's only one then I'd let him rot on your bench.
Sidney Rice doesn't look so bad right about now. If he's on your bench go ahead and slot him in.

Congratulations to all who have won their championship games. My current championship is down to a thread as I need Chester Taylor of the Vikings to score 7 points and I win my first ever.

Until next article,

- Rex

Bears and Redskins

2007-12-06T15:50:00.000-08:00

I will slowly start to climb out of my hole and begin to peek at whats going on in the NFL, then actually post on this blog I have been so kindly invited to write on.

As we all know, the Bears play the Skins tonight. This would be Thursday.

The thought of the Bears playing on Thursday night is a very big thing here in Chicago and all the offensive problems have been set squarely on the shoulders of Rex Grossman. Not all the problems have come from the quaterbacks.

Cedric Benson is out for the remainder of the season so the lesser of the two Adrian Peterson's in the NFL is now at the running back position for the Bears. Last year in 16 games Peterson had only 41 yards on 10 carries. This year in twelve games he's rushed for 256 yards on 74 attempts and through the air has 335 yards with 40 receptions. 591 all purpose yards.

Now, switching over to the Redskins.

They're coming off the tragic and unfortunate death of Sean Taylor, so the team will want to play well.

Antwan Randle El and Santana Moss have combined for 1,094 yards and 82 receptions. Not too shabby for the Redskins.

Middle linebacker London Fletcher has 100 tackles exactly and no sacks. The Bears have allowed 38 sacks this year so maybe tonight will be Fletcher's chance to get his first sack of the '07-'08 season.

Defensive end Andre Carter, however, leads the team in sacks with 8. Against the Bears' somewhat weak O-line I'd say he gets 2 tonight.

Fantasy Notes

Tonight would be a good game to start the Redskins' defense. I'd say they get 4 sacks as a team which can be a plus in most point leagues.
Des Clark may be a good start for tonights game. He caught a TD from Grossman against the Giants so he may be looked to for a few touches tonight.
Start Brian Griese. Depending on who else you have I'd go with him.

Oh right. My pick: Redskins, but barely.

Final thing here; I was digging through my football cards and I found a Devin Hester rookie card in almost perfect condition. Thats why you save the rookies.

-Rex

Sean Taylor Dies at Age 24

2007-11-27T15:06:00.000-08:00

Washington Redskins safety Sean Taylor died after being shot in the leg. Taylor was shot Monday, the bullet piercing an artery causing massive blood loss. It's sad to think how much life he had to live and how much more football he had to play.

Many don't know but this was the second time that Sean Taylor's house was broken into, in the last 2 weeks.

Not only will Sean Taylor be missed as a person, his presence in the Redskins defense will also be missed. Taylor was tied for the NFC lead for interceptions with 5, and was known to be a hard hitting defensive back.

Taylor's No. 21 will be painted in a grass parking area leading into Redskins Park in Ashburn, Va. No. 21 will also be painted in front of the Redskins Hall of Fame store.

"I am devastated over the loss of Sean Taylor," Miami coach Randy Shannon said. "When he was a student at the University of Miami, I got to know him as a person and as a football player. He was passionate about everything he did and was a great friend to his teammates. My thoughts are with his family."

He will be missed by former coaches, football players, and the fans. RIP No 21.

Fantasy Football Rankings after Week 11

2007-11-21T14:25:00.000-08:00

Quarterbacks

Tom Brady
Tony Romo
Derek Anderson
Ben Roethlisberger
Brett Favre

Who would of expected Anderson, Big Ben, and Favre on this list instead of Palmer, Manning and Brees

Running Backs

Brian Westbrook
LaDainian Tomlinson
Adrian Peterson
Joseph Addai
Willis McGahee

The running back category is definitely lacking, Peterson and Addai top this list and have each missed at least one game. Ronnie Brown ranks 6th and he's been out since week 8.

Wide Receivers

Randy Moss
Terrell Owens
T.J Houshmandzadeh
Braylon Edwards
Reggie Wayne

Moss and Owens are on pace for record breaking seasons. How much I don't want to see Jerry Rice lose a record, these guys are making it look easy and fun to watch.

Tight Ends

Antonio Gates
Jason Witten
Kellen Winslow
Tony Gonzalez
Heath Miller

To play a tightend has been hit and miss for some. I was big on Witten after watching the Cowboys go to their TE time and time again in preaseason. Even though San Diego is struggling, Gates is easily the best TE in the game.

Defense

Patriots
Lions
Chargers
Packers
Giants

It's good to look at lists like this. Two weeks ago I was able to pick up the Lions. They are leading the league in turnovers. If your regretting the Ravens defense, the Lions are a great substitute at this point.

Dwight Freeney Lost for the Season

2007-11-14T17:50:00.000-08:00

If you are reading this on the rss feed, click here to see the article.

Hot Fantasy Pickup For Week 11

2007-11-14T17:49:00.000-08:00

This week the obvious #1 waiver wire pick-up of the week is Chester Taylor. No one knows when or if Adrian Peterson will be able to come back from injury. He is already ruled out for next weeks game against Oakland.

Luckily I didn't think Peterson would last an entire season after watching him take hits and leaving his feet quite often against the game against San Diego.

Minnesota are playing do or die with their running backs, Chester Taylor was already becoming a decent flex play. It seemed 90% of the Vikings plays were to the running backs whether it was a run or screen. Adrian Peterson couldn't get the ball the entire time.

Philip Rivers Getting Worse Each Week?

2007-11-12T16:20:00.000-08:00

Peyton Manning struggled last night particularly against Antonio Cromartie (who had 3 int's). Manning finished the game 34 of 56 with 328 yards 2 TDs and 6 interceptions. His passer rating was only 49.4. Not typical Manning numbers.

However, Manning wasn't the worst quarterback in the Colts vs Chargers game Sunday night. Rivers also had a very poor performance. He completed 13 of 24 for only 104 yards with 2 interceptions. Rivers committed his league leading 10th fumble in this game, worse yet, it was when his team was backed up on their own 2 yard line. His low 30.6 passer rating, which is the second lowest of his career, basically sums up the game for Rivers. All he had to do in the second half was really keep the lead and not mess up. Instead he fumbled in his own endzone and the Colts easily scored. That put the game a lot closer than it needed to be, it almost cost the Chargers the game.

Rivers was a key to the loss against Minnesota as well last week (his passer rating in that game only 49.4). Rivers couldn't keep the Chargers in the game. The Minnesota pass rush proved to be too much for him. The plays he could get off without too much of a rush were very poorly thrown. The three fumbles he committed didn't help either.

San Diego fans and residents are calling for Rivers to be benched.

"The defense played its heart out while Rivers' plays were awful. Please bench Rivers. Let's take a chance with Billy Volek." Lam Nguyen of San Marcos

"A win is a win, but this was pathetic! Norv, Rivers and the offense don't have a clue. I'm surprised Norv didn't challenge the final score!" Steve Wantoch of Lakeside

Not only are fans upset with the poor play of Philip Rivers, but ultimately of the Chargers.

"This was not a win! It was a Colts loss." Chris Dennis of Ramona

Can the Chargers answer the call of the fans and wakeup? They've got another tough game against Jacksonville coming up to get prepared for. Jacksonville has a strong defensive team, so the Chargers may end up relying on Cromartie once again.

Start Em Sit Em Week 10

2007-11-09T12:38:00.000-08:00

Start 'Em

QB Kitna- After a huge performance against Denver, I would expect much of the same against the Arizona Cardinals. The Cardinals are ranked 7th against the pass allowing 194 yards per game. However, Detriot should have a lot of opportunities to score.

RB McGahee- Probably one of the most consistent backs in the NFL right now, he is a strong play the next two weeks. I traded to get him in another league. He was held to only 50 yards against a strong Pittsburgh D. This week at home against the 28th ranked rushing defense, Cincinnati, he is going to go over 100 yards and a touchdown.

WR Stokley- By now you should have your strong starters, but in leagues where you start several wide receivers, it can be a matchup or bye week battle. With Welker, Cotchery and the Texans wideouts on bye, it could leave you with an open spot. This week I am plugging in Brandon Stokley. Since Walkers injury he has been a decent option getting a lot of looks in the passing game. He scored the only touchdown for Denver last week.

Defense- Detriot Lions- As I mentioned in Hot Pick-up For Week 10, the Lions could be a huge start for you this week. The other leading fantasy defense is on bye, so the Lions is a great fill-in against a struggling Arizona offense. The only TD came for them last week in the 4th quarter, with the game pretty sealed.

The Lions lead the NFL in turnovers and it should be more of the same this week.

Sit Em

Rudi Johnson / Kenny Watson- The running back tandem didn't do too great against the Bills. The only way Watson saved face in fantasy points was his catching out of the backfield. Against Baltimore I'd expect much of the same.

Steven Jackson- Jackson was my start when he came back and he was looking great. After suffering ANOTHER injury he's back, but not in full force. Leave him on the bench another week.

Marques Colston- He's been hot, but it can't last, he's looked terrible the first half of the season. I want to sell high on this guy while he still has value.

Hot Pick-up of the Week

2007-11-08T11:57:00.001-08:00

The hot pickup of the week award isn't going to a certain player. This week it has to be the Detriot Lions. Their defense is leading the league in interceptions along with 2 defensive TDs. They also lead the league in forced fumbles.

This strong defensive play has come out of nowhere. In my leagues the Patriots defense has the most points, followed by the Lions defense. Against the blowout in Denver they got 31 total points for the defense.

Against the Cardinals this week I hope for more of the same. With the Patriots defense on bye, if you can snag the Detriot Lions defense, they should be a great play for you this week.

Ryan Grant Proves to be 3rd String

2007-11-08T11:32:00.000-08:00

When the season began I don't even know where Ryan Grant started on the depth chart, but I am assuming it was behind Jackson, Wynn, and Morency.

After rushing for 104 yards against Denver, he was a hot pick-up for the week. I wasn't too impressed by his performance, he was remember, facing the worst rushing defense in the league.

On Sunday Ryan Grant couldn't do anything against Kansas City only rushing for 55 yards on 19 carries (2.9 avg).

Next week they play Minnesota, so don't even think about starting him!

Waiver Wire Pick-Up of the Week

2007-10-31T13:03:00.000-07:00

After a great Monday night performance against the Denver Broncos, Ryan Grant is the pick-up of the week. However, I am a little reserved about it. The same thing happened a few weeks ago when Brandon Jackson lost the starting job to Deshawn Wynn. After that Wynn has been disappointing and unpredictable.

The only reason Grant got an opportunity, was because of Wynn's season ending injury. That puts Grant in the same position Wynn was in.

Brandon Jackson, who has thus far been a disappointing, is going to be active and playing next Sunday. He should split the carries along with Grant and we can't forget Morency.

We also have to remember Grant's 100+ yard rushing performance was against the leagues worst defense, who on average gives up 166 yards per game rushing.

Grant will have to prove himself to me before I become a believer. Next week the Packers are against #17th ranked rushing defense Kansas City.

Contenders and Pretenders in the AFC

2007-10-29T13:11:00.000-07:00

We are going into week 9 of the regular season. With it half over, you can start to see the playoff picture forming.

Who's contending, and whos pretending?

AFC West

Pretender

Kansas City (4-3) The Chiefs are tied for first, almost by default. Larry Johnson has been suspect for the most part. The best player has been rookie Bowe, which I would be concerned about.

Contender

San Diego (4-3) They are the real deal and proved it yesterday by scoring 35 points in the first half against the Texans. With so many weapons on offense and defense, San Diego should easily win the division as expected

AFC North

Pretenders

Baltimore (4-3) Whether it's Steve McNair or Kyle Boller, they have the same chances of winning. As long as McGahee can stay healthy and keep running they might have a chance.

Cleveland (4-3) Even though their offense has drastically improved, they still are the Browns. Having one of the worst defenses in the NFL will cost Cleveland several games down the road.

Contender

Pittsburgh (5-2) They did lose that heartbreaker to Denver, but the Steelers are pretty solid. With Ward coming back from injury, they have his consistent play, along with a great run game, and a strong defense.

AFC South

Pretender

Jacksonville (5-2) I think coaching may be a factor here. Why isn't Jones-Drew getting the majority of the carries? Just watch him play and you'll make a case for him too. They can't do it all on the ground either. The defense is good, but not as solid as they need to be.

Contenders

Indianapolis (7-0) They are the colts! Even with injuries they find a way to win.

Tennessee (5-2) With Vince Young's worst QB performance, they still found a way to win. The stats may not be pretty, but they do compete. They almost handing the Colts their only loss.

AFC East

Pretender

Buffalo (3-4) The Bills have found a way to win a couple of games, but this is hands down the Patriots division. Buffalo will be lucky to compete for a wildcard spot.

Contender

New England (8-0) Just have to get past the Colts, and sweet 16 may be there.

Fantasy Football Start'em Sit'em Week 8

2007-10-27T12:03:00.000-07:00

Start 'Em

QB Ben Roethlisberger- I found myself starting several Pittsburgh Steelers this week against the Bengals this week. I hope Cincy will keep it close enough for Big Ben to throw it a few times this week.

RB Steven Jackson- We've seen questionable 'returns' out of running backs like Rudi Johnson and Laurence Maroney, but Jackson might be a different story. Going against the #30 ranked rushing defense, the Browns shouldn't give Jackson any trouble. Could be the easiest week for Marc Bulger yet.

WR Braylon Edwards- A lot of my teams are hurting, so getting Edwards back after the bye will really help. Edwards and the Browns against the Rams, should be able to do some damage. Look for Derek Anderson to have a big week too.

Sit 'Em

Earnest Graham- If you were using Graham to plug in for injuries and bye weeks, it may be time to trade or drop him. He did well against the Lions, but remember, its the Lions. This week in Jacksonville he should get shutdown. After Arizona in week 9, they have the bye week. By then Bennett should be fully understanding of the offense and splitting the bulk of the carries with Graham.

Kenny Watson / Rudi Johnson- Rudi is back to being listed as doubtful, so that leaves Kenny Watson. The Steelers have allowed only 1 rushing TD this season. Along with that, they average only 75 yards allowed per game on the ground. That means trouble for Watson.

Chris Chambers in San Diego

2007-10-17T13:29:00.000-07:00

Chris Chambers has less fantasy value in San Diego. I will not be scrambling to get him. In Miami, he leads the team in receiving yards. In San Diego, he will be lost in the bunch. Can you remember the last successful wide receiver to play for San Diego? It's not because of the lack of wide receiver talent, just the game plan. They don't need to throw with Tomlinson and Gates.

With so many offensive weapons, San Diego doesn't need to throw many TDs. When they do, it's generally not to a wide receiver. So far this season only 3 of 8 touchdowns have been to a wide receiver. Of the 17 total amount of touchdowns, 3 have been scored by wide receivers.

Last season 9 of 24 passing touchdowns were caught by receivers. If the stats hold true again (since the offense is almost identical, minus coaches) that means receivers should catch about 6 more touchdowns. Of those 6, I'd give at least two to Vincent Jackson, some to Buster Davis, where does Chris Chambers fit?

Chris Chambers should be worth the second round pick it took to get him. Eric Parker will not be able to return to the Chargers this season, and will be placed on the injured reserve.

Chambers could fit into the San Diego gameplan, but I would take a wait and see approach on him before putting any value on him.

What To Do If You Are 0-5

2007-10-15T15:50:00.000-07:00

I've always been pretty good with fantasy football, and I usually win the league, or a majority of my games. For the first time I find myself 0-5. Due to draft malfunctions, injuries, and bad starts, my team has been terrible.

My team consists of questionable and injured players like Kurt Warner, Sammy Morris, Marc Bulger, Cedric Benson and Stephen Jackson. I also have good players like Willis McGahee, Joey Galloway, Jason Witten, and Joseph Addai.

What Can You Do?

Trade

Chances are you aren't the only one struggling. What you really want to do is upgrade. If you have a surplus at Running Back or Wide Receiver, package them up and get 1 good player. At this point you don't need depth, you need to win. Say you are holding some handcuffs like Kenny Watson, Michael Turner, or Sammy Morris. Those players aren't worth anything to you when they aren't playing, however they still have value. Adding on a wide receiver to a package someone might bite on a trade for someone who is producing now.

Hit the Waiver Wire

It's time to cut those who aren't producing and you can't trade. I mentioned I still had Bulger, I'm going to get rid of him. He's not doing me any good and he wasn't before either. If you are holding on to players like that.

Prepare for Next Season

This mostly applies to keeper leagues. If you have no hope to win, start preparing for next year. Some leagues allow you to trade future draft picks. If you have a few players on your bench or even starting you may be able to swing deals for mid level picks. Having two picks in a round can make your team more solid.

You may be 0-5 now, but make sure you won't be next year.