Written by:
Mike Rodriguez | Tuesday, August 31st, 2010 |
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Anthony Dixon,
Anthony Gonzalez,
Arian Foster,
Chester Taylor,
Clinton Portis,
Jabar Gaffney,
Jermaine Gresham,
Julian Edelman,
Matthew Stafford,
Mike Williams
10 Fantasy Football Sleepers In 2010 (in no particular order)
Jabar Gaffney (WR Broncos)
Gaffney has been bounced around the league through most of his career; his patience has landed him in Denver, which is starting to look like home.
Gaffney has a great understanding of the offense and the experience to be the player that can pick up the in-game wrinkle on the spot. He will be overlooked by nearly everyone at your fantasy draft for a shiny new rookie. Their loss is your sleeper steal.
Anthony Gonzalez (WR Colts)
Before Gonzalez’s injury early last season, fantasy experts had him very high on their boards. Now recovering and fighting for a starting job, Gonzalez is underrated and available at a late round bargain price.
Chester Taylor (RB Bears)
This RB might take a few weeks to catch on in Chicago, yet his ability is unquestionable. Taylor is the type of player Mike Martz loves and will be used in all phases of the game. Late round gem with tons of upside.
Clinton Portis (RB Redskins)
Mike Shanahan, do I need to say anymore? The system has produce greatness out of garbage. Portis has secured the starting job and will be the focal point despite all the McNabb media. …Continue reading 10 Fantasy Football Sleepers In 2010
5 Bold NFL Predictions for 2010 (Part 1)
Gridiron Experts team of writers is making some bold NFL predictions. Some are long shots that you may love, others are realistic guess’s that you’ll hate.
Chris Hall’s 5 Bold Predictions
5.The Texans make the playoffs.
I know, I know, the Texans have a studly fantasy offense with Matt Schaub, Andre Johnson, and crew, but they have never, in their teams history, been to the playoffs. The team is way too good to keep losing close games, and I really think that the Kris Brown/Neil Rackers kicking rivalry will make for a few less blown game enders. There’s no reason that the Texans should’ve lost to the Colts and Titans in weeks 9 and 11.
4. Shonn Greene will go the way of Ronnie Brown.
I absolutely hate foretelling injuries to players, but I don’t think that Shonn Greene’s style of play translates into a full NFL season. He hurt his ribs last offseason and then in the playoffs, and is bound to hurt them again with his bruising style. Rex Ryan is already threatening to load him up with extra padding to prevent rib damage… sounds scary to me.
3. Steven Jackson will leave fantasy owners out of the playoffs.
Last time S-Jax topped 300 rushing attempts (’06-’07), he sputtered out the next season and ran for 1,002 yards and 5 TD’s. Last season he had 324 yards and had to have been demoralized by having 19 linebackers on him every play. I really don’t see the offense getting that much better this year with Sam Bradford, so once again he will be on everyones radar. Expect him to be tired… real tired. …Continue reading 5 Bold NFL Predictions for 2010 (Part 1)
Fantasy Factor
- Golden Tate – WR, Seattle Seahawks: Rookie Golden Tate didn’t play on offense until the fourth quarter of the Seahawks’ third preseason game Saturday. Fantasy Factor Ever since the Donut incident, Tate really hasn’t been making news. The surprise addition of Mike Williams has stolen the spotlight. Tate could turn it on as the season goes, but right now he shouldn’t be ranked too high on your draft board.
- John Carlson - TE, Seattle Seahawks: Danny O’Neil of the Seattle Times believes it’s “now OK to become officially concerned” that John Carlson won’t be a big part of the Seahawks’ passing game this season. Fantasy Factor Don’t believe everything you read, the pre-season for some coaches (especially new ones) can be for testing out the unknown. Carlson is an excellent target for Hasselbeck on a team that has an only average receiving core.
- Chris Johnson - RB, Tennessee Titans: Does is mean anything? Chris Johnson has just 39 yards on 19 preseason carries.
- Knowshon Moreno – RB, Denver Broncos: After watching them in pre-game warmups Sunday, Mike Klis of the Denver Post suggests that Knowshon Moreno (hamstring) and Demaryius Thomas (foot) “don’t look anywhere near close” to playing.
- Matt Schaub – QB, Houston Texans: Matt Schaub wasn’t sacked a single time in Saturday night’s preseason win over the Cowboys. Fantasy Factor A strong stat for the Texans. History of a bad offensive line as plagued this team. A reliable line for Schaub will translate into great fantasy numbers. …Continue reading Gridiron Experts Fantasy Factor
Top 10 Fantasy Running Back Rankings
The best things come to those who wait. Gridiron Experts has posted our free fantasy draft board this week, but this article was one readers have been waiting for, as it shows exactly who likes what.
Some web sites and magazines like to slap together their ranking lists in the beginning of August, while we tend to watch most practices and or pre-season games before naming our top tens. I can tell you there were definitely different views on players a couple of weeks ago, some of which are nowhere to be seen now, or low on the board.
| Rank | Mike Rodriguez | DC | Diesel | Matty The Bulldog |
| 1. | Chris Johnson | Chris Johnson | Chris Johnson | Chris Johnson |
| 2. | Adrian Peterson | Ray Rice | M.Jones-Drew | Adrian Peterson |
| 3. | Frank Gore | Adrian Peterson | Ray Rice | Ray Rice |
| 4. | Steven Jackson | Frank Gore | Adrian Peterson | M.Jones-Drew |
| 5. | M.Jones-Drew | Steven Jackson | Michael Turner | Frank Gore |
| 6. | Ray Rice | Cedric Benson | Frank Gore | Michael Turner |
| 7. | Michael Turner | M.Jones-Drew | Steven Jackson | Cedric Benson |
| 8. | Cedric Benson | Ryan Matthews | Ryan Matthews | Chris Wells |
| 9. | Chris Wells | Michael Turner | DeAngelo Williams | Rashard Mendenhall |
| 10. | Ryan Matthews | DeAngelo Williams | Cedric Benson | Steven Jackson |
Mike Rodriguez: Frank Gore- The Fantasy RB Strength of Schedule is just one reason why I have Gore at the top of the food chain. The 49er’s beefed up their offensive line and have an underrated quarterback who can manage the game. The run first play calling will make Gore a safe reliable fantasy start all season. The X-factor for 
me is the 49er’s receiving core in 2010. Vernon Davis is a defensive focal point, but the wide-outs are arguably the fastest talent San Fran has seen in years. This will keep defenses honest, respecting all areas of attack.
Although I’m not a fan of offensive coordinator Jimmy Raye, I do believe another year with the same offensive system will improve all areas of the game. Gore is a beast and is ready to roll over the league.
DC: Ray Rice- The Ravens roster is loaded for a playoff push that will not rely on just their defensive unit. In fact, I think the offense may carry this team at times throughout the season. Ray Rice is an all-purpose player who could be involved in every scenario in 2010. This mini-tank can run over players. He has excellent hands with great smarts and vision. Rice …Continue reading Top 10 Fantasy Running Back Rankings
Preseason posturing
One week into the 2010 NFL preseason is in the history books. So what have we learned? Well history has taught us that it’s too early to get overly excited about a good, or poor performance. We are, however, far enough along into the season that it is appropriate to start looking at players who value may be up, or down. Keeping your fantasy football draft list updated and accurate is the best way to stay ahead of the competition.
Value Up:
• Pierre Thomas/Reggie Bush RB New Orleans- Lynell Hamilton’s unfortunate season ending injury stand to benefit Thomas and Bush. If no other third runner emerges, Thomas and Bush stand to split the remaining carries from a 3rd and 4th tailback spot that managed over 700 yards and 7 touchdowns last year. Don’t expect those kind of numbers, but as of now, Pierre and Reggie should both see their ADP rise.
• 
Arian Foster RB Houston- What looked to be a potentially crowded backfield cleared up in a hurry. 2nd round pick Ben Tate is out for the year with a broken right ankle, and Steve Slaton surprised no one by fumbling on the goal line on lone short yardage attempt. Foster is now the featured runner on one of the NFL’s most potent offenses.
• C.J. Spiller RB Buffalo- The rookie is another runner who will benefit from injuries. Both Marshawn Lynch and Fred Jackson are expected to miss several weeks with injuries, opening the door for Spiller to get all first team reps in practice and in the remainder of the preseason. Buffalo’s inability to provide any threat of a passing game will assure plenty of opportunities.
• Jamal Charles RB Kansas City- While Thomas Jones is listed as the starter, he did nothing in the Chiefs game before leaving with a minor …Continue reading NFL Pre-season Posturing
Fantasy Training Camp News
- T.J. Houshmandzadeh – WR, Seattle Seahawks
According to ESPN’s Mike Sando, T.J. Houshmandzadeh’s body language in camp has “occasionally suggest(ed) a disconnect.”
- Steven Jackson – RB, St. Louis Rams
Steven Jackson confirmed that “everything is going right on schedule” in his recovery from offseason back surgery.
- Legedu Naanee – WR, San Diego Chargers
The Chargers’ initial preseason depth chart confirms that Legedu Naanee is the team’s projected starting flanker.
- Mike Thomas – WR, Jacksonville Jaguars
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Maurice Jones-Drew predicts that second-year WR Mike Thomas will be the Jaguars’ breakout player in 2010.
- Rashad Jennings – RB, Jacksonville Jaguars
According to Jaguars.com’s Vic Ketchman, second-year RB Rashad Jennings “may have the best hands on the whole team.”
- Jamaal Charles – RB, Kansas City Chiefs
Coach Todd Haley reiterated Wednesday that he’ll use whichever tailback gives the Chiefs their “best chance to win” moving forward.
- Jeff Saturday – C, Indianapolis Colts
Colts owner Jim Irsay revealed Wednesday that C Jeff Saturday’s recent knee scope could sideline him “up to six weeks.”
Gridiron Experts continues to showcase our top ten lists, this time with the wide receivers. While there were more opinions with the Top 10 Fantasy Quarterback Rankings we do see the same handful of names in everyone’s receiver lists, but the interesting part is where they were ranked.
| Rank | Mike Rodriguez | DC | Diesel | Matty The Bulldog |
| 1. | Andre Johnson | Andre Johnson | Andre Johnson | Andre Johnson |
| 2. | Calvin Johnson | Reggie Wayne | Reggie Wayne | Larry Fitzgerald |
| 3. | Larry Fitzgerald | Randy Moss | Randy Moss | Randy Moss |
| 4. | Randy Moss | Larry Fitzgerald | Roddy White | Calvin Johnson |
| 5. | Brandon Marshall | Calvin Johnson | Brandon Marshall | Miles Austin |
| 6. | Miles Austin | Brandon Marshall | Larry Fitzgerald | Roddy White |
| 7. | Reggie Wayne | Miles Austin | DeSean Jackson | Brandon Marshall |
| 8. | Roddy White | DeSean Jackson | Anquan Boldin | Reggie Wayne |
| 9. | DeSean Jackson | Anquan Boldin | Sidney Rice | DeSean Jackson |
| 10. | Greg Jennings | Roddy White | Vincent Jackson | Greg Jennings |
Mike Rodriguez: Calvin Johnson- Number two on my board will shock and awe a few readers, but it really shouldn’t. I looked at the most talented players, and then listed them based on their current age and surrounding talent. Sure Calvin Johnson’s on the Lions, but that’s a good thing in my opinion. Detroit has a very young, yet talented core on offense. The Lions will never be in a comfortable lead in 2010, so offense will be their best defense. I expect a return of his 2008 season’s worth in fantasy numbers.
DC: Anquan Boldin- I have a good feeling about Boldin in Baltimore. The Ravens have been desperate for a number one receiver, and Boldin has been wanting out of Arizona for some time now. Together the combination will be monstrous for the Ravens offense. With a powerful run game, opponents can no longer cheat up into the box to stuff the run. The play-action-pass or a straight up go-route will now be in heavy rotation in the play calling, so expect a different looking formula each week for the Ravens. Boldin is fearless across the middle and a magnet in the redzone. Flacco is very underrated and has a great arm, the transition should be wicked.
Diesel: Reggie Wayne- The Colts are always going to be putting up points. Wayne could be the safest pick on anybodies board, and Peyton …Continue reading Top 10 Fantasy Wide Receiver Rankings
Top 10 Fantasy Quarterback Rankings
In a perfect world, the Gridiron Experts team of writers would come together with a top ten list that they could all agree upon. Unfortunately, everyone has a different view of this years rankings.
So here are a few of the writers thoughts on this years top 10 fantasy quarterbacks:
| Rank | Mike Rodriguez | DC | Diesel | Matty The Bulldog |
| 1. | Aaron Rodgers | Drew Brees | Aaron Rodgers | Aaron Rodgers |
| 2. | Drew Bress | Matt Schaub | Drew Bress | Drew Bress |
| 3. | Matt Schaub | Aaron Rodgers | Peyton Manning | Peyton Manning |
| 4. | Peyton Manning | Peyton Manning | Phillip Rivers | Jay Cutler |
| 5. | Tom Brady | Tom Brady | Tony Romo | Tom Brady |
| 6. | Jay Cutler | Jay Cutler | Tom Brady | Matt Schaub |
| 7. | Tony Romo | Kevin Kolb | Jay Cutler | Phillip Rivers |
| 8. | Phillip Rivers | Matt Ryan | Kevin Kolb | Eli Manning |
| 9. | Matt Ryan | Phillip Rivers | Carson Palmer | Matt Ryan |
| 10. | Eli Manning | Tony Romo | Matt Schaub | Tony Romo |
Mike Rodriguez- Matt Schaub: Throwing for 4770 passing yards and 29 TD’s is apparently not good enough to be high on everyone’s board in 2010. The Texans went 1-5 in their division and just missed the playoffs in ’09, so divisional rivalry games will be the focus this season. Schaub has grown into a legitimate gun-slinger and has one of the best wide receivers in the game. Believe it or not, the passing game will benefit from a tough schedule, always having to make plays and keeping the “Battle Red” competitive.
DC- Drew Brees: The Saints are loaded with weapons and have a much more reliable offensive line than the Packers or Texans, making an easy decision for Brees at one.
The Saints 3-headed running rotation lost Mike Bell for 2010, a minor transaction for the Saints that doesn’t really affect the ground game. Although when the replacement (Reggie Bush) is a better receiver than RB, I start to wonder just how many times the Saints are really going to be calling running plays this season. PT Cruiser will keep defenses honest, but the threat will always lie in the hands of Brees. …Continue reading Top 10 Fantasy Quarterback Rankings
