Gridiron Experts

Catching up with NFL roster moves

Saturday was cut down day in the NFL, so in case you missed it, here are some roster moves that could have some last second fantasy football impact:

Arizona- As expected cut QB Matt Leinart, making Derek Anderson the starter.Veteran tight end Anthony Becht was also cut, so you can continue to ignore the Cardinals tight ends altogether.

Atlanta- Jerious Norwood is listed as the 2nd string running back behind Michael Turner, while Jason Snelling is the 3rd stringer. Snelling could  also play a little at fullback.

Baltimore- The Ravens were unable to trade former Heisman Award winner Troy Smith, so he was released. He’ll catch on somewhere. Billy Cundiff has won the kicking battle over Shayne Graham. Demetrius Williams was also released.

Buffalo- Despite the injuries the team has at tailback, The Bills released Joique Bell and Chad Simpson , leaving only a rookie, and two injured veterans at the position. This should be a ringing endorsement for the rookie, C.J. Spiller, who has looked impressive. 2008 2^nd rounder James Hardy was released, so Steve Johnson has won the 2^nd receiver spot.

Carolina- The offense looked awful in the preseason, failing to score a single touchdown in all 4 games. Dwayne Jarrett is still listed as the 2^nd starting receiver. Jimmy Claussen is the back up at quarterback, over Tony Pike.

Chicago- The Bears have apparently already given up on Jaquin Iglesias, who was released. Johnny Knox and Devin Hester are listed as the starting wide outs, backed up by Devin Aromashodu, Rashied Davis, and Earl Bennett. Matt Forte is listed as the starter at tailback, but is expected to liberally split time with Chester Taylor. Fan favorite Dan Lefevour did not make the team.

Cincinnati- The Bengals wasted millions of dollars signing Antonio Bryant this off-season, only to cut him without ever playing a down for the team. Bryant, who is also more injured than previously thought, became expendable with …Continue reading Catching Up With NFL Roster Moves

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

Gridiron Experts Fantasy Factor

• Demaryius Thomas – WR, Denver Broncos
  According to the Denver Post, there’s concern that Demaryius Thomas’ tests could show a stress fracture that would keep him out 3-4 months. Fantasy Factor- The Broncos are going to be looking at the team veterans to pull their weight the first half of the season. Some fantasy owners are “hands off” Bronco players, but the “Patriot” mentality will be enforced. There might be a sleeper to step up and earn some nice yardage, stay tuned.

• Antonio Bryant – WR, Cincinnati Bengals
  Antonio Bryant (knee) still hasn’t resumed practicing since the first day of training camp. Fantasy Factor- It seems that Bryant’s injury is worse than reports have indicated, apparently now the Bengals are on the verge of eating the signing bonus and cutting him loose. Link to article at PFT

• Sidney Rice - WR, Minnesota Vikings
  Judd Zulgad of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune is “hearing” that Sidney Rice will be on crutches for eight weeks following hip surgery. Fantasy Factor- Rice is not a fan favorite these days, why not get the surgery done earlier? This is bad news for the passing game, but great news for AP.

• Donovan McNabb – QB, Washington Redskins
  Though he’s likely done for the preseason, Donovan McNabb insists his ankle “absolutely” has improved since injuring it in last Saturday’s game. Fantasy Factor- McNabb is smart, he says the right things, but secretly he wants some other chump QB in for the next two nothing games while the offensive line works out the kinks. …Continue reading Gridiron Experts Fantasy Factor

Kyle Orton..fantasy savior?

There’s a secret in Denver: The Broncos have a quarterback that can help you win this year. No, it’s not Tim Tebow, it’s Kyle Orton. Orton quietly put up some decent number for the Broncos last year, and remains underrated and forgotten. He makes an excellent choice as a QB2 in 2010 fantasy football leagues.

Statistics

In 2009, his first year in Denver under Coach Josh McDaniels, Orton managed to throw 21 touchdowns versus only 12 interceptions, both career bests. He finished in the top 10 in the NFL passings stats for attempts, completions, lowest sack percentage and lowest interception percentage, and top 5 in avoiding turnovers. In his 16 starts, Orton had only 3 games where he didn’t throw for at least one touchdown. He also has improved in all major statistical categories each year as a starter.

Job security

Last week the Broncos extended Orton’s contract through the 2011 season with $9 million, $5 million of which is guaranteed money. This is a clear …Continue reading Kyle Orton Fantasy Football Savior?

Has your team drafted this years rookie of the year on Offense or Defense?

BetUS.com has early odds on who they think will win, and believe it or not, Dez Bryant isn’t the early favorite. Rookie awards are a prop bet offered by BetUS.com, something that believe it or not, is a bet you can’t get in Las Vegas?

I know what you’re thinking…you can bet on anything in Las Vegas, but actually Casino’s can’t offer odds on something that has to be voted on.  Gridiron Experts is teaming up this year with BetUS.com to provide you with tons of cool prizes and special offers. In fact, starting SEPT 1. Gridiron Experts readers will get an exclusive 100% match offer on deposits (up to $500).

Offensive Rookie Player Odds

• Arrelious Benn 15 to 1
• Ben Tate 6 to 1
• Brandon LaFell 20 to 1
• CJ Spiller 8 to 1
• Dexter McCluster 10 to 1
• Dez Bryant 5 to 1
• Emmanuel Sanders 15 to 1 …Continue reading NFL Rookie Of The Year Odds

Denver Broncos Receiving Core Fantasy Preview

Ever since Brandon Marshall left in a trade to the Miami Dolphins, fantasy owners have been faced with the impossible question; who will make a major impact at the receiver position in Denver?

Well, firstly, you have to discount all of those “Eddie Royal is going to be Wes Welker” rumors, because that’s the same type of talk we heard last season. And despite putting up very solid rookie numbers in 2008, Royal was a huge fantasy disappointment in 2009, posting just 37 receptions for under 400 yards and zero touchdowns.

However, this could be a bounce-back year for Royal, as his main competition for looks in the offense (Marshall) is gone to another team, and outside of rookies Demaryius Thomas and Eric Decker, he easily is the most talented receiver on the team. And with both rookies struggling to return from offseason foot injuries, he appears to have the leg-up on the competition. …Continue reading Denver Broncos Receiving Core Fantasy Preview

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 3^rd and 4^th 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. 2^nd 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

During the regular season, Gridiron Experts will be bringing you a unique fantasy football article called Fantasy Coin Flip, pitting two solid options against each other to help you decide your fantasy starting lineup each week.

To properly prepare you (and ourselves) for the season, we’re starting this article off with a bang and helping you decide between certain players you might be having a hard time picking between in your fantasy football drafts.

Injury vs Age

Wes Welker, WR, Patriots vs. Terrell Owens, WR, Bengals

Can Terrell Owens still play at 36, in a new system, while sharing targets (and the spotlight) with Chad Ochocinco? Yes, he can, but that’s still a lot of variables fantasy owners need to consider.

And for Welker, can he make it back from a serious knee injury in time for Week One, just six months after sustaining it? This writer thinks so, although fantasy owners also have to keep in mind that, even if Welker returns, he may fall short of his usual production as he works his way back to 100%.

However, just a mere glance at both player’s recent production suggests that a Wes Welker at even 75% would be a better selection than a 100% Terrell Owens in a new offense.

I’m sure Owens will perform well and should definitely be an upgrade from the 2009 T.O., but Welker is riding three-straight 112+ reception seasons, and you simply can’t ignore the massive role he has in New England, regardless of his current status. …Continue reading Fantasy Coin Flip: NFL Draft Version