Gridiron Experts

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

NFL Quick Notes: 4th Of July

• Michael Vick – QB, Philadelphia Eagles
  ESPN’s Chris Mortensen and Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer both have sources denying the AP report that the Eagles are seriously considering cutting Michael Vick.
• Tom Brady – QB, New England Patriots
  Tom Brady’s personal coach, Tom Martinez, confirmed that the quarterback had a broken finger and three broken ribs last season.
• Vincent Jackson – WR, San Diego Chargers
  The Bears are not interested in trading for suspended WR Vincent Jackson, according to ESPN’s Len Pasquarelli.
• Matt Hasselbeck – QB, Seattle Seahawks
  Despite the acquisition of Charlie Whitehurst, Matt Hasselbeck is expected to enter Seahawks camp as the “unquestioned” starter.
• Brandon Pettigrew - TE, Detroit Lions
  Brandon Pettigrew (ACL surgery) will be medically cleared to resume full activities this month, according to the Detroit News.
• Chris Johnson – RB, Tennessee Titans
  A league source tells Profootballtalk.com that Chris Johnson was spotted “twice” working out at the Titans’ practice facility this week.
• Sean Weatherspoon - LB, Atlanta Falcons
  The Falcons are expected to “ease in” first-round pick Sean Weatherspoon during his rookie season.
• Alex Smith - QB, San Francisco 49ers
  Ex-NFL scout Dave Razzano believes that the 49ers cannot reach their full potential with Alex Smith at quarterback.
• Larry Johnson – RB, Washington Redskins
  Rich Tandler of CSNWashington believes that Larry Johnson could see significant early-down work this season.
• Michael Jenkins – WR, Atlanta Falcons
  Beat writer Orlando D. Ledbetter projects Michael Jenkins as the Falcons’ starting split end.

The team name is something that many people overlook. A text message win is so much more sweet when it involves your wicked team name mocking and laughing at the chum-p you destroyed with you fantasy squad.

Here’s Gridiron Experts 2010′s 50 funniest fantasy football team names:

• Scratching Your Cotchery
• Jamarcus Hustle and Flow
• Brett Fantastic 4
• Tatupu Platter
• Ray Rice-A-Roni
• Optimus Prime-Time
• Big Ben Roethlisrapers
• Antonio Tail-Gates
• Pimpin’ Ain’t Brees-y
• Man-gina and the Browns
• Orange Julius Jones
• Run Forsett Run
• Ryan Mathew’s Band
• Dungy’s and Dragons
• Zach and Merriman Make a Porno
• Boondock Saints
• Somewhere over Dwayne Bowe
• Donte Drink and Drive
• Not My Forte
• Bloodbath and Beyond
• My Vick In A Box
• Cry Me a Rivers
• Rhymes with Punt
• It’s Akers Long
• On the Mend-enhall
• Not Too Schauby
• I Touchdown There
• Titsberg Feelers
• Plaxico”s run & gun offense
• Berrian the Hatchet
• Cut me some Flacc-o
• Ginn & Juice …Continue reading Funny Fantasy Football Team Names (Part 2)

Playoff time has officially started in every league, which means your options have dwindled down to due to NFL roster and depth chart moves, as well as inconsistent performances and injuries.

Guys like Clinton Portis, Chris Cooley, and Anthony Gonzalez left you hanging by a thread for much of the season, but now two are on injured reserve, and the latter has yet to suit up for a game since injuring his knee in Week One.

This time of season is all about making the right decisions, and our goal is to provide you with the information so you can do just that. Here are three intriguing match-ups that could help you decide your final fantasy line-up for Week 15:

Tom Brady, QB, NE (@ BUF) VS. Brett Favre, QB, MIN (@ CAR)

Both quarterbacks have put up over 3,300 passing yards and 22 touchdowns, displaying their ability in their respective offenses to air it out, and both have been quality QB1 starts all season long.

However, this week has both passers facing very stingy pass defenses, making them risky plays heading into the playoffs. And while this decision may have been a no-brainer in 2007 when the Patriots were riding high, recent turmoil surrounding Randy Moss suggests a second glance.

There are two aspects to this match-up:

First, both players are facing top pass defenses, and have struggled against defenses that apply pressure and cover their top receivers well. Brady had a very tough outing in his first game against the Jets this season, and struggled mightily last week against Favre’s opponent this week, the Carolina Panthers. …Continue reading Fantasy Football Coin Flip

Last weeks “Coin Flip” article was destroyed before it even started. We pitted Matt Ryan against Donovan McNabb, vouching for Ryan against a hapless Tampa Bay Buccaneers defense, only to see the second-year star hit the sidelines with a turf toe injury before he could do any damage. It didn’t stop there. We also had a match-up between two injured running backs (Cedric Benson and Michael Turner) who had the possibility of returning last week, and you didn’t stand a chance going with either of them. Benson didn’t even suit up, while Turner’s triumphant return ended with 12 carries and under 40 yards, as well as a return to the sidelines after he re-injured his ankle.

We’re sticking with guys who aren’t riding gimpy legs into Week 13, and encourage you to rely on our advice this week:

Ray Rice, RB, BAL (@GB) VS. Thomas Jones, RB, NYJ (@ BUF)

This is an interesting match-up because both of these backs have been fantasy stalwarts for most of 2009, and really, in any given week, have the role and ability to save your team. Rice is in a brutal division that does a great job against the run (save for Cleveland), yet he’s still put up elite numbers on a consistent basis. The week-to-week match-up is the complete opposite for Jones, however, yet the backs’ numbers are very comparable.

Rice is going up against a very solid Green Bay Packers defense on Monday night this week, one that has done a great job containing running backs in the past three weeks, yet still has a bit of trouble on screens (as most teams do). In a match-up of two beastly running backs, their respective match-ups have to be the deciding factor.

Verdict: Rice is very hard to leave on your bench, but if you have the choice between the two, you can’t pass up Jones’ beautiful match-up with a very leaky Bills run defense. Jones broke-out for 200+ yards on them last time, and that was with Mark Sanchez throwing five picks. How do you like his chances this week? Needless to say, TJ is our guy.

Jeremy Maclin, WR, PHI (@ATL) VS. Terrell Owens, WR, BUF (vs. NYJ)

Maclin has been a solid model for consistency since taking over Kevin Curtis’ job as the Eagle starter opposite of DeSean Jackson, while T.O. has finally developed some chemistry with a quarterback not named Romo, McNabb, or Garcia. Trent Edwards wasn’t giving him any love, but who …Continue reading Fantasy Football Coin Flip

Even with all the Start/Sit and Waiver Wire advice in the world, sometimes fantasy owners are left to be frantic, panicking over their decisions going into Sunday’s games.

In Fantasy Coin Flip, we take a look at three different positions and a possible match-up between two players of solid value that could be fighting it out for a spot in your team’s line-up this week. Read on for some information and analysis that could help push you in the right direction:

Donovan McNabb, QB, PHI (vs. WAS) VS. Matt Ryan, QB, ATL (vs. TB)

This is an interesting match-up, as McNabb would be the usual consensus pick, but with his last performance against a reasonably tough Washington pass defense in mind, Matt Ryan definitely deserves his argument to be heard here.

McNabb had a great day against the San Diego Chargers two weeks ago and had another solid performance against the Chicago Bears, but after seeing how the Redskins held Tony Romo and the Cowboys passing offense in check for almost four quarters, we’re not in love with McNabb’s chances.

His inconsistency, past performance, and the Redskins defensive potential beg us to consider all options.

Ryan, on the other hand, has been progressing in recent weeks, and was solid last week in a loss to the New York Giants. His stud receiver, Roddy White, looks to be fully healthy, and his star running back, Michael Turner, could possibly return this week.

Verdict: Regardless of their individual arguments, Ryan is going up against a still pathetic Tampa Bay Buccaneers defense, and has to be the play this week, making him a “coin flip” suggestion for the second week in a row.

Cedric Benson, RB, CIN (vs. CLE) VS. Michael Turner, RB, ATL (vs. TB)

It’s the battle of the injured studs. The question isn’t necessarily which will perform better against his scheduled cakewalk match-up, but more, which will play? And even if both play this Sunday, who can we expect to have a bigger role?

Benson is reportedly “ready to play”, while head coach Marvin Lewis seems unwilling to commit to a status for the star running back for Week 12. Benson’s hip figures to be almost (if not completely) 100%, but with an easy opponent like the Cleveland Browns, it wouldn’t shock us to see the Bengals sit him for the second consecutive week.

As for Michael Turner, while he hasn’t practiced all week, his high ankle sprain is reportedly healing faster than expected, although head coach Mike Smith isn’t saying anything about it.

The word is that Jason Snelling is going to be the starter this week, especially considering the …Continue reading Fantasy Coin Flip Week 12

Fantasy Football Coin Flip

In last week’s Coin Flip piece, I went the wrong way between Tony Romo and Brett Favre, but made the right call with picks in favor of Ray Rice and Calvin Johnson. With the thought that “two out of three ain’t bad”, let’s move forward to our goal of getting 3/3 in our match-up calls this week.

Take a look at the six players facing off, and who should be in your starting line-up:

Jay Cutler, QB, (vs. PHI) VS. Matt Ryan, QB, (@NYG)

Both quarterbacks have been in dramatic slides in recent weeks, as Cutler has tossed 10 interceptions in his last four games, while Ryan has thrown eight. Cutler did have a solid 300+ yard and three touchdown effort two weeks ago in a crushing loss to the Arizona Cardinals, but has otherwise been a turnover machine with no reliable weapons outide of Devin Hester, and no rushing offense to speak of. His match-ups haven’t been desirable, but for the money he’s making and the hype he gets, Cutler should be giving more back to you for the draft pick you invested in him.

Ryan, on the other hand, has dipped considerably since leading an early-season charge for the Falcons, and has been playing very medicore football during a relatively tough schedule. The interesting thing about the match-up between these two passers is the defense they’re facing, and the last quarterback that torched both defenses: Phillip Rivers. Rivers had solid outings against both the Eagles and Giants, two teams that originally appeared to be among the elite, but have since struggled stopping offenses through the air.

With Michael Turner expected to miss Week 11′s action, Ryan is now likely in the same boat as Cutler, with no reliable running game, and with just one “elite” receiver to rely on, as well as a tight end as his weapon.

Verdict: You’d love to vote for Cutler and to see him bounce-back, but in the name of Rex Grossman, you simply cannot trust him. He threw five interceptions in his last game (and no touchdowns), which gave him two 4+ pick games, and 17 turnovers through the air on the season. Ryan hasn’t been leaps and bounds better, but he offers a little more stability and restraint. And we’d take Roddy White over Devin Hester, anyday. Go with Matty Ice.

Marion Barber, RB, (vs. WAS) VS. LaDainian Tomlinson, RB, (@DEN)

In year’s past, LT was the easy pick here, but even with his recent success in two of his last three games, a difficult match-up and a leveled playing field could make this a difficult choice for some owners. …Continue reading Fantasy Football Coin Flip

After you’ve scoured the waiver wire , found nothing worth your time, and then failed to pull off the trade that may have rescued your team, what’s left for you to do? Well, it’s times like these where you have to suck it up and look within.

Even the best fantasy owners with rosters loaded with talent can run into unlucky stretches of bad match-ups for their players, ridiculous performances by opponents, or facing the highest scoring team every week.

Regardless, it’s up to you to do everything in your power to put the best team up against your opponent, and like it or not, sometimes it starts with pitting your own players against each other.

Here’s a look at three positions with two players facing off, with only one earning the right to take a place in your starting lineup:

Tony Romo , DAL (@GB) vs. Brett Favre, MIN (vs. DET)

Romo threw his first pick in four weeks against the Philadelphia Eagles, and connected with Miles Austin for his ninth touchdown during that span. That’s pretty impressive for a guy that many were starting to write off early in the season as Dallas was struggling a bit offensively. It gets better with a friendly match-up against the Green Bay Packers, a team his fantasy opponent this week, Brett Favre , destroyed twice this season.

Green Bay doesn’t get consistent pressure on the quarterback and doesn’t have the speed or talent to keep up with Romo’s downfield shots, as well as the emerging Miles Austin. Favre, on the other hand, has been completely on fire ever since week three, and doesn’t look like he’ll be slowing down. There’s the “late-season fade” story to worry about, as well as the possibility that the Vikings depend a bit more on Adrian Peterson going forward. I’ll buy the latter over the former, as Favre looks too sharp and determined to falter like he did last season. Facing the Detroit Lions doesn’t hurt , either.

Verdict: I love both players and both match-ups this week, so no matter which way you go, you’re going to get a winner. This article is about picking the better player for the week, though, so we’re going with Romo. The Packers stop the run fairly well, so Romo should be very active against a weak Green Bay secondary. Hey, if Josh Freeman can torch them, who can’t?

Ray Rice,  BAL (@CLE) vs. Cedric Benson, CIN (@PIT)

Rice was shut down last week against a solid Cincinnati Bengals defense, but should have his usual solid outing against the lowly Cleveland Browns in front of the nation on Monday Night Football . The Ravens keep toying with us over whether or not they’re a playoff contender, and …Continue reading Fantasy Football Coin Flip