Gridiron Experts

As the NFL Preseason finally looks closer to being over, the predictions can now be made. Over the next week or so, the Gridiron Experts team will make some predictions to the season, here is Christopher Gabel’s thoughts on this years Fantasy Rookie class

3 Rookies to take under consideration

Dez Bryant – This guy’s career is already off to one peculiar start, even for a receiver. He missed his entire senior season in Stillwater, a GM asked him if his mother was a hooker, he signed before every other first round pick only to raise a stink about the tamest hazing ritual we’ve ever heard, and as a result things are supposed to be tense between him and Roy Williams. Still, he was one of the more talented players in the draft, and any discussion of him being a “head case” seemed completely manufactured by uptight, overly-conservative NFL suits. It’s almost certain he’ll be under-estimated in fantasy drafts.

Jahvid Best – Fallen under the radar a tad due to Spiller going to Buffalo, but Best is arguably the better back and the Lions will actually be less reliant on him than the Bills on Spiller. Since CJ Spiller isn’t Jones-Drew or Chris Johnson, I’m not a huge fan of the hand he’s been dealt. …Continue reading NFL 2010 Predictions: 3 Rookies to Draft and Avoid

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

Gridiron Experts Power Rankings AUG. 2nd

32. Buffalo Bills
CJ Spiller has all the tools to be a playmaker in this league, well except for an offensive line in front of him, a quarterback to take the pressure off, and well you see where I’m going with this. The Bills are going to need a franchise quarterback before they move on this list.
31.St. Louis Rams
The Rams, in theory, should be a better team this year, but it’s still up in the air and truly depends on how NFL ready Sam Bradford is by the start of the season. Steven Jackson has always been the Rams workhorse, and that won’t change this year, expect another grand out of him in 2010.
30. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Buccaneers are still rebuilding. This process can sometimes be long a frustrating, yet in the forseeable future they’ll find themselves on day on the outside looking in on any power rankings list. Every team must rebuild sooner or later but for this season ahead, the Buc’s will be leaning on too many young players and the inexperience will show.
29. Cleveland Browns
The Browns biggest flaw is their division, it’s just too hard to be competitive against perennial powerhouses like the Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens. They did have a great draft and made some key off-season additions, with a revamped secondary expect them to move up this list in a year.
28. Detroit Lions
The Lions were the movers and shakers of the off-season, making some key additions. If only for the next few years, adding Jahvid Best to a backfield commandeered by Matt Stafford could be just what the Lions needed. Best will make plays and take some of the focus off of Calvin Johnson.
27. Oakland Raiders
For the first time in years, the Raiders impressed us all during the draft, adding a top-tier middle linebacker and shipping Kirk Morrison to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Not to mention ditching JaMarcus Russell in favor of Jason Campbell, an automatic upgrade. Although for now, they’re still on the outside looking in.
26.Kansas City Chiefs

The Chiefs have revamped their coaching staff and drafted (and paid) a play making safety in Eric Berry. Dexter McCluster will give add that x-factor to the offense and give Jamaal Charles some relief at the running back spot. Matt Cassell will get one more chance to show that he’s worth the money they’re paying him.
25. Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars are a team that can never seem to get it together when it truly counts, their first rounder is considered a huge reach by the entire NFL community and if he doesn’t pan out, Jags fans can happily say goodbye to Jack Del Rio. Maurice Jones-Drew will set the pace for the offense once more. …Continue reading NFL Power Rankings

NFL Fantasy RB Strength Of Schedule

Stats are always made to be broken. A sneaky run that goes for 60 yards after a long day of nothing but frustration happens all the time. Yet, a fantasy football strength of schedule list is a helpful tool to evaluate a players chances against a season’s worth of opponents. Many fantasy sites go about making such a spreadsheet by simply taking the top 10 toughest defenses, the 10 worst defenses, compare the results and hit the print button.

Gridiron Experts has gone beyond the cookie-cutter stats to analyze each game, giving what we think is a better prediction based on extended criteria.

If you think a new NFL week doesn’t come without lingering aches and pains from the week before, not to mention jet-lag, you’re dead wrong. Long road trips, teams off BYE weeks, and divisional match-ups are just a few of the factors we took into account when compiling this list. Other increments include: fantasy playoff match-ups, “overlook” games, and recent additions to a team’s defensive roster.

Here are our top 3 best and worst Running Back Strength of Schedule Teams in 2010

3 BEST RB Schedules

San Fransisco: A+

The 49er’s get three road games out of the way quickly to start the season. Early on, the tougher opponents like the Saints, Eagles and Broncos are all at home, which is a plus. Their bye week is comfortably placed in the middle of the season, and even the late 2-game road trip to Arizona and Green Bay isn’t as bad as it seems. The Packers themselves are off a tough 2 game road trip and shouldn’t be that fresh after just facing Adrian Peterson and Michael Turner. The icing on the cake is the fantasy playoff match-up. Depending on whether your league holds it’s Super Bowl in wk 16 or 17, the 49er’s face 3 out of 4 divisional opponents, which looks like gravy.

Even the road trip to San Diego in December is a gift with no snow or cold temperature. Throw in a few possible jackpot games against St. Louis (2), Carolina, Kansas City, and the cross-country trip the Bucs have to make, and Frank Gore has moved up our fantasy board.

Dallas Cowboys: A

The Coyboys don’t have a ton of easy rushing match-ups, but they don’t have any hard ones either. The second half of their NFL schedule is where we give all our high marks. Starting week 12 Dallas sees opponents that in essence are all the same type of build and chemistry. The Saints, Colts and Eagles style are all about getting that early lead, then blitzing you with their speedy pass rushers. The Cowboys have a great …Continue reading Fantasy RB Strength Of Schedule

2010 NFL remaining unsigned picks

Now that all 32 NFL teams have begun training camp, the annual ritual of unsigned draft pick hold outs has begun. Every snap that these rookies miss is a detriment to their potential contributions in 2010. Let’s take a look at the remaining unsigned picks from this April’s draft:

2. Ndamukong Suh DT Lions- With Bradford signed, and the 4th pick Trent Williams signed, it should be fairly easy for the Lions and Suh to come to terms fairly quickly. Especially when Mcoy is signed

6.Russell Okung OT Seahawks- With Joe Haden also holding out, it will difficult for Seattle to get Okung to sign. He may not sign until he knows what the pick below him will get.

7.Joe Haden CB Browns- Reports indicate that Haden is nowhere to be found near the Browns training camp, and that he is not close to signing.

9.C.J. Spiller RB Bills- The pick with the biggest potential fantasy football impact is also thought to be the player most likely to remain unsigned the longest. A long holdout could increase the value of Fred Jackson and possibly even Marshawn Lynch.

10.Tyson Alualu DT Jaguars- Considering what a shock it was to most people that he went this high in the draft, it is surprising that he hasn’t come to terms yet. Rumors are that he and the Jags are “making progress” towards a deal

12. Ryan Mathews RB Chargers- As high as  Mathews ADP has been so far in 2010, this is the pick that most fantasy football owners are watching the closest. With the two picks around him are signed, it should be relatively easy for the Chargers to iron out a deal soon. …Continue reading 2010 NFL Remaining Unsigned Picks

Every year we head into training camp with our eye on key positions and rookies who could add that extra push. Nobody cares who steps up, as long as the job gets done and the weak links are filled. Focusing on fantasy football, we are going to overlook some of the less important roster spots, and instead fire off questions and predictions for each team in the eyes of the fantasy football fan.

Arizona Cardinals
Spotlight Is On: Matt Leinart- A former first round pick who lost his job and found a comfortable spot on the bench is all of a sudden getting his second chance. The NFL usually chews you up and spits you out, so for Leinart a do-over is a real gift. Frankly, we see more attention spent on the running game this season to relieve some of the pressure. Regardless, this second chance could be the last chance for number 7. Can the shoes be filled? Or is Matt about to trip?
Camp Sleeper: Steve Breaston
Star-Brewing: Chris Wells

Atlanta Falcons
What’s the Deal with Michael Turner? A power running back who was a yard shy of 1700 yards two seasons ago just fell off the map in 2009. A high ankle sprain left fantasy owners angry and kicking furniture over, with his vanilla type numbers. Is he back? Can we move him up the fantasy boards? What’s the deal?
Camp Sleeper: Harry Douglas

Baltimore Ravens
Is there Bonding Going on Here? The Anquan Boldin and Joe Flacco combo is one we’re all not sure of. Flacco has needed a player who can stretch the field for some time, as Mason is more of tough possession wide receiver. The running game is counting on some sort of passing attack, and so are keeper league owners of the recently traded Cardinal.
Camp Sleeper:  TE Ed Dickson
Take a Seat: Todd Heap

Buffalo Bills
So You Have 3 Running Backs…Really? Marshawn Lynch, Fred Jackson, and C.J. Spiller are apparently going to be used in a very creative offense that we can already predict to be a failure. There are a million questions with this team, but for now let’s just try to figure out who’s going to be the guy at RB. All the other fantasy options shouldn’t be a concern to you right now, or at all this season.
Camp Sleeper: Brain Brohm- our vote to win the $10 beauty contest.

Carolina Panthers
Moore or Clausen to lead? After booting Delhomme to the curb, Matt Moore stepped in and looked very much the part…or at least that’s what he thought. The Panthers found a fallen gem in the draft and couldn’t help themselves with one of this years highest ranked QB rookies. Jimmy Clausen should do his best to overthrow Moore’s spot.
Gimme the Ball- DeAngelo Williams is in a contract year and will be pressing.
WR Numero dos- Our early guess is Brandon LaFell from LSU.

Chicago Bears
Who’s Cutler Going to Ask to the Big Dance? With a slew of average at best wide receivers, and a master-mind commander calling the plays from the sidelines, Jay Cutler is going to pick and choose his targets carefully. Who will best suit this new offense in Chicago? We will have eyes in training camp all summer.
So Who Does What? -After a breakout rookie season, Matt Forte now has an on the field roommate to share his carries. Chester Taylor wasn’t brought in to get coffee, so the percentage of carries will be watched carefully as well.
Sleeper Brewing In Martz’s System- Johnny Knox …Continue reading NFL Training Camp Fantasy Questions (All 32 Teams)

It seems every year we are bombarded by more and more fantasy football websites, newsletters, television shows, and magazines. One of the favorite features in this abundance of stats and opinions is the “sleepers” section. Identifying a back-up, or fringe player who comes out of nowhere to become a fantasy star. It happens every year.

Unfortunately another annual tradition has become the “deep sleepers” list of players who never make an impact. Players who we read can help our team, but go on to be of no use to any fantasy owner, and are eventually released to the waiver wire.

Here’s some players, in no particular order, that are being called “sleepers”, who are more likely to end up being wasted draft picks:

• Byron Leftwich- QB-Pittsburgh- If he got benched for a terrible Tampa Bay team last year, he has no shot of unseating Ben Roethlisberger after his suspension. Leftwich might not even beat out Dennis Dixon to open the season.

• Correll Buckhalter- RB-Denver- Switching away from the zone blocking scheme for which the Broncos are known will not help Buckhalter. He doesn’t get goal line touches, and if starter Knowshon Moreno got hurt, Denver would likely abandon the running game for a quick pass offense, a lot like what was used in New England.

• Jerious Norwood- RB-Atlanta- Jason Snelling is clearly the hand cuff to have for Atlanta, should Micheal Turner get hurt. Norwood’s playing time as a 3rd down back could even be cut into by the bigger Snelling, who is a good receiver out of the back field.

• Leonard Weaver- RB- Philadelphia-  Got some short yardage work last year. Enter Mike Bell to take over those carries. Also look for LeSean McCoy to be more acclimated to his role, and catch more passes that went Weaver’s way last year.

• Jabar Gaffney- WR- Denver- Had 2 fantastic games to end the 2009 season …Continue reading Deep Sleepers Or Early Drops

NFC North Fantasy Football Stock Market
This series of articles focuses on how the new breed of talent from the NFL draft plans to affect overall fantasy football player value. Continuing with our stock market report, Gridiron Experts takes a look at the NFC North.

*NFC North: This division wasn’t overly active in loading up on fantasy players in this years draft, but there are a few teams that should see more increased fantasy play thanks to the new surrounding youth.

Detroit Lions

Jahvid Best RB 5″10 199lbs

The Lions couldn’t wait around and hope the knee of RB Kevin Smith was going to heal up in time, so they had to be prepared. With so much attention going to the defense this off-season, including 1st round pick Ndamukong Suh, Detroit moved back into the 1st round to add a play maker.

Best is a speedy running back with excellent hands and will be an instant contributor for Stafford and company. With having the luxury of playing in a dome this season, Jahvid Best’s fantasy value might be flying under the radar. The Lions are still growing as a franchise and will no doubt be fighting throughout every game. With a defense that still has a few holes on it there is a good chance Detroit will be playing from behind in the second half nearly most of the season. Best offer’s his QB the ultimate multi-threat option and could be lined up all over the field. Speed kills, and an running back with hands seals the deal.

Awarded: RB1
Stock Value: High to Very High- Detroit won’t be terrible forever and with a team built for the future Best has even down the road keeper value.

Minnesota Vikings

Toby Gerhart RB/FB 6″0 231 lbs

Why draft a player in the second round that might end up playing full back?

Easy, Gerhart was a Heisman Trophy runner-up that will fit perfectly into the Vikings Westcoast offense with his brute running style and solid receiving skills. With Adrian Peterson attracting so much attention from defenses, Gerhart should be overlooked in key situations and will find his fair share of carries for the short yards. As a fantasy option Gerhart is not worth your time, but his value on the field could play into a huge addition for …Continue reading NFC North Fantasy Football Stock Market