Gridiron Experts

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

Al Davis Ends MNF With Betting Reference

Pre-season is never a time to lay money down, or is it?

How do fans make an expected boring game that much more interesting? They place a bet with some of the top sports books like BETUS.com. Of course, the NFL along with all pro sports leagues frown upon gambling and don’t exactly want their broadcasters talking about it on air. I didn’t know what the spread was at the time, but the San Francisco 49er’s were favored by 3 points over the Vikings.

Fourth Quarter: MIN 13 SF 10. On the very last play of the game Quarterback Joe Webb for the Vikings was sacked by Derek Walker in the endzone for a safety; ruining the spread for anyone who hoped on the Brett Favre comeback game. The funny part is Al Michaels lets out this laugh almost like he had money on the game. The audio on the video is quiet, but you can hear Cris Collinsworth and Al Michaels talking about the spread…without actually talking about the spread.

[You've Got To Crank The Volume]

[Updated: He did it again, Favre says he'll play if healthy, denies texting Vikings otherwise]

Third times a charm?

We have heard this one before. Brett Favre says he’s done, and while neither Favre nor the Vikings has confirmed the news just yet, a statement is expected later Tuesday, sources say. Rumors were floating around that the old-timer was going to retire the rocket arm but even Brad Childress said Tuesday after talking to Favre in the past 24 hours, he was unaware of the reports of Favre’s apparent decision to hang it up.

I know this is a story we have all grown tired of, but Favre is a player that we just have to have in the game. I don’t care about the indecisive decision making of number 4, I hope this retirement attempt matches his jersey number.

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

Last year’s gamble, this year’s keeper

In most Keeper leagues the name of the game, is value. Owners generally are allowed to keep a player, or players, but must sacrifice a draft pick in order to do so. Typically, an owner loses the corresponding pick that the selected keeper was chosen. If you spent a 2009 2nd rounder on Drew Brees, and want to keep him for 2010, you forgo your 2nd round pick in this season’s draft.

That’s why value is so important to Keeper league owners. If an owner uses his picks wisely, or can turn a late round gamble, or throw away pick into a fantasy stud, the value for the next season is outstanding. Often a player that would go in the top 10 in a standard draft can be “protected” for a nominal draft pick, allowing your early picks to be used on building great depth.

Let’s take a look at some players that were late round picks last year, that would make great keepers for the 2010 season. Using the 2009 ADP stats from Myfantasyleague.com these players make for outstanding keeper candidates.

• 10. Steve Smith (WR NYG)- ADP 134- Should still lead the Giants in catches. Actually got a team leading 23 redzone looks for 5 TD’s last year. Brings added value to PPR leagues. Early 2010 ADP has him going 38th.

• 9. Pierre Garcon (WR IND)- ADP 242- Though not a conventional keeper, Garcon could be a good choice in a PPR format simply based on the fact that it would only cost the average owner a 20th round pick. He will continue to get a lot of looks in Indianapolis.

• 8. Jermichael Finley (TE GB)ADP 175/ Vernon Davis (te SF)ADP 155- Most owners would never consider keeping a tight end, but the numbers dictate that there’s plenty of value in it. Tight ends get more and more numbers every year, and these low costs could allow a fantasy owner to concentrate on more valuable …Continue reading Last Year’s Fantasy Gamble, This Year’s Keeper

NFL Fantasy News

• Brett Favre – QB, Minnesota Vikings
  Brett Favre told WDAM-TV in Hattiesburg (MS) on Wednesday that he’s gained 14 pounds since January.

• Brandon Graham – DE, Philadelphia Eagles
  Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Daily News believes it might “take a miracle” for the Eagles to get Brandon
  Graham signed before camp.

• Darrelle Revis – CB, New York Jets
  Darrelle Revis used an internet chat Wednesday to express hope that he’ll finish his career with the Jets.

• Kevin Kolb – QB, Philadelphia Eagles
  According to FOX Sports’ Adam Caplan, the Eagles’ coaching staff felt Kevin Kolb could’ve started all of last season and performed well.

• Arian Foster – RB, Houston Texans
  Stephanie Stradley of AOL Fanhouse predicts that Arian Foster and Steve Slaton will open the season as the team’s top two tailbacks.

• Chaz Schilens – WR, Oakland Raiders
  The Oakland Tribune’s Jerry McDonald confirms that Chaz Schilens’ recover from his second foot surgery in as many offseasons is “ahead of schedule.” …Continue reading NFL Fantasy News

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)

Fourth and goal, one yard line. The call comes in – they’re going for the win. Some fans cover their eyes, others loudly cheer knowing that moments like these define a season and separate the good teams from the great. The coach knows full well that if they get in, he’s a genius, a hero. But, if they fail to convert the short yardage situation into crucial points, he’s  a scapegoat for a media feeding frenzy.

Some coaches have an easier time making this decision because of the personnel that they possess in terms of running backs, fullbacks, and perhaps most importantly – offensive lines.

Let’s take a look at the top five running backs I’d want carrying the ball on the goal line.

5] LaDainian Tomlinson, New York Jets

A change of scenery could be just what the doctor ordered for the future Hall of Fame running back, and with what many hail as the best offensive line in the league, it will only make his job easier. The only issue is that teams know the Jets aren’t completely confident in Mark ‘The Sanchize’ …Continue reading All Day Long: 5 Of The Best Goal Line Running Backs Of 2010