NFL News
- Derrick Ward- Free Agent
The 2009 big free addition for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers just hasn’t worked out. The team admitted their mistake from free agency, announcing they cut Ward after only one season with the team.
- Larry Johnson - RB, Washington Redskins
The Washington Post’s Matt McFarland says that Larry Johnson is the “smart pick” to win the backup job behind Clinton Portis.
- Arrelious Benn – WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Bucs are taking a patient approach with rookie WR Arrelious Benn.
- Arrelious Benn – WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Bucs second-round WR Arrelious Benn was relegated to special teams until the fourth quarter on Saturday night.
- Ahmad Bradshaw - RB, New York Giants
Ahmad Bradshaw “is the feature back on the this team,” according to ESPN’s Matt Mosley.
- Jamaal Charles – RB, Kansas City Chiefs
Chiefs coach Todd Haley suggested that Jamaal Charles was finally beginning to live up to his ambiguous buy lofty expectations after Saturday’s preseason game.
- Jermichael Finley – TE, Green Bay Packers
Jermichael Finley caught four passes for 48 yards and a touchdown against the Seahawks in Saturday’s preseason game.
- Mike Williams – WR, Seattle Seahawks
Mike Williams was the Seahawks’ No. 3 receiver in Saturday’s exhibition game against the Packers.
VERSUS: STEVE SMITH VS STEVE SMITH
As many fantasy players know there are two Steve Smith’s in the NFL. One plays for the New York Giants and the other plays for the Carolina Panthers. Both are quick on their feet and display great hands. However, over the past couple of seasons whenever a fantasy team owner would announce Steve Smith as their next selection it was generally assumed that the owner meant Steve Smith of the Carolina Panthers. Later in the draft when someone was ready to draft Steve Smith of the Giants that owner might have said something along the lines of “I will take the other Steve Smith”. This does not seem to be the case for this upcoming season as it is now going to be harder to distinguish which player is actually the “other” Steve Smith. I expect both players to be selected prior to the end of the fourth round in any upcoming fantasy drafts. However, which Steve Smith will be selected ahead of the other is now up for debate. Steve Smith of the Giants is a much younger player and is coming off of a one hundred plus reception season. On the other hand, Steve Smith of the Panthers is a seasoned veteran with a strong commitment to being highly productive. To better understand the comparison between the two players I have provided a tale of the tape below.
| Steve Smith GIANTS | Steve Smith PANTHERS |
| Age | 25 | 31 |
| 2008 Total Games | 16 | 14 |
| 2008 Receptions | 57 | 78 |
| 2008 Yards | 574 | 1421 |
| 2008 TDS | 1 | 6 |
| 2009 Total Games | 16 | 15 |
| 2009 Receptions | 107 | 65 |
| 2009 Yards | 1220 | 982 |
| 2009 TDS | 7 | 7 |
As you can see from the stats above both players have the potential to have a significant fantasy impact in the coming season. A closer look reveals that Smith of the Giants has not missed a game the past two seasons while Smith of the Panthers missed two games in 2008 due to suspension and then the final game of 2009 due to a broken arm. This is the same arm he broke while playing flag football this past offseason, so bear in mind the possible injury risk when making a decision. Judging from the overall numbers it is safe to say that both players will deliver around the same number of touchdowns this coming season along with a relatively close total yardage accumulation. However, I do believe that Steve Smith of the Giants has the …Continue reading Fantasy Versus: Steve Smith Vs. Steve Smith
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
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
Time share conundrum
Felix Jones, Jonathan Stewart, and Matt Forte are arguably 3 of the most talented young runners in the NFL, yet they are all in a dreaded RBBC (running back by committee) situation. Stewart and Forte have shown superstar capabilities throughout a whole season. Jones has flashed an intriguing skill set that has made him look like an elite talent, albeit in short bursts. The question on fantasy football owners minds is, when is the right time to take a chance on one of these potential studs?
Matt Forte was nothing short of brilliant in 2008. The rookie out of Tulane took the NFL by storm with 1715 yards from scrimmage including 63 receptions and 12 total touchdowns. Everyone took notice last year, as he was a top 5 pick in nearly every fantasy football draft. His ’09 season was labeled a huge bust, as his touchdown numbers dipped to 4, and his fumbles increased from 1 to 6. He also really struggled in short yardage situations, converting only 12 of 23 opportunities. Many seem to think that Forte’s real problems were from the Bears offensive line, which was often over-matched.
The Bears were concerned enough to sign veteran runner Chester Taylor to a free agent deal. Taylor, like Forte, is an excellent receiver, a huge asset in the new Mike Martz offense. His only season as a featured back was in 2006 for the Vikings. Since that time he has played a 3rd down, change of pace role for Minnesota.
The key question, is how will these carries and catches be split among the two backs? Look for Forte to be more of a 1st and 2nd down back, and Taylor to spell him on 3rd downs, or even have both in the backfield at once. Taylor is probably better suited for a more limited role, allowing Forte to be an excellent fantasy football bargain this year in the 4th round or later.
Jonathan Stewart and DeAngelo Williams form the best running back duo in the NFL. They became the first tandem in league history to each eclipse 1,100 yards rushing last year. When Williams got hurt and missed three games in 2009, …Continue reading Fantasy Football: Time Share Conundrum
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
NFL Training Camp News
The Packers Offense Struggles In Training Camp
This morning’s practice was marked by blown blitz pick-ups, failed sight adjustments between quarterback and receiver, and a bevy of lost one-on-ones in the trenches. CheeseHeadTV.com
Michael Turner Catches On
There’s been a lot of interesting storylines to emerge early on in the Falcons’ 2010 training camp, but this one caught me considerably off guard. It’s not a position battle involving Kerry “Sunshine” Meier (make this catch on!) and it’s not a question of starters, something you’ll see extensively discussed when Adam pops up the new Courage and Fight podcast. It’s just…Michael Turner, catching more passes? The Falcoholic
Finally, Cowboys WR Roy Williams Starting To Catch On
Through 14 training camp practices, Cowboys wide receiver Roy Williams has yet to make one memorable leaping, twisting, diving and sprawling catch. His plays are met with yawns. Williams and quarterback Tony Romo have lived that way for one-plus seasons together. In 25 regular-season games, Williams caught only 57 of the 128 throws from Romo. SportsDayDFW.com
Seahawks Training Camp Update
Veteran quarterback Matt Hasselbeck continues to look impressive in the first days of training camp. The team has been giving Hasselbeck, who turns 35 in September, regular days off to keep his arm fresh. SeaHawksFans.com
Coach says Vikings CB Griffin will miss 1st game
Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier says cornerback Cedric Griffin definitely will miss the season opener YahooSports
Mike Tice wants Bears offensive line to be aggressive
Bears offensive line coach Mike Tice discussed Chris Williams’ progress, whether Olin Kreutz can revert to Pro Bowl form and other issues with reporters Sunday at training camp Chicago Bears.com
Ridiculously Early Saints’ Studs and Duds of Training Camp
“Oh, this guy is really going to contribute this year, might be a year away from a 1,000 yard season”. “I bet this guy starts by week 4″. Slow down, …Continue reading NFL Training Camp News
