Gridiron Experts

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.

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

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

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

Patriots Camp

• WR Wes Welker is likely to be on the field for the start of training camp and might be full-go for the Sept. 12 season opener against the Bengals. Lets hope there are no set-backs. Boston Globe writer Albert Breer confirmed Welker is good to go, and can even participate in full contact drills. Boston Herald writer Karen Guregian also confirmed Welker was OK, but noted he “more likely” would start training camp on the PUP list.

Cowboys Camp

• 1st round pick WR Dez Bryant took the field 45 minutes early for the first Dallas Cowboys training camp. Local media are blown away by this kids skill level and potential. Some think it will be only a matter of time before he earns the second WR spot, snatching it away from Roy Williams.
• Dez Bryant won’t carry Roy Williams’ pads -Profootballtalk.com

• TE Martellus Bennett, who has a lot to prove after a disappointing 2009 season, is on the non-football injury list with an ankle sprain
• Camp Battle: Fourth receiver spot between Crayton and Kevin Ogletree and possibly Sam Hurd.
• LT Doug Free had a rough first day. On a speed rush during team drills linebacker Curtis Johnson blew by left tackle, making him look out of place.

Falcons Scare

• Ravens linebacker Sergio Kindle has been hospitalized with a head injury suffered on Thursday night. Kindle, currently in stable condition, is expected to make a full recovery according to the Baltimore Sun and Carroll County Times. Baltimore Sun Article

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 Fantasy Football Player Impact List

As promised here is the continuation of players to keep an eye on in the 2010 season.  The previous list was dedicated to the AFC, so this article will focus on the NFC.  These players could be considered sleepers come draft day, so be sure to keep up with all of the news updates during the training camp battles.  If you enjoyed this article please be sure to also check out 32 AFC Players to Keep an Eye On.

Washington – Devin Thomas, WR – New Redskins QB Donovan McNabb will be looking for a big play receiver to step up much like DeSean Jackson did last season and Thomas could be his guy.  I believe this 3^rd year receiver will benefit not only from McNabb being on the team, but also from Coach Shanahan’s new offense.

New York Giants – Ahmad Bradshaw, RB – Bradshaw benefited last season from the departure of Derrick Ward and this season I believe the team will attempt to re-establish the run game.  Bradshaw will become a decent fantasy player as a 1-2 punch for the Giants along with teammate Brandon Jacobs.

Philadelphia – Kevin Kolb, QB – Kolb takes over a pass happy offense that should allow him to excel as the starting quarterback.  Although Kolb only started in two games last season he was able to average 359 pass yards and 2 touchdowns in those games.

Dallas – Felix Jones, RB – The explosive Felix Jones has apparently already been named the starting running back for the Cowboys taking over for Marion Barber.  It doesn’t hurt that another Jones, Jerry Jones, expressed his desire …Continue reading NFC Fantasy Football Player Impact List

NFC South 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 South.
Previous Articles: NFC EAST |  AFC EAST

*NFC South: The Superbowl Champion Saints are the only real team that focused on depth- as the should, having one of the most lethal offenses in the league. The Buc’s and Panthers added some interesting fantasy options into the mix while the Falcons are rebounding from an injury plagued year.

Carolina Panthers

Jimmy Clausen QB 6″2 | 225 lb’s
The Panthers found their future quarterback fall to them in the 2nd round. Now, the only question is how far into the future are we talking about?

Matt Moore has been awarded the starting job, but everyone knows it’s his to lose. The Panthers were terrible at the quarterback position last year, and fantasy owners now have a huge question mark with WR Steve Smith. Personally I would expect an open competition coming training camp, as Clausen has joined a team that tends to mirror Mark Sanchez and the Jets.

Steve Smith is a quick slant-go or WR-screen  type player. He does he best after the catch, and aside from the odd deep ball, most of the time his routes are finding holes in the defensive coverage. The running game is the bread and butter …Continue reading NFC South Fantasy Football Stock Market