Gridiron Experts

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 3^rd and 4^th 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. 2^nd 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

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

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

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)

NFL Network’s Michael Lombardi confirms via a league source that the New Orleans Saints have sent veteran OL Jammal Brown to the Washington Redskins. The Saints will receive a conditional draft pick pending a physical by Brown and signing of his Tender…which Profootballtalk has now confirmed he has done.

The Redskins currently are negotiating a long-term extension for Brown.

Fantasy Outlook: The Redskins weakest link (before Haynesworth became a baby) was  the offensive line. 4th overall pick Trent Williams will likely slide to right tackle position for his rookie season, rather than being thrown into the fire at LT. Our early take on  fantasy players for the Redskins hindered so much on the O-line, as the bread and butter of Shannahan’s system revolves around the war-pigs up front.

As for the Saints, Brown’s role was being pushed by depth from the youth. The loss is not as great as it”s gain is for Washington.

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