Gridiron Experts

Fantasy Factor

• Golden Tate – WR, Seattle Seahawks: Rookie Golden Tate didn’t play on offense until the fourth quarter of the Seahawks’ third preseason game Saturday. Fantasy Factor Ever since the Donut incident, Tate really hasn’t been making news. The surprise addition of Mike Williams has stolen the spotlight. Tate could turn it on as the season goes, but right now he shouldn’t be ranked too high on your draft board.

• John Carlson - TE, Seattle Seahawks: Danny O’Neil of the Seattle Times believes it’s “now OK to become officially concerned” that John Carlson won’t be a big part of the Seahawks’ passing game this season. Fantasy Factor Don’t believe everything you read, the pre-season for some coaches (especially new ones) can be for testing out the unknown. Carlson is an excellent target for Hasselbeck on a team that has an only average receiving core.

• Chris Johnson - RB, Tennessee Titans: Does is mean anything? Chris Johnson has just 39 yards on 19 preseason carries.
  

• Knowshon Moreno – RB, Denver Broncos: After watching them in pre-game warmups Sunday, Mike Klis of the Denver Post suggests that Knowshon Moreno (hamstring) and Demaryius Thomas (foot) “don’t look anywhere near close” to playing.

• Matt Schaub – QB, Houston Texans: Matt Schaub wasn’t sacked a single time in Saturday night’s preseason win over the Cowboys. Fantasy Factor A strong stat for the Texans. History of a bad offensive line as plagued this team. A reliable line for Schaub will translate into great fantasy numbers. …Continue reading Gridiron Experts Fantasy Factor

Fantasy Training Camp News

• T.J. Houshmandzadeh – WR, Seattle Seahawks
  According to ESPN’s Mike Sando, T.J. Houshmandzadeh’s body language in camp has “occasionally suggest(ed) a disconnect.”

• Steven Jackson – RB, St. Louis Rams
  Steven Jackson confirmed that “everything is going right on schedule” in his recovery from offseason back surgery.

• Legedu Naanee – WR, San Diego Chargers
  The Chargers’ initial preseason depth chart confirms that Legedu Naanee is the team’s projected starting flanker.

• Mike Thomas – WR, Jacksonville Jaguars
  According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Maurice Jones-Drew predicts that second-year WR Mike Thomas will be the Jaguars’ breakout player in 2010.

• Rashad Jennings – RB, Jacksonville Jaguars
  According to Jaguars.com’s Vic Ketchman, second-year RB Rashad Jennings “may have the best hands on the whole team.”

• Jamaal Charles – RB, Kansas City Chiefs
  Coach Todd Haley reiterated Wednesday that he’ll use whichever tailback gives the Chiefs their “best chance to win” moving forward.

• Jeff Saturday – C, Indianapolis Colts
  Colts owner Jim Irsay revealed Wednesday that C Jeff Saturday’s recent knee scope could sideline him “up to six weeks.”

• Brandon Jacobs – RB, New York Giants
  NFL Network’s Brian Baldinger recently attended Giants camp, and came away saying Brandon Jacobs “looks like …Continue reading NFL Fantasy Training Camp News

I wonder how many NFL players pick up the latest fantasy magazine or search for themselves online? Probably more than you think.

“Lets see, last year ESPN had me ranked in the mid-teens, now I’m in the 40′s?”, “This website just called me a Bust, and this other one used the word douchebag”. I imagine the NFL ego can handle the criticism of these comments, while lying around in their monster homes with an abundant pool of money, but I digress.

The sting of a bad fantasy season can torpedo a players’ value overnight. It’s rare someone goes out on a limb and says it was just an off-year, more likely the guy becomes the weird kid in high school that no one wants to sit next to at lunch. 

The phrase “what have you done for me lately” is something I can’t help but throw around whenever these names are used. So while you’re all ready to quickly throw these five players under the bus, I’m going to try to see the good in such terrible 2009 fantasy seasons.

5) QB Matt Hasselbeck

It seems Matt Hasselbeck peaked in 2008. The Seattle QB threw for 28 TD’s and a hair shy of 4000 yards that season, but hasn’t been the same since. Injuries have slowed this Chunky Soup spokesperson to a bowl of mush, and fantasy owners hate him for it.

The Seahawks new coaching staff have already found Hasselbeck’s eventual replacement, even if this year’s training camp proves that at 35 he can still lead the team. Gridiron Experts has Hasselbeck ranked 28th on the list of QB’s, one step up from Tebow, who’s not even starting. Regardless of age and surrounding talent, Hasselbeck is a confident quarterback who can sling the rock. He goes through his progressions like a pro, and can make big plays for big yardage.

When I put in my two cents for the rankings, I had him above the “Matt Moore’s” and “David Garrard’s” of the league, and can honestly say I’d draft him as my go-to bye week replacement. Late round QB’s tend to be dead weight on fantasy teams without injuries, but my prediction for Hasselbeck is a surprising bounce back year in the Pete Carrol offense.

4) RB Brandon Jacobs

Going from playing 13 games in 2008 (in which the 6’4″ RB ran for 100o+ yards and 15 TD’s) to playing more games and getting only a 3rd of the scores…what happened? Jacobs also had back to back seasons with 5.o yard per carry averages before 2009, when he dropped to only 3.7 yards per play.

Stats, stats, blah, blah; Brandon Jacobs (and the G-Men) played like crap last year. You know it, I know it, and the New York Giants know it. So why can’t he bounce back from an awful season?

His name is Ahmad Bradshaw.

Bradshaw will have every opportunity to steal carries this season, which is lowering Jacobs stock on everyone’s fantasy board. But at 5’9″  and under 200 lbs. Bradshaw will not hear his number called on first and goal. I see less carries for Jacobs in 2010, but actually view that as a good …Continue reading 5 NFL Players In Everyone’s Fantasy Doghouse

Ochocinco Twit-Pic Of the Day

“TJ come back I know how you feel, we miss you”- Chad Ochocinco

Ouch! poor T.J, he was just trying to get paid. The comments on #85′s twitter pic don’t stop there, they go on to poke fun at the Seahawks Jersey colors.

*Staying with twitter: My personal goal in 2010 is to be a chatter box on Twitter. I know in the past, myself and other Gridiron Experts writers thought tweeting was for 12 year old girls, but I’m starting to get in to it. I love to fire off a fantasy sleeper pick from time to time, along with calling “Boo-urns” on any of the latest NFL news and Fantasy Updates. So Follow Gridiron Experts on Twitter today!

Victoria Secret Pink Is Sexy NFL Apparel For Women

Sexy women on the sidelines has long been a part of the NFL  culture so it makes perfect cents for Victora Secret to cash in. Read more at: Orlandosentinel.com or see for yourself at Pink

Former NFL Players Suing EA Sports

A class action lawsuit of more than 6,000 former NFL players has been filed against EA Sports, as the athletes claim that the video game company used their likenesses to profit without offering any financial compensation. The Madden franchise has evolved considerably over the years, with one of the favorite special user options is the ability to play with classic franchises and….WithLeather.com

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)

Late July brings a favorite tradition for many fantasy owners: NFL training camp. With camp comes the inevitable jockeying for starter spots, more playing time, or, in some cases, struggling to stay employed. Fantasy Football owners who know what players are winning these battles have a huge advantage come draft day. 2010 is no different, so here are some of the key training camp battles that fantasy owners need to be keeping an eye on.

• Houston Texans Running Back- It’s rare to have an open competition for a such a coveted spot on one of the NFL’s elite offenses. Houston’s failures in short yardage cost them dearly last year, and it is one of the team’s top priorities to resolve this year. 3 Headed Texan RB Monster Or Fantasy Sleeper Brewing?

• Oakland Raiders Running Back- Head Coach Tom Cable has stated before that he would prefer to use less of a committee approach, and rely on one back more. With the departure of Justin Fargas, the job is now an open competition for the speedy 2008 4th over-all pick, Darren McFadden, and the more bruising style of Michael Bush.

• Cleveland Browns Running Back- When the Browns finally gave Jerome Harrison a chance to be featured last year, he delivered in a huge way. His late season run delivered many Fantasy championships to owners savvy enough to have picked him up. Apparently he’ll have to fight to …Continue reading NFL Training Camp Fantasy Battles To Watch For