Gridiron Experts

10 Best Bang For Buck NFL Rookies Of 09

If your favorite NFL team is holding a top 10 pick in this year’s draft (or any year for that matter) you know that a blue-chip elite rookie is going to be added to your team. Actually, any player in the first, second or even third round can make an immediate difference in the NFL, one of the reasons why the NFL draft is changing to a 3-day prime time event. Of coarse, as the draft progresses the odds of finding a rookie that can step onto the field in his first year is very unlikely. But every year someone gets overlooked due to being under sized, having poor speed or just strange luck, making these late round gems usually the talk of training camp.

Gridiron Experts has compiled 2009′s best bang for buck players that made a difference in their rookie year. The criteria is not based on potential, as that’s all anyone ever talks about. We are simply giving props to the guys who were expected to hold clipboards but ended up being huge factors on the field.

[10] CB- Captain Munnerlyn (Panthers 7th RD pick)

The Carolina Panthers didn’t get much production out of last years draft class. In fact, their last pick was arguably their best. 216th overall the Carolina Panthers picked a 5’8 190lb DB from South Carolina, I guess they figured if it didn’t work out he wouldn’t have a long trip home. Captain Munnerlyn started 4 games and made plays all season. This late round steal had 44 tackles and a force fumble for a team that some didn’t even think he’d make.

[9] RB- LaRod Stephens-Howling (Cardinals 7th RD pick )

LaRod had two NFL starts and played in all 16 games last year as a special teams stud, making plays all over field, including returning kick for a touchdown. LaRod Stephens-Howling was drafted 240th overall with countless running backs gone before him.

[8] LB- Brad Jones (Packers 7th RD pick)

Truthfully I knew little about this surprise linebacker that was drafted with the Packers last pick. He caught my eye mid-season and to my surprise, learned he went 218th overall. Brad Jones former Colorado LB was a three-year starter in a 3-4 scheme. You’d think having knowledge of a system that most of the NFL runs would up his ranking. Either way, his rookie season was excellent and should grow into a regular in Green Bay’s starting rotation. 26 tck’s 4 sacks

[7] WR- Louis Murphy (Raiders 4th RD pick)

Heyward-Bey who? Louis Murphy has the skills to become a star in this league. This 4th round pick will have to …Continue reading 10 Best Bang For Buck NFL Rookies Of 09

Way to go rookie, you forgot about bye weeks…nice one. Well, here are some last minute players you can scrape up off the waiver wire for this week.

Marc Bulger, QB St. Louis Rams

If you’re looking at the NFL Week 6 matchups, you probably won’t pay much attention to the St. Louis-Jacksonville game. Obviously, neither team is exactly a front runner on the Super Bowl odds. Nonetheless, there is a good reason to put some faith in Marc Bulger this week. For starters, he’s healthy. Secondly, he’s playing against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Thirdly, Bulger came in last week and finished up the game pretty well. Bulger came into the game last week in mop-up time and finished 7-for-7 for 88 yards and a touchdown. It doesn’t mean much because it was when the game was decidedly finished, but it’s a confidence builder for a quarterback who needs it.

If you are desperate on the waiver-wire this week, give him a look.

Bryant Johnson, WR Detroit Lions

The Detroit Lions are a big underdog on the NFL odds this week but it doesn’t meant that they can’t win. The Cincinnati Bengals were a big dog in Green Bay a couple of weeks back and they won outright. One of the hardest parts of fantasy football is trying to ignore everyone’s predictions on who’s to win the game; a fantasy player can have a huge day in a losing effort. …Continue reading Hail Mary Fantasy Options

Gridiron Experts Start’em Sit’em Week 6

Most sites recycle imaginary fantasy numbers with yards and touchdowns and quick blurbs on how great Drew Brees or Adrian Peterson is going to do, but you already know that. We here at Gridiron Experts are not about to insult your fantasy football intelligence by posting the obvious numbers, instead we go out on a limb and try spotting great fantasy match-ups that many people might be overlooking. Star players will always perform, but key players can thrive in one week situations through either an offensive game plan or an excellent match-up. Our goal is to zone in on these perfect match-ups and offer advice that might make your life a little easier. It always comes down to you making the last minute call with your line-up, but hopefully we can help.

** “Less chat more picks”-? Readers want more**

Start’em

• Kurt Warner- On the road where the Jaguars were made to look like kitty cats? Don’t fret. Warner and his lethal receiving core will be in a shoot-out in Seattle this weekend. The Seahawks and Cardinals are battling to a spot where they can sneak up and challenge the 49er’s for the division.
• Ben Roethlisberger- vs. the Browns…enough said.
• Philip Rivers- Oh no, the Denver Broncos, run for the hills (mile high)…wait, the Chargers are at home and off a bye, and are tired of  hearing about how great McDaniel’s and his team of misfits are happy and winning. Rivers will test the Broncos defense by stretching the field, just like last year. Rivers combined for 570 yards and 5 TD’s in the two divisional games against the Broncos last season.
• Josh Johnson- In a bind? I know this kid makes bad decisions, but he didn’t play that bad on the road last week. Stop laughing, Johnson threw 240 yards and 2 TD’s last week in Philly and should be a solid start if you need a bye week QB.
• DeAngelo Williams- The Bucs are struggling against the run…amongst other things. Williams has yet to be able to get on track from his strong fantasy numbers from last season but the Bucs are averaging 157 yards per game against the run; with Delhomme playing awful football, the Panthers might rely more Williams.
• LeSean “Shady” McCoy- The Eagles are a pass first team, but when facing a team that is 2nd from last in run defense…the Birds will run the ball. One of the Eagles favorite plays is to set up is the play-action deep pass; expect a heavy dose of the run from the new rookie who is splitting carries with Westbrook. McCoy could also see a lot of clean up duty if this game gets out of control (it will).
• Knowshon Moreno- The Chargers have been ruined by the run all season. Denver is starting to find their passing game which should keep the Chargers defense honest. This is a prime time game and Knowshon wants to showcase his skills to the football world.

…Continue reading Start’em Sit’em Week 6

Late Round Fantasy Gems, Thus Far

The big secret that everyone keeps to themselves come fantasy football season is sleepers or late round picks.  That one player (or two) that no one knows about or doesn’t expect to do well is hiding, but you know, you did your research, and he is going to be your late round gem.  Most of the time, those gems turn out to be early waiver victims.  Although, every once in awhile they pan out and you get that superior feeling that you knew something no one else did. Of course by now everyone in your pool is sick of hearing about it…but you’re still happy.  These gems can be the difference makers that could lead to fantasy glory and have you arriving with bongo drums chanting, “The Champ Is Here, The Champ Is Here” at next years draft.

The following are fantasy sleepers that might not have all been drafted late in pools, but are no doubt exceeding everyones expectations:

Steve Smith NYG

You took Moss, T.O., Fitz, or A. Johnson at the top of the WR fantasy football column, but it’s Steve Smith who’s stealing the show. By now everyone has just about forgotten about the other Steve Smith (Carolina) and turned their head to the little Giant.  Even after people went on the waiver craze for Mario Manningham in week two, Steve Smith was still outshining Mario.  Being Eli’s favorite target, thus far, Smith leads all NFL WRs with 37 receptions, 418 yards, and tied with five others for 4 touchdowns.  Eli’s recovery from plantar fasciitis should not affect Smith’s production.  Eli believes he’ll have a full week of practice without any setbacks.  Smith is a must start against any team unless Eli is not playing, just because of David Carr’s past inconsistency.

Ray Rice

He’s a guy that I had the chance to have, predicated the round I could have gotten him, but said to myself,  “He’ll be there next round.”  Sure enough, he went right after I picked.  Rice is one of many quality backup RBs who gets limited carries only because the guy above him is doing just enough to keep him down. There are many like him: Chester Taylor, Fred Jackson, and Donald Brown are a few examples, but Rice is the lucky one.  Against the Bengals, he had a combined 143 receiving/rushing yards and one touchdown.   McGahee and McClain combined for 3 carries for 4 yards and 4 receptions for 14 yards.  It’s clear (well, almost clear): Rice has moved passed McGahee. Rice has had an amazing start with 5 touchdowns and should start to steal away a few more carries from the seasoned vet.  Ray Rice is the real deal; his low powerful frame and his ability to keep his balance slightly resembles a guy who once played in Detroit. If he is getting the majority of the carries, he’s a must start.

Kyle Orton

Who would have thought Kyle Orton’s fantasy points would resemble Tom Brady or Drew Brees after week 5?  Granted he had two long, some would call lucky, TD passes late in the fourth quarters to help his stats, but points are points.  Orton is having success due to Brandon Marshall coming …Continue reading Late Round Fantasy Gems, Thus Far

Henne No Stranger To Emergency Starts

The Miami Dolphins planned to groom Chad Henne to become their starting quarterback in 2010. Instead, Henne got 20 minutes of a 23-13 loss to the Chargers and one week of practice to prepare for his first start after Chad Pennington dislocated his shoulder and tore his labrum.

Many football fans outside of Miami, Ann Arbor, Mich. (where Henne played college ball at UM) and West Lawn, Penn. (his hometown) had all but forgotten about the fourth QB taken in the 2008 NFL Draft. So when Henne turned in an energized 38-10 pasting of the Buffalo Bills in his first start last week, Miami’s first win of ’09, many were left wondering how Henne could lead such a charge with so little preparation.

Those who had followed him since his Michigan days already knew the answer to that question: this wasn’t the first time Chad Henne had to take an offense’s reins in an emergency. Heck, the last time he was a college true freshman given only 48 hours notice. Michigan entered the 2004 season ranked 8th in the country with Big Ten Conference and national title hopes within reach. However, starting quarterback Matt Gutierrez began feeling soreness in his throwing shoulder during the week leading up to the Wolverines’ season opener against Miami (OH). The diagnosis: a torn labrum. Gutierrez would be lost for the season. So, with just two days taking first-team reps, Chad Henne led Michigan to a 43-10 win over Miami (OH). And while the Wolverines finished the season with a disappointing three losses and ranked 12th in the nation, Henne enjoyed his best statistical season as a collegian.

Playing alongside star running back Mike Hart and wide receivers Braylon Edwards, Jason Avant and Steve Breaston, Henne tied Elvis Grbac’s UM single-season record for TD passes with 25, to go along with 2,743 yards passing.
Henne and the Wolverines struggled to handle expectations in his sophomore campaign. The team entered the season ranked 4th, only to finish unranked with a 7-5 record.

But in 2006, Henne led Michigan back to elite status through the first 11 games of the season. Starting with a preseason ranking of 15th, the Wolverines upset then-third-ranked Notre Dame in Week 3. In the game, Chad Henne completed 13 of 22 passes for 220 yards, threw three …Continue reading Henne No Stranger To Emergency Starts

Fantasy Football Rookie Watch- Week 5

Chris “Beanie” Wells didn’t even sniff the field in week three; will he be better after a bye week? When’s a good time to start Donald Brown? And is it even worth having some of these rookies on your already crowded fantasy bench? Here’s a quick look at the top 8 rookies for fantasy football in the last two weeks:

Mark Sanchez, QB, New York Jets

Two weeks ago: 17-30, 171 yds 2 TD, 1 INT, 4 rush, 10 yds, 1 TD
Last week: 14-27, 138 yds  3 INT, 4 rush, 24 yards

Sanchez and the Jets keep proving everyone wrong, and it’s no longer just about winning games. With three scores against the Titans the Jets might have been a little over confident against the Saints. Despite the poor performance, Sanchez is quickly becoming a safe bye-week fill-in and even go-to starter against good match ups.

Sanchez is gearing up for what looks to be a solid fantasy performance in Miami, and with a new toy in the offense Sanchez might get back on the fantasy production line.

Matthew Stafford, QB, Detroit Lions

Two weeks ago: 21-36 241 yds, 1 TD, 2 rush, 23 yds,
Last week: 24-36 296 yds, 1 TD, 1 INT 2 rush 20yds

He may not be on his way to producing Joe Flacco-type numbers (of last season), but Stafford is definitely making strides. He threw another touchdown pass against the Bears and avoided throwing a ton of interceptions while on the road. The Lions are still bad but Stafford is getting better; the newest Lion threw for a career-high 296 yards last week. However, even with the obvious improvement, Stafford isn’t a safe play against most teams.

Knowshon Moreno, RB, Denver Broncos

Two weeks ago: 21 rush, 90 yds, 1 TD
Last week: 14 rush, 65yds, 2 rec, 11yds, 1TD …Continue reading NFL Rookie Watch: Week 5

Surprisingly Good Fantasy Defenses

One of the most unusual subjects thus far in fantasy football is the amount of points D/STs are putting up, and the D/STs who are doing it.   In the past, the amount of points D/STs scored in fantasy football was similar to kickers.  Through the first four weeks of this season, this is all but untrue.  This season the top D/STs rank, in fantasy points, closer to receivers such as Reggie Wayne and Vincent Jackson (Non-PPR).  Is it the emphasis that defenses win championships?  Is it the bad quarterback play?  It could be what’s in the Kool-Aid, or should I say, Gatorade these defenses drink.  Whatever the answer may be there are definitely new teams at the top of the ranks.  This is the great thing about the NFL, you can go from worst to first in a matter of a year.

San Francisco 49ers If you are too young to remember him as a player, I’m sure you heard and saw  in last years press conference Mike Singletary’s intensity and tenacity.  Whether you’re outnumbered in a bar fight or need someone to lead a team that lacks discipline and respect, he’s THE man you want. His ability to turn around one of the worst teams in the NFL just by taking over the reins exemplifies his demand for respect. The troubling aspect to me about Mike Singletary is that people say he’s old school.  Come on, old school?  Tecmo Bowl couldn’t have been that long ago, right? Although he may be old school, this mix of young and old players on defense gains more and more confidence every week.  They have a great centerpiece in Patrick Willis who is having an MVP first half, leading his team in tackles (37), sacks (2.5), and interceptions (2).  Being in the NFC West, and playing the remaining majority of their schedule against offenses that rank at the top of giveaways and sacks allowed, will play a key role in the continued fantasy success of the 49ers D/ST.

New Orleans Saints Gregg Williams could run for mayor of New Orleans.  The quickness he has implemented in his defensive schemes and the ability to translate those …Continue reading Surprisingly Good Fantasy Defenses

Nothing kills a fantasy owner more than taking a chance on a player that produces terrible numbers. Most people kick themselves over playing the wrong guy and tend to hold a grudge against those one-week blunders. Here are a few players you might want to give a second chance to, due to decent match-ups.

Derek Anderson, QB-Cleveland Browns

It’s not the most appealing of the  Week 5 matchups but there is fantasy value to be had. We started the Derek Anderson bandwagon last week and we’re riding him through stop No. 2. Neither of these teams will be going to the Super Bowl but that’s not what this is about. Last week, Anderson finished with 269 yards passing, one touchdown passing, one rushing and one interception. The Buffalo Bills passing defense is pathetic right now. They are limited by injuries to a number of starters and up front, they can’t generate much pressure, and with Braylon Edwards gone a young receiver that actually wants to be there will take his spot. Look for Anderson to be more confident this week and build on his Week 4 performance.

Marshawn Lynch, RB-Buffalo Bills

The NFL odds show that the Buffalo Bills are a six-point favorites at home this week, and considering how poorly they played last week, you might wonder if they should be favored against anyone these days. Nonetheless, for fantasy purposes, look for Marshawn Lynch to have a breakout game this week against the Cleveland Browns. Lynch returned from suspension last week and really struggled to find any running room as the Miami Dolphins keyed in on him last week. But this week the Browns are visiting, and in two career games against Cleveland Lynch has averaged just over 100 yards rushing and 4.6 yards per carry.

With Trent Edwards really struggling right now, look for the Bills to lean more on the running game this week.

Dallas Cowboys Defense …Continue reading 2nd Chance Bench Warmers