Sport Chit Chat

Sorry for the off week last week. Got swamped with work…. On to the pick-ups.

Dallas Cowboys QB Brad Johnson: Well, out with Romo’s pinkie, Felix Jones, Pacman Jones and punter MrBriar, in Brad Johnson & Roy Williams. With Romo down, Johnson steps into the starting role on the most potent offense in the league. If he hasn’t already been grabbed, Johnson is a must pick-up for anyone with a sketchy QB situation. With Witten, T.O. and Roy Williams now offensive options, all Johnson has to do is be sound and effective int he short game to gain the numbers necessary. Look for anywhere from 150-250 yards + a TD.

Denver Broncos RB Ryan Torain: This is not a pick-up for now. But there are rumors that the Broncos are just keeping the starting RB job warm until Torain is fully healed from injury. This pick-up could really help down the road in playoff weeks. If you have the empty bench spot, do it!

Houston Texans QB Matt Schaub: If he’s out there think of adding him for his match-up with the Lions this week. Schaub has back-to-back 300 yard games and is going up against a winless, shotty defense in the Lions.

Atlanta Falcons QB Matt Ryan: Another, “if he’s there, grab him” guys. He has shown that he is a legit QB in the NFL. He won’t help this week as he has a bye but if you need a QB for the stretch run, snag him!

New England RB Sammy Morris: Maroney is not preforming up to par. Morris has stepped in and taken over the majority of the work load. If you need a low end RB or RB3 or are in a deep league, take a look if Morris can help you out.

P.S. Don’t feel too bad for Romo. 4 Weeks at home with Jessica Simpson is not such a terrible consolation prize!

-Maxmillien the Fantasy Guru

Straight to the pick-ups…

Philadelphia Eagles WR Kevin Curtis: If he’s available still, grab him. If he was dropped at some point this season by a frustrated owner, then snag him and stash him. He could pay HUGE dividends if him and McNabb rediscover their rhythm.

Chicago Bears WR Devin Hester: Hester is a definite 50-50 crap shoot each week. But if your in a league that counts all purpose yards then Hester is clearly your man. If Orton and him ever begin to connect in the passing game, it’s only up from here.

Philadelphia Eagles RB Correll Buckhalter: Well, he’s back on the radar. With Westbrook’s broken ribs Buckhalter will have to step in an take the snaps. If you need a bye week fill in or are desperate for a RB2, then Correll is your man!

New England Patriots QB Matt Cassell: After some pretty awful starts, the owner who added him after Tom’s injury may have given up and dropped him.After showing some deep ball skills last week with a deep throw to Moss, Cassell looks more like a real QB. For the Pats to win, Moss will have to be involved and Cassell will have to air it out from time to time, leading to some scores for the QB. If you need a desperate/bye week fill in, or you just want some ack-up QB security, look at Cassell.

Denver Broncos WR Brandon Stokley: Eddie Royal left with an injury and that’s all you need to know. If Royal misses any time then Stokley will benefit from Cutler and the Broncos passing game.

-Maxmillien

Another week in the books. A huge week from my man Brett Favre, a career day of 6 TD’s! It also looks like Lavereus Coles is finally in the mix catching 3 of the 6 TD passes. In addition, I hope Carson Palmer’s game day sit down didn’t screw you as it did someone in my league. Anyways, onto the pick ups…

Pittsburgh Steelers RB Mewelde Moore: Ok so I had Mendenhall here last week but that ended badly and I’m sorry if you started him. But he’s done for the season with a shoulder injury and now Moore emerges with some value. If your in desperate need of a low low low end RB2 or an ok bench RB grab Moore, he may help in a bye week down the road if Parker is unable to return.

St. Louis Rams QB Marc Bulger: Now clearly he was drafted in all leagues but after a terrible first 3 games, and then a benching for Trent Green he may have made his way onto your leagues waiverwire. The Rams could turn it around a little and at least turn out to have a semi-competent offense. If you need a back-up QB with a high ceiling, see if Bulger was dropped and is out there.

Carolina Panthers WR Mushin Muhammad: He may be gone in your pool already, in fact he may have been swiped up several weeks ago. But I was able to grab him in my 10 team pool so maybe you can do the same. I’m using him as bye week fill in, but with 147 yards, 8 receptions and 1 TD he is a legit 3rd WR on a good team. Scour your waiver wire and see if he’s still out there.

Philadelphia Eagles WR Kevin Curtis: Now this pick-up won’t help you this week, or maybe even next. But when Curtis returns he’s sure to regain his starting job. The Eagles have shown that they are contenders this year and if McNabb stays healthy Curtis could show to have some value. Sure, DeSean Jackson may have taken over #1 duties but Curtis will get he ball for sure.

-Maxmillien, Fantasy Guru at your sercive

An interesting week 4 is behind us. I hope you started Ronnie Brown as my opponent this week did not. His 4 rushing TD’s, 1 passing TD and 113 yards rushing may be the fantasy line of the season. Also, some solid performances from Michael Turner (104 yards, 3 TD’s), Reggie Bush (73 rush yards, 75 receiving yards, 1 TD) and LT showed he is still alive (67 rush yards, 20 recieving yards, 2 TD’s).

On to the pick-ups….

Tampa Bay Bucs QB Brian Griese: Sure, his week was up and down. He threw for 2 TD’s but also got picked 3 times. However, the 407 passing yards are something that can’t be messed around with. Yes, it is true that the Bucs will not be passing as many times as they did last week but if you need a decent back-up QB to use during your starters bye week Griese could be worth a look.

Pittsburgh Steelers RB Rashard Mendenhall: Willie Parker has been ruled our for week 4’s Monday Nighter (click above link). It is likely that Rashard was drafted in your league, but following 10 carries in week 1 and none in week 2 and 3 he was probably dropped by a frustrated owner. If he’s on the wavier wire grab him. He’ll be a decent RB2 this week as he’ll get a bulk of the workload. Also, try to grab him before Parker’s owner and trade him to that owner. Finally, if you have Parker yourself grab him for some insurance if the injury to Parker lingers.

New York Giants WR Amani Toomer: I’m just as shocked as you are but it’s true. Toomer is worth a look. It has been reported that Plaxico Burress has been suspended for one game by The Giants for not reporting to a team meeting during this weeks bye. Sure, this pick-up won’t help you during week 4 but grab him now, stash him on your bench and use him in week 5. He’ll be one of Eli’s main targets as he really doesn’t have many others.

New York Jets WR Chansi Stuckey: With Brett behind center in New York the Jet’s offense is spreading the ball around in a big way. Cotchery has emerged as Favre’s favorite target, while Coles finally caught his first TD pass in week 3. But under the radar is Brett’s 3rd WR Chansi Stuckey He has emerged as one of Favre’s options and has a TD catch in each game this season. The Fantasy Football Geek agrees with me as Stuckey has become a red zone target. The Geek also suggests some other pick ups you may want to look at.

-Maxmillien The Fantasy Guru

Yahoo! Sports has reported that New England Patriots QB Tom Brady may be out for the season with a torn ACL. Apparently a team source said “It’s Bad.” Who knows how to interpret that but it is clear that Brady will not be back in action any time soon. If you just drafted him in the first round of your fantasy pool I’m sorry. It’s time to scramble and make up for it by going out and adding Matt Cassel the back-up for New England. Who knows how long Brady will be out and it’s worth it to cover your ass. Also, if you need a QB, give Cassel a look as someone will have to throw the ball to Randy Moss. Hope I got to you soon enough!

-Maxmillien

Hello all you fantasy maniacs out there. As many of us are days, if not mere hours away from our NFL fantasy drafts, it is time to do the diligent research and preparation that is needed to come out on top. Sure, you have the classic ways of getting prepared; using magazines, websites and sleeper suggestions. However, I have found a great way to get yourself in the fantasy groove and that strategy is doing a Mock Draft. A mock draft is a draft just for fun, but it helps a lot in getting a feel for where certain marquee players will go, and also, how late your super sleeper will fall. The greatest part is, mock drafts are free as ROTOworld is offering free mock drafts off their website. Click here to access the mock draft home page. The only stipulation is that you don’t time out, this is annoying and Rotoworld will lock you out of the draft. If the draft doesn’t fill, don’t worry as the computer takes the highest ranked player at their pick. This turns out to be goo because if people are staying away from a guy it is nice to see when the rankling system thinks said player should be off the board.

Ok, so I did a mock draft. You can view it by clicking here. Print it and use it as a depth chart or help if you wish. I elected to have last pick to see who would slip to the last pick in a 10 team draft. My team name is “Maxmillien.” The league is QB, RB, RB, WR, WR, WR, TE, K, DEF with standard scoring. The draft was 15 rounds long. My team turned out as follows:

1st Round:WR Terrell Owens (DAL)
2nd: RB Frank Gore (SF)
3rd: RB Brandon Jacobs (NYG)
4th: WR Steve Smith (CAR)
5th: WR Laveranues Coles (NYJ)
6th: WR Jerricho Cotchery (NYJ)
7th: TE Ben Watson (NE)
8th: RB Chester Taylor (MIN)
9th: RB Ahmad Bradshaw (NYG)
10th: QB Brett Favre (NYJ)
11th: Dallas Defense
12th: TE Alge Crumpler (TEN)
13th: QB Aaron Rogers (GB)
14th: WR Devin Hester (CHI)
15th: K Nick Folk (DAL)

If this were my team going into the season I would feel fairly good about the situation. I have two solid running backs as Gore eats up a lot of yards and Jacobs is good because the NYG are a very run defendant team. I grabbed Bradshaw late to avoid injury loss of Jacobs and especially like my nabbing of Chester Taylor in the 8th round as Adrian Peterson is an obvious injury risk. I may be forced to drop one of the back-up running backs at some point but I think there good to go into the season with. I would also dangle Taylor in front the team that chose Adrian Peterson and see what he’d give up to have the RB insurance. I think my faults in the draft may be the WR spot, but not by much. I have a very strong #1 wide out in Terrell Owens and if Steve Smith can gain back any of his previous prowess I’d have a solid #2. In hindsight I probably should have taken New England WR Wes Welker, but having a former 1st rounder available in round 4 was too much to pass on. As for my #3 reciever, I have the chosen to pick from whichever Jet’s receiver becomes Favre’s go to guy. Brett has to throw to someone, and with both Coles and Cotchery I’m guaranteed that production. I also nabbed Hester as a sleeper in the 14th round. Coming off a career year and new contract I think low risk (late round choice) high reward (possible #1 receiver).

I also ended up with a decent TE core of Ben Watson and Alge Crumpler. I didn’t plan on taking another TE, but when Crumpler was still on the board in round 12 I had no other choice. A back-up TE is not necessary but I think with Crumpler there it becomes worth it. When drafting I always think about possible post-draft trades. A motto I always go with is if you’re not sure what you want with a pick, just grab the best player available, you can always trade them later. (For example, in this mock draft two teams picked TE’s very late, 15th and 13th round. I would offer them Crumpler and upgrade another one of my positions in a 2 for 1 swap.)

Finally, the quarterback. QB’s went early and then sporadically with Brady going at 4th pick by the computer and Manning and Romo going in mid to late second round. Brees went in the 3rd round with Big Ben and Palmer going in the 5th. Derek Anderson went next in the 6th and then Garrard fell off the board in the 8th round. Then came the flury. In the next two rounds Hasselbeck, McNabb, Favre, Cutler & Bulger were selected. They were followed by Schaub, Young, Delhomme, Eli Manning, Aaron Rogers, Jason Campbell with Rivers, Kitna and Tavaris Jackson dropping to the last round. From this information one could draw the conclusion that decent to good quarterbacks are available in the late rounds. If you don’t take one of the elite QB’s, Brady, Payton and Romo (in my eyes) then it is worth it to sit on a taking a QB and making the RB and WR positions stronger. I think Romo in round 2 is a large stretch and would stay away from making that pick. I grabbed Favre and Rogers a back-up (fancy them meeting up again). Favre is a risk-reward type guy as he could put up great numbers with the Jets. His INT’s are a bit frustrating so I can understand staying away from Mr. Favre. I also like Rogers as a risk-reward kinda guy. He has tremendous up-side as the Pack could win the division and with wins will come some decent throwing games. Sure the Pack will lean on the run this year but Rogers will have to throw to make the Packer offense effective.

As for Defense and Kicker I went both Dallas. Folk is on a team that will score a lot and so those Extra Points could add up. Additionally, the Dallas defense is nothing to mock at and should not be a hindrance to my team. I did take them high, in round 11 and could have just waited and taken a different defense later. The top ranked Minnesota D went in the 9th round in case anyone gunning for them was interested.

After completing the mock draft I think a solid strategy is to sure up the RB position first, unless T.O. or Moss slips to you in a late first round pick situation. There is more depth at WR and not as much in the starting RB position. Also, QB’s fell and you could consider just holding off and take a late flier on Favre, Bulger, Vince Young or the like as all QB will put up similar numbers from week to week (200 yards, 1-2 TD’s, 1 INT). Young does help in the running yards area so his versatility could be useful.

As for sleepers, I found that Steve Smith in the 4th was a good pick, as well as Michael Turner in a starting role is a good pick in the same round. Marvin Harrison slipped to the 5th round as did Anquan Boldin (although recent trade rumors makes me want to stay from him). Tony Gonzalez was the 8th TE taken and not until the 8th round. Todd Heap also fell to a 9th round pick. Someone grabbed Patrick Crayton (2nd Dallas WR) in round 11 which I think was a fantastic pick. Good Luck with your draft and remember, don’t take a kicker till the last round!

-Fantasy Guru Maxmillien

With teams concluding their preseason games within the next week we can now take a look at the winners and losers of the 2008 NFL season.  Having said this, let’s remember that in no way is the preseason a prediction of what the regular season will hold.  Tom Brady just returned to practice this week after rehabbing a sore ankle and Peyton Manning is still recovering from knee surgery.  With these two power houses unseen since last season, its very hard to predict success based on back ups playing under center.  Here’s who I think you should pick up if they’re still on the board: 

QB - Tom Brady, Alternate: Chad Pennington, Brady Quinn, Jamarcus Russell, Peyton Manning, Tony Romo

Tom Brady is an obvious number 1 pick, take him if your league is heavy on passing yards and TD’s.  Chad is going to do wonders in Miami under the watchful eye of the Big Tuna.  Bill has a way of turning underdog QB’s into something very special. That coupled with Chad’s inner need to show the Jet’s what they’re missing, the Dolphins could have a decent year… at least 5 wins.  In Cleveland Derek Anderson was injured and could be out for a lengthy amount of time.  Look for Brady Quinn, last year’s 23rd pick, to shine.  He was stellar at Notre Dame and look for him to break out this season. The same is the story for Jamarcus Russell.  This QB has the entire Raider Nation on his back and a huge contract to earn.  If he doesn’t perform, look to the end zones in Oakland for the fan’s reactions.  

RB - Marion Barbar III, Alternate: Steven Jackson, Adrian Peterson, Clinton Portis 

I know what you’re thinking, where is LT??? I’ll tell you where he is, the two time Rushing yards leader is going to be sitting behind an aging Lorenzo Neal.  I’m well aware of the controversy this is stirring up but I saw glimpses of LT studdering last season on the run.  Also, Michael Turner is not backing up anymore and this will result in more downs for LT, which means more punishment on the field.  Marion Barbar is now the #1 back in Dallas and has rookie Felix Jones supporting him.  Both compliment each other very well, as Barbar will steam roll and Jones an elusive talent.  Look for this tandem to eat up the field.  Steven Jackson was plagued with injuries last season, now that he’s healthy watch the Rams actually do some bucking on the field.  

WR - Randy Moss, Terrell Owens, Braylon Edwards Alternates - Larry Fitzgerald, Anquan Boldin, Marvin Harrison, Tedd Ginn Jr, Calvin Johnson, Wes Welker, Marques Colston

I’ve already said why i think these should be your top receivers.  For a more detailed explanation, find my other post on WR’s of this years draft.  Basically, it comes down to a balance between deep threats and over the middle yards. If your league values Total yards of receptions, take the deep threats. If it’s the other way around, take a slot back like Wes and you’ll be laughing this season. 

TE - Jason Witten, Alternate - Antonio Gates, Alge Crumpler, Dallas Clark, Jeremy Shockey 

TE’s are a very sneaky position.  Depending on a team’s offensive scheme, your TE may not break 400 yards receiving, but could be getting a huge number of pancakes every game.  It really depends on your leagues set up.  If your looking at an offensive savvy league, yards and receptions, take Witten, Clark and Gates.  If not Shockey is your man. 

Defense - Vikings, Alternate - Cowboys, Eagles, Colts

The Vikings added DE Jared Allen to the roster and he will be deadly rushing off the end.  The Vikings have added the missing link to their defense this off season and look to them for some unreal stats.  The Cowboys have also done some remodelling this off season with the addition of Adam Jones.  The once hard hitting, intercepting CB is now in Dallas trying to start off fresh.  Jones will be a welcome addition to any package that Wade puts together.  I like the Eagles because of Asante Samuels, he was basically the only reason why the Patriots had any interceptions last season.  And the Colts have always been strong when they are healthy.  So hopefully they can stay healthy.  If some of you are asking where are the Giants on this list? Breaking news has it that Osi Umenyiora will need season ending knee surgery and with Michael Strathan retiring, who do the Giants really have to put pressure on opposing QB’s?  The answer is no one.

I hope this helps shed some light on this year’s fantasy draft.  When in doubt pick players who’s name you can pronounce and who you’ve seen on sportscenter, anyone else and you’ll probably get laughed at.  Trying to pick sleepers is like trying to pick the Giants to win the superbowl… you get my point.  Oh one other point, for those of you that purchase fantasy draft magazines, good luck with those!

QUANSTRONG

p.s.  Sorry no pics. I’m in Montreal and this computer stinks.

I know what most of you are thinking, two posts in two days? This guy is going to burn out faster than Michael Johnson when he raced Donovan Bailey heads up. No no, not going to burn out. I just got excited when i was carousing my usual NFL websites. On the board today, Fantasy Football, where some guys make dreams come true and other’s get hunted by their bookies (no joke, this actually happens). Now, we know about the RB’s and how top 3 should probably go LT, AP and Brian Westbrook, according to NFL.com. Yes that’s right, Brian Westbrook. No other player is needed so badly by any other team, he runs, catches, throws, blocks, and i think even kick returns. He does it all. Anyway, that’s not what i’m writing about tonight. Wide Recievers. My second favorite position and but my favorite position to watch. According to NFL.com, the top 5 are looking like this: 1) Randy Moss 2) Terrell Owens 3) Reggie Wayne 4) Braylon Edwards and 5) Andre Johnson. Now, I agree with T.O. being up there (obviously) but number 3) and number 5) i’m not so sure about. I know that this season, Marvin had limited time due to a knee injury and Reggie was Peyton’s next go to guy. But from what i saw, Reggie isn’t that amazing. Manning and Wayne don’t have that 50 season chemistry that he does with Harrison and I don’t think that one season without Marvin Harrison is going to give that Reggie enough time to settle in. Secondly, where the hell is Wes Welker? Yes, that’s right, New England has other receivers! Wes Welker saved Tom’s ass so many times this season i don’t know why they aren’t dating. If you have a chance to pick up Welker, i’m thinking a middle pick, do it. This guy will pay dividends. Now i know most of you think Randy Moss is the shit. He broke Jerry Rice’s record, i’ll beit in 4 more games, but broke it none the less. He’s been clocked to have run the 40 yard dash in 4.3 sec, and apparently can catch anything thrown at him. I’ll be honest, i don’t think Tom Brady is going to have another season like the one he did this year, and that means Randy, you’re not going to get the ball as much as you did last year. Call me crazy, call me stupid, but I’m telling you New England has changed a lot since last season. Many of you will probably want Moss as your #1 reciever, but i forsee a troublesome year for the Pats. Other notables, Arizona Cardinals tandem, Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin. If Matt Leinhart learns to stop boozing and throw the ball, these two could be the deadliest receiving duo since… oh wait T.O. and Patrick Crayton are still playing. I’m also liking Donte Stallworth in Cleveland. He’ll play a supporting role to Braylon, but the guy can catch, we’ve seen it. As for the sophomores, Calvin Johnson could have a breakout season, i just hate Jon Kitna which is why i advise against drafting him, and Ted Ginn Jr, is under the watchful eye of the Big Tuna in Miami. He was originally drafted for kickoff and punt returns but when Miami realized they might not win a game, they gave him a bigger role. Anyway, that’s my two cents on WR for your fantasy draft. Look at guys who have been consistent, and not suddenly just have one breakout year because they switched teams.

Good and Strong,
QUANSTRONG