Whether you've owned Terrell Owens in the past, or this is your first season experiencing the adventures of T.O., you've learned that it's kind of like making a deal with the devil. The whole "suicide" fiasco is just the latest dip on the T.O. rollercoaster. So what's an owner to do?
Well, if you saw his press conference Wednesday, it seems like he's in good spirits, and he has high hopes to play against the Titans this Sunday. That's definitely an appealing matchup, and we've seen how Owens can bounce back from injury and rise to the occasion (see Super Bowl XXXIX). If you need him, and we get some positive reports this week from Cowboys camp, I wouldn't hesitate to start him over some lower-tier WRs. And he's definitely got to be in your lineup against Philadelphia in a couple weeks.
Thursday, September 28, 2006
Tuesday, September 26, 2006
The Matt Leinart Era? Already?
So remember what I said about the Cardinals not replacing Kurt Warner with Matt Leinart at QB just yet? Well, according to this ESPN report, Leinart will start Sunday at Atlanta. It hadn't been confirmed as of Monday night.
I can't say I blame Dennis Green for possibly wanting to bench Warner after his disastrous turnovers .... sometimes Warner treats the football like a hot potato. But is Leinart really ready to play? He does have the luxury of Edgerrin James, Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald around him, which automatically makes him intriguing from a fantasy perspective. But keep in mind he's a rookie QB ... if you're in a really deep leauge that allows three QBs, he's worth taking a flyer on, but otherwise I can't recommend him right now over veterans like Chad Pennington or Byron Leftwich or even David Carr who might be available as free agents.
And if you own Kurt Warner, well, I wouldn't dump him outright just now if you have another solid QB and weren't counting on the old guy. Even if Leinart does indeed take over the starting job, it's very early in the season, and there's no guarantee he'll play well enough to keep it. The Cards had designs on a playoff berth this season, so I don't think they're conceding the entire year just yet, and if Leinart gets that deer-in-the-headlights look in his first start, Warner will be back in the mix. Keep in mind a lot of people, myself included, had Warner down as a top-10 fantasy QB this year based on those offensive weapons around him. Maybe we goofed, but we'll just have to wait and see.
I can't say I blame Dennis Green for possibly wanting to bench Warner after his disastrous turnovers .... sometimes Warner treats the football like a hot potato. But is Leinart really ready to play? He does have the luxury of Edgerrin James, Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald around him, which automatically makes him intriguing from a fantasy perspective. But keep in mind he's a rookie QB ... if you're in a really deep leauge that allows three QBs, he's worth taking a flyer on, but otherwise I can't recommend him right now over veterans like Chad Pennington or Byron Leftwich or even David Carr who might be available as free agents.
And if you own Kurt Warner, well, I wouldn't dump him outright just now if you have another solid QB and weren't counting on the old guy. Even if Leinart does indeed take over the starting job, it's very early in the season, and there's no guarantee he'll play well enough to keep it. The Cards had designs on a playoff berth this season, so I don't think they're conceding the entire year just yet, and if Leinart gets that deer-in-the-headlights look in his first start, Warner will be back in the mix. Keep in mind a lot of people, myself included, had Warner down as a top-10 fantasy QB this year based on those offensive weapons around him. Maybe we goofed, but we'll just have to wait and see.
The Madden Curse LIVES!
So apparently Shaun Alexander has a broken bone in his foot and will miss a few weeks. Is anybody surprised by this? He wasn't exactly setting the world on fire the first few games of the season, he was already slowed by a bone bruise in his foot, and now all the sudden we find out about this injury ....
Nobody can be shocked by this when you consider Alexander was the cover boy on Madden 2007. It might not be as disastrous as, say Donovan McNabb last season or Barry Sanders the year he abruptly retired, but still, it's devastating for those who made Alexander the centerpiece of their team. And yet you couldn't blame anybody for taking him with one of the first three picks of their draft, even knowing he was on the cover. Think about it: he NEVER misses games, he was the freakin' MVP last year, and his team, the Super Bowl runner-up last year, is arguably BETTER this season. It was a no-brainer. And yet you had to have some nightmare scenario in the back of your mind because of that damn cover, and now it's coming true.
Again, it's not a total disaster yet - Seattle coach Mike Holmgren seemed to indicate it's not a very serious injury - but Alexander's not exactly easy to replace, and Maurice Morris is probably not the answer fantasy owners want to hear, especially with the Bears up next. Still, he might be the best option available out there barring a trade.
And another thing about the cover jinx, how come nothing bad ever happens to John Madden? He's been on the cover more than anyone, and yet you never hear about a serious Maddencruiser accident, a mishap on the set of an Ace hardware commercial, a nasty bout of food poisoning from the turducken, nothing. What gives?
Nobody can be shocked by this when you consider Alexander was the cover boy on Madden 2007. It might not be as disastrous as, say Donovan McNabb last season or Barry Sanders the year he abruptly retired, but still, it's devastating for those who made Alexander the centerpiece of their team. And yet you couldn't blame anybody for taking him with one of the first three picks of their draft, even knowing he was on the cover. Think about it: he NEVER misses games, he was the freakin' MVP last year, and his team, the Super Bowl runner-up last year, is arguably BETTER this season. It was a no-brainer. And yet you had to have some nightmare scenario in the back of your mind because of that damn cover, and now it's coming true.
Again, it's not a total disaster yet - Seattle coach Mike Holmgren seemed to indicate it's not a very serious injury - but Alexander's not exactly easy to replace, and Maurice Morris is probably not the answer fantasy owners want to hear, especially with the Bears up next. Still, he might be the best option available out there barring a trade.
And another thing about the cover jinx, how come nothing bad ever happens to John Madden? He's been on the cover more than anyone, and yet you never hear about a serious Maddencruiser accident, a mishap on the set of an Ace hardware commercial, a nasty bout of food poisoning from the turducken, nothing. What gives?
Monday, September 25, 2006
WEEK 3 - Sunday Recap
- The Rams got the best of old pal Kurt Warner and the Cardinals, thanks to his FOUR turnovers. Does that mean Matt Leinart should start warming up? Not yet, but it will just be more evidence for Dennis Green when he eventually makes the switch.
- Another nice outing for Mr. Torry Holt (120 yards, TD). He's as steady as they come.
- Here's why you can't always just go by the injury report: Brian Westbrook was questionable with a sore knee. He didn't practice Friday. But he's one of your stud guys, your first or second pick. He's got an enticing matchup against the Niners. Unless you're in some ridiculous league where you've got another stud on the bench, you've got to start him if he's cleared to play. All he did was rush for 117 yards and two TDs, then tack on 47 receiving yards - and another score! When you're setting your lineup, sometimes you've just gotta go with your heart.
- It was a similar story with Ahman Green. He was questionable with a hamstring issue. But I had to start him out of necessity because of the bye week. ESPN even put up a graphic sometime around 12:15 on Sunday saying he was "OUT," just to fool me, but Chris Berman later corrected it to say Green would play. What a nice fellow, that Boomer. Anyway, Green was good (68 rushing yards, 63 receiving yards and a TD), even though he had a costly fumble, but that's been a problem with him for years. The lesson: if a banged-up guy is cleared to play, and you would have started him anyway if it weren't for his injury, you should probably still start him.
- Need WR help? Get Green Bay rookie Greg Jennings while you still can.
- Hear that huge whoosing sound off in the distance Sunday? That was Clinton Portis owners everywhere taking a huge sigh of relief. The big guy had 164 total yards and two TDs, giving sweet satisfaction to those who took a gamble on him after two weeks of frustration. Granted, he was playing the Texans, who managed to make even Mark Brunell look good, but Portis should be cool from here on out.
- Another happy return: Steve Smith finally took the field and looked pretty good (seven catches, 112 yards) against the Bucs as he eased himself back into action. Welcome back!
- San Francisco TE Vernon Davis cracked a bone in his leg and could miss four weeks. If you need a replacement, look no further that his teammate, Eric Johnson, who caught seven passes and a TD on Sunday in Davis' absence. The Ivy Leaguer fell off the radar last year when he missed the season with a foot injury, but he led the Niners in receptions (82) the year before. He should have a bigger role in the offense the next few weeks.
- Another Niner whose stock has risen: WR/RB Michael Robinson. The former Penn State quarterback rushed for 29 yards and two TDs against Philly, and with starter Frank Gore suffering a strained abdomen already being questionable for next week, M-Rob could be getting some more touches. At the very least he may have earned himself a spot as the short-yardage back. He's got two key characteristics for that role: a big heart, and an even bigger cranium.
- Hope you weren't counting on Chris Simms at QB, but if you were, he's out indefinitely after suffering a ruptured spleen. As if the pirate ship wasn't already sinking in Tampa Bay, rookie Bruce Gradkowski now gets the call. He might have a future in the NFL, but the future is not now.
- Another pedestrian outing from Daunte Culpepper: 17 for 26, 168 yards, one TD rushing, no TDs passing, no INTs and a fumble. Not a total disaster (the Dolphins did win), but certainly not the breakout game we expected against the lowly Titans. It doesn't look like he's going to be a major fantasy force anytime soon.
- Welcome to fantasy football, Maurice Jones-Drew: 103 rushing yards and a TD catch against the Colts will make the Jacksonville rookie a hot pickup, especially when he outdid veteran Fred Taylor (74 yards).
- More RBBC (running back by committee) aggravation: Dominic Rhodes (14 carries, 48 yards) vs. Joseph Addai (three carries, 15 yards); Laurence Maroney (12 carries, 18 yards) vs. Corey Dillon (five carries, 16 yards, left with arm injury); Tatum Bell (27 carries, 123 yards) vs. Mike Bell (four carries, 12 yards); Kevan Barlow (12 carries, 31 yards, TD) vs. Cedric Houston (two carries, 10 yards, TD) vs. Leon Washington (seven carries, 25 yards; two carries, 52 yards). Maroney gets an obvious upgrade if Dillon is hurt; Tatum is separating himself; Barlow is the Jets' main guy but the other guys will steal touches; and in Indy it's anybody's guess.
- To those who added Rex Grossman and expected another four-TD day: that's not how it works, guys.
- Lots of yards for Willis McGahee (150) again, but does the dude have a fear of the end zone? Browns QB Charlie Frye now has three rushing TDs, while McGahee has zero.
- Carson Palmer throws four TDs, and not one to Chad Johnson. In fact, Chad had only one catch for 11 yards. What the heck is up with that??
- Almost thought Eli Manning wasn't gonna come through this week as the Giants got spanked by the Seahawks, but three late TD passes salvaged a nice game. Is there anything sweeter than garbage time?
- Another nice outing for Mr. Torry Holt (120 yards, TD). He's as steady as they come.
- Here's why you can't always just go by the injury report: Brian Westbrook was questionable with a sore knee. He didn't practice Friday. But he's one of your stud guys, your first or second pick. He's got an enticing matchup against the Niners. Unless you're in some ridiculous league where you've got another stud on the bench, you've got to start him if he's cleared to play. All he did was rush for 117 yards and two TDs, then tack on 47 receiving yards - and another score! When you're setting your lineup, sometimes you've just gotta go with your heart.
- It was a similar story with Ahman Green. He was questionable with a hamstring issue. But I had to start him out of necessity because of the bye week. ESPN even put up a graphic sometime around 12:15 on Sunday saying he was "OUT," just to fool me, but Chris Berman later corrected it to say Green would play. What a nice fellow, that Boomer. Anyway, Green was good (68 rushing yards, 63 receiving yards and a TD), even though he had a costly fumble, but that's been a problem with him for years. The lesson: if a banged-up guy is cleared to play, and you would have started him anyway if it weren't for his injury, you should probably still start him.
- Need WR help? Get Green Bay rookie Greg Jennings while you still can.
- Hear that huge whoosing sound off in the distance Sunday? That was Clinton Portis owners everywhere taking a huge sigh of relief. The big guy had 164 total yards and two TDs, giving sweet satisfaction to those who took a gamble on him after two weeks of frustration. Granted, he was playing the Texans, who managed to make even Mark Brunell look good, but Portis should be cool from here on out.
- Another happy return: Steve Smith finally took the field and looked pretty good (seven catches, 112 yards) against the Bucs as he eased himself back into action. Welcome back!
- San Francisco TE Vernon Davis cracked a bone in his leg and could miss four weeks. If you need a replacement, look no further that his teammate, Eric Johnson, who caught seven passes and a TD on Sunday in Davis' absence. The Ivy Leaguer fell off the radar last year when he missed the season with a foot injury, but he led the Niners in receptions (82) the year before. He should have a bigger role in the offense the next few weeks.
- Another Niner whose stock has risen: WR/RB Michael Robinson. The former Penn State quarterback rushed for 29 yards and two TDs against Philly, and with starter Frank Gore suffering a strained abdomen already being questionable for next week, M-Rob could be getting some more touches. At the very least he may have earned himself a spot as the short-yardage back. He's got two key characteristics for that role: a big heart, and an even bigger cranium.
- Hope you weren't counting on Chris Simms at QB, but if you were, he's out indefinitely after suffering a ruptured spleen. As if the pirate ship wasn't already sinking in Tampa Bay, rookie Bruce Gradkowski now gets the call. He might have a future in the NFL, but the future is not now.
- Another pedestrian outing from Daunte Culpepper: 17 for 26, 168 yards, one TD rushing, no TDs passing, no INTs and a fumble. Not a total disaster (the Dolphins did win), but certainly not the breakout game we expected against the lowly Titans. It doesn't look like he's going to be a major fantasy force anytime soon.
- Welcome to fantasy football, Maurice Jones-Drew: 103 rushing yards and a TD catch against the Colts will make the Jacksonville rookie a hot pickup, especially when he outdid veteran Fred Taylor (74 yards).
- More RBBC (running back by committee) aggravation: Dominic Rhodes (14 carries, 48 yards) vs. Joseph Addai (three carries, 15 yards); Laurence Maroney (12 carries, 18 yards) vs. Corey Dillon (five carries, 16 yards, left with arm injury); Tatum Bell (27 carries, 123 yards) vs. Mike Bell (four carries, 12 yards); Kevan Barlow (12 carries, 31 yards, TD) vs. Cedric Houston (two carries, 10 yards, TD) vs. Leon Washington (seven carries, 25 yards; two carries, 52 yards). Maroney gets an obvious upgrade if Dillon is hurt; Tatum is separating himself; Barlow is the Jets' main guy but the other guys will steal touches; and in Indy it's anybody's guess.
- To those who added Rex Grossman and expected another four-TD day: that's not how it works, guys.
- Lots of yards for Willis McGahee (150) again, but does the dude have a fear of the end zone? Browns QB Charlie Frye now has three rushing TDs, while McGahee has zero.
- Carson Palmer throws four TDs, and not one to Chad Johnson. In fact, Chad had only one catch for 11 yards. What the heck is up with that??
- Almost thought Eli Manning wasn't gonna come through this week as the Giants got spanked by the Seahawks, but three late TD passes salvaged a nice game. Is there anything sweeter than garbage time?
Monday, September 18, 2006
WEEK 2 - Sunday Recap
- The Rams lose their third straight to the 49ers? Unacceptable. I know they're still getting used to this whole wacky "balanced" offense thing, but they'll eventually need to find the end zone. Owners of Steven Jackson (112 yards a game) and Jeff Wilkins (eight FGs) aren't complaining, but Marc Bulger hasn't exactly lived up to expectations. Of course, six sacks allowed only complicated things, and Orlando Pace's concussion didn't help either.
- The Larry Johnson crisis mode can be put to rest. Some TDs would be nice, but 167 total yards in a game is fine by me. Herm Edwards has his flaws (like an inability to tell time, for one), but he's no dummy.
- Clinton Portis, please hurry back. Some of us were counting on you.
- Philip Rivers has actually looked OK, but keep in mind playing the Raiders and Titans could make anyone look good. And it helps if your defense allows three points per game. I'm not sold on him as for fantasy purposes.
- Aaron Brooks was awful again, fumbling twice before leaving with a sprained rotator cuff. He might not have a job when the Raiders return from next week's bye, even though Andrew Walter wasn't that great against the Ravens D in relief. For the love of everything holy, avoid this situation at all costs. And if you own LaMont Jordan, I feel your pain.
- Warrick Dunn doesn't get the fantasy respect he deserves. He's an every-week starter now that the Falcons are running wild. And maybe that Michael Vick is OK after all.
- Hope Atlanta's Michael Koenen isn't your fantasy kicker. Because he might have just become your fantasy punter.
- Chad Pennington is looking more and more like a solid fantasy backup and spot starter. Two TDs and 306 passing yards against the Pats is nothing to sniff at, and the Jets can't run the ball.
- Tough break (literally) for T.O. owners. Think about Chicago's Bernard Berrian (five catches, 89 yards, TD vs. Detroit), the Jets' Jerico Cotchery (six catches, 121 yards, TD vs. New England), or New Orleans' Marques Colston (four catches, 58 yards, TD vs. Green Bay) as fill-ins.
- Will there be a run on Bears TEs after breakout games for John Gilmore (two TDs) and Desmond Clark (TD)? Not likely ... but Rex Grossman showed he's no Kyle Orton and deserves a little fantasy consideration, at least when he's up against suspect Ds.
- What's up with Joey Galloway? No catches one week, nine for 161 yards the next. Chris Simms and the Bucs need to get their act together quickly. Maybe Cadillac Williams will be able to crack the 40-yard mark against a suddenly run-soft Carolina D in Week 3.
- Nice game by David Carr! Three TDs, 22-for-26 for 219 yards ... did you start him? Of course you didn't.
- Eli Manning is coming of age. After seeing what he's done against the Colts and Eagles, I wouldn't hesitate to start him against the Seahawks on Sunday.
- Reuben Droughns hasn't looked so hot, and he gets to face the Ravens next week. I tabbed him as a bust in '05, but maybe I was a year early.
- Brett Favre put up some nice numbers (340 yards, three TDs) against the Saints. That can happen when you attempt 55 passes in a game. He's still serviceable as a fantasy QB against soft defenses, and you might consider starting him against the Lions after seeing Grossman carve them up on Sunday.
- Hey Roy Williams: Shut up and play.
- Start Daunte Culpepper the next two weeks. Don't laugh. If he can't get it done against the Titans and Texans, he's finished.
- A quick thought from the college ranks .... Note to teams playing at Louisville: Stop stomping on the Cardinals' midfield logo. Rutgers did it last year and lost 56-5. Miami did it this year and lost 31-7. Respect Papa John's Stadium.
- The Larry Johnson crisis mode can be put to rest. Some TDs would be nice, but 167 total yards in a game is fine by me. Herm Edwards has his flaws (like an inability to tell time, for one), but he's no dummy.
- Clinton Portis, please hurry back. Some of us were counting on you.
- Philip Rivers has actually looked OK, but keep in mind playing the Raiders and Titans could make anyone look good. And it helps if your defense allows three points per game. I'm not sold on him as for fantasy purposes.
- Aaron Brooks was awful again, fumbling twice before leaving with a sprained rotator cuff. He might not have a job when the Raiders return from next week's bye, even though Andrew Walter wasn't that great against the Ravens D in relief. For the love of everything holy, avoid this situation at all costs. And if you own LaMont Jordan, I feel your pain.
- Warrick Dunn doesn't get the fantasy respect he deserves. He's an every-week starter now that the Falcons are running wild. And maybe that Michael Vick is OK after all.
- Hope Atlanta's Michael Koenen isn't your fantasy kicker. Because he might have just become your fantasy punter.
- Chad Pennington is looking more and more like a solid fantasy backup and spot starter. Two TDs and 306 passing yards against the Pats is nothing to sniff at, and the Jets can't run the ball.
- Tough break (literally) for T.O. owners. Think about Chicago's Bernard Berrian (five catches, 89 yards, TD vs. Detroit), the Jets' Jerico Cotchery (six catches, 121 yards, TD vs. New England), or New Orleans' Marques Colston (four catches, 58 yards, TD vs. Green Bay) as fill-ins.
- Will there be a run on Bears TEs after breakout games for John Gilmore (two TDs) and Desmond Clark (TD)? Not likely ... but Rex Grossman showed he's no Kyle Orton and deserves a little fantasy consideration, at least when he's up against suspect Ds.
- What's up with Joey Galloway? No catches one week, nine for 161 yards the next. Chris Simms and the Bucs need to get their act together quickly. Maybe Cadillac Williams will be able to crack the 40-yard mark against a suddenly run-soft Carolina D in Week 3.
- Nice game by David Carr! Three TDs, 22-for-26 for 219 yards ... did you start him? Of course you didn't.
- Eli Manning is coming of age. After seeing what he's done against the Colts and Eagles, I wouldn't hesitate to start him against the Seahawks on Sunday.
- Reuben Droughns hasn't looked so hot, and he gets to face the Ravens next week. I tabbed him as a bust in '05, but maybe I was a year early.
- Brett Favre put up some nice numbers (340 yards, three TDs) against the Saints. That can happen when you attempt 55 passes in a game. He's still serviceable as a fantasy QB against soft defenses, and you might consider starting him against the Lions after seeing Grossman carve them up on Sunday.
- Hey Roy Williams: Shut up and play.
- Start Daunte Culpepper the next two weeks. Don't laugh. If he can't get it done against the Titans and Texans, he's finished.
- A quick thought from the college ranks .... Note to teams playing at Louisville: Stop stomping on the Cardinals' midfield logo. Rutgers did it last year and lost 56-5. Miami did it this year and lost 31-7. Respect Papa John's Stadium.
Saturday, September 16, 2006
Bad news
Apparently Clinton Portis is a no-go for Week 2 ... surprising news after he looked pretty good on 10 carries in Week 1, and he didn't even know he was downgraded to doubtful for Sunday's game against Dallas. Apparently Portis and coach Joe Gibbs aren't on the same page right now (not hard to believe given Portis has like 10 personalities) ... maybe Dr. I Don't Know will throw on his wig and make a surprise cameo Sunday night, but for now, Ladell Betts, T.J. Duckett and Rock Cartwright will share the load, and none are really good options against the Cowboys. Another bummer for Portis owners, but hopefully they're just being overly cautious.
Thursday, September 14, 2006
Another trade?
You don't see this too often: two teams swapping second-year RBs. Green Bay dealt 2005 breakout star Samkon Gado to Houston for Vernand Morency. So why should you care?
Morency probably loses what little value he had for the time being now that he's backing up a healthy Ahman Green. But keep an eye on Gado ... the Texans' running game is a little unsettled right now, and I expect Gado, a much bigger power runner, to eventually steal some carries from diminutive starter Wali Lundy and the unpredictable Ron Dayne. Gado likely got a good recommendation from Mike Sherman, his coach last year in Green Bay who's now an assistant coach and offensive line coach with Houston.
Morency probably loses what little value he had for the time being now that he's backing up a healthy Ahman Green. But keep an eye on Gado ... the Texans' running game is a little unsettled right now, and I expect Gado, a much bigger power runner, to eventually steal some carries from diminutive starter Wali Lundy and the unpredictable Ron Dayne. Gado likely got a good recommendation from Mike Sherman, his coach last year in Green Bay who's now an assistant coach and offensive line coach with Houston.
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
Branching out
Thoughts on the Deion Branch trade:
Congrats to the wise owners who drafted Branch (myself included) hoping this feud with the Patriots would come to a quick conclusion. He was too talented to simply leave on the draft board, even if there was a possibility he could sit out most of the season.
The Seahawks obviously could use some extra offense (witness Sunday's 9-6 baseball game against Detroit) and must have some worries about Darrell Jackson and/or Nate Burleson. Branch should be a good fit, and although Seattle will spread the ball around and it will take Branch a little time to get acquainted to the offense, he'll be a big boost for any fantasy team looking for WR help. And if you already owned him, you can sleep a little easier now.
Congrats to the wise owners who drafted Branch (myself included) hoping this feud with the Patriots would come to a quick conclusion. He was too talented to simply leave on the draft board, even if there was a possibility he could sit out most of the season.
The Seahawks obviously could use some extra offense (witness Sunday's 9-6 baseball game against Detroit) and must have some worries about Darrell Jackson and/or Nate Burleson. Branch should be a good fit, and although Seattle will spread the ball around and it will take Branch a little time to get acquainted to the offense, he'll be a big boost for any fantasy team looking for WR help. And if you already owned him, you can sleep a little easier now.
Monday, September 11, 2006
WEEK 1 - Sunday Recap
- Tough loss for the Chiefs in their opener, and even more damaging is the loss of QB Trent Green with a head injury for the forseeable future. Eddie Kennison, Tony Gonzalez and even Larry Johnson have to be slightly downgraded while K.C. goes with Damon Huard (seriously, he's the backup? Seriously? Koy Detmer wasn't available?).
- Rams-Broncos was supposed to be a track meet but turned into a field goal festival. New St. Louis coach Scott Linehan and his coaching staff unveiled this radical new thing called "defense," intercepting Jake Plummer three times and officially beginning the Jay Cutler Watch. Now the Rams' offense just needs to perfect those things called "touchdowns" and they'll be all set.
- Are things any clearer in Denver's RB situation? Not really. Tatum Bell went over 100 yards but predictably fumbled, while Mike Bell gained 58 yards on just 10 carries but scored a TD. It's gonna be like this all year, folks.
- Um, who were those imposters playing defense for Tampa Bay and Carolina? Two top-5 Ds played like expansion teams. Very disappointing showings, but you have to believe things will be fixed soon.
-And the Bucs' offense was almost as embarrassing. I know it was against the Ravens, and I know two OL starters were out this week ... but 25 yards for Cadillac Williams? No catches for Joey Galloway? Three INTs by Chris Simms? I'd be concerned.
- Warrick Dunn (132 yards) was a pleasant surprise against the Panthers. He doesn't get the respect he deserves as a fantasy force. Start him against New Orleans next week.
- Could Michael Jenkins (three catches, 77 yards, TD) be the breakout Atlanta receiver we've been waiting for?
- Nice Eagles debut for WR Donte' Stallworth (141 yards, TD), but keep this important fact in mind: He was playing the Texans.
- Decent debut for Reggie Bush, but the Earth is still rotating on its axis. Too bad return yardage doesn't count. I still think Deuce McAllister will have slightly more fantasy value this year.
- Checking in on some murky RB situations: Lawrence Maroney (17 carries-86 yards-0 TDs) vs. Corey Dillon (16-73-0) in New England; Thomas Jones (21-63-0) vs. Cedric Benson (11-34-0) in Chicago; Dominic Rhodes (16-29-1) vs. Joseph Addai (7-26-0) in Indianapolis; Chris Brown (16-64-0) vs. Travis Henry (9-22-2) in Tennessee; Derrick Blaylock (19-36-0) vs. Kevan Barlow (11-35-1) with the New York Jets.
- More signs of the Tight End Renaissance: eight TEs (Jeremy Shockey, Alge Crumpler, Kellen Winslow, Tony Gonzalez, Vernon Davis, Dallas Clark, Chris Baker, Adam Bergen) caught TDs on Sunday.
- Byron Leftwich (237 yards, 1 TD rushing, 1 TD passing) is a viable fantasy QB. He's got some weapons and will give you points when he's healthy.
- Is it time to worry about Shaun Alexander (19 carries, 51 yards, two fumbles, no TDs)? Not yet - he had a similar game (14 for 73 yards, no TDs) in last year's opener, and that season turned out OK) - but the Madden Curse is a powerful thing.
- Sure, Eli Manning was outdone by big brother Peyton, but he's going to put up numbers this year. He's learning.
- Those Manning brothers could be big stars someday. If only their agents could get them in some commercials or something.
- Titans QB Kerry Collins might actually be a usable spot starter at some point this season. One of his two INTs wasn't his fault. Vince Young will see a little action, but he's in no condition to start at this point.
- Good to see signs of life from Ahman Green and Jamal Lewis. They'll come in handy on your studs' bye weeks. Unless they are your studs.
- An encouraging sign: Clinton Portis was cleared to play tonight, even if it's just a backup role. Watch him closely, and if all goes well he should start next week.
- Rams-Broncos was supposed to be a track meet but turned into a field goal festival. New St. Louis coach Scott Linehan and his coaching staff unveiled this radical new thing called "defense," intercepting Jake Plummer three times and officially beginning the Jay Cutler Watch. Now the Rams' offense just needs to perfect those things called "touchdowns" and they'll be all set.
- Are things any clearer in Denver's RB situation? Not really. Tatum Bell went over 100 yards but predictably fumbled, while Mike Bell gained 58 yards on just 10 carries but scored a TD. It's gonna be like this all year, folks.
- Um, who were those imposters playing defense for Tampa Bay and Carolina? Two top-5 Ds played like expansion teams. Very disappointing showings, but you have to believe things will be fixed soon.
-And the Bucs' offense was almost as embarrassing. I know it was against the Ravens, and I know two OL starters were out this week ... but 25 yards for Cadillac Williams? No catches for Joey Galloway? Three INTs by Chris Simms? I'd be concerned.
- Warrick Dunn (132 yards) was a pleasant surprise against the Panthers. He doesn't get the respect he deserves as a fantasy force. Start him against New Orleans next week.
- Could Michael Jenkins (three catches, 77 yards, TD) be the breakout Atlanta receiver we've been waiting for?
- Nice Eagles debut for WR Donte' Stallworth (141 yards, TD), but keep this important fact in mind: He was playing the Texans.
- Decent debut for Reggie Bush, but the Earth is still rotating on its axis. Too bad return yardage doesn't count. I still think Deuce McAllister will have slightly more fantasy value this year.
- Checking in on some murky RB situations: Lawrence Maroney (17 carries-86 yards-0 TDs) vs. Corey Dillon (16-73-0) in New England; Thomas Jones (21-63-0) vs. Cedric Benson (11-34-0) in Chicago; Dominic Rhodes (16-29-1) vs. Joseph Addai (7-26-0) in Indianapolis; Chris Brown (16-64-0) vs. Travis Henry (9-22-2) in Tennessee; Derrick Blaylock (19-36-0) vs. Kevan Barlow (11-35-1) with the New York Jets.
- More signs of the Tight End Renaissance: eight TEs (Jeremy Shockey, Alge Crumpler, Kellen Winslow, Tony Gonzalez, Vernon Davis, Dallas Clark, Chris Baker, Adam Bergen) caught TDs on Sunday.
- Byron Leftwich (237 yards, 1 TD rushing, 1 TD passing) is a viable fantasy QB. He's got some weapons and will give you points when he's healthy.
- Is it time to worry about Shaun Alexander (19 carries, 51 yards, two fumbles, no TDs)? Not yet - he had a similar game (14 for 73 yards, no TDs) in last year's opener, and that season turned out OK) - but the Madden Curse is a powerful thing.
- Sure, Eli Manning was outdone by big brother Peyton, but he's going to put up numbers this year. He's learning.
- Those Manning brothers could be big stars someday. If only their agents could get them in some commercials or something.
- Titans QB Kerry Collins might actually be a usable spot starter at some point this season. One of his two INTs wasn't his fault. Vince Young will see a little action, but he's in no condition to start at this point.
- Good to see signs of life from Ahman Green and Jamal Lewis. They'll come in handy on your studs' bye weeks. Unless they are your studs.
- An encouraging sign: Clinton Portis was cleared to play tonight, even if it's just a backup role. Watch him closely, and if all goes well he should start next week.
Friday, September 08, 2006
Steelers vs. Dolphins - what we learned
- Daunte Culpepper owners have to be concerned. Miami's new QB looked lost, overthrowing his receivers several times and tossing two damaging interceptions with the game on the line. Sure, he was playing against a fired-up Pittsburgh defense on its home turf, but based on how Daunte looked early last season before his knee injury, you have to wonder if he's still got some mental rehabbing to do.
- Will Culpepper's struggles affect WR Chris Chambers? I wouldn't worry too much. Chambers didn't do much last night, but you can chalk that up to the Steelers' D. Check out the numbers he put up last year with the scrubs the Dolphins used at QB.
- Ronnie Brown had a rough night running the ball, but his two short TDs made up for it. There will be plenty more yards to come for Miami's workhorse.
- Speaking of a workhorse, Willie Parker had a career high in carries and is going to get more goal-line touches now that Jerome Bettis is driving a school bus. Parker's going to have a monster year.
- Heath Miller will be solid, but don't expect 100 yards every game. And somebody tell Nick Saban he throws like a girl.
- Will Culpepper's struggles affect WR Chris Chambers? I wouldn't worry too much. Chambers didn't do much last night, but you can chalk that up to the Steelers' D. Check out the numbers he put up last year with the scrubs the Dolphins used at QB.
- Ronnie Brown had a rough night running the ball, but his two short TDs made up for it. There will be plenty more yards to come for Miami's workhorse.
- Speaking of a workhorse, Willie Parker had a career high in carries and is going to get more goal-line touches now that Jerome Bettis is driving a school bus. Parker's going to have a monster year.
- Heath Miller will be solid, but don't expect 100 yards every game. And somebody tell Nick Saban he throws like a girl.
Thursday, September 07, 2006
howdy
Hello and welcome to the SemoSportsWeb fantasy blog. I'll be dropping some fantasy football knowledge on you throughout the season, but more importantly, I'll be interacting with you, the fantasy fans of Southeast Missouri. Whether you want to talk about the Rams or Chiefs, have a question about who to start or who to sit, or want to rant about the latest injuries or coaching blunders, you've come to the right place. Feel free to leave your comments or e-mail me at jbartolone@semosportsweb.com. Hopefully I can give you the tools you need for fantasy success this year.
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