A little bit of early drafting, shall we....

Ok ok I know it's June but hey it's never to early to do some mock drafts just to see where some guys are going in the draft. Obviously when and if the NFL gets the collective bargaining agreement settled the free agent market will fire up and possibly change some things. All things considered we will talk about those changes as they happen in the future. I also have some opinions on some things to consider this fantasy season because guys have not had the time to prepare that they normally would have, but again I will save that for another day.

On to the drafting:

I performed on ESPN's site 3 mock drafts. All were 10 team snake drafts, which for most folks is the most common way to play and draft. ESPN does a great job running all things fantasy and is my favorite place to play the game (I received no money from the prior comment).

Draft one: in this draft I drafted 1st of ten teams and here is the result. In ( ) beside each guy are my thoughts.

1. Arian Foster RB (Loved what he did last year, and with AP's and Chris Johnson's fall in production in 2010 why not)
2. Steven Jackson RB (I really wanted to go receiver here but at 20th overall he was a steal. I am really surprised he went this low)
3. Mike Wallace WR (by this point all the upper tier QB's were gone so I went with receivers)
4. Jeremy Maclin WR (see above)
5. Dallas Clark TE
6. Josh Freeman QB (Josh Freeman is a steal in the sixth round, folks. If you don't want to pay high for Rogers, Vick, Brees or Brady he is your guy)
7. Ryan Grant RB (I drafted this guy in the second round last year then he got hurt in the opening game, I thought I would try again. If he has second round value this year... he is a steal)
8. Pierre Garcon WR (I liked him last year, at some point he will break out.)
9. Ryan Torain RB (how long do you really think Clinton Portis will stay healthy? I will take the under on 5 games.)
10. Malcom Floyd WR (Receiver depth, plus Phillip Rivers throws to him)
11. LT RB (I know he's old but for depth and a Bye week fill-in I will take him late all day long... it's LT !)
12. Montario Hardesty RB (I said last year in the preseason before he got hurt, that I liked this guy. I really believe that he will be the Peyton Hillis killer this year. That's tough for me to say given my love for Mr. Hillis.)
13. Mike Goodson RB
14. Chad Simpson WR
15. Chargers DEF
16. Matt Prater K

Overall I really like this team, I feel like I am really strong at the RB position. My receiving core could be a little feast or famine here, but I feel like I have some good players. I am confident that Josh Freeman can carry me at the QB position. I would much rather have him in the 6th and Arian Foster in the first than Mike Vick in the first and some 6th round RB, but that's just me.

Second Draft: In this draft I drafted last. Oh and I really hate this team.

1. Frank Gore RB (he was the best RB available at the time, I don't love this pick or hate it either...)
2. Roddy White WR (2nd best receiver in fantasy, I think so)
3. Reggie Wayne WR (By this point in the draft all of the great RB's were gone. Instead of reaching for one, I took Reggie. Peyton Manning throws to him you know.)
4. Bradshaw RB (would like this pick more if he wasn't a free agent, but assuming he is a Giant next year he is a good, not great, #2 RB.)
5. BJGE RB (can't go wrong with a lawyer on your team ;)
6. Dallas Clark TE (I seem to like Dallas Clark, even thought I think the TE position as a whole is a crap shoot this year.)
7. Josh Freeman QB (see all man love Josh Freeman Quotes above)
8. Sidney Rice WR (Need that receiver depth)
9. Santana Moss WR (Need that receiver depth)
10. CJ Spiller RB (at some point the Bills will make him the GUY)
11. Deion Branch WR (assuming he is a Patriot this year, and has any time to learn the offense I think he is a steal in the 11th.)
12. MIke Goodson RB (You know both the other Panthers RB's will be hurt at the same time again this year.)
13. Chad 85 WR (He looks good... even on the Fantasy Bench.)
14. Mark Sanchez QB 
15. Gostkowski
16. Dallas D 

A general observation on this team... I should have drafted 2 RB's in the first 2 rounds. I could see this team having no every week starter at RB if Frank Gore gets hurt. Also I recognize that I may have went a bit WR heavy.

3rd and final Draft, I drafted 5th in this one. Also I love this team! Too bad I can't keep them.

1. Chris Johnson RB (I don't love Chris Johnson this year, but if I can get him 5th overall you bet I will)
2. Roddy White WR (2nd best receiver in football)
3. Tom Brady QB (decided to go early on the QB since I had a RB and WR that I really feel comfortable with)
4. Matt Forte RB (He had some great numbers down the stretch last year and is a beast of a pass catcher)
5. Marques Colston WR (surely he will return to form in 2011)
6. Benson RB (I would not like Benson if he was my every week starter, but as a flex or backup I will take him)
7. Jason Witten TE ( with Romo back I feel like Witten will be a top 3 TE this year)
8. Michael Crabtree WR (a year to learn the offense... now if the 49ers could just get him the ball. Bring back Steve Young?)
9. Joseph Addi RB (He's still the starter on the Colts...)
10. Steve Smith Car WR (He's still Steve Smith)
11. Mike Williams SEA WR (Don't hate him for depth, but if Hasselbeck leaves as a free agent I don't think I would hold onto him)
12. Deion Branch WR (See above notes on Deion)
13. Montario Hardesty RB (See above notes on Montario) 
14. Danny Woodhead RB (Hey this guy was touchdown gold last year!)
15. Eagles D
16. Mason Crosby K

All things considered, I love this team! I think I have great starters and good depth on the bench.

Conclusion... 

I seemed to be much happier with the first and last teams. I think the main reason for that was the strong players that I have at the starting RB position. Also I think that for the 2011 draft waiting on a QB is a great thing. To give you a idea, when I drafted these teams going in the 5th and 6th round were Josh Freeman, Tony Romo, Matt Ryan, and Eli Manning. Are those guys going to get you as many points as Vick or Rogers? No, but the combo of Tony Romo and Adrian Peterson will get you more points than the combo of Vick and let's say Ben Jarvius Green-Ellis or Ryan Grant. These are all just things to consider. I recommend doing some mock drafts this summer to get a feel for what kinds of teams you can put together, at different draft positions. 

Top 10's for the season that may not be.....

Well as you all know the 2011 NFL season may not happen. It will be pending some very interesting player negotiations beginning after this season, but here in "fantasy" land we still need to look ahead. For me "ahead" is tax season so I won't be around for a while. Behind was the birth of my son which is the reason for my lack of blogging at the end of the season, I trust you all made it through just fine. So in this post I will give you my top 10's at each position, keep in mind I am ranking as if all these guys are on the same team next year and will play all 16 games. 


QBs

1. Mike Vick - imagine how good he can be with a whole off season to prepare
2. Aaron Rogers 
3. Phillip Rivers 
4. Tom Brady 
5. Peyton Manning
6. Drew Brees
7. Tony Romo
8. Big Ben Roethlisberger
9. Matt Ryan
10. Josh Freeman 

Who just missed the list? Matt Schaub and Joe Flacco -- sorry guys there were only 10 spots. I do think these guys will have good years. I am a little down on Schaub however because I see the Texans fixing the defensive problems and the offense being involved in less shootouts. 

Hey where is Matt Cassel? Outside the top 12, that's where. Why? He's decent at best and his best games this year were against the abysmal NFC West, sorry Matt.

Where is Jay Cutler? This one is personal... thanks for all the losses Inconsistent Jay.

RBs

1. Peterson
2. Arian Foster
3. Jamaal Charles 
4. Chris Johnson
5. Ray Rice
6. Michael Turner
7. Frank Gore
8. LeSean McCoy
9. Mendenhall
10. MJD

Who just missed? Matt Forte and Ahmad Bradshaw.

Hey where is Peyton Hillis? Can we say the return of Montario Hardesty (he was going to be the guy last year until being sidelined with and ACL tear). I see a Hillis/Hardesty time share. Why? Hillis is a good running back and all but by the end of the season he was worn down and teams love to keep touches low and prolong the lives of their players. 

WRs

1. Greg Jennings
2. Andre Johnson
3. Roddy White
4. Bowe
5. Calvin Johnson
6. Brandon Lloyd
7. Mike Wallace (Pit)
8. Reggie Wayne
9. DeSean Jackson
10. Mile Williams (TB)

Just Out: Kenny Britt, Larry Fitz, Dez Bryant

Hey where is Miles Autitn? See Dez Bryant... thanks 

TEs

1. Gates
2. Vernon Davis
3. Witten
4. Dallas Clark
5. Rob Gronkowski
6. Dustin Keller
7. Jermichael Finley
8. Mercedes Lewis
9. Kellen Winslow
10. Zack Miller

Just out: Brandon Pettigrew - come on he plays for the Lions he can't be in the top 10.

Defenses

1. Steelers
2. Packers 
3. Bears
4. Jets 
5. Ravens 
6. Falcons
7. Titans
8. Patriots
9. Raiders
10. Giants

And there you have it folks... see you in April.

Monday Pickup

It's Playoff time Boom!

So let's talk about pickups that will help you in the weeks to come.


It seems like the Tight End position is the most decimated position in football this year. So many big names are out or hurt. Last night didn't help any with Heath Miller (concussion) and Todd Heap (quad) both going out and being out for the game.

So let's look at some TEs who should be available to help you.

Ben Watson (Browns) - the next two weeks the Browns face Buffalo and the the Bengals, then it's Pitt and the Ravens so you at least like him for two weeks.

Jimmy Graham (Saints) - if Shockey misses any more time then Graham is a decent start, he will have up and down weeks, but at least he will score some points.

Joel Dreessen - (Texans) as long as Owen Daniels is out he is the guy I think he is a top ten guy with no Daniels.

Possibly the backups to Miller and Heap, if they miss time,  David Johnson and Ed Dickenson, but chances are you are not that desperate, I know I am not.


Other Pickups

Browns and Falcons Defenses - if you are matchup playing defenses these two are pretty good, and have meetings with the Bills (Browns) and Panthers x 2(Falcons) on tap.

At this point in time in the fantasy season you know who is good and who isn't. So just dance with you brought you and hopefully at the end of prom you will make 3rd base. ;)

Sit Start Week 13

Well it's week 13 and that means last week before the playoffs.

Word to the wise here.... since it is week 13 it could your last week of meaningful fantasy play. So here is a strategy you can try to help give you the best chance this week. If you are a team who has a playoff spot locked then just start your normal guys, yeah that was easy. Now, if you are a bubble team or a team that needs to win to get the bye in the playoffs then try this. Instead of just blindly starting the "normal" guys start guys with high upside... meaning if you are stuck between two guys pick the one who "could" provide you with the better day. Example, say you have Joel Dreesen as your TE, and you also have Aaron Hernandez, consider starting Hernandez, sure he may only get 2 fantasy points, but he may have the 100 yard 2 touchdown, 22 fantasy day.....

Sunday December 5

1 PM EST Kickoff Games

Jacksonville Jaguars @ Tennessee Titans

Well if you own any Titan you really really hope that Kerry Collins plays. If he does you start Chris Johnson "no brainer", if not well chances are you have to start him. Without some threat of a pass I really don't like Johnson who has been, shall we say, no where near the back he was last year. If Collins plays I think that means good things for Moss and to a lesser degree Nate Washington. If Collins does not play the only Titan I consider is Johnson.  For the Jags I think it's MJD and Mike Thomas, and that's about it. The Titans defense is better than they showed last week, and the Defense will have to play well to keep them in the game. 

Chicago Bears @ Detroit Lions

Da' Bears defense is tough against the pass and the run. Since Stafford and Shaun Hill are both out for the Lions, I really don't like any of them here. I think that if you have Calvin Johnson you have to start him, but there are instances where I think he is a flex or less this week depending on your team. Maurice Morris should have flex consideration this week, other than that I am down on the Lions. For the Bears it's pretty much the opposite. I see Cutler, Forte, and Johnny Knox all having big games. The Lions blitz quite a bit so I can see Greg Olson and Earl Bennett getting some check downs, so if you like to roll the dice, there you go. 

Cleveland Browns @ Miami Dolphins

The Browns are still the Browns... you start Hillis, possibly the Browns defense, and Ben Watson if you are desperate at TE. Don't get cute, it's the Browns. For the Fins, with Chad Henne back in the lineup it helps their offense quite a bit. I really like Ronnie Brown this week as he has been looking better over the past few weeks. If Brandon Marshall plays then you really like him in this match up, if not then Davon Bess should elevate to a top 30 guy or so. Also Anthony Fasano to me is a good play at TE this week, the Browns average giving up about 8 points per week to the position. I really like him if Marshall is out.

Washington Redskins @ New York Giants

To me this game will be all Giants. I think that Eli, Manningham, Bradshaw, and Kevin Boss go off in this game. I can see Jacobs being a flex play as well, but no matter who the starter is Bradshaw is the back you want here. Hakeem Nicks and Steve Smith are both going to be out again so expect good things from Manningham. For the Skins maybe Santa Moss as a WR 2 or a flex, and Chris Cooley will probably be ok, I don't trust McNabb or any of the 45 running backs. 

San Francisco 49ers @ Green Bay Packers

For all of you who rushed to the wire to get Westbrook good job, now put him on the bench. I think that going forward the rushing will be much more 50/50 between Westbrook and Antony Dixon. For me I like Dixon better, because I think that the 49ers will want to see what they have in him, and that he could see a starter's workload in the weeks to come. So what did all that mean? I really have no confidence in starting any 49er. I say Westbrook and Crabtree are flex at best. Start Vernon Davis if you must, but he has been below average too this year. For the Packers you have to love Rodgers and Jennings in this match up. I like Brandon Jackson as a flex type guy this week. For me I think that James Jones has the most value of all the other WRs

New Orleans Saints @ Cincinnati Bengals

This one is easy, you are starting all of your Saints pass catchers with the exception of the TEs, I'm not a fan of the Saints TEs. Also, I think that Chris Ivory is still the guy you want there at least for this week, but Bush is back and Pierre Thomas should be too, so I really have no faith in just the RBs seeing enough work to be relevant. For the Bengals I guess you have to consider T.O. and Benson, but honestly I am not really a fan of either this week, so beware. 

Buffalo Bills @ Minnesota Vikings

For the Bills, Steve Johnson and Fred Jackson have elevated to start regardless of match up status. That said other than those guys, maybe Ryan Fitz if you are weak at QB, maybe because Shaun Hill is out or Palmer has a tough match up. For the Vikes, if Peterson plays and it looks like he will start him, if not start Gerhart, I don't think it will matter against the Bills soft defense. I actually like Harvin and Rice as a WR2 and WR3 in this game, no way you ever start the jeans salesman.... sorry. 

Denver Broncos @ Kansas City Chiefs

I think all the Broncos should be good plays here, Orton, Lloyd, Moreno, Royal. I can see this one getting into a shootout. For the Chiefs I like everyone here too, Charles, Thomas Jones to a lesser extent, Bowe, Moeaki, and Matt Cassell. I think Cassell is a top 8 QB this week.

4:05 PM EST Kickoff Games

Oakland Raiders @ San Diego Chargers

Vincent Jackson is a no go this week, that being the case I really like Malcom Floyd and Legadu Naanee to come up big in the passing game. Obviously you are starting Rivers and Tolbert, Gates if he is active and Kaeding the kicker and heck start the defense while you are at it. For the Raiders, McFadden is the only guy I start with any certainty. To a degree I guess you go with Louis Murphy and possibly Jacoby Ford. The Chargers defense has been up and down this year, so it could be feast or famine, my guess famine. 

Carolina Panthers @ Seattle Seahawks

I can see Matt Hasselbeck being decent in this match up, but I don't love him. Not really a fan of the Seahawks rushers either, if you have to Marshawn Lynch is the guy there. I really like Mike Williams this week if he plays, but he is likely to be a game time decsion, so my gut says go with WR Ben Obomanu. For the Panthers I really like Mike Goodson and Johnathan Stewart this week. Still not trusting the passing game, but hey, as long as your name is Steve Smith someone might throw it to you. 

Atlanta Falcons @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Bucks defense is not the worst in the League, but they are also not very scary. I see no reason not to start all your Falcons here. For Tampa Bay I think they are down big and will need to throw. I like Josh Freeman, Mike Williams, and possibly Kellen Winslow (to return from the dead) and play well.  Not a huge fan of the running game for the Bucs, because the Falcons defense is pretty good and they will be down big.

St. Louis Rams @ Arizona Cardinals

After last week's garbage performance how do you possibly start any Cardinal other than Larry Fitz and possibly Steve Breaston? Answer... you don't. On the Rams side of the ball I look for Bradford, Steven Jackson and Danny Amendola all to have big games. Don't really trust the TEs of the Rams even after a few big weeks. Just call it a hunch. 

Dallas Cowboys @ Indianapolis Colts

Dallas has been really up and down this whole year. The Colts come in with one of the league's worst run defenses. So I guess that makes Felix Jones a decent start this week. I see this one as the Colts being up big and Dallas needing to throw, so in all honestly I think for Dallas you roll the dice on Miles Austin, and Dez Bryant, play Witten and leave everyone else alone. For the Colts you love Peyton Manning, Jacob Tamme, and Reggie Wayne this week.  If I am starting a Colts RB it's Donald Brown who I think will be good, not great this week. I like him more than Jones though.

Pittsburgh Steelers @ Baltimore Ravens  

The last time these two team met the Ravens as a team played awful. This time, however, I think they have their offense a bit more figured out, and I like Ray Rice, Boldin, and Mason in this game. Not a huge Flacco fan and not real big on Todd Heap either as the Steelers are fantastic against the TE. For the Steelers I can see Mike Wallace and Mendenhall being decent here. I'm not real high on Roethlisberger this week because of the tough match up and the fact he has been in a walking boot most of the week. I see this game being a 14 - 10 type knock down drag out game so it's hard to love anyone here. 

Monday December 6


Could this be the biggest game of the year so far??? You tell me.

New York Jets @ New England Patriots  

To me for the Jets, Tomlinson, Sanchez, Holmes, and Keller are must starts. This is because as good as the Jets defense is New England will still score points and the Jets will have to match them. That should not be hard considering the Pats defense is not all that great. For the Pats much of the same argument as above applies. Brady, Branch, Welker, and Green-Ellis are must starts. Reason would show that Revis should cover Branch part of the time and Welker part of the time, giving each a chance to make plays. I could see anything from no catches to a 20+ fantasy day for either of the TEs for New England, sorry folks your guess is as good as mine on this one.   Should be a fun game. 

You want to know who's terrible???

Well it's time to be terrible again.

So you want to know who is terrible?

Courtland Finnegan - I still maintain that both he and Andre Johnson should have been suspended, even though that would have killed a few of my fantasy teams. But back to Finnegan, I mean who is this guy? He gets in a fight with Johnson and then after it's over stands in the middle of the field and shouts at the Texans sidelines. Then, as he is being escorted off the field is smiling and waving to the Texans fans? Truly Terrible.

Onto more fantasy related terribleness.

Frank Gore - not that he is terrible just that he is out for the season, which makes Brian Westbrook the pickup of the week by far, so if you have number 1 waiver priority I say you use it on this one, if not put a claim on Westbrook and see if you get lucky.

Any Tennessee Titan not named Chris Johnson - so yes I did just tell you to drop Randy Moss. To me as long as Rusty Smith is the QB you want no part of this passing game.

Any Buffalo running back that is not Fred Jackson should have been dropped weeks ago.

Any New England RB that is not Green-Ellis should also go.

It's a week before the playoffs, folks. Gone are the days of holding onto someone "just in case" they breakout.

Get the terribleness off your team.

Monday Pickup

Well it's the Monday after a four day weekend and that leaves everyone in need of a pickup.

So let's get to it.

Toby Gerhart, RB Vikings - there are reasons to handcuff your studs, folks. If Adrian Peterson misses any time, you have to pick this guy up. If you are a Peterson owner you should have already had him.

Rant... Folks agree and disagree on this, but you have to handcuff your studs. Do you handcuff every number one running back in the NFL? No. Who should I handcuff?  For me it's any running back that is an elite talent and had more than about 80% of the workload in the backfield. That would be who? Peterson, Chris Johnson, Michael Turner, Frank Gore, and Ray Rice. Why do you not handcuff guys like Fred Jackson and Peyton Hillis then? Because I believe that in their situation it's the player that makes the difference, not the touches. Meaning that I think Javon Ringer would be a starting fantasy RB if Chris Johnson was out. At the same time, no way you start C.J. Spiller if Fred Jackson is out.

Onto more pickups.

Matt Cassell, QB Chiefs - if you need QB help going into the playoffs here is your guy. He struggled early, but since week six he has had double digits all the way.

Maurice Morris, RB Lions - He seems to be the starter at this point, should be worthy of a flex play.

Joel Dreessen, TE Texans - He is not the best TE in the league, but you could do worse. Just watch for the return of Owen Daniels which could kill his value.

Remember for most of you this is the last week before the fantasy playoffs so get it going!

Lots of Lists

My attempt is try to do a week's worth of fantasy in one day since it's the holiday and I may or may not be able to write for Friday.

This post will consist of lots of lists that will hopefully carry you through till next week.

List of guys you should own if no one in your league does:

1. Ryan Fitzpatrick, QB Bills
2. Browns Defense ... Playing Carolina next week
3. Shaun Hill, QB Lions
4. Mike Goodson, RB Panthers - as bad as that team is, why not let him run. 
5. Nate Washington, WR Titans - guy opposite Randy Moss syndrome

List of guys who need to be dropped:

1. Brandon Jacobs, RB Giants - Since the bye week Bradshaw has stolen the show.
2. Kellen Winslow, TE Bucs - only one double digit game this year, no thanks. 
3. Jahvid Best, RB Lions - come on, one 40 point game doesn't mean a lifetime roster spot
4. Anyone on the Dolphins... yeah I am serious. 

List of teams that play on Thanksgiving Day, meaning that you should think about getting them in or out of your lineup before you slip into a turkey coma:

1. Dallas 
2. New Orleans
3. New England 
4. Detroit
5. Cincinnati 
6. J.E.T.S (Jets Jets Jets) I typed the ( ) part really fast. 

List of things to eat on Thursday in order of importance:

1. Turkey
2. Dressing
3. Pumpkin Pie
4. Green Beans
5. Rolls
6. repeat 
7. Tums

List of my best calls of the year:

1. Running Backs by Value.... well 2 out of three wasn't bad
2. My boyfriend Peyton Hillis oh yeah, best call of the year. If you got him I accept gift cards to all major restaurants. 
3. Ridding yourself of Chad Johnson (85) 

Sigh... Worst calls of the year

1. Shonn Green  oh yeah I loved him.
2. Jacoby Jones oh yeah loved him too.+
3. Kareem Huggins Who?