New York Giants, You Have a Terrible Tuesday.

One time when I was a kid, I went with my parents to a Lady Vols basketball game. At halftime of this game, the nice folks from Chick-fil-a made it their pleasure to throw some parachuting cows down from the rafters. Me being a kid, I just had to have one, and I was in luck. Sure enough one was floating down towards my parents and me.  Just as my dad reached up to grab it some old lady (or a "mad mamaw" as I like to call them) took it right out of his hands. Usually my dad is very calm and reserved, but caught up in the moment he snatched that cow right back from her and gave her a look that would send Navy Seals into a crying fit. Needless to say, I got the cow!

This fan last weekend must have felt just like that lady at the Vols game.
Video

I especially like the lady about the 30 second mark telling Jacobs what he can do with the helmet.

Drop of the Week

Brandon Jacobs,

There was a guy I mentioned during draft time, his name... Ahmad Bradshaw. I am fairly sure I told you that he would be the Giants starter, but it seems that most folks went ahead and drafted Jacobs ahead of Bradshaw anyway. Well I told you then, I will tell you now. Send Brandon Jacobs for a swim in the free agent pool.  He has done nothing notable this year but throw his helmet into the stands (which is worth no fantasy points unfortunately). You heard it here first, and second. Clear your roster of all things Jacobs.

Monday PIckup

Fantasy value just over the next Hillis!

Peyton Hillis   
           
Hillis was a beast yesterday in a fantasy day that saw quite a few names a top scoring leader board that if I were to tell you they would be there at the beginning of the season, you would think I was crazy. One of those guys was Peyton Hillis. Hillis ran the ball 22 times for 144 yards and a touchdown, and caught 7 of 8 passes thrown to him for 36 yards. You must realize that Hillis saw an increase in work because Jerome Harrison was out yesterday. I think it speaks well for his potential that he was able to have such a great day against one of the best defenses in the NFL. Even when Harrison comes back Hillis will be the GUY!

Sit / Start and the Battle of Texas

In my opinion the movie Tombstone is one of the best ever! Great cast, great story, and several great shootouts. The same might be said with the Cowboys v Texans games over the last few years. None will be bigger than this one, this weekend. The 0-2 Cowboys will play the 2-0 Texans. Let’s just be honest, the Cowboys are on a downhill slide and the Texans an uphill one. Just like the movie Tombstone this one will be wild.

San Francisco at Kansas City

Sit: Not a huge fan of Crabtree in the short term. I think he is still trying to find himself in the offense. Thomas Jones, so what he gets more carries than Charles.  He does nothing with them.

Start: The usual guys here. I think that Gore will have another big game. The 49ers D could come up big with some TOs here.

Detroit at Minnesota

Sit: This could be the week that Favre finally comes up big. Honestly I don’t trust him or the Vikings receivers.

Start:  Javid Best is hot right now; Vikes defense is good, not great. Of course the usual guys, and Stupid Old Brett Favre.


Buffalo at New England

Sit: All, yes I said ALL, Bills… ALL, everyone, not most… ALL.

Start: Any Patriot you would usually start here will be fine. I actually think this is the week Fred Taylor has a good week, he was limited because of a toe injury last week. Also Kevin Faulk is out and they traded Maroney, so the running back committee is a little thinner.


Atlanta at New Orleans

Sit: Anthony Gonzalez and Robert Meachem, these guys have done nothing to show that they will be a part of the offense.

Start: Roddy White thus far in the season is top 5 in targets among WRs. I think that whichever RB for the Falcons, Turner or Snelling, will be good. It will also be interesting to see who the number 2 behind Pierre Thomas will be, could be a good pickup for next week. I’m leaning towards Chris Ivory.


Tennessee at NY Giants

Sit: Titans WRs. Vince is rattled, Collins may or may not play. Steve Smith has been slow to start; I don’t think you can confidently start him this week against the Titans corners.

Start: The Giants “hate” Brandon Jacobs after the whole helmet throwing thing. I think this means even more value for Bradshaw.


Cleveland at Baltimore

Sit: It’s the Ravens D. I can’t think of a Brown worthy of a start here.

Start: I think the Ravens and Flacco get back on track here.


Pittsburgh at Tampa Bay

Sit: Almost every offensive player. I can’t see either team having more than 200 yards total offense.

Start: Mendenhall and Cadillac Williams might be ok. I just don’t trust anyone here.


Cincinnati at Carolina

Sit: Johnathan Stewart, he has done nothing this year, I just can’t see a situation where you would start him. I don’t see any Panther WR other than Steve Smith being close to valuable, he may not even be.

Start: Based on the fact that the Panthers are starting a “new” QB, I really like the Bengals defense here. I also think that the Bengals WRs will be in for a good day.


Philadelphia at Jacksonville 


Sit: All your Jags other than MJD, come on now. Also, I will never change my opinion of Mike Simms-Walker even if he consistently scores 45 fantasy points per week.

Start: I like every Eagle offensive player here! Every means all, not most.


Washington at St. Louis

Sit: Not a fan of either defense here. Also, at some point in time Portis will lose his value, just wait you will see.

Start: I think you have to start Mark Clayton here and also, if you are in QB trouble Bradford is interesting. Other than that, just the usual guys.


Indianapolis at Denver

Sit: It all depends on which Indy defense shows up. If it’s the one from the Battle of the Mannings, I like few Broncos. I think you have to sit Garcon until he becomes more consistent.

Start: All your Colts. I do not, however, think that the running game will be as good as last week. Also, I like Eddie Royal for Denver.  Orton is comfortable with him, and he is a good possession receiver.


Oakland at Arizona

Sit: All Raiders other than McFadden and Zack Miller.

Start: You really like Wells or Hightower here, whichever one starts. Also Larry Fitzgerald could be in for a good game. The Cardinals' defense will be a good start too with a new QB under center for the Raiders.


San Diego at Seattle

Sit: Legadu Naanee. I like him long term, but don’t like him this week. Also it might be a good idea to avoid the RB situation completely as Ryan Matthews might try to play just enough to rob value from Tolbert. However if Matthews does not play then Tolbert could be a good option.

Start: Would you believe me if I told you that Matt Hasselbeck thus far has outscored Tom Brady, Tony Romo, and Drew Brees? Nah, I didn’t think you would.


NY Jets at Miami

Sit: Jets Defense. I think the Fins will try to throw all over the defense to try and get the running game going for Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams. Don’t dare start drunken Braylon Edwards. Shonn Green, sorry if I steered you wrong, but LT has rendered him useless.

Start: I really expect a big game from Brandon Marshall here. Also I think that LT will have a good game here.


Monday Night!
Green Bay at Chicago

Sit: Stay away from Brandon Jackson this week. The Bears held all of Dallas’s RB to a total of 4, count them, 4 fantasy points.

Start: You gotta start Cutler, he has been Fantasy goodness thus far (number 3 QB in terms of Fantasy points). Matt Forte, he has been goodness too.

Game of the Week “The Battle of Texas”
Dallas at Houston

Sit: Both Defenses and the Dallas RBs (I have no faith in them.)

Start: Every other offensive player! This one will be a “Shootout”, pun intended.

Baltimore, you have a Terrible tuesday

I hear a saying here in the South a lot. That saying is "I could care less if" such and such happens. Let's break that down a little. I think that the saying is "I couldn't care less", because if I could care less then obviously there is some level of care less than I have for the situation. So grammar lesson for the day (because I am about as qualified to give that as I am fantasy information) is to always say "I couldn't care less", because there is no level of care less than the one I have. So what does all this mean? It means I couldn't care less if you drop TJ Houshmandzadeh from your fantasy team. (Statement of fact.)

This weeks drop of the week...
T.J. Houshmandzadeh     Source

Well well... its Tuesday time again and this is the guy. I really questioned his fantasy value after the trade right before the season began. It's hard for a receiver to earn the favor of the QB after the season has already begun, ie with no training camp work and the like. With the Ravens struggles in the passing offense and the fact that TJ is at best the 3rd WR on this team. You HAVE to let him go. There are plenty of better guys on your waiver wire, I just know it.

PS I put the picture on here so I could verify the spelling of his last name. Never trust a guy with a 14 letter last name. Don't.

Pickup of the Week

So as I have mentioned before on the blog, I play rec league volleyball. It's a real man's sport you know. Anyway, last Friday night while going up for a block, I landed wrong on my foot, rolled my ankle, and may have sidelined myself for a few weeks. As I sit here writing this 2+ days later, my foot is still pretty sore and black and blue from the ankle down. I don't feel bad, I was not the only athlete to go down this weekend. A first and second round draft pick went down this week. WHO? Michael Turner and Ryan Matthews, which brings us to the pickups of the week.

Jason Snelling       Source

Snelling yesterday went off against the Cards. He had 24 carries 5 receptions and near 200 total yards, and three touchdowns. Early word out of the Falcons was that Turner could have gone back in, but since the game was a blowout he did not. I still think Snelling is worth a pickup and a sit on the bench for now.... Turner will be hurt again.





Mike Tolbert                                          Source

Mike Tolbert took over for Ryan Matthews yesterday, who went down with an ankle injury (I feel your pain Ryan). In relief of the injured Mathews he had 2 touchdowns and about 100 combined yards. Just like the situation above, Matthews should be back next week. Now we know who the number 2 guy is.... just pick this guy up and sit on him. If Matthews doesn't go this week.... boom you've got a starter.

Sit / Start Week Two and the "Battle of the Mannings"

Week Two Sit/Start

Again I try to address the picks that might be close.

Buffalo @ Green Bay
Sit: This one is easy...don't start a Bills player. OK OK maybe Lee Evans at a flex play or #2 wide out. No way you should start Spiller here.
Start: Any Packer, Brandon Jackson will be replacing the injured Ryan Grant. He is going to have a good game. The rest of the Packers are no brainers.

Ravens @ Bengals
Sit: Wait for it..... T.O. there I said it. It's the Ravens D. It's nasty.
Start I think Chad 85 and Benson will have flex play value here. Bolden will have value as a #2 WR. I'm on the fence about Flacco, but if you've got him start him. If Todd Heap plays he will have a good day.

Pittsburgh @ Tennessee
Sit: No QB or TE on either of these teams, don't get cute.
Start: The usuals, plus Nate Washington. I don't really trust him, but sometimes you have to have a little faith.

Bears @ Cowboys
Sit:  Jay Cutler, any Cowboys running back not named Marion Barber.
Start: Usual guys for Dallas, Matt Forte even though I think you have seen his best game. Dallas gets the missing 2 offensive linemen back this week. I look for a good showing from Dallas after last week.

Philly @ Detroit
Sit: No surprises here, you will start all the usuals.
Start: The usuals plus VICK, do it.

Tampa Bay @ Carolina
Sit: On the off chance Jonathan Stewart is as bad as last week. Leave him on the bench.
Start: The Williams, Mike and Cadillac for TB. The Steve Smith and Williams for Carolina.

Arizona @ Atlanta
Sit: Tim Hightower, Beanie Wells will play.  Both defenses shoot out alert.
Start: Usual guys here. If Wells starts, suit him up. If not, suit Hightower up.

Kansas City @ Cleveland
Sit: Thomas Jones, he's old. Jammal Charles is the dude.
Start: Charles, Bowe for Kansas City and Peyton Hillis for the Browns? (I believe).

Miami @ Minnesota
Sit: Not a fan of the Vikes passing game until they can prove something, I stay away from Minnesota WRs.
Start: Last week Brandon Marshall proved he could be trusted no matter what. I like the Ronnie Brown here too.

Seattle @ Denver
Sit: If you were thinking of starting Correll Buckhalter, don't. Matt Hasselbeck, Justin Forsett, are a don't. I am not buying into the Seahawks.
Start: Mike Williams for Seattle could be good here if you need a flex play. Other than that it's just Moreno.

Rams @ Raiders
Sit: Both QBs and anyone not named in the start section below.
Start: Steven Jackson, McFadden, Zack Miller

Texans @ Skins
Sit: All Redskins other than Chris Cooley and Portis, who I don't really like either.
Start: All Texans. I think that the Texans will return to form here, and throw much more than last week.

Jacksonville @ SanDeigo
Sit: All Jacksonville players other than Mercedes Lewis and MJD. Historically the Jags are a bad, bad road team.
Start: All the Chargers you were going to start anyway plus Legedu Naanee. (I made a rhyme :).

New England @ New York Jets
Sit: Wait for it....... Randy Moss. Here's the facts...he is going to go up against Revis. Moss in his last four games against the Jets has an average of 25 yards per game.
Start: Welker.  With Moss covered like a mattress, Wes will have another big game. Fred Taylor? eh just saying. Oh and Shonn Green. I'm still on the wagon.

Monday Night
Saints @ 49ers
Sit: 49ers Defense, Robert Meachem
Start: I think offensively the 49's will bounce back and the Saints will continue to roll. I have never been a big Reggie Bush fan, I'm not one here either. Pierre Thomas looked good last week.

Game of the Week "Battle of the Mannings"

Source

Giants @ Colts
Sit: Both Defenses, this one will be a shootout. Other than the folks that are hurt you can load up on other players here. Hakeen Nicks has been out of practice all week with an injury. You might not want to go with him.
Start: I like Bradshaw to be the best RB on the field on Monday night. I don't think you can go wrong starting any of the fantasy relevant players on these teams.

Terrible Tuesday

A few months ago the "Fantasy Wife" and I discussed an outfit for the "Fantasy Son" to wear on Thanksgiving. She had visions of a cute Turkey-"ish" outfit, but I said not so fast. Nothing says Thanksgiving like Dallas Cowboys football so I proceeded to buy this.

I show/tell you these things to illustrate just how hard this next part will be...

Dallas.... it's Tuesday. It pains me to write this as a long time Texas Longhorns and Dallas Cowboys fan, but Roy Williams has got to go.

Why get rid of him??? Uh, have you seen him play over the last few years at Dallas? Williams caught 3 balls vs the Skins this past week, and he looked not as bad as last year. Miles Austin and Dez Bryant are the clear #1 and #2 guys on this team, maybe not on the depth chart, but clearly in Romo's heart. Dez Bryant had 8 catches in the loss and Romo was looking for him all night. Just drop Williams...sigh.

source

It's Monday, you need a little Pickup!

I know I need a pickup this morning. After a busy weekend of watching football, studying for that pesky CPA exam, and attending our 2nd baby shower, I am beat. This morning I got up early, made some Starbucks breakfast blend, and wrote the following decent fantasy advice...

This week's Pickup of the Week is Mark Clayton
Clayton Quickly emerged yesterday as the Rams number one wideout. Now, I have never been big on owning and starting players from "bad" teams, but the Rams played decent football yesterday. I typically try not to be "trendy" with my pickups, but when I watched some of the Rams game yesterday, I could see a commitment to the pass through Sam Bradford. Clayton caught 10 passes yesterday in the Rams shootout. I like the fact that he had that many catches, it shows that the Rams are looking to make him a bigger part of the offense like he was in Baltimore. So, in short if you need WR help after week one, here is our guy. I still like Mike Williams of the Seahawks better, but chances are he's already gone.

Week one Sit / Start

It's week one time and this post is all fantasy! It's sit 'em or start 'em time. Ok, here is how this one is going to go. I am going to take each game of the weekend and Monday and tell you which guy or guys to sit (that you might want to start) and guys to start (that you might want to sit). I can't say it all in this blog so don't use this as your only "source", this is merely reasonably decent fantasy information, based on fact, opinion, research, and bias. There are certain guys on every team that should be started every week, you know who they are. I will not mention those guys unless I feel like they are not starters for the week. Ok, here goes.

Cleveland @ Tampa Bay
Sit : Any Tampa Bay wide receiver that you might have, don't do it... take your finger off the button
Start: Jerome Harrison (Tampa Bay is not good against the run, start this guy. Please.)

Miami @ Buffalo
Sit: Bills = Good pass defense...sit Brandon Marshall
Start: Bills = Awful run defense...start Ronnie Brown and/or Ricky Williams

Cincinatti @ New England
Sit: Any NE Running Back.  Why? Who knows which ones (plural) will play and the Bengals have a decent run defense.
Start:  Welker.  No worries about the knee here. Oh, and I think T.O. out fantasy performs Ochocinco

Colts @ Texans
Sit: Not big on Reggie Wayne here, but I think the guys that need sitting are Donald Brown and Steve Slaton. No way they are even flex plays this week, this game will be pass heavy.
Start: Kevin Walter (what no Jacoby Jones?) not this week. Walter is still #2.

Denver @ Jacksonville
Sit: David Garrard and Mike Sims-Walker
Start: Kyle Orton. If you got him to split time with another QB, he is the guy against this bad bad defense. Also Jabar Gaffney will have a huge week.

Falcons @ Steelers
Sit: Any Falcon not named Roddy White.  Chances are you have to start Michael Turner, that does not mean I think it's a good idea.
Start: I see this one as a struggle so other than the obvious I really have no favorites on this one. Maybe Heath Miller if you've got him.

Oakland @ Tennessee
Sit:  Don't dare start a Titans WR, just don't.
Start: Zack Miller, I see Campbell checking down a lot.

Carolina @ Giants
Sit:  Brandon Jacobs (see below)
Start: Ahmad Bradshaw, the "new" #1 running back for the Giants. I see their defense as better this year, causing them to be in less shootouts, and running more.

Detroit @ Chicago
Sit: You weren't really going to start anyone other than Calvin Johnson from the Lions were you? Come on it's the Lions.
Start: Jay Cutler has a great game here.  Also don't be afraid of Matt Forte, he's going to really do it this year!

Arizona @ St. Louis
Sit: Beanie Wells may not play, he was held out of practice on Thursday and that really makes me think he is a no for Sunday.
Start: Any Cardinal you've got, love them all here except for Beanie Wells, looks like he might not play. Could be a big game for Hightower.

Green Bay @ Philly
Sit: LeSean McCoy, he is facing last year's best run defense. Green Bay will be ahead big, just don't.
Start: Kevin Kolb and the Philly receivers will be in for a big game when this one turns into a shootout.

49ers @ Seahawks
Sit: All Seahawks.  Forsett could be ok, but you probably have someone better.
Start: All 49ers you've got, except Alex Smith the QB.  There are better options elsewhere. Gore, Crabtree, Vernon Davis will all have a big game.

Cowboys @ Skins
Sit: Never ever start Roy Williams unless I tell you otherwise.
Start: I like Portis in this match up, just saying.

Chargers @ Chiefs

Sit: I don't think you can trust Thomas Jones just yet.

Start: Malcon Floyd/Legedu Naanee.  The Bolts are going to be throwing all over the place.

Best Game of the Week
 source    source

Ravens @ Jets
Sit: Flacco, Bolden, any other non Ray Rice offensive component. Why?  It's time for Reeves Island.

Start: It's hard to recommend anyone here, this one is going to be dominated by defense. I would really look elsewhere if you want some guaranteed fantasy points.

So it begins...Sit or Start

Tonight marks the start of the NFL season, Fantasy Football season, and rec league volleyball. What? Yeah yeah, I play rec league volleyball. No, I am not a girl. We have been practicing volleyball for about a month now, and are ready to go for our first game tonight against our bitter rivals, a church team from here in town. Playing this church team is like the Cowboys/Redskins game, it doesn't matter if you lose all the rest of the  games, you must win this one. Shew, now I am pumped! On to fantasy football.

The game tonight:  Saints - Vikings
Link

You will be starting all of your Saints - Brees, Colston, Pierre Thomas, I like Reggie Bush here, and Hartley "the kicker".
For the Vikings you will start Favre (unless you have another QB you would rather start a Kile Orton or a Jay Cutler here if you picked up one of those guys late). Of course you will start AP and Percy Harvin. Against the Saints defense I don't really like Berrian, but if you drafted him as your number 2 WR you probably should start him as well. I'm not a huge fan of either defense here, but if you drafted them as your only defense and have no other options you gotta do it.

My prediction for the game.... "Pain" for the Vikings. I don't think it's close. Sorry Vikes fans.... more sit start Friday or Saturday!

Terrible Tuesday PIcks

Here are some unpopular picks of things going into this NFL season. Most of these issues will be Fantasy relevant...

1. Michael Turner finishes the year as the #3 fantasy running back.
2. Miles Austin finishes the year as a top 3 wide receiver.
3. Joe Flacco is a top 5 fantasy QB this year.
4. Tampa Bay is the worst team in football.
5. The Lions win at least 5 games.
6. Vince Young finishes as a better fantasy QB than Matt Ryan.
7. Terrell Owens is a better fantasy WR than Chad 85 (this one could get rocks thrown through my windows).
8. Texans win 11 games.
9. Neither Saints nor Colts make the Superbowl.
10. Brett Favre is not a top 10 QB.
11. The year of the final fantasy death of LT.
12. Tony Romo has a better fantasy year than any other QB.
13. Jets are not a top five fantasy defense this year. 
14. Dallas wins the Superbowl.

Monday Pickup and Labor day

Labor day is usually celebrated on the first Monday in September and coincides with the near end of summer and the beginning of fall. "Labor Day honors the social and economic contributions that the American worker has made to the growth wealth and prosperity of the country." (Washington Post)  So today on this labor day, relax, enjoy a day off, and pick up Kareem Huggins.

Pickup of the Week:

Kareem Huggins

source

Huggins is the backup in Tampa Bay to Cadillac Williams. Huggins may or may not be drafted in your league. If he is not and you need some help at RB, or you would just like to to have a "cheap" high upside guy, here is your man. He is only one Cadillac Williams knee injury away from a starting role. Huggins was the rushing leader in the preseason averaging 5.4 yards a carry. I like his upside and his name.

Go ahead, receive that value

I just love to be able to get something for nothing. That being said, I don't think I have ever really won anything in my life. I've entered contests but never really had any success. That being said, here is a post full of something for nothing.

Calling all drafters, it's time for the weekly value section of the blog. This week is WRs so let's get to it.

Miles Austin

Ok, so what could possibly be valuable about this guy? For starters he is currently going as the 8th WR, 24th overall. Kids, this is way way too low. I like Austin better than every receiver, save Andre Johnson. I think that the Dallas offensive line will return to form and not look like they did against the Texans, and this guy will have a monster year. I have no problems reaching for him the the 2nd round.  Even if you don't like him as the second best fantasy receiver in football, at least concede that he will be better than Fitzgerald.

Pierre Garcon

Ok, here's a guy who emerged late last year, did so so, and then went off in the playoffs. Garcon is currently going 65th over all and 24th among receivers. I think this year he will be the number 2 receiver for the Colts. Garcon is definitely the most athletic of the Colts receivers, and with Manning throwing him the ball he should be a solid #2 WR. You heard it here first.

Jacoby Jones

If you read the blog you know I like this guy (see Monday pickup) to emerge as at least a good option for a flex play. He is currently going in the 15th or 16th round. Just get him, sit him on the bench, thank me later.

Answers to Preseason

Ok, it's time. I told you that I would follow up to my preseason questions, and I am a man of my word. So here are my thoughts on the few areas of the preseason we looked at earlier.

1. As far as the Chiefs go, I think Charles is still the starter. I also think that those 20+ point fantasy games where he rushes for 150 plus yards are over. I like Charles but if you think he will be top 5 talent this year even with Thomas Jones in the mix you are barking up the wrong tree.
2. To me, I think all the addition of Terrell Owens did for the Cincy is discount Ochocinco's value. I don't really know that you can start T.O. early with any confidence.
3. Brett Favre will be fantasy terrible this year. If you draft him as a starter and don't have a decent backup waiting around, watch out.
4. Ryan Matthews looks to be a solid RB for the chargers. I think he will be a solid #2 RB in your fantasy lineup, that being said he probably is being drafted a bit high.
5. No rookie QB is ownable.
6. In Seattle, Julius Jones is still the #1 RB on the depth chart, but I think Forsett is #1 in their hearts. Forsett is the guy you want in Seattle.