LOCKERROOM

Professor Ellis D Trails Week 2 Syllabus

2007-09-13T06:00:00.000-04:00

Good day my loyal students who return for yet another exciting season ahead. To those who showed up last week for class and were denied access to the breadth of football knowledge due to my inconspicuous absence. Well, I must confess that dear Mrs. Trails and I were away celebrating another wonderful year together. I know you ask, “But Professor how could you, of all people, get married on the most important weekend of NFL & Fantasy season, I say that’s life. We sailed the Adriatic in search of new creatures to bring to our home in an effort to bring about different and exciting ways to access the antipodes of the mind. My findings you will discover in future syllabi.

Week one was a wild one indeed, with many teams winning on last second FG’s being made possible by the Prevent (your team from winning) Defense. Others took advantage of poor decision making or execution of special teams. There were many injuries as well that will affect many of our lineups and matchups. So, without further ado on to week 2.

BUF @ PIT – Buffalo was leading their game against Denver for 59:59 and lost. How? Well, with just over two minutes left, Marshawn Lynch takes a pitch outside and instead of letting the clock keep running; he goes out of bounds, stopping the clock. That means a lot, when the Broncos get the game winning FG off with 1 second left. Add injury to insult, they lost starting defenders Ko Simpson and Jason Webster possibly for the year. Ouch! Pittsburgh on the other hand destroyed their opponent and made them seem like a team that could only match up with the Michigan Wolverines right now. Big Ben looked stellar and Parker turned it on late to cross the century mark. The Bills are not Cleveland of course, but one has to wonder how the Bills gave up so many yards and yet so few points.

JP Losman – Once again, Loserman is announced as the Bills savior and once again he will disappoint. He just doesn’t have it. He tries to hard for the big play too often and doesn’t take what is given him.

Marshawn Lynch – He is a train. He is a train that is angry and the defense is his enemy. He is a force. Too bad he is in Buffalo. This kid will be a stud though; his heart and determination won’t allow anything else. Lynch = Anti-McGayhee

Lee Evans – Poor Lee Evans. Maybe Loserman will get hurt and he will be able to have a chance at consistent opportunities. Basically, if he doesn’t catch a couple deep balls, he is useless.

Ben Roethlisberger – He did awesome, against Cleveland. I wouldn’t expect that output regularly. He kicked ass in the first game of the season last year too. He will, however, give you a not to high, but consistent score each week and in most leagues that is something to behold

FWP – Before breaking out in the second half, I was not impressed by what I saw from Willie this week. By then the defense was tired and conceded the game. Buffalo was torn up by that Bronco blocking scheme and I am interested to see if they will stop Parker this week. My gut says they will.

Hines Ward – Time to hand over the reigns to budding star Santonio Holmes. Ward is still the main man, but Holmes is coming on fast.

Heath Miller – He caught a TD last week. He’ll get another one around week 7 or 8.

CIN @ CLE – Cincinnati escaped Baltimore with a win last week. Instead of pounding McGayhee 4 times from inside the 10, they decide to throw, throw, and throw with Kyle Boller, LMAO!! – Instructions on How to Lose in the NFL by Brian Billick. I wasn’t aware of the vaunted Bengal run defense that he must have been expecting. Cleveland traded their starting QB for nothing and then signs never-was Ken Dorsey back because the golden boy, Quinn basically demanded it. Cowboy’s fans revel in it.

Carson Palmer – Big Ben had a career day against these guys, nufced.

Rudi Johnson – Should have a pretty decent game, but won’t be needed, see above.

Chad Johnson – Self Proclaimed future Hall of Famer will bolster his stats and have another surprise for us all. I for one cannot wait.

Derek Anderson – Who? That’s what you’ll be saying by this time next year as the Quinn era should begin next week.

Jamal Lewis – He is rejuvenated this year. He also just realized he plays for Cleveland. Damn, sucks to be him.

Braylon Edwards/Kellen Winslow – These guys have so much talent, enormous potential. I honestly do not remember a team that had so many weapons that was this terrible. Joe Thomas did not look like he deserved to be taken in the top 3 rounds, let alone top 3 picks.

IND @ TEN – Peyton Manning throws 3 Td’s and close to 300 yards in an easy win. Ho-hum, another day at the office. My prediction of Wayne overtaking Marvin this year is already off to a great start. The Saints have started their descent back to Earth after last year. The play calling was about as awful as you could get against the Colts. Reggie Bush rushing up the middle – NO. Completely stop using Deuce to his strengths – NO. Payton is about to give Billick a run for his money in showing teams How to Lose in the NFL. The Titans upset the Jaguars in a game where Jack Del Rio just may have shown why he should be the first coach to be fired this year. I really don’t understand why that horse face is still a coach. He has taken a team that looks pretty good on paper and makes them suck again and again. Time for a change there.

Peyton Manning – What else is there to say about the smartest and most effective QB in the league, seriously.

Joe Addai – Scary moment right off the bat for Jo-Jo. He came back and obliterated the defense. Tennessee played surprisingly well against the run last week, but Jax doesn’t bring a passing game anywhere near the Colt’s. So, expect big things until further notice

Reggie Wayne – Superstar now in his prime

Marvin Harrison – Superstar that will be around for a couple more years

Kenton Keith – That guy runs so effing hard. I can see now why they cut Dorsey. I was thoroughly impressed with his tenacity. I would like to see more.

Vince Young – The madden curse is stifled for one week, what a load of bologna. He will be fine in fantasy and you can reap the rewards once given to you by another runner named Vick, but in the NFL wins will be hard to come by against teams that don’t want to give the game away in the end.

Chris Brown – He ran like a monster last week. A monster that was possessed. At this current pace, he should be on IR by week 6.

HOU @ CAR – The former joke of the league wins their opening game against the new joke of the league, Kansas City. Carolina was a team to be reckoned with just a couple short seasons ago. Being healthy this year with some new wrinkles will lead them to a division crown.

Matt Schaub – I need to see more of him. He played a defense whose only stars are either wildly inconsistent or older than my dead grandparents.

Ahman Green – See Matt Schaub.

Andre Johnson – He is starting to prove that his one down year was a fluke. He runs routes better than ever and now has a QB that should able to get him the ball.

Jake Delhomme – The guy has taken his team to a Superbowl and a Championship game and people still talk down about this guy. I have actually heard people wanted to give Carr a shot when he wasn’t hurt. That is lunacy.

Foster/Williams – They both should prosper in the zone blocking scheme, but it will be hard to pick who will have a better week each Sunday, until one of them inevitably gets hurt.

Steve Smith – Dwayne Jarrett inactive you say, they could line up Dwayne Wayne from What’s Happening on the other side of Smith and he would still get a hundred yards and a TD.

SF @ STL – Two rivals playing as opposites after week 1. One lucks out by winning on their last drive where they almost equal their yardage output in that one drive versus their yardage in the entire rest of the contest. The other Loses their game outright and their premier Left Tackle in the process.

Alex Smith – The Cardinals showed a fight in their defense that I had not seen from them since, well ever. I am still on the Smith breakout campaign. Mostly, because I have him in almost all 4 of my fantasy leagues.

Frank Gore – It was great to see him get goal line carries and it was also great to see him not fumble. St Louis should give him ample room to roam.

Darrell Jackson – He looked like his old days in Seattle when he used to rub butter on his hands before every game to make it more challenging. He needs to step up for Smith to be successful.

Arnaz Battle – I thought he was on the verge of breaking out last year and played well on Monday Night especially where most are overlooked – downfield blocking.

Marc Bulger – He played well without Pace in there last year. It’s the loss of Incognito that will hurt him overall.

Steven Jackson – He caught the bulk of his passes last year after Pace went out. I just hope that he doesn’t lose that many to Leonard or he won’t live up to his 2^nd overall selection in most leagues. He is a train that just needs to get some steam and he will be fine

Torry Holt – People thought the knee would bother him; well he has put that one to bed so far.

Randy McMichael – Much like in Tampa where QB’s go to die, St Louis is the place where Tight Ends go to die.

GB @ NYG – Green Bay was completely outplayed and somehow won. The offense looked awful; they had a scoring drive of -1 yard. They do however play a much more maligned foe in New York this week to say the least. The Giants folded once FatBoy Lorenzon was brought in to play in a barnburner in Dallas. They lost Eli, Brandon Jacobs and Umenyiora off a team that wasn’t exactly brimming with depth in the first place. The Giants will have many options though, once draft day rolls around

Brett Favre – Brett showed management that even if they ask him to take less risks and play within the offense, he is still going to wing it and play like he does. Who wins in this situation? The only answer is Brett Favre, because that’s who he is looking out for not the Packers.

Brandon Jackson – He got his feet wet against a nasty defense and will produce much more against a terrible interior of the Giants

Donald Driver – Is this team ever going to get a second receiver that can play more than a handful of games with this guy? I don’t know, but he keeps producing and making catches.

Bubba Franks – He should just go to St Louis – See Randy McMichael

Fatboy Lorenzen – I know Eli is a GTD, but I wouldn’t expect him to play and risk doing further damage. Fatboy is not a fantasy option

Derrick Ward – With Jacobs out Ward steps in. I wouldn’t recommend starting him either

Giants Receivers – They all take hits without Eli.

ATL @ JAX – The Post Vick era began with a bang. They were annihilated by Minnesota. Harrington blew and you can pretty much guarantee that they will be taking a QB with their first pick in the draft and one that isn’t of the running variety only. Jacksonville began their new era with a new leader at the quarterback position. I use leader very loosely in this case. A great defense with a mediocre offense equals no playoffs and a new coach.

Jerious Norwood – He goes from playing one of the best run defenses to playing a team that gave up over 200 yards rushing week one. His QB is Harrington. That hurts.

Joe Horn – He just invented invisibility.

David Garrard – He responds to being named the starter with a pedestrian performance and a loss to the titans. Way to go Del Rio.

MJD – Crisp, cool and refreshing that tastes great and is less filling.

Jags WR – I hope you don’t have any of them on your team.

Jags Defense – They always play better at home and they get to tee off on Joey Harrington.

NO @ TBB – Payton is a terrible coach. He doesn’t know how to use his players that he has, but still likes to add as many offensive players as he can. He and team management ignored the defensive problems that hindered them last year and has a corner playing man who can only play zone. Mistakes such as this can get teams eliminated from playoffs if they make it there at all. Tampa looked alright but for the second consecutive year, they did not score a TD in their opening game. Ominous beginning isn’t it?

Drew Brees – He won’t score much if he doesn’t take any shots downfield. Throwing it 20 times a game to Eric Johnson only helps Eric Johnson

Reggie Bush – He only caught 3 passes. That has to change. He is much more of a playmaker than Eric Johnson will ever be. They also need to get him moving. Any attempt to rush him up the gut is a mistake.

Deuce McAllister – He had something like 15 carries at halftime when it should have been over 20. They moved the ball on their first couple of drives than abandoned what was working. Things like that can only be blamed on the coaches.

Jeff Garcia – He played ok, but in Tampa, he needs to be awesome and he just isn’t that good.

Michael Pittman – If Caddy can’t go, Pittman is a starter in fantasy, especially in PPR leagues.

Joey Galloway – This guy is playing on borrowed time.

David Boston – I only bring this guy up because it was found out that he tested positive for GHB, otherwise known as the date rape drug. I know it supposedly helps in body building, but how much of a moron do you have to be David? That is the nail in his career’s coffin.

MIN @ DET – The Vikings defense looked stellar against the Falcon’s anemic offense, now we get to see if that last place pass defense from a year ago can hold up against Martz and his prolific passing attack. Detroit shellacked Oakland’s secondary with Roy Williams and Calvin Johnson having solid days on the road. Their defense looked poor against now journeyman and former Lion, Josh McCown. They get a young offense this week built on speed and athleticism. It should actually be a fun one to watch.

Tavaris Jackson – He reminds me of a young McNabb, all the way down to his lack of receivers early in his career. Sidney Rice could grow a lot with this guy as well.

Adrian Petersen – AD took full advantage of Chester Taylor’s injury and blew up on the Falcons. He can taste the ROY, but don’t get hurt.

John Kitna – He is one win closer to his 10 win prediction after staving off the Raiders comeback efforts. He definitely has the talent around him to put up some gaudy numbers this year.

Tatum Bell – I am just waiting for him to fail or get hurt, I have zero faith in his desire to be good.

Roy Williams – I could see him getting 16 TD’s this year easily.

Calvin Johnson – He is the real deal. He is a machine that was bred to be a football player. He has the talent, desire, and will to succeed. Nothing will stop this from happening.

DAL @ MIA – Romo has come a long way from dropping a snap that ended the Cowboy’s playoffs last season. Granted he was facing a piss poor pass defense that was missing any kind of rush whatsoever, but he still hit his men and made great reads that put up points and I give him credit for that. Also, is it me or do the Cowboys play differently when Barber is in there as opposed to Jones? It just looks like they have more life when Barber is running for them. Miami is dropping fast. Green looked old and confused. They had so many opportunities to take that game from the Redskins, but never capitalized. Trent Green just may make the Dolphins regret not taking Quinn and I am not a fan of Quinn. I am not a fan of Beck either. Great defense, but that’s about it right now.

Tony Romo – I have never really given Romo any credit, but I must say he is accurate and patient and smart. All the things you really need to be a successful QB in this league. Having TO doesn’t hurt either.

Marion Barber – I love runners that play like they are angry and run with ferocity. Jones just plows into the line and gets a hole every now and again.

TO – With their clutch guy Glenn possibly to miss significant time, He could honestly end up with 20 TD’s this year.

Jason Witten – What a way to start a season. Many prognosticators dropped him in their respective rankings, but not me. He is a solid blocker and gets into great position to make plays and with the WR’s attracting so much attention; he cannot help but be open.

Dallas Defense – The pass rush just wasn’t there. I expected a fury on Eli Manning and while he was hit, I just didn’t see the consistent pass rush that I expected. As young players grow, that will change, but I just don’t know why Roy was out in coverage so much again.

Trent Green – He should be renamed Trent Ain’t Green no more. He looked lost at times like an old fogey at the airport.

Ronnie Brown – The Dolphins attempted to make upgrades on the O-line, I didn’t see much against the Redskins who really have no D-line to speak of.

Chris Chambers – Chris meet Eddie Kennison’s career except that your O-line is terrible and there is no Tony Gonzalez to help out.

SEA @ ARI – Seattle has some problems at WR. Branch was supposed to be the new #1, but is held without a catch against Tampa. They trade for Charlie Frye so that they can convert Seneca Wallace to WR in the hopes that he can bring what Nate Burleson obviously just cannot do, make plays. Arizona like others, had opportunities to do things against San Fran but when Clements wasn’t making the play. Lienart was running around due to the lack of blocking by their top pick Levi Brown. San Fran’s line is not that good. Every time they would send Willis or another LB, Lienart would dance around and the play was virtually over.

Matt Hasselback – He needs someone to step up. He has a history of sucking pretty bad in Arizona and their Cardinals secondary didn’t play bad against the Niners, until they went into prevent mode anyway.

Shawn Alexander – He looked to be in top form and should be leading many a fantasy team this season and in some leagues for a much cheaper price tag then last year.

Deion Branch – Let’s see if mighty mouse can make a catch this week.

Matt Lienart – He needs to get the ball out faster and let his receivers make plays. He is not going to win games with his arm. He needs to let his playmakers take care of that. I think Leinart would be a great QB for the West Coast Offense.

Edgerrin James – The Cardinal’s line looked better at run defense than last year, but they were playing against a sub-par D-line. This should be a much better test to see if Edge is back to playing with the big boys in terms of fantasy status.

Larranquan Fitzboldin – Give these guys the ball in the flat and let them do their thing. Spread them out and let them fly. Don’t give the defense time to react. Lienart does not have the arm strength to wing it out there.

Leonard Pope – This 6’8’ behemoth should be involved more and more and I saw some signs of that on Monday.

NYJ @ BAL – First off the fans were not cheering Pennington getting hurt as much they were cheering to see the young Kellen Clemens get his first action. Media types can be so presumptuous. The Jets didn’t really have a chance to win, I mean with Bill Bilicheater videotaping defensive signals and all. I am starting to understand why he was always one step ahead of opposing defenses. The Jets did run my favorite play of the opening weekend. It was when the Jets were about to score their first TD and the play clock was running down and some of the players in the huddle were pointing at the clock like, “Hey, the clock is running down.” I guess the Pats figured there would be a timeout called, and kind of slacked a little. Then the Jets hurried up to the line did a quick snap and threw a TD. It was great. It’s nice to give Bilicheater a taste of his own medicine.

Chad Pennington – I fully expect him to be hurt in this game, even without Ray Lewis and it might be the best thing for the Jets in the long run

Lavereneus Coles – He scored 2 Td’s last week and is playing great football right now

Thomas Jones – Don’t expect much on the road against the Ravens.

Kyle Boller / Steve McNair – Does it really matter?

Willis McGAYhee – If you gave up a draft pick to get a guy to be the main man, yet you don’t trust him enough to pound the rock with the game on the line, then he is garbage.

Mark Clayton – What’s up with WR’s named Clayton that turn out to suck when they are supposed to break out.

Demetrius Williams – I would drop Clayton for this guy in my league, if he was available.

Todd Heap – He needs to learn how to catch a ball throw right at him. He makes some nice catches, but the easy ones seem to escape his grasp somehow.

OAK @ DEN – Could a broken index finger finally bring Daunte Culpepper back into the regular season? If it is, then there is no better place to do it then on the road @ Denver where they certainly hate their Raiders. That mile high air could be deflating to C-pep as he keeps pulling himself off his back. Denver pulled off a miracle win last week after Buffalo basically stopped the clock for them on consecutive plays before the Broncos final drive. Shanny sent an email to Lynch yesterday, it read, “Thanks for being a rookie.”

Daunte Culpepper – Go ahead, start him, go ahead.

Lamont Jordan – Those nine catches looked great in your fantasy lineup. Could we see a return to two years ago where Lamont racked up 70 catches. That would be a nice comeback.

Ronald Curry – The #1 WR on a bad team always scores a bunch of fantasy points.

Jay Cutler – He was on of only 3 QB to throw for over 300 yards this weekend against a pretty good defense at that.

Travis Henry – He showed what an experienced back can do behind that blocking scheme. He is a must start until injuries hamper his stride.

Brandon Marshall – Get used to hearing Cutler to Marshall for 6.

KC @ CHI – Kansas City is in shambles. The defense is awful and the offense isn’t much better. Why did LJ sign a long term contract with that debacle of a team? Chicago had the luxury of opening on the Road against one of the leagues best teams. Coming home and being angry against a defense that made Ahman Green look good is a great way to bounce back

Damon Huard – I can’t figure out how this louse got another starting job in the NFL

Larry Johnson – I would only have this guy on my team in PPR leagues and only because they have no other options with that putrid O-line, but to dump it off to him.

Rex Grossman – If he doesn’t kill it this week, then he might want to bench himself.

Cedric Benson – I am really worried that Benson cannot power through the line. The Bears have the most veteran (oldest) line in the league and he couldn’t get one yard against a defense that didn’t even stack the box. That is worrisome.

Bernard Berrian – He would lead the league in yards per catch if they had a QB that could get him the ball.

SD @ NE – San Diego is a powerhouse on defense and two trick pony on offense. I didn’t see much growth in Rivers against the Bears, but you can attribute that to first week craziness. This week is on the road against a strong opponent. The Wide Receivers have to do something to gain River’s trust so that he throws to someone other than Gates. New England romped the Jets. It only took 6 zoom lenses and a tripod in Mangini’s bathroom to do it. The NFL sources have said that there will be repercussions for Bill Bilicheater’s ways, but I won't believe it until I see it.

Phillip Rivers – If you have a better option I would go with it. The way for them to win this game is to run with LT all day.

LT2 – Wilfork will cause him some problems, but nothing that LT hasn’t shredded before.

Antonio Gates – People said don’t start Gates against Chicago. They have the best defense against TE’s in the league. I doubt those idiots will ever sit Gates again.

Tom Brady – What is he going to do at halftime now that they can’t go over the team’s spy tapes. He’ll probably make another baby or shoot a magazine cover.

Laurence Maroney – They need to get him involved in the passing game more. He should have had much better stats against the Jets according to the score of the game.

Randy Moss – The pass rush should make it a little harder for Brady to find Moss as easily as he did against the rookie Revis.

WAS @ PHI – The tale of two teams. One wins on a last second FG and one loses on a last second FG. Philadelphia outplayed Green Bay and manhandled their offense yet lost. Miami basically said, “Hey Washington, we don’t want to win. Do You?” Losing Janson for the year is a big blow and will not help the growth of the young QB or their running game. Philly is coming home with a chip on their shoulder and something to prove now. This one could get ugly fast.

Jason Campbell – He was unimpressive to say the least against Miami and now gets to face the EAGLES without their best Olineman.

Clinton Portis/Ladell Betts – Gibbs wasn’t lying when he said that were going to run this year. 41 carries against the Dolphins and 34 of those from the running backs. Expect more of the same this week.

Santana Moss – Moss needs to do a better job of getting separation. Working with an inexperienced QB doesn’t help the timing routes.

Antwaan Randle El – Don’t expect a week like last week.

Donavon McNabb – You can be certain that D-Mac will take advantage of the weak pass rush and pick apart that defense in prime time.

Brian Westbrook – Despite a strong beginning, he was underused against the Packers. He needs to be set in motion out wide to take advantage of mismatches and open up opportunities for the WR’s.

Kevin Curtis – This guy is more than a solid replacement for Stalworth. He is better than Stalworth.

Reggie Brown – He assisted Joe Horn in his discoveries.

Top 10 QB’s for Week 2

Peyton Manning
Carson Palmer
Donovan McNabb
Brett Favre
Tom Brady
Drew Brees
Matt Hasselback
Tony Romo
John Kitna
Ben Roethlisberger

Top 10 RB’s for Week 2

Steven Jackson
Frank Gore
LaDanian Tomlinson
Joe Addai
Shaun Alexander
Brian Westbrook
Edgerrin James
Rudi Johnson
Reggie Bush
Willie Parker

Top 10 WR’s for Week 2

Steve Smith
Chad Johnson
Terrell Owens
Reggie Wayne
Larry Fitzgerald
Torry Holt
Javon Walker
Anquan Boldin
Randy Moss
Marvin Harrison

Bust of the Week

Laurence Maroney – San Diego’s defense is well known to be stingy, but I think more people were surprised to see Sammy Morris get so many carries. With a passing attack that New England now possesses, it is a reality that Maroney will take a dip in at least this game.

Go forth my students into your leagues and set your lineups with confidence. Remember the season is early and the diamonds have yet to emerge from the rough. I will see you all next week with all you need to take on your opponents trash talking all the way and don’t forget…Always go with your gut and don’t look back

Professor Ellis D Trails.

State of the Franchise Address

2007-07-23T06:00:00.000-04:00

Professor Ellis D Trails

State of the Team’s Address

Can you feel it? The air is hot and the suns burns high overhead baking us in another sultry summer leading towards what we all enjoy for half the year and endlessly crave the rest.

As August opens, so do the padlocks on NFL training facilities around our glorious league launching this season’s camps to the wide eyes of young fans and short tempers of heat exhausted giants of the gridiron.

This is the point in the season in which every team has hope, health and outlooks filled with promise and poise to explode onto the league to either confirm or disprove what so called “experts” have been writing since the end of Roger Goodell’s first NFL Draft. Well, there is one more “expert” that needs to way in on the state of each franchise in what is fast becoming the New Felon League.

Gone are the days of Tags brushing most controversy under the carpet. No more are these childish millionaires allowed to terrorize our streets driving their chromed out SUV’s while slamming back the Alizé. We have a new sheriff in town and Mr. Goodell has got these thugs on the run. Pacman will have a better shot at posting bail, than the numbers he could have had in what looked like a real promising year for him and the only Chris Henry you will see in the first half of the season is a talented rookie RB on the Titans. Tank Johnson would rather get tanked in the desert than play on a contender and there seems to have been more drug violations lately than at the San Francisco Giants training center. Goodell has the right idea by hitting these guys in the only place it hurts, by bringing their careers and thus their bank accounts to a screeching halt.

The start of the new year brings forth a new Fantasy Football season as well and your Professor has traversed our nation in order to give you the insight into the state of each team heading towards the commencement of what should prove to be a very exciting 20 weeks of professional football.

ARI– How many times have we heard in the last few years that Arizona finally will break out? That they finally have the right Head Coach? Offense? Quarterback? Running Back? Stadium? The list goes on. Well my students, we finally could see some evidence of that this season. New Coaches Whisenhunt and Grimm’s first priority will be to sure up an O-line that gave up 63 sacks last year alone, 108 in the last two years combined. Center Al Johnson and Offensive Tackles Mike Gandy and 5^th overall pick Levi Brown will be their first attempts at doing just that. Whisenhunt brings in a vertical offense to compliment 2 of the NFL’s best playmaking WR’s. Edge is still a very good RB that was cut down to size by the ineptness of the front 5 from last year. The talent at the offensive skill positions is truly superb and the sky is the limit for their value if the O-line can even get slightly better under Whisenhunt. Arizona only had five picks in the draft this year and only two of those picks went to help build a defense that struggled against the run and particularly against the pass. Alan Branch was a nice 2^nd round pick and should make the D-line with Clancy, Berry and Okeafor better, and Buster Davis has some work to do to crack the starting lineup. The defense is slightly improved, but improved nonetheless. Leinart, Fitzgerald, Boldin and Edge are quality fantasy starters for any team, with Leonard Pope a sleeper at TE this season. On the other side, Adrian Wilson is the only Cardinal worthy of a pick in IDP leagues.

ATL – Here boy, here boy, damn Vick got another one. What an off-season. First, your QB is smuggling drugs in a half drank water bottle, (don’t you think the millions would allow him to buy a new bottle of water when he arrived at his destination, thus pointing out the complete lunacy of his hiding spot) then he is indicted in a dog fighting ring. Are we in Mexico? No, he is Mexico. Ron Mexico. The Falcons have a new Head Coach after firing Mora because he was looking at the Washington State job, can you blame the guy for wanting out of that mess? The new man in charge, Petrino, hopes to be the first guy (out of three now) to help Vick realize a supposed potential that is rapidly waning. That is if PETA doesn’t track his ass down and burn him at the stake. If Vick is gone, either from a suspension or a “leave of absence” all I can say is good luck with the perpetually craptacular Joey Harrington in his place. He is one of the few NFL QB’s that I would actually start Vick ahead of. There is talk of D.J. Shockley being thrown in if (NOT IF, WHEN) Harrington struggles, but he is too young and inexperienced to lead them anywhere, for this year anyway. The Falcons have added another WR in pro-bowler Joe Horn. He was supposed to prove once and for all that Vick just needed a solid #1 to perform, now it looks as though it won’t be Vick back there doing the passing. Dunn is another year older and shares time with another smaller sized guy in Jerious Norwood. Norwood is a decent homerun threat, and a not an awful mid to late round pick, but Falcon’s fans better hope that Dunn stays healthy, because Jerious won’t last taking the full brunt of carries. They also had a very nice draft getting Jamaal Anderson, Justin Blaylock and Chris Houston in the first couple of rounds, all of which should contribute in some way this season with Blaylock starting his career at OG. Houston is listed as a backup, but you can expect that to be amended by the start of the season. In terms of fantasy, other than TE Alge Crumpler, I would only look to be drafting a Falcon later rather than sooner. There is just too much drama going on in the ATL.

BAL – What do you add to an aging O-line, and aging Defense and an aging QB? How about a mediocre, overrated Running Back? Heading into last year, the Ravens missing piece was a reliable QB to go with a solid run game and a lights out defense. So, they figured getting McNair would solve the problems, right? Wrong. They get the #1 seed in the AFC only to lose to the eventual champ. Subsequently, there had to be something else that was wrong. The verdict was that the running game was at fault. Inconsistent throughout the year and proving McNair can no longer carry a team, J-lew was let go and in comes underachieving McGAYhee to prove whether he is a boom or a bust. Ogden is playing on borrowed time and I don’t know if drafting Grubbs can compensate for losing Mulitalo and Pashos to FA. The defense is also getting older, but still a definite strength even after losing Thomas to the Pats, with Suggs, Reed and Lewis leading the way. These guys are literally hanging on by their geriatric threads and have the ability to stay at the top of the pack for one more year, but only if McGAYhee can put it all together for a whole season and not just perform against bad teams as he has only been able to do in the past. Not only did McNair prove that he cannot carry a team, but he is no longer a reliable starter in the Fantasy realm as well. On offense, I like Mark Clayton and Todd Heap but nothing else excites me. Lewis, Reed, Scott and Suggs will all be drafted in IDP’s as well as McCallister too. The Ravens are always a favorite defense to get drafted as are the bulk of the individual players.

BUF – This was one of the most inconsistent teams in the league last year, offensively and defensively. Losman once again is the QB that will save the Bills and reluctantly I recognize that he did improve some last year, but he really couldn’t have done worse. Lynch, although a rookie, is an upgrade at RB, but it won’t matter if they are shuffling the O-line like a pack of cards in Vegas, like they did last year. Lee Evans scored most of his points in 3 games last season and only had 6 games with more than 5 catches. Losman tends to make bad decisions with the ball and uses his arm to go for the homerun rather than manage consistent scoring drives. The only thing that does is result in the defense playing more. This is a defense that lost Clements, Fletcher and Spikes and only added Jason Webster from the Falcons and one early pick in LB Paul Posluszney from Penn State. That is a bit of pressure to put on second year LB Keith Ellison and rookie Paul Posluszny to control the middle of the field. There is also not much depth at DT with Darwin Walker a no show. They have a talented pair of Safeties, but the run defense is where they struggled and I just don’t see enough of an improvement. I am not a proponent of SOS, but that have to play perennial defensive stalwarts in Miami and New England twice, and they also play Denver, Pitt, Baltimore, Jacksonville and Philly. They better figure out that O-line quick or the future will yet again be put off another year. Lynch will put up the best stats from this year’s rookie class of RB’s, but there really isn’t much competition. Big things are predicted from Lee Evans this season, but don’t be surprised to see a 30+ point game one week and then disappear for two. If you plan to platoon him, good luck guessing on which game him or his QB decides to show up. Schobel is their only D-lineman worth anything in IDP and Poz will get a lot of points, simply because someone has to make the tackles for a defense that will play more of the 60 minutes than the offense.

CAR – Carolina is a perfect example of how a team can go from contender to pretender just like that. Going into last season, coming off a championship game loss to Seattle, many people had them as the favorite to make the Superbowl. However, if there is a team that can blame their failures on injuries, the Panthers certainly are it. They lost their starting LT and MLB in week one and never recovered. I see a much better year for them this season. They get Travelle Wharton, Mike Wahle and Justin Hartwig back from injuries, to go with Evan Mathis and Jordan Gross which makes for a very solid O-line. They got two starters in this year’s draft in WR Dwayne Jarrett and LB Jon Beason who both will contribute immediately to their respective corps, not to mention C Ryan Kalil and DE Charles Johnson who uses speed to compensate for his size disadvantages and was a steal in the third round. Delhomme also battled thumb injuries throughout the season that could be blamed for two game ending interceptions against Philly and Cincy. He is healthy this year and has been to 2 Championship games and one Superbowl in prior years, thus he can lead them through the playoffs. They have a dependable 1-2 punch at RB with Foster and Williams whom should have room to run behind that strong O-line combined with the All World WR Steve Smith should put the offense back in top form. The defense started slow but ended the season fairly strong. The run defense was inconsistent without a solid MLB and unreliable play from the DT position, especially Damione Lewis. Kris Jenkins now has a full season under his belt and Jordan Carstens should be ready to for a full season this year. The pass defense was better than average in yards allowed but need to cause more turnovers to be truly effective. With the O-line healthy, the RB’s should put up respectable fantasy #’s, just not enough for each to be a #1 back on any fantasy team. Steve Smith is a top 10 WR, if not top 5. Julius Peppers is sack master that loves to force fumbles which makes him a great IDP option.

CHI – The Bear’s off-season has been nothing short of a soap opera. Coming off a Superbowl defeat has only led to more questions than answers heading into the current campaign. Briggs tantrum over $$ and the whole Tank Williams debacle has blemished the rep of a highly touted defense. The guys are still men and I don’t think that all of Briggs teammates appreciate his reluctance to play at such a high salary, even if it is only for one year. Tank Johnson would rather get Tanked in the desert than commit to a team that has given him nothing but chances. How many times can a group of guys take a shot in the gut and keep coming out fighting. That defense struggled in the second half of the year and at times were susceptible to a strong running attack up the middle, now with minimal DT depth currently on the roster, it's an area that does not look to be getting any stronger. The offense, resting on the shoulders of on again off again punching bag Rex Grossman, could be lethal with Berrian, Muhammad and the multitalented speed demon Devon Hester. Just those guys alone should spread the opposing defenses enough to give former #4 pick Cedric Benson more than enough space to gain some good yards on the ground. It all hinges on the continued growth of Rex and the play of the middle of that defense. As they go, so do the Bear’s. Benson is a RB that won’t get drafted too high, although I have seen him moving up in some early drafts. Both Muhammad and Berrian are decent #2 WR’s and solid #3 WR’s in leagues that start 3 at that position. Urlacher is a top 5 IDP player and if Briggs sticks to his guns and doesn’t show than Hillenmeyer will show his worth as an IDP guy himself.

CIN – The only thing holding this team back from getting to the next level is the defense. Two seasons ago Palmer burst on the scene and took his team to the playoffs on a defense that led the league in interceptions, but still only ranked 28^th overall. Last year was a different story. They were 30^th in the league in yards allowed and a major chunk of that was through the air. In fact they were the worst team in the league in allowing yards through the air. CB Deltha O’Neal went from 10 interceptions in ’05 to 1 last year. You see there here is being aggressive and then there is being stupid. They drafted Leon Hall and Free Safety Marvin White which will provide an immediate help to the DB’s to go along with Johnathan Joseph. LB Edgerton Hartwell looks to lose the injury prone moniker that has plagued him in recent seasons to help a LB corps that seems to have had more arrests lately than great plays on the field. The offense on the other hand is set. Carson Palmer is full strength after his comeback season in which he was second in the league with 28 TD’s It doesn’t hurt having two top ten WR’s out there catching passes. Rudi Johnson has been a rock at Running Back, going over 1300 yards in 3 consecutive seasons while scoring exactly 12 TD’s each of the last 3 years. In PPR leagues, Johnson loses some value. The 27 year old RB has never had more than 23 receptions in any season and has never caught a receiving TD in his 5 year career. Carson Palmer is one of the best QB’s in the league and should be even better this year now fully recovered from that awful knee injury suffered against the Steelers in the playoffs two seasons ago. There isn’t much at first glance when trying to size up the IDP’s this team. Justin Smith doesn’t get enough sacks, but look out for Ahmad Brooks who gained the starting role after veteran Brian Simmons. He is going to be a monster in the middle of the field.

CLE – The Browns made headlines on draft day by getting the big Tackle from Wisconsin Joe Thomas and then trading their #1 from next year to get Notre Dame QB Brady Quinn due to his freefall in the 1^st round. They should have stayed put and gone for Brohm next year, but they got over excited at getting both targets from their first pick and Dallas Owner Jerry Jones took full advantage. Jamal Lewis is only 27 and age wise is entering the prime of his career. It was well known that he was disgruntled in Baltimore after they broke their promise to sign him to a long term deal, but only he knows how much that affected his play or lack thereof on the field. Thomas isn’t Ogden, but Lewis should be able to accomplish at least what he did last year for the Ravens in this season for the Browns. Romeo Crennel and Coordinator Todd Grantham were putting together a nice defense through the draft and homegrown players like Kamerion Wimbley, Andra Davis and D’Qwell Jackson. In spite of this, the defense had seemingly taken a step backwards from 2005. They had some injuries at CB that forced them to give help deep and take away most opportunities at being creative with the blitz. They drafted a couple D-linemen late that could add some needed depth and if draft pick Eric Wright can unseat the mediocre Leigh Bodden, it would let the Browns use more complex blitz packages. I wouldn’t touch the QB from a fantasy perspective. They will put Frye out there first and with 3 straight tough divisional games to open the season, he could be on a short leash. Due to the QB situation, I recommend only WR Braylon Edwards and TE Kellen Winslow. Winslow led all TE’s in receptions, but be wary, he was non existent in the red zone. Although, once Quinn does get in there, you can be sure that he will be looking for the 6-4 250 pounder often by the goal line. Wimbley and Davis are sold IDP’s with Davis being the tackler and Wimbley looking to build on his 11 sacks as a rookie.

DAL – Dallas ended last season in a way that no team ever wants to end their season, a broken play that snatched defeat from the jaws of victory. This year is a whole new year with new coaches and players to aid in building on what pieces Parcells left behind. In comes ex-San Diego defensive coordinator Wade Phillips whom many in the NFL believe to be a great defensive mind to take the Cowboys where Bill couldn’t. The ‘boys were not extremely active in the FA market but did sign OT Leonard Davis to bolster the O-line and S Ken Hamlin to help on defense. The first signing is sure to have more impact than the latter. They also added Brad Johnson to replace Bledsoe as the vet QB on the roster. The draft was a solid one for Dallas getting Anthony Spencer in the first and two O-linemen in the 2^nd and the 4^th in James Marten and Doug Free. If these guys can be ready, it will give them much needed depth at O-line that they have been lacking for some time. Ex Troy Aikman backup Jason Garrett will now be the offensive coordinator for a unit that returns all key starters in addition to a presumably better O-line. Last year, the only real weakness for the defense was in the passing game that seemed to get worse by season’s end. Phillips will have no problems bring pressure from all sides (San Diego had 60 sacks last year) in order to take pressure off the DB’s who have been known to be burned a bit. Phillips will focus on the defense so you know they will be improved and if the offense can continue to grow, these guys will definitely be challenging for the Division if not more. They are loaded with fantasy players on offense and defense. Have confidence drafting Owens and Romo as starters. Glenn is a great second WR as well. The RBBC is a bit frustrating, but remember that if you are in a yardage heavy league, then JJ is your man, in a TD heavy league, put Barber ahead, just don’t expect a repeat of the 16TD’s from a season ago.

DEN - Mike Shanahan begins his 13^th season as the Head Coach in Denver for the 2007-2008 campaign. The number one question for most Denver fans is, Can Jay Cutler live up to the high standards of being a Denver QB? Well, with that coach and that team, he certainly can. Denver's continued efforts to make key off-season acquisitions over the past seasons continued this year and will likely, once again, lead them to the playoffs. The addition of veteran players such as Javon Walker at WR last year, Daniel Graham at TE, Brandon Stokley at WR, and Travis Henry at RB this off-season, should help build a strong supporting cast for the second year QB Cutler. If these veteran players (and the likes of Rod Smith) stay healthy and produce as they have, Cutler will have an arsenal of weapons that will aid in his progression to the next level. The other issue that plagued Denver last season was an inconsistency in Shanahan's run oriented offense. The addition of Travis Henry at RB should decrease the likelihood of Denver resorting to as much of a Running Back By Committee approach as they did in 2006-2007. The platoon of Bell, Bell, and Nash is thankfully over for Denver and fantasy owners across the nation. Look for Mike Bell to back-up a consistent and driven Travis Henry. Denver's defensive game looks to be strong again with the addition of Dré Bly to a defensive backfield that already features the best CB in the league, Champ Bailey. This spot open due to the untimely death of young CB Darrent Williams. Many of the familiar names are back and ready to stymie any opponent's running or passing offense. The schedule for Denver appears manageable as they face San Diego and Kansas City each twice and Chicago and Indianapolis each once, with the majority of their games in their favor. I see Denver going 11-5 and making a strong playoff run with Cutler proving that he belongs and his supporting cast stepping up big. Going into your draft this year, don’t reach for a QB early because many people are rating Cutler low and you would be able to snag him as a consistent starter for your team in the 6^th round or later. Henry is happy to be the main man on a winner again and has the motivation to keep it that way. I would be happy to snag him in the second round. Javon Walker is the obvious #1 WR and you would do well having him as the #1 WR on your team as well. On the IDP side, 4th year LB D.J. Williams seems poised to jump into the spot of the Defensive QB in place of departed Al Wilson and should do well in that capacity.

DET - The Detroit Lions hobbled to a 3-13 record in 2006, despite a rather potent offense. This year however, even the most avid Lion faithful cannot expect too much better. The addition of Calvin Johnson to join Roy Williams and Mike Furrey in the receiving corps makes the trio a very dangerous threat. Kevin Jones, Tatem Bell and T.J. Duckett make an ok group of Running Backs with no real star player. Bell rushed for 1,025 yards with the Broncos last season, but has been known to have a case of the fumbles and Jones and Bell will both be gambles fantasy wise since they are expected to split carries, if Jones can even get healthy. Jon Kitna is not going to win many games on his back, but he is a serviceable Quarterback who will put up big numbers in offensive coordinator Mike Martz's pass first offense and-- at the least-- will be a good backup QB (or a starter in deeper leagues) in fantasy. The defensive side of the ball has some worries as well. In order to get Bell from the Broncos, the Lions sent Cornerback Dré Bly to Denver. CB’s Fernando Bryant and (the newly acquired) Travis Fisher are experienced, but will not put fear into the opposing Receivers. The Lions did not do much during the off-season to address their needs with the Defensive Ends. The Tackles are solid, however they lack and DE who can penetrate into the backfield and that will again be a problem for the D-line combined with the fact that second round draft pick Ikaika Alama-Francis is not expected to pay immediate dividends. Led by Boss Bailey and Ernie Sims, along with the emergence of Paris Lennon, the LB’s are the team strength on the defensive side of the ball. However, they are not good enough to carry the entire defense and the Lions defense should not be something uttered on fantasy draft day. As I mentioned above, Kitna is a serviceable fantasy QB, but I’m sure someone will reach for him ahead of a guy like Jay Cutler that will provide more consistency to your team. Roy Williams will benefit from having a rookie WR that is being double teamed and should put up career numbers. If you haven’t figured out already, in IDP leagues, I love LB’s and that won’t change with this team, Sims had 124 tackles last year and looks to add some turnovers forced to his repertoire this year.

GB – Brett Favre came back again, I honestly think that only his death will prevent him from playing again and that is a long shot as well. He has thrown only 38 TD’s in the last two seasons with 18 last year being his lowest since his first full season as a starter. On the other hand he has thrown 47 interceptions in the last two years which makes you question his judgment or trust in teammates at times. Plain and simple the Pack needs playmakers to help their aging legend. They did draft Brandon Jackson and James Jones, but who knows when they will make a serious impact, possible in the post Favre era. I for one am not buying into the Morency is the guy hype, he will be the backup to Jackson by mid season at the latest. Jennings and Driver are the main guys right now, but health at WR has been a problem in the last few seasons. On the defensive side, Green Bay had problems staying fresh along the D-line and the addition of Justin Harrell should definitely help that. The stats from the defense did not tell the whole story, while being better than decent unit, they constantly had to face uphill battles because of field position. Many times, it seemed as though the opponent was starting on their side of the field because of turnovers and poor special teams play. The unit is more talented this year and as long as they can keep the opposition out of the end zone (even when Favre throws an interception at his own 20), the Packers will be one of the surprisingly best defenses in the NFC. Favre will still get a ton of yards through the air and as long as your league doesn’t penalize too much for turnovers, feel free to take a chance on him. Driver seems to be underrated at WR each year and this season is no different in that regard. Kampman surprised some with 15.5 sacks last year and is a solid pass rushing End. My love of LB’s continue with a recommendation of both Nick Barnett and 2nd year stud A. J. Hawk.

HOU – Out with the old and in with the new is the motto for this year’s Texans. Kubiak has a brand new QB and RB to help build some semblance of excitement in an area that hasn’t had much success, if any. I’m still not sold on QB Matt Schaub who has only played in a handful of games and has been living off a performance against New England in 2005 for too long now. Atlanta’s O-line has always been better than Houston’s and if those young guys don’t start to gel, it could be a long season for Matt in his first full year as a starter in one of the tougher divisions in football. Ahman Green just turned 30 this off-season and if you count the beatings he has taken on the field, he is more like 34-35. The WR’s are a really a mess. Aside of Andre Johnson, there is no other threat. On the back of Demeco Ryans and Mario Williams, the defense should be improved and continue improving, but if the offense cannot control the ball with an aging and seemingly perpetually ailing Ahman Green, it will just be more of that same out of Houston this year. I don’t recommend a single offensive player for you fantasy team from the offense. After declining in his third season, AJ had a great bounce back year last year, but Veteran Eric Moulds was there to take some defenders, this year it will be Kevin Walter, ugh! For IDP’s, you guessed it DeMeco Ryans, his rookie year was phenomenal and is the best pick from this defense, but I am sure that he would like to be on the field a little less this year.

IND – So, Peyton finally wins the big game. No longer will that monkey be with him. Though the pressure to prove his worth has waned, there's no reason to believe the Indianapolis Colts will become content. With Dungy on the sidelines and Peyton Manning directing the offense, this team will definitely make a serious run at repeating. In fact, Dungy believes the Colts can elevate the offense to a higher level this season. "Offensively, I think we're better than we've ever been in terms of potential," he told Colts.com following the draft. That’s great news if you have Colts on your fantasy football roster. Real bad news if you don't. After all, Indianapolis didn't exactly suck when it had the ball last season. The Colts ranked third in the league in total offense last season with 379.4 yards per game. The passing game contributed 269.2 ypg. More importantly, the Colts know how to find the end zone. They were second in scoring average with 26.7 points per game. Only the running game showed even a hint of patchiness, with the Colts averaging 110.1 ypg., the 18th highest rushing average in the league. However, that was more a product of the Colts being able to dissect defenses through the air and grooming the RB, (Addai) than them having a weakness. The only bad thing about the Colts from a fantasy perspective is that they have so many weapons that the wealth can get spread thin at times. But that's a problem worth living with, as all of the Colts' starting skill players are an asset to any fantasy team. Defensively, the Colts weren't much of a fantasy contributor. Only nine teams had fewer takeaways than their 26. They also only managed only 25 sacks, led by Robert Mathis' 9.5. With both starting Cornerbacks and Cato June, along with this 142 tackles gone. Now the LB corps have a few question marks. However, if the Colts defense plays like they did in the playoffs, their fantasy value will climb tremendously. There is really nothing for fantasy owners not to like about the Colts' offense this season. As long as Manning stays healthy, which is as close to a lock as it gets in the NFL, the offense will post huge numbers and I for one am calling this year as the year Wayne finally surpasses Marvin Harrison who is entering his 12^th season.

JAX – I honestly cannot understand this team. It seems as though each year, they have all the pieces to succeed, but never put it all together. They had wins against 5 playoff teams, but lost to Washington, Buffalo and twice to Houston. When the passing game was on, like it was two seasons ago, the RB’s struggled or got hurt. Last year the RB’s were awesome with the combination of Maurice Jones-Drew and Fred Taylor, but the passing attack was lackluster at best. They have a lot of talent at the WR position, but no one who wants to step up and be the go-to guy week in and week out. Even though their running game is potent, I don’t see either Drew or Taylor being effective on your fantasy team as they will share carries and Greg Jones should return this year to take short yardage and goal line carries from the two main guys. The defense is solid and has been for some time. They let an aging S Donvin Darius go to the Raiders to make room for some young up and comers Gerald Sensabaugh and draft pick Reggie Nelson. In 2006, they were hit hard on defense by injuries and are looking forward to getting everyone back healthy. They have a huge set of Tackles in Marcus Stroud & John Henderson. They use this size up front and the speed in back to play smash mouth football and dominate opposing offenses. Now if they could only beat the Houston Texans, they might make a run at the playoffs.

KC – This team is another conundrum. Someone needs to explain to me what in the world Kansas City is doing. They had a solid team with a few holes that could have been plugged via free agency and the draft. Instead, they start trading away veterans like Dante Hall and Ryan Sims. In addition to the trades, they cut veterans, Eric Hicks and William Bartee and lost their leading tackler LB Kawika Mitchell to the Giants. Their starting Quarterback, Trent Green, is now in Miami. The Chiefs went from, at the end of 2006, a solid team who made the playoffs and (with a little work) could have easily made the post season in 2007. Now they seemed to have taken several steps in the other direction and for what purpose I cannot decipher. I may be in the minority but without Green, Kansas City will be forced to go with Damon Huard. While Huard filled in quite nicely for the Chiefs last year, his career shows me a whole different story. Not only does Huard lack the starting experience, but he isn’t exactly a young upstart bursting onto the scene. At the start of the season he'll be 34 years old. In addition to Huard, the Chiefs number one Receiver, Eddie Kennison, will be 34 this season as well. Age is not an ally of the Chiefs as you can see. With the exception of Larry Johnson, the Chiefs are an old team. While teams need veteran leadership, they also need young talent in order to produce wins in the NFL. I don't know if Johnson can shoulder the entire load, which KC has thrust upon him. Now, there is talk of LJ holding out. I think he is realizing everything that I just went over and thinks that if he has a down year from all this nonsense, then he won’t get paid like he feels like he deserves. Kansas City is going to have to prove they can do more than just run the ball with or without LJ and with that O-line disintegrating, I’m not so sure how effective that part of their game will be. Nevertheless, until that time, Johnson and the rest of the Chiefs offense may not be of much value in the fantasy arena this season. Yeah, I said it. People who draft LJ beware of a down season or a holdout and him trying his damndest to get out of there before that team collapses. The defense was middle of the road and needed improvement up the middle. So, they go out and draft Smaller DT Turk McBride who can explode to the gaps and big DT Demarcus “Tank” Tyler to take on the extra blocks and as a run stopper. Neither was brought into start right away, but certainly will see time on the field. Losing DE Jared Allen for a couple of games to start the season doesn’t help a defense with some reservations already going in. Aside from LJ and a Tony Gonzalez who is on the downside of a wonderful career, there is no one on the offense worth of a fantasy pick. For your IDP’s, there is not much either, aside from LB’s Derrick Johnson and aging Donnie Edwards who presumably will finish his career where he started.

MIA – I was one of many who thought that the promising end to the 2005 season would lead to the eventual unseating of the New England Patriots in 2006. Boy was I wrong there. I knew C-pep wouldn’t be playing long, but I felt that after a guy like Gus Frerotte could look good than the player at the QB position was not as important as coaching and the players around him. I was convinced that Joey Harrington could turn his career around, at least well enough to be able to take the Dolphins to the playoffs. Well, a ton of injuries to the O-line and a couple of Harrington-esque choke jobs, they finished a once promising season 6-10. Head Coach Nick Saban then abandons ship mid sink, after pledging his allegiance to the Dolphins, to make the way for new Head Coach Cam Cameron. They acquired Veteran QB Trent Green, a talented QB who prior to last year was the only QB to have a rating above 90 for 4 straight seasons. He always an accurate passer and gains yards for the offense. They have an enormously talented RB in Ronnie Brown that is sure to play better behind a much mended O-line and paired with a solid receiving corps. The defense is always a strength and behind D-MVP of the league, Jason Taylor that won’t change a bit. Everything is there for them to have a good season, but it was also there last season. Honestly, with that group, playing in that tough division, it could go either way. Trent Green will bring Chambers back into fantasy football’s good graces and Ronnie Brown stock rises heavily with a QB who has thrown passes to 3 of the better pass catching RB’s in recent History. (Faulk, Holmes and Johnson) Jason Taylor is a lock pick for your IDP league along with fellow LB’s Zach Thomas and Channing Crowder.

MIN – After a hot start last season, the Vikings finished colder than an arctic blast. After a run like that at the end of the year, you would imagine some changes be made through free agency. Nope, didn’t happen. They signed Bobby Wade who showed flashes in Tennessee, but is not a proven #1. They gave a ridiculous amount of money to Visanthe Shiancoe, who has 35 catches in a four year career with only 12 coming into last year. The guy hasn’t caught a TD since 2004 and has 3 total for his career. They also signed a recovering from injury Mike Doss and are hoping that he can contribute. Combine that with the loss of Jermaine Wiggins and CB Fred Smoot and it kind of makes you scratch your head. Coming from the school of good drafts in Philly, Childress had a solid one for his team. Adrian Petersen, Sidney Rice, Marcus McCauley, Brian Robinson, Aundrae Allison, and Rufus Alexander should all make contributions in some way this year. On offense, Tavaris is the main man now. He only started 2 games last year, but the future is now with him. The WR’s are deep, yet totally unproven. After camp, we will know who will be #1 and thus be the only real fantasy option sometime later on draft day. I don’t see Petersen contributing much this year. RB’s in the WCO have a lot to do including learning blocking schemes and a hefty play book. Adrian will see time, but it will take time to learn and Childress comes from a system that brings rookie RB’s along slower than other teams may. On defense you can’t get much difference when facing the run or the pass. They were #1 against the run, but couldn’t stop the pass one iota. Although it is true that teams avoided the run against them because it was so easy to pick them apart through the air, thus aiding to the #1 rush defense stats. They, like a lot of other struggling teams, need to get a pass rush. 30 sacks in a season won’t do anything but have your DB’s chasing Receivers. Unfortunately, they didn’t do much to bolster their chances of that going up too much. I see last place finish for a team that didn’t get better, while the other teams around them did. If Chad Greenway can come back and stay healthy, he and Sharper make for pretty solid pickups in IDP leagues.

NE - After letting another Super Bowl appearance slip through their hands--literally, New England made many off season moves to try an avoid a repeat of that event. They were one of the most active teams during the off season, bringing in new players like WR’s Randy Moss and Donté Stallworth, and letting go of Corey Dillon. As far as fantasy football there definitely will be some pats drafted early this year. Their offense ranked #11 in the NFL last season, and they went out and added the one position they were lacking in by getting Moss, Stallworth, Wes Welker and Kelly Washington. Not only did the Pats add players to the offense, they also picked one of the top free agent defensive players in Adalius Thomas to help an already top notch unit. The are only a few things could cause some problems. First, the whole Samuel situation and second, is the middle of the defense. Samuel should just shut up and play. Without him their starting Corners are at the moment, Ellis Hobbs and Tory James who was a FA pick up from Cincinnati. The LB’s aren’t exactly young bucks and a normally deep Belichick defense just isn’t. Any injury sustained to their LB or DT could seriously hurt them. I honestly wouldn’t be shocked to see big Ted Washington get cut and Billly B pick him up for safety reasons. The Patriots have a few fantasy studs to pick from: most notably, 2^nd year RB Laurence Maroney and Tom Brady, who will give you a consistent level of points week in and week out at the QB spot. Ben Watson is a top 10 fantasy TE and lets not forget the WR corps which should provide solid numbers each week, the only problem will be figuring out which Receiver is going to go off that week.

NOS - The Saints came on after having their city ravaged by Hurricane Katrina to take the league by storm themselves. Unfortunately for them, their season ended on a cold January day in Chicago in the NFC Championship game. On a great note, the team's success throughout the season was arguably the hottest story of the year. Leading the way was the offense, which jumped from 20th overall in 2005 to first in the league last season, which no one saw coming. This was due in large part to the leadership and play of QB Drew Brees. The offense that struggled under Aaron Brooks took off under Brees, with contributions coming from rookies Marques Colston, Reggie Bush and veteran RB Deuce McAllister. The Saints did lose old-timer Joe Horn during this off-season, but they reloaded by taking speedster Robert Meachem with their first pick in the draft. One thing that would help them is if 2nd year Head Coach Sean Peyton can figure out how to get more out of the running game. The Saints finished first in passing yards but just 19th in rushing yards. Deuce can only do so much in the limited carries he is given and Reggie Bush just will not have any success up the middle. One of the reasons for the loss to the Bears was an inability to run the ball early in the game. In order to have total offensive triumph will be to utilize his running backs correctly. Bush cannot run up the middle, so stop using him there. Deuce has that part of the field covered. If they use a two back offense and flank Bush out, it would open the middle up for Deuce which in turn would protect the edges for Bush. The defense has two great Defensive Ends in Will Smith and Charles Grant, but already have some questions at DT with Young fracturing his foot before pre-season even begins. The LB’s are pedestrian at best even with the addition of Dhani Jones. They only forced 19 takeaways all year and if they want to continue to rise, that number is going to have to rise as well. A plethora of players will help your fantasy team and you don’t need me to list them all. Just don’t go expecting Bush to help you too much in non-ppr leagues.

NYG – The Giants used the off-season to absolutely solidify their chances at last place in the NFC East. The have a Head Coach that deserved to be fired, yet they brought him back. The made no major moves to help the offense or defense except the fact that they lost 2100+ yards of offense in the form of Tiki Barber retiring. Jacobs and Droughns have a lot of pressure to fill the shoes of a man that neither can run nor receive as well as behind an O-line that is one step above terrible.. I do have high hopes for Brandon Jacobs, but I wonder how much the weak O-line will hurt the entire offense, let along Jacobs stats. Strahan is another year older and one wonders why the Giants still have not addressed the middle on the D-line when it was such a glaring weakness throughout 2006. They only had 17 interceptions all year and 4 were by the D-line. Madison is ancient and McQuarters just plain sucks. Gibril Wilson is the only player worth drafting in IDP leagues aside from maybe their FA pickup Kawika Mitchell. On offense, I would only draft Plaxico and Shockey in mid rounds because we all know that trailing late in games helps the receiving stats.

NYJ – The Jets, from what I gather, get little respect heading into this season. They were road warriors last year going 6-2. The reason for their success is relatively simple, good defense and great O-line play. Their line is young and played really well together, if they can keep growing and play as well as they did last season, I see newly acquired RB Thomas Jones to pair up with Leon Washington for a great 1-2 punch and easily will put up 1500 yards combined. The WR combination of Laveraneus Coles and Jerricho Cotchery combined for 2000 yards and 12 TD’s returns to the field intact to catch passes from a guy that passed for more yards last season that any other year in his career. Add Darrelle Revis and David Harris to a defense that only gave up 6 plays over 20 yards and you have yourself a recipe for what looks to be a successful team. I confidently recommend TJ as a solid second rounder and Cotchery and Coles in the middle rounds and expect the Jets to be in serious contention for the wildcard as long as the defense can force a few more turnovers and Chad cuts his down some too. The Jets have a bunch of solid players for IDP’s. LB’s Jonathan Vilma, Victor Hobson and David Bowens and FS Erik Coleman are top choices.

OAK – The Raiders season last year was abysmal. The only good that came from the dreadful 2-14 season was the #1 pick in the Draft. Obviously, Owner Al Davis wasn’t going to stand pat with the team and coaches that attempted to field a team last year. New Head Coach Lane Kiffen brings with him a positive outlook and fresh mind to the Bay area. The offense was beyond atrocious with the O-line being equally as bad allowing a league high 72 sacks. The addition of Cooper Carlisle and Jeremy Newberry will help the line and allow Gallery to play at a position he is more comfortable and effective at. As much as Randy Moss’ arrival is supposed to help New England, it will also help Oakland’s solid corps of WR’s attain a better unity with the offense and also allow guys like Ronald Curry to develop. Lamont Jordan certainly felt the lack of successful blocking in the stat column as well. Oakland addressed this by not only signing Dominic Rhodes, who promptly was suspended for 4 games for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy, but they also signed former Falcon and lead-blocking specialist, Justin Griffith. Michael Bush was selected in the 4^th round and could unseat them all as the main guy by the end of this campaign. The defense on the other hand is more than capable. They have an aggressive and young secondary that can only get better with play-maker Michael Huff and surprise standout Nnammidi Asomugha. Their LB are nothing special, however they do benefit from playing behind a D-line that plays tough against the run and the pass. At times they struggled mightily on special teams covering kicks and punts alike. If the offense can stay on the field longer and the coverage teams do their jobs, then players like Derrick Burgess can see his sack totals go up even higher than before. All in all, there are some interesting players that I would consider for IDP leagues or Keeper Leagues, but for this year, I would be wary when possibly drafting a Raider.

PHI – The EAGLES were on a rollercoaster last year. They started the season hot, went cold and looked in serious jeopardy, then turned it on after their star went down to run the table, finish 10-6 and take the NFC East from a Giant’s team that seemed like they didn’t even want to play. This year, almost everyone returns from that Division winning team and puts them in great shape to challenge with Dallas for the NFC East crown this year. The Birds may have lost Donté Stallworth and Jeff Garcia on offense and Michael Lewis, Shawn Barber, Darwin Walker and Rod Hood on defense, but they made enough moves in the off-season to effectively counter their losses. The EAGLES have always been a well coached team who put a system in place for bringing in the right players and talent to be effective and gain the most potential possible. They brought in young speedster Kevin Curtis who has excellent hands and will jump into the starting lineup. They continue to beef up a defensive line that is possibly the deepest in the league with DT’s Montae Reagor, Ian Scott and signing Juqua Thomas to a long term deal. They also traded disgruntled DT Darwin Walker for standout LB Takeo Spikes who is out to prove his worth in the NFL. The draft for which Andy Reid always seems to do well, they took several good prospects including Stewart Bradley, Victor Abiamiri, and CJ Gaddis on defense, while picking a pounding rusher in Tony Hunt and possible QB of the future Kevin Kolb. That’s Andy Reid for you, always thinking two steps ahead, except when it comes to his son and seeing the signs of shooting heroin. Philly’s defense was middle of the pack thanks to an unimposing rush defense. This can lead to the understanding of the influx of DT’s and an upgrade at LB. There is some pressure on youngsters Broderick Bunkley, Chris Gocong and Sean Considine to progress to the next level and so far this early in the year, things seem to be right on track for that. As I stated before, the division crown is going to come down to Dallas and Philly and at this point it is too close to call, but the one who loses out will be a Wildcard team come playoff time. In fantasy, have confidence in drafting an assortment of EAGLES. D-Mac has some questions in regards to injury, but always performs at top level when playing and Reggie Brown is poised to break out this year. You will be able to steal Kevin Curtis as he is being underrated in all early drafts and mocks that I have seen. LJ smith is a solid TE, but this year especially there seems to be plenty of those around the league.

PIT – Pittsburgh is not a bad team. They just play in a really difficult division. One year removed from “winning” the Superbowl, they fell to 8-8 and failed to make the playoffs. The year they won, they almost exclusively relied on the running game. Getting behind early last year was a demon and forced Big Ben to do something he obviously was not comfortable with, winning games with his arm. One good thing for Steelers' fans is he hasn’t gotten into any motorcycle accidents this off-season, yet. Willie Parker exploded on the scene after a great rookie campaign two season’s ago. Don’t get so excited at the prospect of drafting him as their have been more than several signs that Pitt is going to use more backs more often this year. First year Head Coach Mike Tomlin a defensive minded guy seems to be enamored with Najeh Davenport who seems motivated to steal some carries. Willie himself has said on more than one occasion that he would welcome other backs to keep himself fresh all year. Coaches throw up smokescreens like this all the time and that could very well be the case here, but they have a truckload of backs on the roster right now and need to justify the signing of Haynes and Barlow somehow, even if they just cut them, that would make FWP owners a tad less restless. The O-line has some issues that could hinder the offense’s ability to move the ball as well. They lost 2 players to Buffalo and a third Alan Faneca is feeling slighted due to the fact that the Steelers refuse to give him a long term deal and has already said that this will be his last year as a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers. The defense is transitioning from a 3-4 to a 3-4/4-3 hybrid according to the Tomlin. Adding Timmons from the draft should pay immediate dividends for he is a great player and the Steelers were lucky to get him where they did. Ike Reese is not as good as thought heading into last year and the D-line needs to get pressure on the QB to take the burden off of their DB’s. On draft day, don’t hesitate on taking reliable Mr. Ward as he will get his catches no matter what, and Willie will be a solid RB, I just wouldn’t take him in the first round as so many other will. Polomalu and Timmons will get the bulk of the points for you in IDP leagues from this defense.

SD – The Chargers went 14-2 and dominated teams last year in all facets of the game. However, they failed to make the Superbowl. Possibly feeling like Marty Schottenheimer has a hex, (the only Coach with over 200 career wins and yet to make it to a Superbowl) they give him the axe and bring in the great RB Coach in Norv Turner to do nothing but bring a Superbowl to San Diego. This is a man that has used his keen offensive mind to win 2 Superbowls with Aikman, Smith, Irvin and company. Rivers, now with a full season of playing time under his belt teamed with the #1 player in fantasy and big, young, and talented Receivers in Vincent Jackson and the best TE in fantasy seem primed to make a run at the coveted Lombardi Trophy. LT’s numbers last season were nothing short of exceptional. He can run, catch and even throw when called upon. He is selfless and would rather win, than talk or dance in the endzone. The defense, led by Shawn Merriman, is a monster. They attack the QB and pursue the ball carrier with ferocious intensity. There is no doubt that they will be ranked in the top 3 heading into the season and will be hungry to build on last year’s successes. If there ever was a year where you know who the #1 pick in fantasy drafts, it is this year. Phillip Rivers will show that he has grown and Norv will have no problem letting him stretch the field more this year than Schotty let him last year. The loss to the Colts in the playoffs last season only adds fuel to this fire that will burn all the way to Arizona in February 2008.

SEA – The Seahawks barely made the playoffs last season one year removed from “losing” the Superbowl. I for one didn’t realize that the loss of pro-bowl guard Steve Hutchinson would make the O-line look at times like a very humdrum unit. They just seemed to not have the physical style that allowed SA to break records the year prior. They did a successful job of building a better pass defense this off-season, but did nothing to reinforce a line that will have trouble creating space to rack up the yards that you have seen from them in the past. Darrell Jackson is gone, off to San Francisco and further diminishing the offense by leaving them without a proven #1 Receiver. Deion Branch is ready to prove that he can handle it, and has Hackett, Burelson and Engram to help him stretch the field, they lack a true pass catching TE that will hurt them, especially on third downs. As I alluded to before, the defense definitely improved in the off-season. Ken Hamlin may have been a physical player for them, but made ill-advised decisions at times that cost the team. They brought in experienced and intelligent players in the form of Deon Grant and Brian Russell. These guys will make an immediate impact on a pretty spongy pass defense from last season. Jim Mora Jr. brings his defensive intelligence to the secondary as a Coach and should be able to form a much more impermeable unit that Seattle has seen in awhile. Patrick Kearney, as long as health is not a factor, is an upgrade over the inconsistent play of DE Grant Wistrom. Then you have Lofa Tutupu who locks up the middle of the field and Julian Peterson rushing from the edge to disrupt opposing QB’s rhythm. I am not convinced that the additions on defense can overcome the deficiencies on offense to win in the playoffs. They will win the division this year, but their NFC West rivals are starting to rise up and nip at the hawk’s heels. They better be on the be watchful of who’s below them. SA is still a 1^st round pick, although I have seen him go as low as 9 and as high as a 3 in the first round of a 12 team league, but I’ll leave that up to you whether it is a steal or accurate place to pick him. I just see that I am not the only one who wonders why they didn’t place more emphasis on the O-line this pas spring and summer. Matt is a middle round QB who drops a little losing all of D-Jax’s TD and Jeremy Stevens solid catching over the middle, but still should perform adequately for your team. I like Branch as a sleeper this year, much in the way I liked Coles last season. On the defensive side, I don’t have to tell you to draft Tutupu and Peterson and while they have some solid players for sure, none will give you many fantasy points come this season.

SF – The 49ers have certainly come along way from the team that was appalling to an up and comer in a relatively short amount of time. There are some that will even go so far as to say that the Niners are going to win the Division. Well, hold on a second. They certainly addressed concerns at the Receiver position by getting a go to guy in Darrell Jackson and now journeyman Ashley Lelie, but neither of those guys are going to help fill the holes on the O-line. Frank Gore played spectacularly last season and should be commended for running behind an O-line that had its share of troubles giving franchise QB Alex Smith enough time to throw the ball. Joe Staley was a nice draft pick, but may take more time to develop into a solid player than some realize. Larry Allen is a HOF lineman, but he isn’t getting younger and is almost assured at missing some time with injury this year. They had a ton of holes on the defensive side that were most definitely addressed partly in the off-season, but you can only do so much in one off-season. Nate Clements was given the keys to the local bank to play in San Fran and oft burned S Michael Lewis was also brought in to aid in helping a poor pass defense that was unable to pressure the QB at all. Tully Banta-Cain will be the QB rusher from the edge and I have no doubts that he should emerge as a player in that capacity for them. Patrick Willis was drafted to make an immediate impact in the middle of the field and that he unquestionably will do. Also, any LB unit that is coached by Mike Singletary is going to one day be good. Regrettably, there is still the problem with the D-line. There won’t be a pass rush coming from that crew, so they will have to rely solely on blitzes to get a consistent rush on the Quarterback and well coached teams will know how to beat the one on one matchups that are a result of all those blitz packages. Third in the division where the teams are all going to be at relatively the same record at season’s end seems more than feasible with a dark horse chance at any more than that. They could finish as high as second or as low as last place. Fantasy wise, Alex Smith makes for an interesting pick this year. His O-line had protection problems last season and I don’t see enough of an upgrade to see that it has changed much, but he has grown and will continue to grow as a player and that could propel him into a level of play. Frank Gore has risen from the middle rounds to be a top five pick and is especially desirable in PPR leagues. Darrell Jackson was a TD machine despite missing some games last year in Seattle and should be getting all the endzone looks that Gore doesn’t take in. Vernon Davis is healthy and looking to make his mark at the position that has grown immensely in a few years. Banta-Cain and Patrick Willis will pay instant dividends for your IDP leagues with Michael Lewis being a sleeper as long as they don’t drop him into coverage too much.

STL – The Rams were on a rollercoaster similar to what I described in the EAGLES season. They started so hot out of the Gate with Holt catching TD’s left and right and the offense clicking on all cylinders. Then after a week 6 game against the Seahawks, they seemed to go into hiding. Pace got hurt which severely hampered the passing game, but enabled Steven Jackson to lead all RB’s in receptions with 90. No Pace meant get rid of the ball quickly because there are Giant He-men looking to destroy you. They had a late season surge to make a push for the playoffs but fell just short. Bulger couldn’t get the ball down the field to Holt and Bruce because A. He didn’t have time and B. Bruce is not a downfield threat anymore. Thanks mostly to S-Jax taking dumps and turning them into big gains, along with short passing game to the WR’s, Bulger was able to top 4,000 yards for the first time in his career, while significantly lowering his interception rate that had more than annoyed fantasy owners in previous seasons. So, in the off-season they go out and get another downfield threat to compliment Holt in Drew Bennett, steal Randy McMichael away from the Dolphins to give Bulger something he hasn’t had in his time in a St Louis, a viable weapon at Tight End, which can only help the passing game. Also, draft pick Brian Leonard should be able to spell Jackson from time to time but mainly being an option on third down. The thing that will hold the Rams back this year will be their evident Achilles heal, the defense. Their DB’s are average at best which will put pressure on Defensive End Leonard Little, rookie versatile Defensive Tackle Adam Carriker and the rest of the D-line to get to the QB quickly or be picked apart by opposing Quarterbacks on a weekly basis. Witherspoon set a career high in tackles last season with 116 from the MLB spot, but he isn’t enough and cannot do it all for that LB crew. Being that the offense is so potent and the defense is going to be beaten, you can be sure that you will see a number of high scoring games where the Rams are involved. Jackson is the consensus #2 pick right now in fantasy, but just don’t expect 90 catches again this year, 60-70 seems more likely. Bulger is an elite QB, but unless your league is QB generous, doesn’t warrant more than a 3^rd round pick at best. Holt is a top 5 WR, with Bruce and Bennett making an ok #2 and a solid # 3 Receiver on any fantasy team. If you are looking for an IDP player from this team, Little has always been a solid D-linemen, but as the IDP player knows, your points come from the LB’s and Witherspoon should rack up the points again.

TBB – If the rumors floating around that Daunte Culpepper is visiting Tampa have any merit, then Tampa could possible have 57 Quarterbacks on their roster by the time training camp commences. Plummer won’t come back, Sims can’t recover from a spleen-ectomy, and Gradowski just isn’t and NFL QB. Garcia is the starter for now, but he will be exposed. He may have led the EAGLES to several wins, but he was unspectacular to say the least in most of those games. Who will be the QB when Garcia struggles, no one knows. Hell, it could even end up being Luke McCown, LOL. On to the RB situation. For those of you that forgot, I told you to stay away from Caddy last year as his O-line was suspect at best and he was too high on himself thinking that he could do it all alone in this league. Those that listened to the Professor and hopped on the Steven Jackson train, I send congratulations, and for those that didn’t, well, if you are in a keeper league, you may not have gotten completely screwed. I view this year as a comeback year for the kid who was humbled a bit last season. He has put a lot of effort in learning how to be a better Receiver and while that may not help enormously in winning games in Tampa, it will assuredly earn extra points on your fantasy roster. I was, though, a bit befuddled with Tampa at the draft, only taking 2 players on the offensive side of the ball. They clearly have more faith in an aging and mediocre WR group than do I. Michael Clayton has put two bad years together after killing it in 2004. Galloway is due to have a season ending injury and although you aren’t supposed to factor injuries when giving an outlook, I feel that I have to with him. Really, until they figure out who there QB is and whether or not the O-line will start playing like an O-line will determine how far they go. With New Orleans still on top and Carolina much healthier and improved, The Buccs, unfortunately will be fighting with Atlanta for last place. Cadillac is a nice second back on your roster much in the same way that Chester Taylor was last year, but don’t reach for him. They have found Rice’s replacement with Gaines Adams, but one wonders if their kicker doesn’t make a 63 yard FG to beat the EAGLES, they could have Calvin Johnson and a much better outlook to this season.

TEN – The Titans took the NFL by storm with Vince Young taking over an 0-3 team and finishing 8-8 including a 6 game win streak. Sorry to say Titans fans, but that was an aberration. Vince Young may be exciting to watch, but a lot of his success was due to a good running game combined with his insane athletics. Now, fast forward to this season, with his #1 WR and #1 RB from a year ago both gone, things do not look very promising for the offense as a whole. All signs point to a Titans team that takes a step back. Even with some exciting wins last year, few teams produced less offense that the Titans and only Atlanta and Oakland had fewer passing yards per game. In the place of Drew Bennett and Travis Henry is David Givens, Brandon Jones, Roydell Williams and re-signed castoff Chris Brown to go with rookie Chris Henry and underachieving Lendale White. The receiving corps of the Titans is easily the worst in the league and the RB’s themselves leave a lot to be desired. The defensive story isn’t much better, if at all. Last year, they were last in yards given up and next to last in points allowed per game. Even though they did sign Nick Harper and used their #1 pick on Michael Griffin, the loss of playmaker Pacman Jones outshines those, even more considering the loss of a dangerous threat on special teams as well. From a fantasy point of view, Vince Young is your only real option out of the gate as his legs should be able to net you a few extra points each week. He would be a bit more sought-after if he had some proven weapons to throw to. Unfortunately he does not. Vince may be the future of the Tennessee organization, but it will take some time to accrue the pieces to enable him to put Vinsanity into effect.

WAS – If you wanted to learn how to not run a franchise, simply take a lesson from Daniel Snyder. The guy is all about now and never thinks about the future. He shells out a ton of money and draft picks for players not worth the price. Most recently Adam Archuleta, Andre Carter, and Brandon Lloyd have not given nearly as much as their salaries would lead you to believe. Coming into last season the Redskin hype machine was rolling along once again. Portis gets hurt in Preseason and my prediction about Brunell reaching the end of the line comes true. Sean Taylor is apart of more TD celebrations than most WR’s in the league, too bad for him it’s the opponent doing the celebrating. The offense has put everything on the shoulders of Offensive Coordinator Al Saunders and new QB Jesse Campbell. The problem there is the passing game has one play, quick hitch to Moss, they have to be more diverse and rely on the running game. With the Redskins giving so much money to Betts while already having Portis only means that they plan on running first then passing. If they stay true to that and allow Campbell to grow then things could turn around, but they won’t. The biggest problem the Redskins on defense last year was getting to the Quarterback, setting a franchise record low with 19 sacks. Now we all know the secondary was burned more than the witches in Salem, but that can mostly be blamed on the complete lack of pressure on the QB. So, what does Joe Gibbs say? He says that they need to strengthen the secondary. Huh? So they spend their only pick in the first four rounds of the draft on top Safety prospect Laron Landry who may contribute to getting burned but won’t be rushing the passer too often. It is that kind of lack of team management that will continue to hurt them as long as Daniel Snyder is running the show. I have already said that the Giants will be in last place, which puts the Skins third. The sad part for the Skins fans is that they could do things to get better or be in a better position and they just don’t.

This season will certainly be as interesting as any season I have seen and I am looking forward to it as much as you all are. Now that you have all been brought up to date on the State of the Franchises, you can march forth confidentially toward your fantasy drafts. The Professor will be back prior to week 1 of the new season to bring you your weekly syllabus to aid in your weekly journeys toward your quest for a fantasy championship

Don’t forget, Always go with your gut and don’t look back

Professor

attn: perfesser

2007-07-09T20:04:00.000-04:00

saw ur post on f-ball and, since you intend to continue sullying the good name we all worked so hard to destroy, i have given u admin/editor status here. as far as im concerned, LR is yours - invite new columnists, change format & publish as u see fit. look fwd to reading the Prospectus & whatever else u come up with. good luck - nufced

Attn: MoeJoe et al.

2007-07-06T21:40:00.000-04:00

come - join La Revolucion. visit us at http://www.rockyssports.com/index.php and wallow with us in our apathy & dance twitchingly to the sarcasm. hear amazing tales of faraway adventures & news of Creek's Mom's sexual appetites & personal hygiene!! Come one, co.....aw who da hell cares? nufced

FIND CREEKO

2007-04-06T09:04:00.000-04:00

its easiest if u identify & eliminate the Spin Doctors lead singer first

JUST CUZ

2007-04-06T09:00:00.000-04:00

wolves at bay

2007-03-08T06:03:00.000-05:00

this should prolong the demise here.

2007-02-08T18:39:00.000-05:00

Professor Ellis D Trails Week 15 Syllabus

2006-12-14T06:00:00.000-05:00

EDITOR'S NOTE: All LOCKERROOM content will also be available, in its entirety in the Fantasy Football Forum of www.rockyssports.com - see you there!

Professor Ellis D Trails Week 15 Syllabus

I have compiled some data from my main fantasy league. Standard scoring applies with 6 pt TD’s across the board and includes a PPR. To understand my madness, please see below. I clarify who you should take in the first round of your draft next year.

QB in the top 10

Drew Brees – 328pts
10 (games) of 13 (played) 15+ fantasy pts = 77% of games played
9 (games) of 13 (played) 25+ fantasy pts = 69% of games played

Peyton Manning – 308pts
12 of 13 15+ = 92%
4 of 13 25+ = 31%

Carson Palmer – 280pts
10 of 13 15+ = 77%
5 of 13 25+ = 38%
1 of 13 5 and under – 8 %

Mark Bulger – 270pts
8 of 13 15+ = 62%
4 of 13 25+ = 31%

Michael Vick – 263pts
11 of 13 15+ = 85%
3 of 13 25+ = 23%

Donavon McNabb – 250pts
8 of 9 15+ = 89%
6 of 9 25+ = 67%

Tom Brady – 243pts
11 of 13 15+ = 85%
2 of 13 25+ = 15%

Brett Favre – 236pts
8 of 13 15+ = 62%
4 of 13 25+ = 31%
3 games of 5 or under = 23%

Philip Rivers - 237pts
8 of 13 15+ = 62%
3 of 13 25+ = 23%
1 game under 5

Eli Manning – 233pts
8 of 13 15+ = 62%
4 of 13 25+ = 31%

94 of 117 = 80% post 15+ performances
40 of 117 = 34% post 25+ performances
Top to bottom +95
Average score of 265

RB in the top 10

LT – 416 pts
10 of 13 15+ = 77%
10 of 13 25+ = 77%
10 of 13 29+ = 77%
8 of 13 31+ = 62%
5 of 13 40+ = 38%

52 receptions

Steven Jackson – 298 pts
9 of 13 15+ = 69%
5 of 13 25+ = 38%

82 receptions

Larry Johnson – 292pts
11 of 13 15+ = 85%
4 of 13 25+ = 31%

33 receptions

Westbrook – 271pts
11 of 13 15+ = 85%
6 of 13 25+ = 46%

69 receptions

Frank Gore – 241pts
7 of 13 15+ = 54%
3 of 13 25+ = 23%

49 receptions

Willie Parker – 236pts
9 of 13 15+ = 69%
4 of 13 25+ = 31%

29 receptions

Reggie Bush – 216pts
6 of 13 15+ = 46%
3 of 13 25+ = 23%
80 receptions

Kevin Jones – 215pts
8 of 12 15+ = 67%
4 of 12 25+ = 33%

61 receptions

Tiki Barber – 212pts
9 of 13 15+ = 69%
1 of 13 25+ = 8%

47 receptions

Maurice Drew – 192pts
6 of 13 15+ = 46%
1 of 13 25+ = 8%

33 receptions

Chester Taylor – 191pts
8 of 12 15+ = 67%
1 of 12 25+ = 8%

85 of 130 65%
42 of 130 32%
225 top to bottom
240 average

WR in the top 10

Chad Johnson – 240pts
7 of 13 15+ = 54%
2 of 13 25+ = 15%

Tory Holt – 230pts
6 of 13 15+ = 46%
3 of 13 25+ = 23%

Reggie Wayne – 228pts
7 of 13 15+ = 54%
2 of 13 25+ = 15%

Andre Johnson – 222pts
9 of 13 15+ = 69%
3 of 13 25+ = 23%

Donald Driver – 221pts
7 of 13 15+ = 54%
3 of 13 25+ = 23%

Terrell Owens – 218pts
8 of 13 15+ = 62%
1 of 13 25+ = 8%

Darrell Jackson – 213pts
9 of 13 15+ = 69%
1 of 13 25+ = 8%

Steve Smith – 213pts
8 of 11 15+ = 73%
2 of 11 25+ = 18%

Marvin Harrison – 212pts
7 of 13 15+ = 54%
3 of 13 25+ = 23%

TJ Houshmanzadeh – 205pts
8 of 11 15+ = 73%
4 of 11 25+ = 36%

69 of 126 = 55% 15+
24 of 126 = 19% 25+
35 top to bottom
220 average

Should you take a QB in the first round, or wait?
Is the RB the obvious choice still?
Should you take a WR in the top Ten?

Although QB’s do score more consistently and have a higher average than RB’s, they still do not take their place in fantasy importance. The drop-off from 1-10 is far greater in RB than in QB and most if not all leagues require at least two RB’s while most leagues employ the one QB system. With only a difference of 6 pts per game from top to bottom as opposed to a 14 pt swing per game from top RB to #10. Can you imagine the drop-off to # 20. You need the backs to win.

You have to ask yourself, Do you want to have the possibility of a top 3 QB along with 1 top 20 RB and a starting RB that you hope can do something or grab two top 20 backs and grab a QB in like round 5 or later that would only give you around 3 pts less per game at QB than if you would have grabbed Manning in the first. Obviously, in non-PPR leagues, QB’s take on a little more importance, but leagues without PPR tend to also only use 4 pt passing TD’s to balance. No matter how you slice it, you have to take a running back with at least the first and probably the second as well.

Never take a WR in the first round. They don’t consistently put up points to warrant such a high pick. That is including the top tier players. Target a top 5-10 WR in the third round or later and then pick guys based solely on matchups in mid-later rounds. I have drafted Donald Driver the past two seasons fairly late and have picked up guys like Colston this year.

There will always be aberrations and exceptions to the rule, but 8 or 9 times out of ten the championship is given to the guy with two things going for him.
1. Solid starting RB’s
2. Balance
Starting backs give the team a core point total each week to build around with a balanced scoring team rather than sticking all the eggs into a powerhouse QB, WR and one viable stud back, maybe.

SF @ SEA
Seattle can wrap it up.

Gore – He is a yard monster. He gets so many long runs that he is winded and misses plays in the red zone.
SA – If he can’t score this week, I give up
D-Jax - He is out fool.

DAL @ ATL
Atlanta has won 2 in a row and 3 of the boys 4 losses are on the road. This year in the NFL, that pretty much means nothing.

Romo – Has the balloon deflated yet?
MB3 – two TD’s
TO - So Lonely, Oh So Lonely. What a bag of horse piss.

Vick – Remember when the falcon’s were 5-2, Vick remains to be overrated and overpaid and Falcon’s keep defending him and they are about to miss the playoffs AGAIN.
Who is their running back? – Griffith?

PHI @ NYG
Both teams look to make a playoff push.

Garcia – He is quick plug in against a defense that allowed Grossman to keep his job.

Westbrook – must start

Eli – I love watching him fail and with almost no oline, that is not difficult.
Tiki – The Eagles cannot even stop the run in wins.
Jacobs – TD man

CLE @ BAL
The Browns suck and Baltimore will face the Chargers for the REAL superbowl in the AFC this year.

McNair – It shouldn’t take much offense to win this one and the Ravens usually play down to their opponents.

DET @ GB
Aside from fantasy football, the only people that care about this game are Green Bay fans.

Kitna – He gets points.

Favre – Golden Boy is playing for that TD record.

HOU @ NE
This one is a laugher

Brady – Still pretty consistent, has a great matchup this week. Owned Jason Taylor in his press conference response to the Miami DE et al. discussing whether they did or did not know the snap count.

JAX @ TEN
Tennessee might be playing the best ball in the league with wins over Philly, Giants & Indy and almost winning against Baltimore. Jax doesn’t show up sometimes on the road.

Jones-Drew – He’s a bullet through that line and scoring like crazy.

Vinsanity - The guy is obviously playing above himself right now, but he is sure fun to watch.

MIA @ BUF
Miami is just about the only team as hot as the Titans beating New England, Minnesota & at Chicago. Buffalo needs two out of three to get to .500.

Lee Evans – Deceiving #’s with big games in between very mediocre ones.
Miami Defense - Seem to have Tom Brady figured out, these guys should give at least the other weeks to other QB's. David Garrard threw for 269 and 2 TD's.

NYJ @ MIN
The Jets are Vikings are both trying to sneak into the playoffs and most likely neither will.

Artose Pinner, are you serious?

PIT @ CAR
Pitt is done and Carolina is about to be.

Steve Smith – He only player worth anything in this game aside from FWP, of course.

TBB @ CHI
The Buccs are only a game away from the #1 pick. The Bears have played up and down, but still should be the #1 seed in the NFC.

No one should have any good fantasy performances out of this game, but it will probably end up 45-40.

WAS @ NO
Brees proved me wrong and I admit it. The guy is lights out and easily the best passer in the league this year. Only Donavon was close before he got hurt. Washington has one of the worst pass defenses.

Three Blind Mice – See how they run.

Reggie Bush – Aside from the one huge game, he has had a couple of good ones. He has been more consistent of late.
Joe Horn - He won't play the rest of the season, he will be healthy for the Real Playoffs.

DEN @ ARI
Cutler gets to face an awful pass defense and will show why Shanny picked him.

Walker – I see big numbers this week

Edge – Has two good games in a row and that ends this week.

STL @ OAK
St Louis completely choked after the fast start and now gets to face the most surprising pass defense this year

Steven Jackson – You have to start Holt and even Bulger, but Steven Jackson should the benefactor of points this week.

KC @ SD
The Chiefs are holding on by a thread and San Diego is rolling. LJ needs to turn in an LT game this week.

Simple Start Both RB’s

LT - 31 TD's in 13 games. That's it. It quiets anyone who says that old records were only 14 games. This record makes Druggie Taylor LT2. Amazing.

CIN @ IND
Shootout in Indy is what is expected and if you like scoring you will be happy. Indy cannot tackle and the best way to keep Manning out of the endzone is to not give him the ball.

Start Palmer, Rudi, Chad, TJ, Peyton, Wayne, Harrison,not Addai-he ain't playing, even Reggie Kelly.

I know that if you made it this far, you are savvy enough to know about the players who play and the players who watch. Always go with your gut and don’t look back.

Professor Ellis D Trails

EXIT......STAGE LEFT

2006-12-12T00:20:00.001-05:00

join in the fun, jump on the band wagon & get in on the ground floor.... 2 didget member #s still available, so hurry up.

The revolution of Fanball has begun...

go to www.rockyssports.com, and join wikkid pissah, long shotz me, and a host of others, who have left the oppression behind!!!!!

Sandinista Rock!!!

NUFCED by wikkidpissah

2006-12-11T19:40:00.000-05:00

i can be found prowling the forums at www.rockyssports.com from now on. nufced

Professor Ellis D Trails Week 13 Syllabus

2006-11-30T06:00:00.000-05:00

We have arrived at the two most critical weeks in terms of fantasy importance. Playoffs are almost upon us and we are either a win away from being in or being eliminated. I myself have either made it into or are very close to clinching playoffs in all of my money leagues. I play in one league where it is best record wins. I have a 4 game lead with five to go. Most of you come to class to learn about the nuances that gives you the gumption necessary to decide on whom to go with on Sunday of Monday and now Thursday. Tony Romo is the new flavor and is ranked in the top 5 among the leagues QB’s already in some places (ESPN) where obvious observations are pawned on us as some kind of meaningful analysis. As soon as he tanks in a game, people will start calling him a bust. Ahh, the fickle fate of fantasy football. I heard that Romo is dating Jessica Simpson and that his people called her people saying he had a crush, here's how it really happened.

Tony Romo is sitting around in his living room and he sees that Direct TV commercial with Jessica Simpson. He then calls his agent.

Tony (to his agent): Man I want to bang that Jessica Simpson
Agent: Yeah that would be sweet.
Tony: She is single now right?
Agent: Oh Yeahh
Tony: Damn she is hot, tell you what let’s send her people a message that I have a crush on here.
Agent: yeah, that might actually work.
Tony: I know, damn I can’t wait to tap that.
Agent: Done deal

Aside from that we have convened today to gaze upon this week’s games with an even more keen interest than in previous weeks due to the importance stated above. Without further a due:

Thursday November 30th, 2006

BAL @ CIN
Baltimore is rolling under Billick and Lewis is a reliable back again bank it. Cincinnati was able win two games in a row on the road and look to cut into Baltimore’s 3 game lead Thursday Night.

Steve McNair - The Ravens can clinch the division with a win this week and McNair needs an efficient game for this to happen. The Ravens beat the Bengals at home by getting off to a quick start and barely was able to keep the Bengals at bay.
J-Lew - With 5 of his 6 TD’s for the season coming in the last 4 games. Lewis is back and you should be confident in starting him against a defense that has only given up fewer rushing TD’s than Indy and the Jets.

Carson Palmer - Carson has 9 TD’s and 2 Int’s in his last three games and always plays well against Baltimore. The Bengals need this game and I don’t see Carson disappointing.
Rudi Johnson - After not getting 20 carries in 3 games, he has gotten over 20 in his last two, both wins. Baltimore has been lights out vs. the run and I wouldn’t expect much more than 50-60 yards and a possible score.
Chad Johnson - People think that his recent surge in stats is due to him playing better, well he may, but teams are finally starting to give respect to the other receivers. Now as long as Henry can stay off the police blogger, his stats should continue to shine.

Sunday December 3rd, 2006

ARI @ STL
Arizona has two wins and neither of them is on the road. St Louis, after starting the season 4-1 has dropped 5 of 6. If they want to compete, they have to run the table. Pace’s absence is huge in more ways than one.

Matt Leinart - He is still going through some growing pains dealing with a good offense that is being held back by poor play up front. St Louis has played surprisingly well against the pass and we all know Arizona cannot run the ball.
Boldin and Fitz - As long as Arizona continues to trail in games, these two will thrive and are must starts.

Marc Bulger - Ever since Pace has been out, Bulger has had little or no time to throw the ball, hurting himself as well as Tory Holt.
Steven Jackson - It is good to see that Jackson is still racking up the fantasy points with Pace out.

ATL @ WAS
Atlanta’s only two wins in the last seven have come by a total of 5 points and have lost by two touchdowns 5 times. Maybe now people will start realizing that Vick will never win in this league. Washington is an enigma that is fit for this parity of a league we call the NFL.

Michael Vick - He may not be able to win games, but he can score fantasy points.
Warrick Dunn - He is on pace for the most carries in his career. He has gone over 60 yards twice since week seven but never more than 73. Hello wall.

Jason Campbell - People are so riled up over Romo that they are glossing over Campbell who lost a close one on the road against Tampa and then wins against a Carolina team that had won 6 of 8. He has 4 TD’s and only 1 Int in 2 games. If he has a good game this week, maybe ESPN will rank him fifth only 4 slots behind the best QB in the league Tony Romo.
Three Blind Mice - See how they run.
Chris Cooley - He has seen his looks increase with Campbell in and looks to revisit his heroics of last year’s playoffs.

DET @ NE
Detroit stinks and wins an occasional home game. This week they go one the road against a Patriot team that is getting ready for the time of the year they save their best efforts for.

Roy Williams - He is the only guy worth starting on the road for the Lions, especially against the Patriots.

Tom Brady - Since his debacle against the Colts, he has been on point. Now that we are in December, your confidence in him should be growing.
Laurence Maroney - He is the star at RB in New England, too bad there is this other guy that gets in the way of it sometimes.
Ben Watson - He is finally becoming the receiver we all wanted since the beginning of the season with all 3 of his TD’s coming in the last five weeks and has averaged almost 14 pts per contest since the bye week.

IND @ TEN
Indy had fun rolling over the Eagles last week on Sunday night and now get to play a feisty Tennessee team that came back to upset the falling Giants. Indy better watch out or they could get caught. However, with a win, they wrap up the division

Peyton Manning - He hasn’t really had a Peyton big week in about 3 weeks. Look out.
Joe Addai - I have been calling this guys bust out game for weeks now and I should have known that it would have been against the Eagles. The Titans couldn’t stop a RB if they were paid to, err uh.., they do get paid. It sure doesn’t look that way.
Marvin Harrison - Here is another one from the weird file. In the Colt’s even games this year Marvin has averaged 7 catches for 104 yards and 4 total TD’s, but in the Colt’s odd games he is averaging 4 catches for 50.5 yards and 1 TD all season. This is the 12TH game for the Colts. If you are a trend guy, Start Marvin Harrison this week. (as if you would bench him). He also still has more catches this year than Reggie Wayne.

Travis Henry - He is easily the number one guy in Tennessee and if there is any week to play him, it would be this week against a very poor Indy run defense. I would just hope that Tennessee doesn’t get behind too fast.

KC @ CLE
The Chiefs are hanging on to the top WC spot barely and would like to keep that spot by taking out a Cleveland team that was embarrassed by the Bengals.

Larry Johnson - He has scored in every game since week 2 and put up 150+ on Denver. Enjoy having against a defense that has given up the second most 20+ yard plays on the ground.

Kellen Winslow - The leading receiver among TE’s has finally arrived. Now if he could get a QB that could throw it to him more.

MIN @ CHI
Minnesota stops the run as good as how bad they stop the pass. It is amazing how good they play in one aspect of the game to have the same players play so bad in another area. Chicago wants to knock Minnesota farther down and come to just one game away from clinching home field in the playoffs.

Chester Taylor - He played fairly well when these two teams first met, but don’t expect much.

Rex Grossman - Up and down Rex should be back up again this week.
Bernard Berrian - I see two or three deep ones caught against this poor secondary.

NYJ @ GB
The Jets are holding on for life during a season in which no one gave them any chance. They are currently tied with the Bengals and Jaguars one game behind the Broncos and Chiefs. Dare I say the Jets have a chance? At 4-7, it is spoiler time for Green Bay and with each passing week we shall here more about the impending retirement or lack thereof referring, of course, to the Legend Brett Faaaavvreeee.

Chad Pennington - Comeback player of the year.
Laveranues Coles - He is sure glad that Penny came back and didn’t get hurt again. Do you remember all those people who said that Santana Moss was way better than Coles after last year and the Redskins got the better deal? Those people don’t exist anymore. LOL

Brett Favre - I know Brett should retire because On Monday night I saw a different Favre than I can remember. One that was shaking his head and throwing his arms up in disbelief. Some of them throws looked terrible and just thrown up for grabs. He’ll be back though; it is all about the record now.
Ahman Green - He still can play against teams that can’t stop the run and the Jets fit that category to a tee.
Donald Driver - two yards behind Steve Smith for 5th in the league in yards. There are people that say he is not a viable #1 WR, which lets me snag him as a two every year.

SD @ BUF
San Diego is really setting themselves apart from the pack and now get Merriman back for the stretch run. They are so fun to watch and Rivers is playing like a Vet. Buffalo has played well recently, but it may be too little too late.

Philip Rivers - He plays well, but you don’t really need him when you have LT.
LT - Buffalo gives up nearly 140 yards per game on the ground. I see another 3 TD game.

JP Loseman - I’ll be the first to admit JP has far exceeded my expectations for this season, but Merriman is back and you know he is hungry for some QB meat.
Willis McGahee - Hey, a good run defense, time for Willis to run and hide.
Lee Evans - He wishes he could play Houston every week.

SF @ NO
San Fran has won 3 of 4 and New Orleans has lost 2 of 3. Buck the trend here and watch Brees lead the Saints to victory.

Alex Smith - New Orleans has not given up very many yards through the air, but don’t let that fool you. Only Washington and Tampa have given up more scores through
Frank Gore - How bad is Kevan Barlow? Gore is definitely a trooper; he has fought through a number of injuries this year and missed minimal game time. He is carrying them and with a few upsets could surprise everyone. They are only one game out of the struggling Giants and surging Panthers.

Drew Brees - He has 500 more yards passing than Peyton Manning and I bet that he was not a first round pick.
Devery Henderson - If Colston plays, then this guy is just a flavor and flavors rarely produce in consecutive weeks. If Colston doesn’t play, he makes a good go as Horn is still nursing a hammy.

JAX @ MIA
Jacksonville can feel their game slipping from them. They lose to Houston and then beat the Giants. Their only road win this year came at Philly, not exactly a juggernaut. Miami is undefeated since the bye and need to win out to even think about having a shot at the playoffs. Which teams will show up this week?

David Garrard - Miami stops the pass almost as well as the Jaguars do and Garrard has been struggling lately.
Taylor and Drew - The Phins play well against the run especially at home and this game may come down to a defensive score.

Joey Harrington - Harrington had his best game of the season on Thanksgiving against the Lions and now gets to play a real defense. Interception time. LOL
Sammy Morris - If you are starting Morris, that means you are having injury problems. Don’t be mad when he gets you about 50 yards and that’s it.
Marty Booker - He has been a hot pickup this week and my question is WHY?

HOU @ OAK
Does anyone even care about this game? Does any team have anyone starting on their team in this game besides Andre Johnson, who btw, leads the league in receptions by 20? Moulds was a godsend to this kid’s career.

DAL @ NYG
Matchup of the Week. The Cowboys are on fire and TO is quiet. Oops, I spoke to soon. TO criticized the team for cutting Mike Vanderjagt. A decision that was made by BP himself. Guess someone got tired of Romo stealing the spotlight. Eli is playing like the lost Manning brother and looks downright terrible as the head coach and players seem to have a rocky relationship at best. To stay with the way things have gone this year, Eli has his best game of the year and Romo tanks in New York.

Tony Romo - He has played extremely well in his first few games of his young career, mostly against scrub teams. I would beware of this game as it spells huge letdown for everybody on the Romo bus.
TO - All that crap and he is second in the league in TD receptions. Whatever you say about him, he gets the job done.

Eli Manning - Now that everyone has anointed him bust, he will come out this week and smash them Cowboys.
Tiki Barber - He will be fired up himself to stick it to Coughlin. He will drive it down so Jacobs can stick it in.
Plaxico Burress - He isn’t even the biggest crybaby on this team. (Shockey)

TB @ PIT
I know teams should never tank, but Tampa has few options. Right now they sit at 5th pick in the draft. They still have Seattle, Chicago and even Atlanta on their schedule. The best they could do is win out and finish .500. The only thing that accomplishes another mid first round guess player. Or, they could lose out and be fighting for a top spot. Maybe it comes down to whether Gradkowksi can win. If he wins, then they go after a player and if he loses they might be going after Quinn. One thing they need is some stability on the Line. Pitt is the most disappointing team this season. I just don’t think that a guy that came in and won like 90% of his games in his first two seasons can turn out this bad. Someone should tell Romo owners to beware. Shit play can come at any time.

Bruce Gradkowski - Is it me or does this guy look like Dave Attell? He just looks old to me. I know he isn’t, but he just looks like an old guy.
Caddy - Before you lose all hope on him, I know he only has two 100 yard games, but he does have 3 near 100 yard games including last week against Dallas where he had 73yards on 17 carries. That does however mark the 8th time in 11 games in which Caddy had gotten fewer than 20 carries. His yardage in the games in which he received 20+ carries are – 84 vs. Philly, 111 vs. NO & 122 vs. WAS. John really needs to get a line and give him the ball. That’s how you win road games in the NFL.

Ben Rosvcxoiiowejashiuehrufhweuhrfeherger - I wonder how many Pittsburgh fans suffered in Fantasy because of false hopes in this shell of a QB?
Willie Parker - He had his TD streak snapped last weekend against a fierce Raven defense that seems to be playing possessed lately. Tampa’s run defense has given up a few big plays, but is better against the run than the stats show.
Hines Ward - I was ready to say some stuff about him in the beginning of the season about him holding out and not being worth it, but he has been the man for most of this season and is 8th in the league TD’s, in a relatively low scoring year for WR’s in which Darrell Jackson is the leader thru 11 games with 9 TD’s, with 6 himself. That being said, obviously his surgery on his knee will keep him out this week, but he hopes to be back next week. I say with the season over, IR him and let him heal.

SEA @ DEN
Seattle’s injuries have put them in a precarious place, although as good as they could have thought, given some of the play by the replacements. They are comfortable in the west, thanks to the Rams complete collapse, and looking to gear up for the playoffs. In contrast, Denver has the exact same record as Seattle, but instead of enjoying a 2 game lead, they are 2 games out and hanging on to the last playoff spot. AFC still has the NFC’s number.

Matt Hass - He looked better in the second half on Monday night, but that was after the snow stopped and he could see the field. At that point it wasn’t even a game.
SA - He is back and I don’t care if they give him the ball 40 times every game, that means more yards for me.
Darrell Jackson - This guy has Seneca Wallace as his QB for four games and is still leading the league in TD receptions.

Jay Cutler - He came in on his day off to get ready for this week’s game. You know Seattle will blitz. He should be shaky in the beginning. You know Denver’s defense is going to keep it close, but Cutler to Walker could be the next big hookup in the league.
Turf Toe Bell - Tatem has always played well in Denver and if he truly is healthy*** See bottom then he could help take pressure off of Cutler.
Javon Walker - It really all depends on how long it takes Cutler to settle in. You can’t really sit him though.

Monday December 4th, 2006

CAR @ PHI
Two teams going in opposite directions. One winning and getting better and one losing games and hope. Carolina would love to have a road win especially with two crucial road games at the end of the season against division foes. If Philly is going to do anything it starts with this game, if they don’t they can kiss this season good-bye. I now consider Donavon McNabb injury prone. 3 completely different season ending surgeries.

Jake Dehomme - I don’t see much out of Jake. They should just do what every team does. The Eagles have given up 200 yards rushing in 3 of the last 4 games. In the other they gave up 143. The Colts scored over 40 and Peyton only threw 20 passes.
DeAngelo Williams - If the Panthers were smart they would just hand off the ball to him the entire game. DeShaun Foster is no good.
Steve Smith - When Delhomme does pass, this guy will be getting the ball.

Jeff Garcia - He was supposedly injured at the end of the last game and that is why Feeley came in. Yeah, ok, whatever. He should be pulled again after an injury when the Eagles are trailing by 20 and Peppers has his 3 rd sack and it isn’t even halftime.
Brian Westbrook - He is still reliable especially in PPR leagues. He has gotten over 20 carries for three games in a row and became the first Eagle to have three straight 100 yard rushing games since Wilbert Montgomery.

Top 10 QB’ for Week 13
1. Peyton Manning
2. Michael Vick
3. Drew Brees
4. Chad Pennington
5. Tom Brady
6. Carson Palmer
7. Marc Bulger
8. Brett Favre
9. Matt Leinart
10. Rex Grossman

Top 10 RB’s for Week 13
1. LT
2. LJ
3. S-Jax
4. Brian Westbrook
5. Frank Gore
6. Joe Addai
7. Ahman Green
8. Jamal Lewis
9. Travis Henry
10. Tiki Barber

Top Ten WR’s for Week 13
1. Laveranues Coles
2. Donald Driver
3. Larry Fitzgerald
4. Marvin Harrison
5. Steve Smith
6. Chad Johnson
7. Tory Holt
8. Reggie Wayne
9. Marques Colston (if he plays)
10. Javon Walker

Now on a side note, I know you know but Joe Thiesmann is a moron, that whole thing about how it takes one quarter for every game missed “incite” was anything but. He makes want to chew on tacks and put them into my eyes to ease the pain he causes my brain. Also, the only thing worse than the way Bryant Gumbel describes a football game are those AWFUL, celebrity/sports player sit in. I thought Mike Tirico was going to ask Jeff Gordon what kind of motor oil he uses. Seriously, has that guy ever conducted any sort of an interview and. The only saving grace is Tony K. He is pretty terrible as a color guy, but he great as a guy that sticks it to Thiesmann and calls him out when he says something that is completely backwards. That and that he always talks about fantasy football.

Random Joe Theismann Quote

“It’s hard to believe, but [Peyton] Manning wouldn’t be nearly as great a quarterback without James in the backfield taking pressure off him and giving him options.”

I absolutely cannot stand that guy. Good Luck on all your decisive games this weekend and now, more so than ever, Always go with your gut and don’t look back.

…………………..Professor Ellis D Trails

***HA HA HA, You actually looked. Tatem Bell Sucks, he will never be healthy. Go ahead start him. HA HA HA

Professor Ellis D Trails Week 11 Syllabus

2006-11-16T06:00:00.000-05:00

Professor Ellis D Trails Week 11 Syllabus

Your Professor is back again this week for all your fantasy prognostications. After last week, I now know one thing for certain, that football is about as predictable as an episode of Lost. We are gearing up for the playoff run in reality and fantasy. The race is wide open in the NFL this year and it seems to be more wide open with each passing year. Most of the leagues trade deadlines have passed and now begins the race for the championship. On to this week’s games as it’s crunch time and I know you are here for the information that will bring you one step closer to your goal.

Sunday November 18, 2006

TEN @ PHI
Tennessee was killing the Ravens before they choked last week. Philly got back in the winning ways and ended both Portis and Brunell’s seasons, one from their play and one because of a broken hand.

Vince Young - The Eagles have the right defense to stop mobile QB’s.
Travis Henry - If the Titans stay committed to the run, he will have some room to roam.

D-Mac - Like you need any more incentive than the Titan’s pass defense to play McNabb this week
Westy - He is getting reps in practice and will get his normal 18-20 in PPR leagues.
Reggie Brown - Where have you been Reggie? He has very few catches in the past few games. He is still young and will turn it around with Stallworth back in the lineup.
Donte Stallworth - He has the ability and QB to score deep every game.

ATL @ BAL
Vick came back to earth as I knew he would. After 3 games and throwing 7 TD’s, people were giving Vick the MVP award and with two stinkers against Cleveland and Detroit, he is lucky to be playing the position. Baltimore once again wins a close one in the end.

Vick - Will Vick turn it around this week? Not Likely.
Dunn - He hasn’t gone over 100 yards since week 6.

McNair - Atlanta’s defense is hurting, but it still isn’t as bad as Tennessee. Average numbers at best for him this week.
Jamal Lewis - I am sick of supporting this has been
Derrick Mason - I said that since Billick was calling the plays, Mason’s #’ would increase. He has had averaged 5 catches a game in the last three and scored his first TD of the season.

BUF @ HOU
Buffalo came close to knocking off the Colts last weekend, but the offense could only muster FG’s which was their downfall. Houston has played better recently, but always finds a way to not win.

JP Losman - He has his worst games on the road where he averages 130 yards passing and has 4 of his 6 Int’s.
Lee Evans - In something you may not expect, Evans actually has better games on the road even with Loseman’s struggles. He posts his two highest catch totals on the road this year and one of his TD’s. Also, 3 of his 5 best games this season have come on the road with only two really poor games in 5, these being the first two games of the season.

CHI @ NYJ
Chicago look mediocre until the second half of last week’s game against the Giants and now get to play their second week in a row at the Meadowlands. The Jets are coming off a great win at New England last week and with an upset by Green Bay this week would share first place with a win.

Rex Grossman - Last week’s game was the first multiple TD game and it started out bad until the second half injuries took their toll on the Giants D. Grossman isn’t his best on the road where he has 8 of his 11 Int’s and at least one in every road game.
Thomas Jones - Grossman doesn’t play well on the road for the most part and the Jets run defense is terrible. He is the key to the Bears success this week.

Chad Pennington - He is a finalist for comeback player of the year with Ahman Green, no doubt. However, he hasn’t had a 300 yard game since week 2 and hasn’t had a 200 yard game since week 4, all the while throwing 4TD’s and 7 Int’s in his last 5.
Laveranues Coles - Outside of that great performance against Miami, he hasn’t done much since week 4 either.

CIN @ NO
The Bengals played like shit in the second half on defense against the Chargers and deserved to lose. Drew Brees is putting up MVP #’s and then they give away a game to Willie Parker and the Steelers.

Carson Palmer - I hope all you that benched Carson Palmer last week realized why you don’t do that.
Rudi Johnson - Rudi has now scored in three straight games against BAL, ATL & SD, all teams that allow less than one TD a game rushing. New Orleans gives up about 130 yds/game on the ground.
Chad Johnson - He finally got off the schnide in a big way last week. I was like save some for the rest of the year Chad, but I guess he was just trying to make up for lost time.

Drew Brees - He has 5 300 yard games and three in a row. He has 10 TD passes in 4 games and should use his accuracy to exploit a defense that was torn apart by his replacement in San Diego.
Reggie Bush - He scored his first TD from scrimmage last week. Woo freaking Hoo. He is still only averaging 2.8 yards per carry.
Marques Colston - League leader in yards and tied for third in receptions as well as leading in TD’s. Not bad for a rookie and must start on your team.

MIN @ MIA
Minnesota’s offense is terrible. Richardson is hurting and so is Hutchinson. They better start scoring some points. Miami has now won two in a row for the first time all season. Their defense is playing better and better and is playing well enough to overcome any mistakes made by Joey.

Brad Johnson - Brad Johnson is the real reason that Minnesota is struggling. He makes poor decisions leading the way to 5 TD’s versus 9 Int’s (1 TD and 5 Int’s in the last 3 games against the likes of SF and GB).
Chester Taylor - Only Larry Johnson and Edgerrin James have more carries than Chester and while he has a good amount of yardage, only Julius Jones and Jamal Lewis have fewer TD’s than Chester in the top 15 in regards to players with the most carries in the league.

Ronnie Brown - Minnesota’s run defense is still #1 and the only team giving up less than 3 yards per carry. It doesn’t look good for Ronnie this week.

NE @ GB
New England could not overcome mistakes and the weather in a loss to the Jets and will come out firing against a poor passing defender that is the Packers. Green Bay took out Minnesota on the road which has been no easy task for them in recent memory. They have won 3 out 4 games since their bye and are playing pretty good football on both sides of the ball right now.

Tom Brady - He was obviously frustrated last week and should bounce back nicely.
Reche Caldwell - He is about as close as New England has as a go to guy receiver for Brady with 3 games out of the last 4 with at least 5 catches and two total TD’s.

Brett Favre - GB’s line is playing much better than last year. Brett has thrown a fourth on the Int’s from last year and been sacked only 11 times all season.
Donald Driver - He continues his reign as one of the most underrated receivers in fantasy. He is not for me though.

OAK @ KC
Oakland is struggling again and now it will be Brooks turn again in the game of the new old QB’s as Green returns from la la land and he can thank a poor performance by Huard against Miami for that.

Brooks - He sucked before the injury and he will suck now.
Lamont “I went from dud to stud to dud in 2+ years” Jordan – His name says it all.
Randy Moss - It really doesn’t matter who the QB is, when your coach won’t throw it deep.

Trent Green - Welcome back against the # 3 pass defense. This game belongs to LJ.
LJ - 7 Total TD’s in 4 games against Oakland in his career. Start him happily.

PIT @ CLE
Pittsburgh is 3-6 and hanging on for dear life. They pretty much need to win out, and with a coach like Cowher, it can be done. Cleveland has played better than their record would indicate, but they are 3-6 and their remaining schedule is rough.

Willie Parker - He is on fire. He has scored in every game sans one since week 2. Also, he has had at least 20 carries in every game since week 2 except for the games against San Diego & Denver.
Hines Ward - He has been on fire himself since week 5 scoring 5 TD’s and averaging over 100 yards a game.

STL @ CAR
Twice this season St Louis loses to Seattle on last second Field Goals. Ouch! Carolina is playing up and down this season and need this game as four of their final 6 games are on the road.

Marc Bulger - Carolina has played well on defense and losing pace is going to hurt Bulger more than he knows. Last week was the first game since week one that Bulger did not throw a TD. For my sake, as well as many of yours, let’s hope that doesn’t continue.
Steven Jackson - Owners might not like the fact that SJ hasn’t rushed for 100 yards since week 2, if not for his surge in receiving yards and scoring in 4 straight games.
Tory Holt - After having a TD in five straight games, he hasn’t scored in three. This could only mean one thing. He is due for a Torry “Big Game” Holt type of game.

Jake Delhomme - St Louis has given up 14 TD’s passing and 10 in the last 6 games. He is definitely worth a start at home.
Steve Smith - He is almost undefendable.

WAS @ TBB
Washington will head into Tampa after being smashed by the EAGLES with Jason Campbell and Ladell Betts. Tampa is terrible. If not for a miracle FG they would have one win. They will win this one though.

Jason Campbell - He gets to make his first pass in the league against a once formidable opponent. They are still adequate, but with only 12 sacks all year (fewest in the league) they are not pressuring anyone.
Ladell Betts - Lets see, a QB in his first game playing on the road. Can anyone say stacking the box?
Three Blind Mice - See how they run.

Bruce Gradkowski - Washington’s pass defense is really bad, really bad. He is still young and makes some bad decisions, but if you are in a bind, he has a nice matchup at home.
Cadillac Williams - He hasn’t hit 50 yards in 3 games and has one TD all year. His only value right now is as a keeper for next year.

Sunday, November 19, 4:05pm

DET @ ARI
There is always one thing that is constant in the wacky world that is the NFL and that is that the Lions do not win on the road. It is obvious that Matt is still adjusting to the NFL, but it equally as obvious that once he does, he will be good.

John Kitna - Arizona plays much better defense at home. Kitna is a good start with Roy Williams out there, but don’t expect any great numbers.
Kevin Jones - KJ already has a career high in TD’s and is on pace to have career highs in yards and carries. Arizona has given up some running yards like 137 to Oakland on the road, but they also held LJ to 2.3 yds/carry at home. Just something to chew on.
Roy Williams - The way he is playing this year in Martz’ offense makes him a must start for your team.

Matt Leinart - You can’t get much better being a rook than facing the Lions at home. Only two teams have fewer interceptions than the Lions. The Skins and the Saints.
Edge - Maybe next year. Look at it this way; you might be able to snag him as low as the third round in some moron leagues next year. I do like him this week. See below. (Sleeper of the Week)
Anquan Boldin & Larry Fitzgerald - Leinart is playing well at times, but he isn’t slinging up numbers like Warner did. For the rest of the season, when one of the dynamic duo does well the other will suffer.

SEA @ SF
Seattle plucked a victory from St Louis just as they had just 4 weeks prior. San Fran managed to win their second game in a row for the first time all season.

Matt Hasselback - He was favoring the knee a little during practice but seemed in good spirits and could play this weekend. Watch out if Hass does play, he has had some of his worst games there.
SA - Only the Jets and Bengals have given up more rushing TD’s than San Fran. Welcome back SA.
Darrell Jackson - The best, nay the only WR to ever produce from the Florida Gators continues to be the man in Seattle.

Frank Gore - He suffered a mild concussion against the Lions. I don’t see him missing this week’s game, but one big hit could knock him out.
Vernon Davis - Is there a hotter pick up in fantasy right now. It seems like every league I am in he was picked up this week. I don’t think he’ll return this week, maybe everyone is just getting ready to play the highest paid TE in the league.

Sunday, November 19, 2006 4:15pm

IND @ DAL
Indy remained undefeated with a close win against Buffalo holding them to FG’s on offense. Dallas is thriving with Romo at the helm. That can’t last. Losing Greg Ellis hurts.

Peyton Manning - Just watching him command an offense is special. I think about all of the little nuances that go through his head during each play. He is something special.
Joe Addai - He is the top back in Indy in my mind. Rhodes has gotten 21 carries in the last three weeks while Addai has gotten 48. You make the call.
Reggie Wayne & Marvin Harrison - Wayne has 6 TD’s in five games and Harrison has 4. Wayne has 30 receptions in the last five, while Harrison has 25. Start them both as if you needed me to tell you that.

Tony Romo - He played ok against the Panthers and well against the Cardinals and Redskins, whoop de do. This week he faces a real team and watch him crumble.
Julius Jones - I just don’t understand how BP uses this guy. After looking like a stud through week 6, he has been virtually nowhere in the last 4 games. It looks like Barber is taking more and more carries from him.
TO - After vowing to be a changed player in the second half, he goes and drops a ton of passes against the Cardinals. If they had lost that game, you can bet you would have heard more about it. If he is dropping passes against the Colts, you can be sure that it will cost his “team”

Sunday, November 19, 2006 8:15pm

SD @ DEN
The second Sunday night flex game features the best offense in the league vs. the leagues best defense scoring wise. Something has got to give in this battle for first place. The rematch is in 3 weeks. The Chargers are fresh off the shootout comeback in Cincy to take on the Bengals who squeaked by the Raiders for the second time this year.

Philip Rivers - You are welcome to those who listened to me about Rivers in the preseason. This one will be a tough game no matter how much experience you have as a starter.
LT - Denver’s run defense is stingy, but LT is a man on a mission this season,
Gates - Rivers is going to have to get Antonio involved early and often.

Jake Plummer - You know that Plummer watched plenty of game film of the Bengals first half torching the Charger defense. It won’t help him escape his own mediocrity.
Denver RB’s - I give up.
Javon Walker - Javon is definitely the #1 option in Denver now and has scored in three straight games. Start him against any defense.

Monday, November 20, 2006 8:30pm

NYG @ JAX
The Giants are hurting. Each week brings new injuries. The latest being Sam Madison allowing Grossman to torch their defense in the second half. It is good thing that they face a team that is having their own problems completing passes. Jacksonville was swept by Houston last week and that is inexcusable. Their defense plays better at home, but it won’t matter if their offense plays like they did against the Texans.

Eli Manning - I have always said it, Eli Manning is overrated. He hasn’t thrown for 200 yards since playing an awful Washington team while throwing only 6 TD’s with 6 Int’s in that span.
Tiki - The NFL’s leading rusher can’t buy a TD with Jacobs in there.
Giant’s WR - You know a team is hurting when they bring in guys like David Boston & Peter Warrick.

JAX RB’s - They really like to use Jones-Drew in a multitude of ways, but Taylor is one that gets the yards. Another dreaded RBBC, where Drew is the man for TD’s and Taylor will get you points in yardage heavy league.
JAX WR’s First it was Reggie Williams and Matt Jones, and then Wilford has a good game or two, now Jones was benched. That whole situation is a mess. Ya know, Leftwich has one bad game against the Texans and gets benched. Leftwich was made out to be the leader of that team. A guy who would play through pain to help them win games and lead them on the field and is not the starter now because of David Garrard, a guy who has one good game against the Titans. I have to blame Del Rio for this mess.

Top 10 QB’s for Week 11

1. Peyton Manning
2. Donavon McNabb
3. Carson Palmer
4. Drew Brees
5. Tom Brady
6. Mark Bulger
7. Seahawks QB
8. Jake Delhomme
9. Brett Favre
10. Matt Leinart

Top 10 RB’s for Week 11

1. Larry Johnson
2. Brian Westbrook
3. LT
4. Kevin Jones
5. Steven Jackson
6. Shaun Alexander
7. Thomas Jones
8. Tiki Barber
9. Edgerrin James
10. Rudi Johnson

Top 10 WR's for Week 11

1. Torry Holt
2. Marques Colston
3. Steve Smith
4. Marvin Harrison
5. TJ Houshmanzadeh
6. Larry Fitzgerald
7. Darryl Jackson
8. Marvin Harrison
9. Roy Williams
10. Terrell Owens

Bust of the Week – Ronnie Brown
First of all, he faces the best rush defense in the league. Add to that his groin injury and that spells benchtime for Ronnie.

Sleeper of the Week – Edgerrin James
As you all know Edge has been less than stellar this year. He is still getting a ton of carries and against a Lions defense hurt by injuries has given up nearly 200 yards per game over the last three. I see Edge get over the century mark for the first time all season and scoring as well.

You all come to my class to convince yourself and to reassure yourself of dilemmas and decisions that you have made for the betterment of your team. I ask you to look upon my syllabus with an open mind and a keen sense to use what you can to lead your team to victory. I give you the fuel and you use that to power your team to fantasy championship. Always go with your gut and don’t look back.

Professor Ellis D Trails

The famous final scene

2006-11-06T14:06:00.000-05:00

Thanks to Bob Seger for the title. I made money last week, and I made more this week, but I didnt post for a reason.... I was trying to gauge readership. With the staff dropping out quicker than Timothy Leary ever did, I thought a week away would do me good, and get a feel for this. It didnt & it didnt, so Fuck all yall.... I quit, or more likely fired my self, as I am the only regular to post lately.

It was good while it lasted. And will be good in its new incarnation, when that gets firmed up/ agreed upon.

Thanks for the Mammories

Archers Bull's Eye Week #8

2006-10-31T00:40:00.000-05:00

If I'd written all the truth I knew for the past ten years, about 600 people - including me - would be rotting in prison cells from Rio to Seattle today. Absolute truth is a very rare and dangerous commodity in the context of professional journalism.

I hate to advocate drugs, alcohol, violence, or insanity to anyone, but they've always worked for me.

- Hunter S Thompson

Can't go sailing off into the sunset without paying homage to my journalistic hero... and I use both terms loosely because the Dr of Gonzo wouldn't want it any other way.

I hate to see Locker Room flounder because I think the concept is a good one... but some times it's good to step back and re-examine priorities and limitations. Somewhere in the future I hope to find the time and resources, and other interested parties, and resurrect the spirit of LR in a new format. But like Wikkid, right now I have too much on my plate. I guess this is where some people would get sentimental and wax poetic about the good times.... blah.

Here's the week in review.....

Mother Teresa knocked out!...

The quote of the week was by Coach Billick when he said that beating New Orleans, the loveable underdog cinderella of '06, was like beating up Mother Teresa. An ugly job, but somebody had to do it.

That wasn't such a hard task after all, with the heralded savoir of Nawlins fumbling the ball on his first carry. It only got worse from there as he also added an intercepted pass to his resume of horrors. The icing on the cake was re-injuring his ankle in the second half, but fortunately it doesn't look like he'll miss any time.

Maybe he can spend some time with Brees this week and compare notes how to avoid throwing picks.... but I guess that's the blind leading the blind.

The irony after all the Bush-hype, which is still out there as optimism is very contagious in the world of fantasy football fanatics, that the real rookie impact player the Saints drafted this year was a guy out of a little college called Hofstra. Marques Colston is just the type of receiver that Brees loves to throw the ball to... and his numbers show it.

Now that the Ravens offense has been Un-"Fassel"-ized, maybe the lumbering dinosaur of an offense we've come to relate to the Ravens has finally been laid to rest in the muck of the LaBrea Tar Pits where it belongs. The Saints do have a decent defense... and McNair picked them apart pretty good. Hope this new thing called "offensive touchdowns" is going to stick around a while.

Heap mowing the lawn with the new Briggs & Stratton Bullock model

Time of Possession...

The Seahawks only had the ball a little over 17 minutes, but still managed to score 4 touchdowns which was only one shy of the Chiefs. The key to the lopsided time of possession was LJ 1-2-3 all the way down the field to 1-2-3... count 'em... touchdowns. Of course the two interceptions by Seneca Wallace didn't help the Seahawks situation. But he did manage to throw 3 touchdown passes and the bone-headed pass attempt/fumble during a botched field goal attempt by the Chiefs holder, Colquitt which turned into six for the Seahawks D/ST also helped make the score look closer than what it should have been.

The Raiders have an opportunity to knock out both of last years Super Bowl teams next week when they play the Seahawks, who will be without Alexander for sure for one more week. Who'da thunk it!!

The Lambeau Hop

Risking a life-threatening infection from a broken hip.... Favre finally attempted the touchdown tradition in Green Bay and looked like..... an old man who can't jump. It's great to see Brett playing the game he loves like a kid, but he is the embodiment of the saying "the mind is willing, but the body isn't."

Okay, Bryant you go run a fade 42 Double Jack route and I'll throw it to Woodson.

Meanwhile Denny Green was visibly upset when his rookie quarterback got a delay of game penalty... and the conversation must have been something like....

"I know you're going to be here in this league for a while and I'm going to lose my job after this year.... but why must you make my life so miserable?"

"Why?"

.... and the Packers are who we thought they were.... crown'em!!

"Ocho Cinco El Stinko" says Ron Mexico

... and DeAngelo Hall enforced it. The cheap shots that the Falcons took at CJ got them a penalty... but it accomplished the intimidation they were looking for. Palmer and CJ had a decent day, but there were some missed opportunities that could have made this outcome different. There just isn't any rhythm in the Bengals offense this year, and a key problem that needs addressing is the lack of a consistent running game. Palmer has been rushed and under pressure every week it seems like.

The surprise of the game besides a CJ touchdown... was Vick's accuracy and 3 touchdown passes. The past two weeks Mr Mexico has answered his critics with some impressive passing to go along with his running ability. With the struggles in Philly and Seattle... the Falcons are making a move to be in the upper echelon of the NFC along with the Giants and Bears. Crumpler could end up being the TE of the year as long as Vick continues throwing the ball as much as he has been.

They Did The Mash... The Monsters of Midway Mash...

Can we just go ahead and create a new league for the Bears already.... or maybe demote the 49ers to NFL Europe. After scoring 41 points in the first half alone, the Bears just coasted the rest of the way throwing in as many scrubs as they could. Even then... the 49ers didn't get on the scoreboard until the start of the 4th quarter.

And I can't finish this summary with a halloween reference without mentioning Frank Gore-y, who slashed his way through the MoM Defense for 111 yards, the most any running back has been able to do all year, but as I said before... the scrubs had something to do with that. Hicks inherited Gore's fumblitis... so the running game isn't all positive in SF, but I had to give them something.... Mother Nolan's cupboard has been short of bones this year again.

I've Fallen and I Can't Get Back Up...

What is going on with McNabb and the Eagles? The last two games were close and lost in the last few seconds of the game. This week the Jags D just flustered Donovan all day. The return of Stallworth didn't even spark things for McNabb. Now Reid and Co have two weeks to figure it out and re-light that fire they had going out of the gate.

Garrard got the start for the Jags signal caller, which really didn't add anything new other than the complete disappearance of any passing game, which was spotty already. But the combination of Fragile Fred and the adapted lovechild of the lesbian couple Star Jones and Nancy Drew... took the mystery right out of this victory. They both combined for 180 yards and a touchdown on 36 carries.

Just Add Spice...

After the Texans got down 21-3 to the Titans thanks in large part to David Carr's two fumbles and one interception.

Yanked!

Enter the Immortal Sage... to perk up the recipe. Without the Pacman punt return for a touchdown early in the 4th.... Sage could have added a "save" to his pitching stats. The 6 year clipboard vet looked better than Carr had... but I still don't see this being a permanent change. Just a prudent coaches move to stop the bleeding for one week, and maybe have a shot at winning. Now if Cowher could just learn how to do that....

Vince Young's homecoming to the Lone Star state was sure to add a little extra mustard on this sandwich... and he didn't disappoint. He drew first blood by scoring the first touchdown of the day on a 20 yard scamper ala Vick. But the 87 yards passing suggests that he is definitely following in Vick's footsteps, which will be fantasy indigestion for a few years for those brave enough to go there.

.... I'm getting hungry all of a sudden.

The Barber of Seville

In the battle of the Barber Twins, Tiki emerges on top once again. Ronde has got to be tired of always losing that bet every year and having to buy momma's new car out of his paycheck. The flak between Tiki and the ESPN guys was more of a distraction this week than anything else... including Tiki's retirement announcement which set the fireworks off in the first place. If anything, I think he's inspired his team to play better and give him the ring he deserves.

The Bruce... aka The Graduate (who hasn't earned his sheepskin quite yet)... is struggling. When Caddy and Pittman are his top two receivers... it's plain to see that he's not getting a good look downfield yet or comfortable enough to go there with any frequency. As a result, defenses can stack the box and stuff the run and apply pressure on passing plays at will. He'll work through that tendency eventually... but in the meantime Caddy owners like me will have to grin and bear it.

Is It In You....

Or if you ask Marc Bulger.... is it on you? The Super-Charged Charger Merriman was all over him Sunday, collecting 3 sacks on the day. In related news, with all the testosterone in his face.... Bulger grew a ZZTop length beard during the course of the game. And while Bulger was eating carpet.... Torry Holt was wondering if he became invisible.

LT got off to a fast start with two touchdowns in the 1st quarter and cruised his way to 183 yards on the ground. For dessert he added a 25 yard catch for six late in the game to help seal the win. Baby LT (SJax) had to get his endzone celebration, too... but still didn't get anywhere near daddy's numbers.

Your day will come young grasshopper.

If I throw the ball to you... will you leave my head alone?

Do you think maybe Big Ben should just sit one out and let himself heal, rather than playing like he has been? Batch seems to have a little spark that the Steelers offense has been sorely lacjking otherwise... when he gets an opportunity. The Carr interception was a mistake you'd expect from a rookie who never took a snap in the NFL.... not a Super Bowl champion QB.

How did the Raiders find a way to be 2-5 when they were as hapless as the Cardinals a few weeks ago? Without the 14 points from the defense... they would still be singing the Art Shell Blues. Porter finally got out of Al Davis' dungeon and got on the field.... but nobody noticed, especially Andy Walter.

Immovable Object Meets Irresistable Force...

...and the immovable object moved.

Holy Caped Crusader! Who was that three-time end zone visitor that scored three time as many TD's as any visitor to Investco Stadium all year?

oh.... Mr. Wayne

As methodical as an Ausberger Autistic figuring out an differential calculus equation... Manning pulled another one out of his ass. Thank you Mr Reliable (Adam Vinatieri). If Denver hadn't given him as much time as they did.... oh well.... for once the Broncos success at running the ball, which slashed through the Colts D like a machete... actually was a detriment to their hopes of a victory. If they were getting only 3 or 4 yards a carry, that would have eaten the clock up and never given Manning a chance.

If you looked closely at Plummer Sunday he was wearing the same get-up that Peyton wears in his new commercial.... and Plummer did his best to imitate Manning on the field, too. There's something to that 'rising to the level of competition' thing. Mike Bell avoided any chances of getting turf toe by diving into the end zone up-ended.... so if anything he was going to get turf head.

Patty Cake Patty Cake, Baker's the man, If He Can't Score....

The Jets lose.

Seems like Mangini brings a Boeing 747 one week.... and a crank-prop puddle-jumper the next. Hard to tell which team will show up from week to week. I expected the Browns offense to come out of the duldrums with their new OC, which made it look like a shoot out on paper... but Penny and Co just kept firing blanks all day. The call made for the Baker catch in the end zone was a bad call... he was clearly forced out and would have come down in-bounds, which would have sent the game into overtime.... still no guarantee of victory, but better than being ripped-off. Other than that the Jets had very little offense and wouldn't even have been in a position to tie the game at the end without help from special teams, as Justin "time for..." Miller ran the length of the field on the ensuing kick-off after the Browns just went up 20-3 late in the 3rd quarter.

Welcome back Reuben... hope this new offense gives you more days like this instead of the last few weeks of nothin'. Now if we can just find a rope long enough to pull Braydon out of the abyss then you guys might be a divisional contender... the Steelers and Bengals apparently don't want it.

There's a New Sherriff In Town...

...and if Sunday night is any indication, he'll make Parcells look like the genius he always has been, but we were seriously wondering about his age becoming a factor. Speaking of age.... what a difference a mobile QB makes to help loosen up opposing defenses. The statue wasn't able to scramble like that... and make things happen. Witten finally got a score and the toss from Romo was perfectly placed to avoid the possibility of an interception.... which was a big concern after last week.

It didn't look good for the 'Boys in the early going, with Gamble's interception and Smith's end around to put the Panthers up 14-0... it looked like Cowboy football status quo. But the momentum shifted and when JJ got in the end zone half way through the 4th, the Cowboys had the lead for good. TO didn't get any touchdowns to stroke his ego.... but he did get the 2 point conversion to make it a 21-14 margin. He also eclipsed the century mark and definitely has chemistry with Romo. But TO does make one concession.... and let's Romo get all the sloppy forehead kisses from Parcells.

The Kitchen Sink....

Would have gotten a touchdown from Brady Monday night if it wore a Patriots uniform. It appears that Brady and his new receiving corps are gelling just in time to go slay the perfect Colts who come to visit next week. Four different WR's scored touchdowns... so it looks like Brady will continue to make everyone he can happy.... except fantasy owners of Patriot receivers. What Shanahan does for fantasy owners of Denver running backs.... Belichick & Brady do for Patriot WR's. Anyone who can make Reche Caldwell look good.... is on to something. Why the Vikings were in single safety coverage is a mystery, but apparently they thought the running game of the Patriots was the more serious threat.

Doh!

The lone bright spot for the Vikings was MeMo... as in the Patriot punt return unit didn't get the MeMo to watch out for this guy. The offense did absolutely nothing and Brad Johnson didn't help by throwing three interceptions. So Bollinger got a chance to add a little spark.... and threw a pick of his own.

Maroney had a decent homecoming... especially returning kicks. And had a good return of his own following Moore's touchdown, which put the Kiabosch on any momentum swings going toward the Vikes.

..... Happy Halloween

.... the sad thing is.... that ain't a costume!

Sagitta Veritas

NUFCED

2006-10-30T06:00:00.000-05:00

Because of poor health and the pressure that puts on my other commitments, I am stepping down as the editor of and weekly columnist for LOCKERROOM. It has been a pleasure from the beginning, the greatest being the friendships that have been cemented by its inception and production, followed closely by the chance to have put out some of the most original content in our corner of the online world. I thank the staff and our readers - it's been a great ride. I look forward to contributing occasionally as my schedule allows, if the next editor finds that acceptable. I urge you all to continue to support the effort of LOCKERROOM to provide their exceptional exceptions to the rule. And so it goes....

Hasta Luego LockerRoom et al

2006-10-30T05:04:00.000-05:00

Wikkid,
If you'd like to borrow my personal nurse/ massage therapist/ house maid/ sex slave during your convolescence then let me know. I'm sure something can be arranged.

There will be one last Bulls Eye this week because I have too many good titles and observations to share. After this week though, I have to pull back and focus my efforts on the xls spreadsheet that will become By The Numbers ....and find a place where I can post it ... most likely as a webpage, because the spreadsheet file share sites are very limited in what they offer.

I'll email you guys a copy in advance and get your opinions on what to do. If nothing else I guess I'll have the best personal stat analyzer around because I haven't seen anyone else like it.

Archer

Degenerate Gamblers V 2.0 week 8

2006-10-27T11:31:00.000-04:00

Welcome to the HELL that is my gambling Jones. A very weak showing by me, in a very tough week. I picked all the NFL games, and went5-7-1 there, nad 0-1 in my lone NCAA selection of the year. While managing to lose $380.00
This brings my season totals to a dismal 11-19-4 against the number, for a grand total of $1520.00 to the bad side of good.

It was around this time last year, when I went on a furious run, picking over 90% against the spread, that enabled me to climb out of a $1300.00 deficit, to end up $1900.00 to the good. Look for this trend to continue again.............

Christmas is coming, and the family will want more than balled up losing bet slips, soaked in my bile. So, its off to the races I go.

This weeks selections

The shell shocked Cardinals, make a long trip to the frozen tundra)no caps, cause they dont scare anyone anymore). Green Bay is spotting 4 to the desert denizens. When you factor in the automatic 3 points the home team gains, this means that, If played in a neutral site, Green Bay would be favored by a single, solitary, measley didget. My money says that GB is better than AZ, by much much more, at this time. This game has the potential to be a combined 8 interception game. Green Bay spotting 4 will be a $440.00 play

Peyton Manning gets to bring his breathless passing attack new heights, as he flips the rock against the best Defence, in an oxygen deprived environment. NO ONE should ever be spotting Indy points. I know Indy has been suspect this year, but I expect Addai to catch 10 screen passes Sunday, as Indy plays the ball controll game. Champ Bailey may control 1/2 of the field with his skills, but the other half will have a reciever of the caliber of Marv, or Reggie. Peyton makes his statement for him winning the TOUGH game this week. INDY +2.5 will be a $330.00 wager

The Monday Night game pitts 2 good defensive clubs. That being said, I feel the game goes OVER the 38 points Vegas set.
Over 38 for $220.00.

I also like The Pats to win this game. The Vikes are 2 point home dogs, and I usually am all over home dogs, BUT... Brady is 9-0 in domes in his career, and 19-1 on turf in his career, BRILLIANT!! The Pats passing game has also show increased production, as the unit is starting to gel. Gabriel is bradys go to guy, and Troy Brown is such a good sit down route guy, and has been with Brady forever, the 2 think alike. dont forget the 2 headed monster that is Dillon/Maroney... Boney Maroney is making a mini homecoming this weekend, I look for him to POUND the ball, setting up play action..

Pats -2 for $330.00

Til next time, ya pederests

Window Lickers week 8 edition

2006-10-27T11:30:00.000-04:00

An outright ugly week from the Window Lickers crew. The top win total for the week was a palseyed 7-6 record. Straight up!! I will now resort to coin flips, Heads for home teamm & tails for the visitors. I cant do any worse than my 5-8 showing last week, can I.

Season Totals
PROF 68-32
CREEK65-35
WIKKID 64-36
AHEM 64-36
ARCHIE 61-39
GBIN 59-41
JIMED 59-41

This weeks overthinking.

PROF

PHI
CIN
GB
TEN
KC
BAL
NYG
CHI
SD
NYJ
DEN
PIT
CAR
MIN

WIKKID
SEA
CHI
NO
GB
TEN
NYG
CIN
PHI
SD
PIT
IND
CLE
CAR
NE

JIMED (pure coin flips)

GB
CIN
BAL
TEN
PHI
KC
SF
NYG
SD
DEN
CLE
OAK
DAL
NE
other than the oak & sf picks, not too badly done w a quarter

AHELMS

ATL
HOU
KC
NYG
PHI
CHI
GB
NO
STL
IND
PIT
CAR
MIN

Archer's Bulls Eye Week #7

2006-10-23T22:01:00.000-04:00

PLaza De Toros is the only place on Earth where "The Bull" is respected and venerated more than right here at Locker Room.

Week #7
Still feeling some of the aftershocks and weirdness leftover from Week #6, but before I get to this week's fun from the NFL there's a few other things I have to mention. First of all, our fearless leader has had a wake up call this weekend, which put him on the sidelines. So Wikkid, stay away from that Indian Fry Bread and Greasy Juarez Loco chicas for a little while and get back to full strength as soon as possible. We all want to have you around for many more years to ridicule so we can feel better about ourselves.

Secondly, if there are any Wisconsin grocery store clerks out there reading this blog and trying to drum up a little internet niche for yourself with some hairbrained bright ideas....

Save yourself some headache and effort. Dont!

Ever since the news broke on this story I could not help myself but wonder if anyone has seen or heard from Verbie, because this sounds like something right up his alley.

Lastly, regarding the World Series "dirty palm" incident. Seriously people, are we all so gullible as to believe that Rogers just had a clump of dirt on his hand?! Maybe I'm just too cynical in my old age, but that didn't look like "just" dirt to me. We live in an age where professional athlete's are under more and more pressure to perform and more importantly... willing to do ANYTHING to get the edge over the other guy, without having to work hard to get there. It's not just the sports world that is suffering from this, it seems to be a cultural epidemic and there seems to be an equal amount of apathy that is just as disturbing in dealing with this problem.

I'll put away my "Archer Idealism" soap box now, because all I can do is bitch about what I see... and not offer any solution other than keep working on my own personal accountability and integrity. (shhh... don't tell anyone).

Here's a look at this weeks festivities:

King Philip's War...
Only this time the Chiefs won... and Philip was on the other side. Rivers dug himself a hole early with a few miscues, but I like what I saw about his "fight" and that is a good sign for his future as a starting QB in the NFL and maturing process. He could have called it quits after getting down 20-3, but he fought back. It's just too bad he isn't Rex Grossman or else he could have thrown a few more interceptions and still won the game.

With all the off-field antics, it has been just short of miraculous that the Chargers D has been performing as well as they have so far this season. But now that Merriman has added to the off-field crap and got himself suspended for 4 games, it looks like the Chargers D may have seen the last of its dominating days for a while.

Week 8 has been the week for kickers... and Lawrence Tynes was the LT that shined and secured the win for his team. Most of us were expecting the other LT to play that role. But the LT we all know and love had his shining moment Sunday, too..... of couse.

Pass!!!

Triple Lundy...
He CAN run... He CAN catch.... He.... DOESN'T SUCK!

Just when it looked like the Texans would have to rely on the arm of David Carr, they finally discover a running game against a defense that is historically a very stingy unit when it comes to stiffling opposing offenses. Sadie Hawkins Day came early this week as the Texans D was the one who kept the Jags offense in check all afternoon and set up their offense with scoring opportunities like the one after forcing Fragile Freddy to cough it up, which he hasn't done for a few years. Of course he only gets the ball 5 or 6 times a game, it's hard to fumble the ball when you don't have it.

The big news out of Houston this week is the 50% increase in food and beer sales along the Astrodome's food concourse... as fans finally had a reason NOT to leave at halftime just to avoid the traffic and watching another disappointing loss.

Here Kitty Kitty Kitty....
In the battle of cats this year, the Bengals are King of the jungle. The Panthers had their shot at winning this one, but in an instance of extreme color blindness Delhomme threw the ball to KJ waiting in the back of the end zone and didn't even see that other guy in the BRIGHT orange uniform right next to him. If Jake had his helmet mic on this is what he was saying when he realized his mistake and slapped his helmet with this hands.

"Oh Fuck!!"

"Godamnit!!!!"

... that wasn't an exact quote... but I bet it was close.

Just blame it on the wind... of fortune... the one that has been helping the Panthers pull out 3 point victories for the last 4 weeks.

In a game that featured two premeire wide receivers in Smith & Johnson (sounds like a new gun manufacturer), both were kept out of the end zone all day. Who got in the end zone? Both fantasy stalworth TE's: R Kelly ( no longer making kiddie porn?) and K Mangum. Be sure to add those guys to your fantasy rosters next week! They will never see the end zone again the rest of the year most likely.

Los(er)man Strikes Again...
The Patriots may not have much of an offense, and definitely aren't flashy or lighting up the scoreboard with abundance... but they are still winning. A big Thank You should go to the inadequacy of JP Losman for this win. Twice he had the Bills in NE territory ready to score, once he coughed it up and once he threw an interception. At least he was changing it up and finding new ways to fail.

Asante Samuel is making an impact for the Patriots D this year, he's been on a tear the past few weeks with 3 interceptions. In a No-Name defense like the Patriots have this year, he's a guy to watch... and adding some sparkle in the process.

The Red Shoe Diaries...
Have you ever seen a WR run so fast that he ran out of his shoe? Hines Ward had a career day with 171 yards and 3 visits to paydirt, one of those a 70 yard sprint minus one shoe.

The scoring bonanza was a little surprising considering that both defenses have been generally stingy so far this year, which made this game look like a smashmouth ball control match up on paper. Backinaday when the score was posted on the scoreboard by some lacky hanging a placard on the scoreboard hook... this game would have given him a cramp by halftime after running up and down the ladder so much. Both teams scored 2 touchdowns in the 2nd Quarter alone. Denver called and asked if they could have some of those points on loan for their game against Indianapolis later.

By now everyone has seen the kicking carousel that took place at the end of regulation... and all I can say is that Mora is a lucky man that he isn't having to second guess his decision Monday morning. Whaddya say we pick ONE kicker and go with him the rest of the season. Just like a coach to "over-coach" and make a mess of things when he has an option.

Can We Buy A Missed FG for a change?...
The frustration was easy to see. Two weeks in a row Donovan McNabb has had to watch from the sidelines as his team loses the game in the last seconds due to FG's. This week was even more unlikely than last weeks, as Bryant put on his gold leg... like Mister Gadget... and kicked a 62 yard field goal. If he had a clubfoot or kicked barefoot he could have made it from 64 easy.

But this week McNabb has no one else but himself to blame for the loss.... since he spotted the Bucs 14 points by giving Ronde Barber his audition tape for the Giants to show that he's ready to take Tiki's place next year when he retires.

Buchanon High product resurrects Jets ground game...
Until Sunday's 120 yard effort with two carries culminating with six points, the only two things Freddie "Boom Boom" Washington was noted for was cutting class and stealing Mr Woodson's nitro glycerin pills with his greasy halfwit Italian buddy named Vinnie.

"Hey, Mister Kott-errrrr..."

What?

Oh.... Leon "Boom Boom" Washington is his name. One Boom for each touchdown. I don't know how long its been since the Jets have had 42 rushing plays in one game, but I bet even in Martin's big year a few years back... there weren't many 40+ days. Hope the rookie came to work, because that is just what Penny needs to help his passing game.

Did anyone catch the connection between run and re-run? If I'm nothing else.... I'm clever and absurdly witty in my own mind.

Let's take a stroll down memory lane with the Lions for a moment...

Week #3 - GB 31 Detroit 24 (-7)
Week #4 - St Louie 41 Detroit 34 (-7)

Week #8.... (-7) again.... if next week wasn't the bye week we could just pencil in the Lions (-7) no matter who they play. The sad thing is... they are scoring enough points offensively, but the minute their defense gets out on the field again.... they're down 7 again. SF, Arizona and Miami on the horizon.... can this defense stop the bleeding for a few weeks to get a few victories?

Run Joey..... Run... Not Pass...
Somebody must have hit Saban in the head this last week. Why on Earth would he give Harrington and his arm carte blanche... and 62 opportunties... to destroy any chance of victory. True to his character Joey tossed 3 interceptions, which led to 13 points for the Packers. The margin of victory for the Pack: 10 points. Thank you very much Joey... we'll take it. Anyone who can make the Packers defense actually look halfway decent... has achieved a new level of suck-itude.

When you spend a 1st round draft pick to get a decent running back like Ronnie B., it seems like such a shame and waste of talent to not use him. And we wonder why Ricky wanted to spend all of his time smokin' jays and emulating Bob Marley any way he could..... he had way too much time on his hands and nothing better to do.

U-G-L-Y you ain't got no alibi... you ugly...
There is absolutely nothing else to say about the Denver game except that they won.... thanks again to the stellar performance of the defense, which by the way is on loan from Cleveland. I wonder if Romeo is second-guessing that decision?

5-1... and the ugliest winning offense I've seen in the Mile High City in quite a few years. I think the last time the Broncos looked this bad on offense was before Elway arrived and a little known QB named Gary Kubiak was sucking-in-style with the Orange Crush defense making him not look so..... Plummerish.

What's a Prize Fighter without a 1-2 punch combo?
If the lackluster Seahawks offense without Alexander and Hasselbeck is the point of reference.... then the answer is a washed-up nobody who couldn't fight his way out of a wet paper bag. Nothing like injuring the hometown hero QB to quiet the crowd. The Verizon guy could have walked over every inch of Qwest stadium and not missed one word.... if he actually had a conversation.

Can you hear me... *punch*

Shut the fuck up already! Welcome to Qwest territory you annoying little prick.

Chester "The Seahawk Molester" Taylor came into SA's house and flexed a little muscle, including a 95 yard scamper that made the Seahawk D look like a bunch of keystone cops.

If you play the Cardinals... don't worry about turnovers...
Last week the Bears had 6 turnovers... and won. This week, the Raiders commited 5 mistakes and really didn't play much better than they have all year during their 0-5 run.... but this week, because it was the Cardinals.... they finally win.

So let's see if I got this straight.... the crappy California QB from Arizona, nowhere near national championships or New York athletic club trophies, outplayed the classy Arizona QB from California. That makes sense.

Denny Green... welcome to the Hot seat. I know you're no stranger to being in it, but a word of warning in case your not familiar with Arizona hot seat territory. All I need to say is two words: Saguaro cactus.

So you wanna play rough...
Even after a face full of turf and a neck twisting hit that made me hurt just watching it.... Peyton never missed a beat... or play... and shredded the Redskins secondary with four scoring strikes and a mere 452 yards on 25 completions. Two of those touchdown throws were caught by Starvin' Marvin, who had only been on the receiving end of one TD pass through the previos five games.

From a Harrison fan and fantasy owner.... thank you thank you thank you!!!

In a week when a lot of quarterbacks were being carted off the field on stretchers... it looked like Peyton was going to be another victim to the weeks unsavory trend. A lesser man would have sat out the rest of the game at least and let the back up handle it. But the Colts were down 14-13 and pushing Peyton's face in the dirt only made him more resolved and probably angrier.... because he saved his best game for the 3rd quarter.

"Eat my dirt suckahs!" Peyton says...

Once: to Marvin

Twice: to Reggie

Thrice: To Marvin.... again.

Anyone got a guess as to win Gibbs decides to try his luck with a rookie QB?

Speaking of Rookie QB's...
Dear Mr Parcells:

No'mo Romo.... thank you very much Mr Roboto.... Romo.... Romo...

Although I must admit... nothing pleases me more than to watch a Monday Night meltdown in Dallas. I don't know how Parcells will be able to go back to Bledsoe without playing 52 card pick-up with his rookie QB's psyche. If Dallas has any hope of salvaging a 8-8 or better year, he needs to find a way to keep Bledsoe as his starter.

The story for Dallas this week was TO once again... only this time its not Terrell Owens, but TurnOvers.

The Giants went into their bye week looking pathetic... but now just two weeks later: They are perched on top of the NFC East and their defense is on fire. The next three weeks look like a downhill run with a three-week homestand including Tampa and Houston. Unless Seattle can come back from the death bed they are currently on.... chances of the Giants at least getting a wild card bid in the play offs are looking better every week.

Sagitta Veritas

PS... if you have comments or after thoughts about my weekly comments and after thoughts...
or you have any paternity claims, pending litigation, debt collection or repossessions.... load your guns and bring it on.... or email me if you're a spineless atavastic pig-fucker wimp. *grin*
asklockeroom@gmail.com

Degenerate Gamblers V 2.0 week 7

2006-10-20T22:27:00.000-04:00

So, I have been sitting in my truck, with the engine running and a hose connected to the tail pipe. I haven't run the pipe into the truck yet, but I am fuckin close. Last weeks 0-4 pathetic showing cost me $880.00, and a sleepless night.

I cant seem to figure this year out yet, but I believe I am getting closer. My banker seems to think I might have a problem, but I told him I was funding the new Maginot Line. He told me it didn't work the first time, and I replied "tell me about it"

I have a few "seedy" friends, and more than one of them have come back to me with offers on one of my lungs. One more Sunday like last week, and I will meet him in the bar called Urban Legends.

Season Totals

6-11-3 $1140 in debt UNGH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This weeks dart board musings

AZ -3 vs OAK AZ -3 for $110.00 (loss)
SD-5 vs KC SD -5 for $110.00 (loss)
Jax -9.9 vs Hou Jax-9.5 for $110.00 (loss)
Pats - 5.5 vs Buff Pats -5.5 for $110.00 (win)
ATL + 2.5 vs Pitt Atl +2.5 for $110.00 ( Pitt winless on road) (win)
+ 5 vs MIA GB +5 for $110.00 (win)
PHI -5 vs TB Phi -5 for $110.00 (loss)
DET + 3.5 vs NYJ DET +3.5 for $110.00 (loss)
CAR +3 vs Cin Car+3 for $110.00 PUSH
DEN-4.5 vs CLE Den-4.5 for $110.00 (win)
WASH +9 vs IND Wash+9 for $110.00 (loss)
SEA-6.5 vs MIN Sea-6.5 for $110.00 (loss)
NYG+3.5 vs DAL NYG+3.5 for $110.00

Georgia Tech +7.5 vs Clemson GT +7.5 for $110.00 (loss)

Thats it for this week, a lucky 13 NFL games & 1 lonely NCAA game

I'll either rebound, or be in a rehab clinic, recovering from a sucking chest wound inflicted under less than sterile conditions.

Later you molesters of house pets

Window Lickers week 7 edition

2006-10-20T22:26:00.000-04:00

No running amok last week, but plenty of running with scissors.

PROF 62-25
WIKKID 59-28
CREEK 59-28
AHEM 57-30
ARCHER 56-31
GBIN 54-33
JIMED 54-33

This weeks selections

PROF

CAR L
NYJ W
GB W
JAX L
NE W
PHI L
PIT L
SD L
DEN W
ARI L
SEA L
IND W
NYG

WIKKID

SD L
JAX L
CIN L
NYJ W
MIA L
NE W
PHI L
ATL W
DEN W
AZ L
SEA L
IND W
DAL

JIMED

SD L
JAX L
CAR L
NYJ W
GB W
NE W
PHI L
PIT L
DEN W
AZ L
SEA L
IND W
DEN

AHEM

NE W
MIA L
NYJ W
CAR L
SD L
TB W
ATL W
JAX L
DEN W
IND W
AZ L
SEA L
NYG

CREEK

SD L
GB W
NYJ W
ATL W
PHI L
NE W
JAX L
CAR L
DEN W
AZ L
SEA L
WAS L
NYG

On The Hash... Marks

2006-10-20T15:22:00.000-04:00

Unfortunately, I'm going to have to keep this week's column down to the bare essentials. I have a 12 page report on Herbert Hoover (read that again and feel sorry for me) due monday, and of course, I haven't started it yet. Just the picks this week, I promise to make it up to you next week by posting pictures of Wikkid naked on a trampoline.

Last Week: 12-7
Overall: 80-51

West Virginia -22.5 UConn

Louisville -17 Syracuse

Nebraska +4.5 Texas

Ohio St. -30.5 Indiana

Wisconsin -6.5 Purdue

Arkansas -21 Ole Miss

Auburn -31.5 Tulane

Notre Dame -13.5 UCLA

Tennessee -11 Alabama

Michigan -12.5 Iowa

Boston College +6 FSU

California -23 Washington

Oregon -3.5 Washington St.

Boise St. -21 Idaho

Oklahoma -14 Colorado

Georgia Tech +7.5 Clemson

LSU -33 Fresno St.

UPSET SPECIAL (5-1): Rutgers +6.5 Pittsburgh

LOW (3-2-1): Michigan -12.5 Iowa

P.S.- Email all "Who Do I Start" questions for fantasy football to asklockeroom@gmail.com.

P.P.S- GO BLUE!

Professor Ellis D Trails Week 7 Syllabus

2006-10-19T06:00:00.000-04:00

Welcome my faithful students to another week of insights and insults from your dependable Professor. The world of fantasy football is such a fickle beast. One minute you are down and cursing your opponent and players on your roster, only to be thrust into elation upon a gamebreak that shows one of those cursed players scoring a touchdown.

I was content going into Monday night’s game accepting defeat as I was up by one point with Brian Urlacher, while my opponent had the scoring machine that is Robbie Gould and stud Adrian Wilson. I sure that many of you shared my views of the game that Chicago would be destroying them by halftime and not only giving Gould ample opportunity to score on field goals and extra points, but provide many chances for tackles and other defensive stats for Wilson. In other words, I was toast.

The game went on as you all witnessed, and his (deadliftboy of fanball lore) team was scoring, while Urlacher was not doing much but getting some assisted tackles. I was down at one point by as many as ten points in the second half and only continued to watch because I am an insane football fan that can’t watch enough. Urlacher got a couple of tackles and pulled me closer, but I didn’t think much of it. In our league, Tackles are worth 1 and assists are 1 pt for ever 2. Sacks/Ints/FF/FR are each worth 3. With about 5 minutes to go in the game, I had pulled within 5 points, as the Cardinals kept running right into Urlacher. Then the improbable begins.

First, Edge runs right into the center of the line and Urlacher is seemingly nowhere near him, then you see big # 54 come out of the shadows and use his guns to strip the ball from Edge, which shortened the lead to two. Charles Tillman picks up the ball and runs it in, thus only allowing Gould an extra point instead of a FG. (That fumble TD by Tillman won fellow LR mate Jimed’s game for him – LR sticks together) The lead was back at three. Arizona gets the ball back and proceeds to run two plays right into #54 and an inconsequential incomplete pass. The lead is down to 1 and the Bears are about to get the ball back. I know at this point Deadlift is hoping for a sustained drive so Adrian Wilson can get a couple of tackles and Gould will get a FG try. I am nearly screaming at my high-definition TV for Hester to return the kick for a TD. HESTER RETURNS IT AND I BLEW A GASKET. I knew that Gould would get the point, but I also knew that now the Cardinals would get the ball back and Urlacher had already begun to take the game into his hands. His lead was two. Urlacher, almost anticlimactically, gets two tackles right away to tie the game. The game winner came on a first down pass to Obafemi Ayanbadejo. As Obafemi sprinted towards the sideline to stop the clock, Urlacher catches up to him in time to shove him out of bounds and award me with my point that I needed to put me over the top. As Arizona lines up for the chance to take the lead, all I could wish for was a miss, as any make would force Chicago to pass and give Wilson another shot to tie or even take the lead. Well, as that kick sailed wide, as smile large as life appeared on my face as I exclaimed, “Kneel Down, I WIN!!!”

Fantasy football is about the joy of victory, but just as much it is about the agony of defeat. For without one, you do not have the other. The ultimate yin/yang. I know there are many that play fantasy football for the monetary reward, but I play, not only for the money, but for the pure enjoyment and fun that comes with winning and losing.

Sunday, October 22, 2006 1:00pm

CAR @ CIN
Carolina is on a roll after their fourth straight win last week against the Ravens and Cincy not only lost to Tampa, they also lost Levi Jones for a month. Carolina takes on their third AFC team in a row and looks to stay unbeaten against them. Cincy is losing players like Ahmad Carroll in the secondary

Jake Delhomme - Of course having Steve Smith helps Jake, his passer rating has been above 90 in each of the games that Smitty has been back. He seems to like the road games, he averages 273 yards passing on the road compared to 175 yards passing at home. His two lowest yardage games this season came when Smith was playing.
DeShaun Foster - After two straight hundred yards games, he ran into a wall known as the Ravens. Expect him to get back on track against one of the poorer run defenses in the league
Steve Smith - He is sixth in the league in yardage and has missed two games. Any questions?

Carson Palmer - The Bengals are getting creamed in the trenches, First the lose Braham at Center and now Levi, ouch. Carolina’s defense gave up some stats against Kyle Boller, so that has to make you feel better, but don’t be surprised if he has a down game.
Rudi Johnson - He only has one hundred yard game this season and with the injuries on the line, he won’t get one this week either.
CJ - I figured that after teams realized that if they shut down CJ, then Housh and crew will beat them, I guess teams would rather have Housh beat them.
Housh - This is the first week that I will rank Housh higher than CJ.

DET @ NYJ
John Kitna is definitely putting up some good numbers in Mike Martz’ offense and beat a pretty good defense in the Bills last week for their first win. This week they take on a Jets team that was able to hold off Miami. The Jets seem to beat the bad teams and lose to the good teams, guess that means a win this week.

John Kitna - Kitna is really starting to connect with Roy Williams, He just needs to curtail the turnovers, 10 in 6 games.
Kevin Jones - Can it be that he is finally living up to the hype that has followed him last year and this one. He finally broke out a hundred yard game last week and has played well sans the Viking game. The Jets couldn’t stop a running back with cement shoes.

Chad Pennington - What team has given up the most passing TD’s in the league? Yes, the Lions.
Leon Washington - The rook has look impressive in his limited chances, but I don’t see Mangini giving him the lead role just yet. Detroit has played the run well, but the loss of Rodgers could thin the line enough for Leon to get the edge and make some plays.
Coles - The NFL two leading receivers are playing in this game and Coles is one of them. My sleeper at WR is asleep no more.

GB @ MIA
The Pack are coming off their bye with a healthy Ahman and Favre coming to the aid of banned teammate Koren Robinson. Hey Brett, he is a lost cause. Miami, once the team considered to overtake New England, now trying to cope with cast off Joey Harrington at QB. Ouch!

Brett Favre - Miami starting CB Travis Daniels is still out, backup CB Andre' Goodman is doubtful with a bad shoulder, another backup CB Michael Lehan left the Jets game with a bad hamstring, and starting SS Traveres Tillman is reportedly about to lose his job. Bombs away.
Ahman GreenAhman Green should have come back next week. Miami is only giving up 3 yrds/carry this year.
Donald Driver - If those ribs are healthy, then he is the #1 guy on the team. The week before the bye, he was barely running off the line and Jennings was the target. If the ribs still hurt him, then Jennings is your man.

Joey Harrington - He will showcase his late game heroics in Miami, oh wait, no he won't he sucks.
Ronnie Brown - Don't give up on Ronnie, He is in line to have a nice week against the Pack.
Chris Chambers - Even with Harrington at QB, Chambers will have a good week. The packers secondary gives up huge plays.

JAX @ HOU
Jacksonville comes off their bye to face a Houston defense that is getting worse by the week. Houston played a half of football before sending out a D-II team in the 2nd Half.

Byron Leftwich - Do you really need me to tell you to start anyone against the Texans?
Fred Taylor - See Leftwich, also, DT Seth Payne is out for the year. So, a weak defense got weaker.
Reggie Williams - Still don’t think that the Jags have a #1, Reggie has only 3 less catches than Wilford and Jones combined.

Andre Johnson - I would only recommend one Texan for this game as they should be getting smoked and Carr seems to have tunnel vision for him worse than Jake ever did for Smith. Now that Moulds is there to take heat off of him, he will always get his catches and Houston is perpetually trailing late.

NE @ BUF
Ho-Hum, New England is 4-1 and leading their division by two games. They come off the bye to take on the Bills who almost beat them in New England if not for a 4th quarter safety. The Bills let the Lions get their first win against them and are not heading in the right direction

Tom Brady - He is not the same consistent fantasy scorer that we have all become accustomed to, but he wins and that is all BB cares about.
Laurence Maroney - He is obviously the more explosive of the two backs in New England and is the feature guy for all intents and purposes.
Ben Watson - He is one guy that I had pegged for a big season that has let me down. With Graham still ailing, he should see a lot of red zone looks.

JP Loseman - New England has only given up 4 TD passes all season and The New England game earlier in the year is the only game Loseman did not throw a TD pass.
Willis McGahee - He has only one good game this year. That game against the Jets is the only game he gets over 4 yards a carry. He has only 1 TD. If you take out that one game against the pitiful Jets run defense, he is averaging 3.4 yds per carry. How much longer until everyone sees that he is not very good.
Lee Evans After a slow start, he has come on strong and is due for some TD’s

PHI @ TB
The EAGLES came back strong last week only to fall short in the end. I will say that I underestimated the Saints and Drew Brees abilities to lead a team. Tampa was another first time winner against the Bengals last week and the Rookie gets to face a defense that leads the league in sacks.

Donavon McNabb - He will be over 2000 yards and we are not even half way through the season. Damn.
Bryan Westbrook - Tampa is giving up almost 150 yards a game on the ground, but that number is skewed by the 300+ they gave up to the Falcons. They stopped Cincy and should stop the Birds attempts. The Eagles are going to need to pass to set up the run in this one.
Reggie Brown - If last week’s game didn’t show you that Reggie Brown is the real deal than you are just ignorant.

Bruce Gradkowski - Dave Attel look-alike gets to see what a real pass rush is like in the NFL.
Cadillac Williams - Teams have been able to run on the Eagles by taking advantage of the pursuit. Caddy could go off if the EAGLES are not ready.

PIT @ ATL
I have always said that when good teams are backed up against a wall and need a win, will get that win more often than not and Pitt showed that last week against the Chiefs. Atlanta once again showed that if you force Vick to beat you with his arm, he cannot.

Ben Roethlisbeger - You know your season is not going well when you get a perfect QB rating in one game and it raises your Rating to just above 60. He threw his two first TD passes after starting the season with 7 interceptions. This week he gets to face another stingy pass defense and on the road. Sit him if you have a better matchup.
Willie Parker - The only way to win this game for the Steelers is to control the ball. The Giants proved that the Falcons can be run on and Fast Willie can run on anybody.
Najeh Davenport - I picked him up in two of my leagues and he paid immediate dividends. If you are in a TD heavy league and he is available, grab him.

Ron Mexico - He can run like a gazelle, but the only thing he can pass is Herpes
Warrick Dunn - Dunn owners finally got a TD from their back on the longest TD run in Falcon history. I have always said that If Dunn scored TD’s, he would be a top 5 fantasy pick.
Atlanta ReceiversThe few passes that happen to enter into the area of a Falcon receiver get dropped anyway, so they are useless in fantasy terms.

SD @ KC
LT put on a show in San Francisco and should continue the onslaught in Kansas City. Huard didn’t have a chance in Pittsburgh considering the urgency that the Steelers needed a win. KC’s defense has been up and down this year, but overall has played better than recent history.

Philip Rivers - He was able to take advantage of Pitt’s smaller DB’s at home and sliced through an extremely permeable Niner defense, but these two corners should be his biggest test to date, especially being on the road.
LT - LT is going to have to one of his games for the Chargers to dominate, otherwise this one will be a low scoring close game.
Antonio Gates - He may only have 255 yards receiving on the year, but half have come in the last two games.

Damon Huard - He thought Pitt had a tough defense.
LJ - He is struggling. Only 3.4 yds per carry against the 49ers is struggling. 3 TD’s for a guy that many thought would get 25+ is struggling. 31 carries for 62 yards in his last two games tells me that he won’t be able to beat SD. NBYS, but I would consider sitting him this week, if I had a guy on the bench with a great matchup.

Sunday, October 22, 2006 4:05pm

DEN @ CLE
Denver has the best defense that no one is paying attention to. The offense is mediocre and that is saved by the play of the defense. They should have destroyed the Raiders, even with the rain and let them stay in it far too long. Cleveland is another team that has a mediocre offense with a defense that plays well at times. The differences between the two are Cleveland’s offense is even more inconsistent and the defense is as well. If they could put together a full game, they could beat most teams. The funny thing is that Denver’s entire defensive line is ex-browns.

Jake Plummer - When I watch Denver play this year, it reminds me of the Bears from last year. Offense sputters and defense plays very well and the team wins, ugly at times.
Tatem Bell - Mike Bell has had 5 carries in two games. We have a #1 back.
Rod Smith - Rod Smith’s #’s are low not because of the new addition on the other side, but rather because of the drop-off from the QB position.

Charlie FryeBeing in this division is tough for a young QB, with all the strong defenses. He is still young and learning and will struggle. I highly doubt that anyone is starting him, unless you are in dire straits.
Rueben Droughns - *Cricket* *Cricket*
Kellen Winslow - I wonder how the loss of his brother will affect him for this week’s game. My thoughts and prayers are with you Kellen.

Sunday, October 22, 2006 4:15

ARI @ OAK
Thank you Arizona for helping me win my game in the Manglerz league. At least Lienart looks like the real deal. If Arizona cannot beat Oakland, then they should just give up. Oakland is another week closer to 0-16 and Brady Quinn. I’ve got it, Al Davis wants Quinn bad enough to tank the season. That is the only reason that I can think that they would hire Art Shell and a Bed & Breakfast Manager to run the offense.

Matt Lienart - If he can pass like that against Chicago, then he should set some records against Oakland
Edge - You cannot say that they are not feeding him the ball. Oakland has had more rushing attempts against them than any other team.
Anquan Boldin - So much for Lienart targeting Johnson the most, Boldin had a lofty 19 looks last week and should have another big week here.

Andrew Walter - Brooks is another week away. Does it really matter?
Randy Moss - He showed some signs of life last week, time to take another week off.

MIN @ SEA
Minnesota sat at home last week and watched their deficit in their division grow thanks to the improbable comeback by the Bears and need to win to keep pace with them. Seattle bounced back from their drubbing by the bears with a win at St Louis in a wild finish.

Chester Taylor - I don’t expect much from him this game. Seattle has handled the run game except for the Bears game, but I don’t expect the Vikings to dominate like the Bears did.

Matt Hasselback - If you go by Matt’s games this year, then this will be a bad game. He started the season with a good game, then played poorly against the Cardinals. He had 5 TD’s the next week against the Giants and then followed it up with 2 Int’s against the Bears. Last week he has his best game of the season with 3TD’s and no Int’s. So, this should be a bad one if he follows suit.
Mo Mo - The Vikings have had a stellar run defense this year and I don’t see much room for Mo or Mack
Deion Branch - He gets into the starting lineup and did something he never did in a Patriot’s uniform, score 2 TD’s in one game. Don’t expect too much after this game though as he has had over 7 catches only 3 times in his career and once was a huge game in 2002.

WAS @ IND
Let me get this straight, Washington beats Jacksonville and then two weeks later loses to the Titans. How much longer until Campbell is playing. The ‘Skins need this game and have to play the Colts in Indy, doesn’t look good. I said earlier that good teams win when backed in a corner and the ‘Skins are just not a good “team.” Indy is 5-0, but just as easily could be 2-3 or worse. The run defense is worse than the Niners and I don’t think trading for McFarland is going to help that much.

Mark Brunell - If you want to know what the definition of aging vet hanging on too long, watch him play.
Clinton Portis - He should shred that defense that gave up 100 yards to the Texan’s offense.
Chris Cooley - I knew he would score last week, I cut him in one of my leagues.
Three Blind Mice - See how they run.

Peyton Manning - He got a bye week to prepare for a team that got beat by the Titans. He is my #1 QB for the week.
Harrison and Wayne - Both these guys will get plenty of opportunities to score.

Monday, October 23, 2006 8:30pm

NYG @ DAL
The Giants are coming off a bye to play on Monday night against a division rival whose coach is more famous for coaching them then the current team he is heading. Dallas got off to a slow start against Houston, but TO got to dance on the star and all was calm in Dallas for a week or so.

Eli Manning - How long into his career will the excuse of being young be able to be used for explanation of his mistakes?
Tiki Barber - Ok, I will never pick Tiki for Bust of the Week again. He does only have one TD so far though.
Jeremey Shockey - He finally shut his mouth and played last week. When he plays like that, he is a must start. Too bad, he doesn’t do that too often.

The Statue - The Giants pass defense is getting better and if the Statue gets in trouble like he did against Philly, then it could be a long night for him.
Julius Jones - He gets all the yards and Barber scores the TD.
Marion Barber - Only worth a start in TD only leagues.
TO - It is hard to get the plays when you are the second favorite target and your QB is on his ass.

Top 10 QB’s for Week 7
1. Peyton Manning
2. Donavon McNabb
3. Carson Palmer
4. Jake Delhomme
5. Byron Leftwich
6. Brett Favre
7. Eli Manning
8. Matt Lienart
9. Matt Hasselback
10. Tom Brady

Top 10 RB’s for Week 7
1. Clinton Portis
2. LaDainian Tomlinson
3. Ronnie Brown
4. Brian Westbrook
5. Kevin Jones
6. Fred Taylor
7. Tiki Barber
8. Edgerrin James
9. Larry Johnson
10. Chester Taylor

Top 10 WR’s for Week 7
1. Steve Smith
2. Marvin Harrison
3. Anquan Boldin
4. Roy Williams
5. Chris Chambers
6. TJ Houshmandzadeh
7. Randy Moss
8. Reggie Wayne
9. Darrell Jackson
10. Reggie Williams

Sleeper of the Week – Tatum Bell
Tatum Bell gets to play the Browns this week. As long as he is the starter, I would start Tatum Bell almost every week. The Browns, although in some close games, only win has come at the hands of the lowly Raiders, and they will struggle to stop the Broncos offense. Denver will look to establish the run early in the game and get Bell plenty of work. Bell should get a ton of touches ad should easily get more than 100 yards and score his second touchdown in as many weeks.

Bust of the Week – Willis McGahee
A staple of bust of the week from last year, Willis goes against a New England defense that is playing better each week. They are only yielding 85 yards on the ground per game and Willis is known to disappear against good run defenses. Look for other options and sit the guy that has only scored once this season.

I know my luck will change at some point during this season, but I am enjoying pretty good success this year and look forward to each week like it is the first of the season. If you are in a bind and need to make a difficult decision, Always go with your gut and don’t look back.

Don’t forget, if you have any WDIS questions, direct them to our very own fantasy prognosticator Lord Helmut or any of the other LR staff at:

asklockeroom@gmail.com

WDIS by Lord Helmet

2006-10-18T03:55:00.000-04:00

Lets start by taking a look at how I did last week.

Big Ben vs. Jake Plummer:
I was surprised to see how conservative the Broncos played against a terrible Raiders team, at home no less! I recommended starting Plummer which did not work out very well, he had around a 100 yds and no TDs. Big ben and the Steelers however lit up a KC secondary, I touted as pretty good. Not the best start here

Edge: Big Ben

Ronnie Brown vs. Norwood & Turner:
I suggested sticking with opportunity and Brown came through, Norwood & Turner combined for 5 carries for 5 yds and 1 catch for 2 yds and no TDs. Brown carried 22 times for 127 yds and a score.

Edge: Ronnie Brown

Desmond Clark vs. Alex Smith:
I recommended starting Smith. Clark had 4 catches for 61 yds to Smiths 3 for 10, however one of those grabs by Smith was a TD

Slight edge: Alex Smith

Bryant Johnson vs Welker, Eric Parker and some other scrubs:
In the absence of Fitz, Johnson only had a couple of catches but one was for a TD. With Roy Williams back Hakim fell of the radar, Welker and Parker are now officially better options.

Edge: Johnson

Leon Washington vs. Musa Smith, Herron and more:
Leon only had 11 carries for 58 yds, but he was still a helluva lot better than Musa who produced 5 yds on the ground and a catch for -2. Herron has no value anymore as Green reportedly is back

Edge: Washington

No questions has been posted yet this week, so go ahead and shoot me a mail. I care about YOUR team

asklockeroom@gmail.com

Q: J. Kitna vs. D.Bledsoe:

A:Bledsoe is facing the improving Giants secondary, that have not given up a passing TD since week 3. He's coming off a good week connecting on 2 scoring strikes with TO, but was shut down by the Eagles the week before throwing 3 picks and no TDs. Kitna is also a bit inconsistent, but seemed to be getting into a groove with his go-to receiver Roy Williams last week. The Lions have 2 guards on the injury report as questionable and their 2 starting interior D-linemen are out for this game. It will be up to Kitna and the WR corps to keep them in this game, also Jones has been good as a receiver out of the backfield. Lions are facing the jets who's giving up a lot of big plays in the secondary.

Edge: Kitna

Q: Edge vs. Maroney, Rudi vs. Rhodes, Housh vs. Bry. Johnson, Lindell vs. Vanderjagt

A: Edge is playing Oakland, the joke of the league, a matchup the Cards should win but there's a new OC in Arizona whos promising no more conservative play calling. If this will limit Edge's opportunities remains to be seen, but he's proving so far that not even a Pro Bowl back can find running room behind that line. Maroney is a explosive and exciting rookie back and has been terrific in limited action. He's coming off his bye and a less than stellar performance against Miami, only racking up 38 yds on 18 attempts. The important thing is that he's involved in the offense and should continue untill Dillon is out of the picture.

Edge: Normally would say James but I'm confident in Maroney, so go with the rook.

Rudi is a stud and Rhodes is a scrub, Rudi gets alot of touches and even with a depleted o-line he's the play here.

Edge: Rudi

Housh vs. Bryant Johnson: Housh had 10 catches last week, and Palmer doesn't really get the time to throw deep thus making the underneath route open for lots of business.

Easy choice: Housh

Lindell vs. Vanderjagt: Flip a coin

NUFCED by wikkidpissah

2006-10-16T06:00:00.000-04:00

The man in the headphones. Sure, we love the blitz, the bomb, the 4th & goal, the dazzling return, but football is a coach’s medium. You can sign, draft & steal all the talent you want, but they’re all for nuttin’ without the guy who puts it all together. The fun thing is, you can never tell if a new coach has it or an old coach is losing it. Some are legends right out of the box, some gotta fail once to find the key to success. They can know everything about the game, go sleepless from July to January and still be busts. They can be masters of the game in one era and clueless in the next. Whatever, you ain’t gonna win without one who don’t get the game as it’s played and fits his crew and that’s that.

The most significant development of the 1st 3rd of the ’06 season is the coaches who have entirely changed the culture of their franchises. Like baseball’s Jim Leyland, who convinced a Tiger team with 12 consecutive losing seasons that they were as good as anyone and has brought them steamrolling thru the postseason, many of ‘06’s new NFL coaches turned a blind eye to wayward methods of the past and saw quality where few did. And they got their teams to view things the same way. I’ve written previously how impressed I was that Brad Childress has turned a sinking Love Boat into an armored frigate so quickly, but the story of the year has to be Sean Payton’s transcendent job in delivering to the city of New Orleans their first reason to cheer since Brownie was fired. Other fine work is being done elsewhere, as I will point out in my look at this week’s action.

NO 27 PHIL 24

Game of the day. Unknown afterthought Payton, last coach hired (presumably after Satchmo’s ghost and Omarosa had turned the Saints down) this offseason, saw a unit in New Orleans disparate parts, hired the right QB, had the courage to put the running game in the hands of the right guy over the instant legend and, with a swarming defense as well, has his team playing the most compelling football in franchise history. Far more impressive than busting out to a 17-3 halftime lead was following a 3 TD run by the Eagles with the TD to tie and the FG to win. There’s nothing harder in this game than summoning it up to recover from being put back on your heels, but you could see them decide to be winners and accomplish their goal. Color me a fan from here out, even if they weren’t the hope of a city desperately in need of some....Reggie Brown is f’real. Answering a Saints’ strategy of exploiting the lack of options on the other side of the field, he stepped up and was the key to the Eagle’s comeback. If the Hamstring Fairy can heel Stallworth, this will be a top tandem....Deuce is running as well as anyone in football right now. The other key to Philly’s rebound is the Saints going away from him in the 2nd half. Conversely, I didn’t see Bush, though as quick as ever, make any yardage after contact. Not an inch.

SEA 28 STL 27

Another great coaching job with, though as exciting, not as successful an outcome. The Seahawks came out flat off their bye week and the Rams seized the occasion to just flat march down the field series after series. Everything seemed to work. Someone must have reminded Seattle that they are a championship football team at halftime and they started playing like it to storm past StLoo. Still Scott Linehan gathered his troops and broke Holt free yet again to take the late lead before Josh Brown's 3rd monster FG (after missing the chip shot early which made the last necessary) won it for the Hawks....I think we can say for good & all that MoMo is not an NFL starter....Hass-Branch will be far more prolific a combo than Brady-Branch – hey, I never noticed that before. *lalala* The Brady-Branch/The Brady-Branch/Don’t know why they broke up the Brady-Branch *lalala*

DET 20 BUF 17

Now on to other coaching achievements – the three who got their teams off the schneide today. New coach Marinelli barely kept his team from being just good enough to lose yet again. KJ & Royboy were unconscious, JP was Lostman yet again & Willis never figured what he was runnin’ ‘bout and yet the Lions couldn’t put ‘em away. I think I know why – Kitna don’t fit this system at all. He don’t stink, he just makes too many mistakes for the continuity of Martz’s offensive gameplan...If I were a Buffaloinger, I don’t know what I’d find more disheartening – lake-effect snow or Loseman’s one-step-forward-97-steps-back deal.

TB 14 CIN 13

Another case of bye week blues. The Bengals played like they’d gotten into Odell’s stash....Gradkowski is everything that GoldenBoy isn’t. Enjoy your spleenache, Chrissy – you ain’t getting this job back....Grab Chris Perry NOW – it’s too easy to tee off on CPalm in the pocket without a multitasking back behind him. If Perry comes back sound, he should pass Rudi this year.

TENN 25 WASH 22

FIRE GIBBS FAST! This team plays without identity and handles adversity like USRep. Foley handles seduction. Time to see if Williams can handle the reigns before moving on....VY will suck for a while, but his team enjoys playing for him. Still, he’s no Gradkowski.

PGH 45 KC 7

End of a mini-scheide. The Steelers were clearly more afraid of Cowher than of the Chiefs and it had them playing clearly like their old selves....A mulligan for the Chiefs for sure. They cant afford any more, though....I’m becoming a FWP fan and that surprises me. He grows with every game and Tiki/Dunn status looks to be not too far off.

NYG 27 ATL 14

More bye blahs. Eli tried to give the Falcons the game with two early Ints, but they just wouldn’t take it....Tiki has caught LT2 in all aspects of the game except a nose for the stripe (and I don’t think he’s as bad at that as his coach does). Factor in his leadership, though, and I’d be just as happy with either right now....Got a feeling Atlanta will be a fair-weather team this year – dominant at times, but without answer when their attack is solved.

DAL 34 HOU 6

Bye bust of a different kind. The Texans stayed in the contest for a half but ran out of gas badly....Never has a 3 TD game been less important to a win than TO’s. In the first half, the announcers actually wondered if he was being boycotted by his own team....The Texans' is the most ineffectual running game I’ve ever seen on purpose. The only thing comparable was when the Falcons lost Jamal a few years ago and went through their whole bench before ending up with a guy named Ken Oxendale (who actually ran like he was yoked) at the end.

CAR 24 BAL 23

Old habits die hard – the Ravens stopped playing defense the SECOND Boller came on to replace Air....Another game where the Panthers turned a wide open floater into a spectacular catch. Perhaps being far the worst team in football on 3rd down has summin to do with it....I fear John Fox is sitting on his laurels. The game changes too quickly for him to do that without it passing him by.

NYJ 20 MIA 17

Joey, don't be a hero,
Don't be a fool with your life
Joey, don't be a hero,
Let linemen make you their wife
And, as he started to throw
We said, Joey, keep your head low
Joey, don't be a hero, lose one more time

SD 1438 SF -0

Sure, take LT2 out in games still up for grabs, but leave him in all the way in a pig like this. Just happy I didn’t face a team that had him this week in any of my seven leagues.

DEN 13 OAK 3

From "Just win, baby" to "Why bother, fool?". Color me impressed....If he's not careful, Shanny will be remembered as much for being the Schottenheimer of the 21st century as for being Elway's caddie. Failing to require more from an offense that can clearly provide it almost guarantees early playoff elimination. That would be a shame with a defense that's allowed but one prevent TD all year. Maybe they can get Orton to take the offense from Jakes the Clown.

Remember, kids - Lord Helmet will be answering WDIS each Wednesday here on LOCKERROOM and some of our other experts might chime in as well. Send your questions to:

asklockeroom@gmail.com

Play hard -

On The Hash... Marks (Special "I'm Late, I'm Late!" Edition)

2006-10-14T11:31:00.000-04:00

Oh Mario, Where Art Thou?

1. Ohio St.
2. Florida (+2)
3. USC
4. Michigan (+1)
5. West Virginia (+1)
6. Louisville (+1)
7. Texas (+2)
8. California (+11)
9. Tennessee (+9)
10. Iowa (+3)
11. Notre Dame (+3)
12. Clemson (+4)
13. Georgia Tech (+4)
14. Arkansas (NR)
15. Auburn (-13)
16. Georgia (-4)
17. Missouri (+4)
18. LSU (+10)
19. Boise St. (+1)
20. Nebraska (-2)
21. Oregon (-11)
22. Rutgers (+1)
23. Oklahoma (-8)
24. Wisconsin (NR)
25. Boston College (NR)

Heisman:

1. Troy Smith QB tOSU
QBRat 170.6 1261yds 15TDs 2INTs
Prediction: @ Mich St. 18-29 245yds 2TDs

2. Adrian Peterson RB Ok
142rush 752yds 5.3ypc 8TDs
5rec 82yds 1TD
Prediction: vs. Iowa St. 35rush 225yds 3TDs

3. John David Booty QB USC
137.8QBrat 1209yds 11TDs 3INTs
Prediction: vs. Az St. 23-36 270yds 3TDs

4. Garrett Wolfe RB NIU
156rush 1343yds 8.6ypc 13TDs
13rec 162yds 1TD
Prediction: W. Mich 30rush 180yds 2TDs

5. Mike Hart RB Mich
157rush 794yds 5.1 ypc 5TDs
6rec 66yds
Prediction: @ Penn St. 25rush 120yds 1TD

Last Week: 8-9
Overall: 68-44-2

Minnesota +8 Wisconsin
It's amazing how these two teams can retool the running back position every year. A lot of that has to do with the good o-lines they consistently have, but P.J. Hill is going to be a superstar. My bet is the last team to score takes this one.

Wisc 31 Min 27

Iowa -18.5 Indiana
Iowa will run all over Indy regardless of whether Albert Young plays or not.

Iowa 40 Ind U 13

Georgia -13.5 Vanderbilt
Offense looked much better with Tereshinski back last week. Things kind of fell apart at the end there, however. Georgia should be back ready to dominate, and Jay Cutler is nowhere in sight for Vandy.

UGA 28 Vandy 7

Oklahoma -19 Iowa St.
The Cyclones broke my heart last week and fell out of the Big 12 North race. Oklahoma is more than likely a bit ticked off after losing to Texas which should make for a tough day for my boys Bret Meyer, Stevie Hicks, and Todd Blizzythe.

Ok 34 ISU 14

Ohio St. -14 MSU
I can see the Spartans keeping this one close, but I don't have the mazumbos to pick 'em.

tOSU 27 MSU 10

WVU -25 'Cuse, Ark (no line) over SeMizzou, Louis -25 Cincy, Tx -27 Baylor, LSU -26 UK, Boise St. -26 NMST.

Oregon -8.5 UCLA
Jon Stewart should be able to pick up the win on the ground for the Ducks while still maintaining his ability as a witty, comical left-wing fake news show host.

Ore 27 UCLA 16

California -8 Washington St.
I've been down on Cal since they killed me by losing to Tennessee (talked all kinds of crap in the preseason that the Pac-10 elite is as good as anyone's to my friend/redneck football watchin' buddy. Caught a lot of heat when Cal got killed), but I'm finally coming around on them. Longshore can play, Lynch and Jackson are two of the best playmakers in the country.

Cal 32 Wazzu St. 20

Nebraska -9 Kansas St.
K-State's got 4 straight wins at home, but that's in the past. Nebraska should be able to put up a big lead early and the blackshirts will do the rest.

Neb 28 KSt. 13

Auburn +2 Florida
Hopefully is a closer game than last week's UF/LSU game. I'll be watching the Michigan game, so I'll miss out on this one, but this should be a GOTY candidate.

Aub 21 UF 20

Michigan -6 Penn St.
I'm sticking with my forumla of having no confidence is picking Michigan games. They've been winning, so I'm happy. Manningham being out is tough, hopefully Breatson steps up.

UM 24 PSU 17

Arizona St. +19 USC
Close win for USC last week, while ASU had a week off to prepare after their big loss against Oregon. I don't think ASU gets the win, but they will be able to keep it within 19.

USC 31 AZU 20

Upset Special (4-1):
Rutgers +2.5 Navy
Yeah, so Rutgers is pretty much gonna suprise everyone and win the Big East. Your days are numbered, Louisville and West Virginia.

Rutg 27 Navy 19

**~**$Creek's 5-Star, No Doubt, Money-Making *dramatic music, extreme closeup* LOCK OF THE WEEK**~** (3-1-1):
Missouri -2 Texas A&M
Chase Daniel is a sexy bitch. As far as football playing ability is concerned that is. A&M's got a good team, but Mizzou's on the path the Big 12 title game.

Mizzou 24 TxA&M 20

Degenerate Gamblers V 2.0 week 6

2006-10-13T13:10:00.000-04:00

So, I do the parent think and attend my kids soccer games, good Dad that I am, but they start @ 11:30 A.M, and by the time the third kids game is over, its 3:45 PM. I miss almost the entire slate of early games. I love my children dearly, and would be there for anything they need, but This Fuckin soccer is ruining America....

Lets look at it.
Fastest growing kids sport in America
cheapest to play, no start up cost for equipment
almost no contact, means less ER visits, but feminizes Americas Male Youth
reduced hand/eye coordination
Gay sock wearing up to the knees..

I understand all the hype, saving parents $$ by lack of equipment costs. Hell, I just went out & bought my 6 year old son New Hockey Equipment, $675.00 for everything, and that doesn't include the $1000.00 league fee/rink fee/ ice time.
But to me, $1600.00 is well worth it, for him to play a sport with contact, building hand to eye coordination, sprouting esprit de corp. Plus, he has a weapon in his hands, should he need to use it.

My selections last week, were right along with the bookies numbers...
I won 1 game, lost none, and pushed twice, netting me a tidy $200.00.
This brings my season totals so far to.
6-7-3, and in the hole $260.00

This weeks selections.

Cincy, coming off a bye, & licking its wounds from an ass beating by the Pats, is giving 5.5 to a Tampa Bay team, that may have found its way with its own Bledsoe/Brady story. I think cincy was caught looking ahead to its bye week, & $330.00 says the 5.5 its giving up, is of no consequence.

McNabb looks like the MVP so far this year, & Reggie Bush is the MHP (Most Hyped Player)
Donny spotting 3 to The Hairy Mole will be a $220.00 play.....GIVE

2 inconsistent teams face off in Buffalo/Detroit. Buff is favored by 1 point, & I think that they have the defense to stop Mad Mike & his offensive juggernaught. Buff -1 is a $220.00 play.

Last but not least
Tease; 6 point variety
Cincy +.5
Phi + 3
buff + 5
Will be a $110.00 play.

Questions will be answered at asklockeroom@gmail.com . For all of you Fantasy Football "Who Do I Start" droolers, Lord Helmet will be answering all of your questions.

Until next week, when I'm sure I will have to answer questions about my take on the whole Soccer thing.

So long ya paste eaters

Window Lickers week 6 edition

2006-10-13T12:55:00.000-04:00

Well, it was bound to happen sooner or later... We had our first clean sweep. Wikkid picked all of last weeks games correctly. If he does it again, he will be asked to leave the short bus. Maybe the movie The Ringer was based on his life??

Standings after 5 weeks....

Prof 53-21
Wikkid 51-23
Creek 50-24
Archer 49-25
GBIN 48-26 (no selection last week, gets low score)
Ahem 48-26
Jimed 47-27.

This weeks selections

JimedDAL
PHI
ATL
WASH
SEA
BUFF
BAL
CIN
SD
PITT
JEST
DEN
CHI

WIKKID

DAL
PHI
SEA
ATL
WASH
DET
BAL
CIN
SD
PITT
JEST
DEN
CHI

PROF

CIN
ATL
WAS
DAL
BAL
DET
SEA
PHI
NYJ
PIT
SD
DEN
CHI

AHEM

DAL
WASH
DET
CIN
ATL
STL
NO
CAR
JEST
PITT
SD
DEN
CHI

CREEK

Cincy
Atl
Was
Dal
Car
Det
Stl
Philly
Nyj
Pit
Sd
Den
Chi

Professor Ellis D Trails Week 6 Syllabus

2006-10-12T06:00:00.000-04:00

Week 6 is unique as it marks the first time ever to have six teams on a bye. Cleveland, Green Bay, Indianapolis, Jacksonville, Minnesota and New England are all out of action, so the likes of Braylon Edwards, Kellen Winslow, Brett Favre, Ahman Green, Donald Driver, Greg Jennings, Peyton Manning, Marvin Harrison, Reggie Wayne, Byron Leftwich, Fred Taylor, Chester Taylor, Tom Brady and Laurence Maroney will have to be reserved for less-heralded options. I know this will cause you to strain over the WW this week, but you may be able to pick up some scraps that are left on the list of undesirables. Before I gallivant into this weeks games, I wanted to offer up a couple of those scraps to assist you in bye week hell. I will not be covering these players in their respective matchups as that would just be stupid and redundant.

Bruce Gradkowski (Silent K as I like to call him) - He played well and stood tall in the pocket against a Saints team that is on fire to start the year and against an inconsistent Bengal’s defense, he could provide some punch to your lineup. Be careful though as the Bengals are a good intercepting team.

Drew Bledsoe - His pitiful performance against the EAGLES could have made some owners mad enough to drop him and if that is the case, do not be hesitant to grab him and play him against the wretched Houston pass defense.

Michael Turner - Turner has not just been a clean up or part time back this season. He certainly has been ample opportunity to play in games and if the LT owner has left him in the FA pool (I highly doubt it) Grab him and plug him for your bye week against a 49er team surrendering a ton of yards on the ground.

Travis Henry - I would tend to avoid the Tennessee running game altogether, but Henry had a real nice game against a pretty good defense in Indy and that should buy him the bulk of the carries this week.

Roscoe Parrish - He has been a little inconsistent this season, but this week Buffalo is playing one of the worst pass defenses in the league and it could be a good day for all of the Bills receivers.

Eric Parker - I don’t know if you noticed, but in the Philip Rivers breakout game last week, he targeted Parker on many a play. I would be surprised if he was not available in your league and is a sneaky play this week against the 49ers.

Malcolm Floyd I know another SD guy? He is a big, fast guy with soft hands. Rivers liked to look for this guy in the red zone. Now that he is throwing more than 10 passes a game, he makes a nice bye week pickup.

Jeremey Stevans - He will make his return this week and provide a much better option that the scrubs that have been playing at TE so far this year. He was available in my league for a bye week fill and he could be in yours.

Alex Smith - He has been dropped more than acid at a Grateful Dead concert. Grab him if you have Watson or Winslow this week. TE’s can be a rookie QB’s best friend.

Sunday October 15th, 2006 1:00pm

BUF @ DET
The Bills were riding a high until they ran into the proverbial wall that is Chicago. The Lions have seemed to get their offense going, too bad the defense cannot stop the pass.

J.P. Loseman - The kid has fight and has come along way to gain some semblance of respect from me. He will have some good numbers in the Dome this weekend.
Willis McGahee - With an actual passing attack, this perennial bust is playing well this year. He is currently third in the league in rushing yards on pace for over 1400 yards. Problems, only 1 TD and still averaging less than 4 yards per carry.
Lee Evans - After an extremely slow start, he has turned it on in the last couple of games. Look for that to continue.

John Kitna - He will have Mike Furrey and Az-Hakim as his starting WRs this week. What exactly does Mike Williams have to do to get some playing time? How about actually giving a damn.
Kevin Jones - Just when you thought that KJ had found his groove against the Packers and the Rams, he gives a terrible performance against the Vikings once again causing fantasy owners grief. The only thing to do with him is to look at the matchup and sit him against the stronger run defenses. Buffalo is giving about 113 and a TD per game.

CAR @ BAL
If you thought the Panthers were done, think again. They are back and could go on a roll. Baltimore played like hell on Monday night against a much underrated Denver defense. Morgan is out for the year which should help Jamal and he needs all the help he can get.

Jake Delhomme - For the first time in his career, I have noticed that he doesn’t have tunnel vision. He is actually spreading the ball to more than one receiver. Ok, so it’s only two, but that’s better.
Keyshawn Johnson - He has been targeted about nine times a game and some owners were worried that once smith came back that would diminish. Well it hasn’t and Key makes a fine #2 or #3 on your squad.
Steve Smith - Since he has been back, he hasn’t missed a beat and the only thing that detracts from his value is Jake’s love of Me-Shawn’s height in the red zone.

Steve McNair - He is no longer Air McNair. He is Zephyr McNair. The guy just isn’t the same. He won’t lose a game like Boller will, but you can forget about getting any 300 yard games anymore.
Jamal Lewis - What happened to this guy? The way he runs, it seems like he would never get 2000 yards. He has as much power as a man in a committed relationship.
Todd Heap - if the Ravens want to have a successful offense, then they have to play to their strengths and I know that Mason and Clayton are quality receivers to an extent, but McNair just isn’t the same passer anymore. Targeting Heap more often would open up other aspects of that offense. Sometimes things can go unnoticed during winning streaks, but it’s the losses that tell you the most about your team.

CIN @ TAM
Cincy is coming off their buy to face an angry and underachieving Buccs squad. Tampa almost went into New Orleans and won in a place where Atlanta got smoked. What does that tell you about the parity of this league. This is one of those sneaky games where a team without a win could get one at home if the visitors are not careful.

Carson Palmer - Teams have tried to shut him down by taking Chad out the gameplan. However, they didn’t realize that the Bengals have an extremely talented (albeit criminal at times) WR Corp. Start him every week.
Rudi Johnson - Throw out the game against the Steelers, he wasn’t needed and he has been a beast. Just a side note, Tampa is giving up 163 yards per game rushing. That is still over a hundred if you take out the Atlanta shellacking.
CJ - Now that teams have to give respect tot Housh and Co., CJ will start to make you remember why you drafted him.

Cadillac Williams - If Bruce Almighty can continue his poised play and Tampa can get a little more healthy on the line, you might be able to snag Caddy from the owner in your league at a very low price. Don’t get too excited though as his end of season schedule is filled with run stoppers. Cincy is giving up nearly 150 yards and 2 TD’s on the ground per game so far.
Joey Galloway - Joey has been a monster on the road so far this season and has done nothing at home. The Bengals pass defense has been pretty good only giving up 3 pass TD’s all year. I would sit him this week for better options.

HOU @ DAL
Houston comes off the bye to take on the Cowboys in Dallas. The battle for Texas. Dallas lost a game in Philly that started to expose the problems that TO can bring to a team. It was reported that after the loss, TO stormed into the LOCKERROOM, and screamed, “Why the fuck did you bring me here, why am I here?” I give it until week 8 and Parcell’s top explodes. He may even punch out Jerry Jones for doing this to his team.

David Carr - The #1 rated passer. This should tell you how much the QB rating means. I will give it to him for his completion percentage, but he is only averaging a little over 200 yards a game and has been sacked 15 times.
Andre Johnson - He is the number one receiver in many fantasy leagues, at least by average. I would continue to play him, Houston will be trailing in most games and Andre is actually getting open with another viable receiver playing next to him.

Julius Jones - Julius is starting to be the player that he was supposed to be last year. I know it just kills you to see Marion Barber still stealing carries. BP seems to me to be trying to hard to find something that works rather than going out there and putting it on teams like he used to as a coach.
Jason Witten - He needs to be more involved, but also seems to be dropping a lot more balls than I remember.
TO - You wanted a big game from him, this week should be it. He needs it or my week 8 prediction could be much shorter.

NYG @ ATL
Which Eli will show up this week? The indecisive and wild Eli or the poised and sharp Eli. The truth is no one ever knows. Atlanta was also on a bye last week and would like to continue their winning ways on the legs of the offense. There is certainly no arm there.

Eli Manning - I am quickly learning that Eli doesn’t like pressure. If you can jar him early, then it takes him awhile to get a rhythm back (usually 3 quarters). If he can get into a groove early, then he can roll you. Abraham and Kearney will do their best to smack him around.
Tiki - Tiki needs to stop doing commercials. He is really getting on my nerves. Atlanta stops the run about as good as they run the ball and have only given up 4 rushing first downs a game along with under 70 yards per game and 1 rushing TD all year, that was a WR run by Devery Henderson.
Jeremy Shockey - He might be a bigger crybaby than TO. Hey Shockey, how’s about playing some football you malcontent.
Plaxico Burress - He will always have good and bad games. Now you can see why Pittsburgh made him expendable. He just doesn’t show up all the time.

Michael Vick - IF he could learn to throw the ball, then Atlanta would almost be unstoppable. He can’t and won’t. They will still win games with their defense and rushing game, but they will never win the big one. I have conceded the fact that Vick does and will get fantasy stats, but I just don’t like the guy.
Warrick Dunn - Keep playing him while he is healthy. His workload is up from last year and it’s only a matter of time before he tweaks something.
Atlanta Receivers - When your QB averages about 130 yards per game passing, then there is nobody that you should be starting at receiver from this team sans Alge.

PHI @ NO
Philly shut TO up last week, at least during the game and came away with a needed victory in the NFC East. New Orleans needed a special teams score to beat the winless Buccaneers. Will the real New Orleans Saints please stand up? The Saints are that team that comes out of the gate on fire and begins to fizzle out around now.

Donovan McNabb - 1600 yards, 11 TD’s, 1 Int, 3 Rushing TD’s (two more than Vick) – Nufced. (Nufced is a trademark of PissahCorp, INC. and all of its holdings)
Westboogie - Gets little credit for his toughness, but plays with pain and plays well. New Orleans run defense has been beaten to the tune of 125 yards a game and teams just really cannot gameplan effectively to stop him.
Reggie Brown - The EAGLES finally have hit on a WR in the draft. It took them long enough. With Stallworth doubtful ( I know he would love to play his old mates) Brown will be the benefactor of one of the best throw deep balls in the game today.

Drew Brees - I still say that he is playing over his head and will look like a different QB with the pressure he’ll face this week.
Reggie Bush - He is only a good play in PPR leagues as he is Brees’ LT in New Orleans. He is on pace for 108 receptions. He cannot rush it up the middle in the NFL and it is much harder to get those corners as well.
Deuce McAlister - This is the guy teams should be worried about. One thing Reggie has done is open up holes for Deuce and he is positively taking advantage of that.
Joe Horn - Attention everyone, there was a Joe Horn sighting last week. With teams now able to gameplan for this Colston kid, expect Horn’s numbers to go up a bit. You can probably get him pretty cheap in a trade.

SEA @ STL
Seattle needed a bye last week but it is still likely without their star for this divisional matchup against the Rams. Don’t you just love how fast teams jump off the bandwagon when a team gets smacked. St Louis got a lucky break against the Packers when Favre fumbled away the chance at the tie. They need to play better this week to win against the ‘Hawks.

Matt Hasselback - I will never draft this guy and it is because he puts up good games against good teams and bad games against bad teams. You just never know what you are going to get with this guy. He should have a good game this week, but that means nothing when dealing with this guy.
Maurice Morris - Don’t sleep on this guy. I have said before that he could start for other teams in the NFL and you can be sure that Haslett knows that too.
Darrell Jackson - This game will be a high scoring game and D-Jax should see plenty of opportunities to score.

Marc Bulger - He has taken to Linehan's offense. This is easily the longest he has gone without throwing an interception. Prior to last season, St Louis has owned Seattle at home and this one should be another high scoring affair.
Steven Jackson - Seattle has played pretty well against the run....at home.
Tory Holt - The best WR in the game should have no problems making it 5 or even 6 TD's this week.

TEN @ WAS
The Vince Young era is off to a great start and would have been even better if they pulled off the improbable upset against the vaunted Colts last week. One thing it did was expose the middle of the Colt’s defense as soft. Washington looked like a basement team against the Giants. Tennessee continues to make their claims on the top pick in next year’s draft this week at Washington.

Vince Young - Imagine the size of a young Culpepper with the legs of Vick. I fear that he has the passing ability of Vick as well. Only time will tell.
Drew Bennett - This was supposed to be a breakout year for him. Now his team runs the option half the time, LOL.

Mark Brunell - The Brunell soap opera continues in Washington. One weekend he is slinging and gunning it and the next he can’t complete a sentence let alone a pass.
Clinton Portis - He will be running all over the Titans. It should be almost comical.
Three Blind Mice - See how they run.

Sunday October 15th, 2006 4:15pm

KC @ PIT
KC has played well without their leader and took it to Arizona and San Fran. Now they get to face a Pittsburgh team that is in a must win situation after losing at San Diego.

Damon Huard - He has been playing great ball with nearly 500 yards in two games. Pittsburgh is not a cake team like the ones he has been facing. Welcome to reality Damon.
LJ - He was beetlejuiced last week at Arizona and missed the rest of the game. At that point he was one of the top RB’s for the week. He won’t miss any time and is a definite start as usual.

Big Ben - He is struggling right now and playing against a defense that is getting better each week is not a recipe for a turnaround. However this is a must win and at home. I wouldn’t expect any big numbers, but he will play better.
Willie Parker - FWP needs to turn on the jets to help the Steelers turn their season around
Najeh Davenport - He will provide more than people are expecting right now. Cowher has already said that his playing time will increase and fills that Bus role nicely. He will also help FWP by being the power to his finesse.
Hines Ward - Last year’s Super Bowl MVP has not lived up to billing thus far, thanks to the play of his QB. Once Ben settles down and stops trying to force passes, things will open up for Hines.

MIA @ NYJ
Joey Harrington looked better than C-Pep recently but still threw two crucial interceptions to give a short field to the under explosive Patriots last week. The Jets were starting to believe that they were actually a good team until they were completely shut down by Jacksonville who have been monsters at home so far.

Joey Harrington - I remember Joey Harrington road games. I needed a good laugh.
Ronnie Brown - A projected top 5 running back is currently sitting at 24th just one yard ahead of Michael Turner, a backup. The good news is that The Jets are giving up 150 yards rushing per game and a league high 11 rushing TD’s. Start him this week.
Chris Chambers - Do you remember all the WR’s Joey had in Detroit that he couldn’t complete passes to, and his line is worse here with all the injuries.

Chad Pennington - Miami still has a good defense and Pennington in his career averages about 10 fantasy points per game against the 'phins, that seems like a reasonable score for him this week
Leon Washington - No one knows when or if C-Mart is going to come back and right now Leon has the reigns in New York. If he can run for a hundred in a loss at Jax, then he is worth a start for me.
Laveranues Coles - He was complaining that he was on the bench too much last week and could have played more. He was leading the league in receptions earlier in the year and he should get back on track this week.
Brad Smith - Who is this guy? He plays WR/QB/RB. He is the reason why Coles was sat at times last week. He could eat into everyone’s playing time as Mangini seems to be falling in love this guy.

SD @ SF
Marty finally let Rivers show what he can do with his arm against a tough defense and he showed Marty that he can throw. SD looks tough to beat. SF is heading in the opposite direction. Although it seemed as though Gore has gotten a grip on his fumbling, literally.

Philip Rivers - If he puts up solid numbers against Pitt, what do you think he can do against the Niners DB’s. Yeah, start him with glee.
LT - He has been giving up more carries to Turner than in years past. The reason is simple. If you have owned LT in the past few seasons, then you know about his poor play during the fantasy playoffs. Well this year, Marty is reducing the load where he can, so his horse is at full strength come stretch time and when you got a guy like Turner, it makes it so much easier.

Alex Smith - As good of a game he had last week, this one will be as bad as it could be. If you start him, expect to lose.
Frank Gore - The NFL’s leading rusher would be hard pressed to do well against the Number 1 defense in the league.

Sunday October 15th, 2006 8:15pm

OAK @ DEN
I picked Oakland to win against San Fran, if they couldn’t do that, they definitely are not beating Denver. Nevertheless, in today’s NFL, anything can happen and especially in divisional games. Denver proved to me that Plummer is still their guy and that defense is fast.

Oakland QB- Whether it’s Brooks, Walter, or Tuimyassisaopen, it won’t matter. They will be handled
Lamont Jordan - Justin Fargas has looked good running the ball.
Mr. Complainer - Hey Randy, why don’t you go over the middle? Nah, didn’t think so.

Jake Plummer - He finally righted the ship at the end of the Monday night game. He will continue his resurgence against the Faiders.
Tatem Bell - Why did you draft Mike Bell so high? Did Quentin Griffen teach you nothing? Tatem will pass the century mark and score twice this weekend.
WR’s - I think that I will stay away from the Denver receivers from now on. Walker is the most solid play of any of them, but you never know when Rod is going to pop in there and get a TD. Also, Plummer seems to be throwing to Kircus a lot. Be-ware.

Monday October 16th, 2006 8:30pm

CHI@ ARI
Chicago has the defense and offense to go undefeated. I still don’t feel like they have been truly tested sans Seattle. Like I stated earlier, while you are winning you don’t learn as much about your team than when you are losing and this team needs to have some hardship or could slip up in the end. Arizona, Hmmm, they are missing their top wideout, their o-line is terrible, they have a rookie QB and they are facing the best defense in the league. Yeah, good luck with that.

Rex Grossman - The guy has gone beyond everyone’s expectations. He will continue the onslaught this week.
Thomas Jones - Keep doubting him and he’ll keep running down team’s throats.
Bernard Berrian - Sorry Moose, Bernard is the main man in this high powered offense.

Matt Lienart - Welcome to the NFL Matt. Matt, meet the turf, turf, meet Matt.
Bryant Johnson - I was going to put him in the bye week pickups, but c’mon he is playing the bears.
Edge - You probably have to start him because he was a first round draft pick, but you know what to expect.

Top 10 QB’s for Week 6
1. Donavon McNabb
2. Matt Hasselback
3. Drew Bledsoe
4. Eli Manning
5. Marc Bulger
6. Michael Vick
7. Carson Palmer
8. Philip Rivers
9. Bruce Gradkowski
10. Rex Grossman

Top 10 RB’s for Week 6
1. LaDainian Tomlinson
2. Clinton Portis
3. Tatem Bell
4. Frank Gore
5. Ronnie Brown
6. Larry Johnson
7. Steven Jackson
8. Willis McGahee
9. Julius Jones
10. Brian Westbrook

Top 10 WR’s for Week 6
1. Torry Holt
2. Terrell Owens
3. Lee Evans
4. Chad Johnson
5. Andre Johnson
6. Darrell Jackson
7. Bernard Berrian
8. Terry Glenn
9. Javon Walker
10. Marques Colston

Sleeper of the Week – Michael Turner
I know that I already put him in the bye week fill-ins, but this one could get ugly fast and if that is the case, expect Turner to see a lot of action. With the porous run defense, he should still be able to get a ton of yards and a score.

Bust of the Week – Tiki Barber
I know that I said that Tiki would be the bust last week and I was wrong, this week I am convinced that Atlanta’s vaunted run defense will hold him in check and force young Eli to beat them with his arm.

Another week down and closer to mid season we are. I would just like to remind everyone to use the save button whenever you can as while I was putting together this week’s syllabus, the power went out and I realized that I had not utilized the save feature in some time. Hence, I was forced to redo this entire composition. Just a word to the wise. I know that you have all come hear for advice to lead you to a fantasy championship and all that dough, but the best piece of advice I could give you is Always go with your gut and don’t look back.

......Professor Ellis D Trails

got WDIS questions, shoot an email to:

asklockeroom@gmail.com

From beyond the pond

2006-10-11T03:24:00.000-04:00

Here's the first edition of my WDIS recommendations here at Lockerroom, be sure to check in here before setting your line-ups folks!

Q: I have some horrible options at QB, Plummer and Roethlisberger, which one do you like best this week ?

A: Big Ben has been struggling this year recovering from his accident and appendix operation. Facing a vastly improved Chiefs secondary is not the game he'll get back on track, and I strongly suggest keeping him benched untill he gets some of the poise and game management skills back that brought the Steelers to the Superbowl. Jake Plummer has not been doing much better, but this just might be the week he'll post some stats that will please his FF owners. No doubt the Broncos will be running the ball alot this game, looking to pound their long time rivals the Raiders into the ground. This will also help the passing game and the play-action connecting with Javon Walker could torch the Raiders for some long gains and at least one TD.

Bottom line: start Jake Plummer

Q: Do I start M.Turner or J.Norwood this week ? I'm very tempted to start one of them over Ronnie Brown.

A: In a word: No. You gotta go with opportunity here, both are intriguing options but Brown is a lock to have more touches than both put together. And the thing is, you can really run on the Jets

Bottom line: start Ronnie Brown

Q: Which TE should I start, A.Smith TB or D.Clark CHI ?

A: Despite Smith not being the starter for the Bucs, Anthony Becht is atop the depth chart, he's quickly building a rapport with the new QB Gradkowski. He's had 9 catches in the last 2 games incl. a TD in week 5. Desmond Clark has had 4 catches in the same period and is suffering from the strong play of the Bears on offense, Rex Grossman has been able to find Moose and his deep threat Berrian on a regular basis. Looking at the o-lines you would have to expect more of the same, Gradkowski will rely on his safety valves alot more than Grossman. And when calculating in the fact that Clark also is battling a foot injury, it looks as a no-brainer here.

Bottom line: start Alex Smith.

I'll check in here to answer any question that any of you readers might have untill game time this week, but in the future you'll only be guaranteed an answer if you post your question before noon on wednesdays.

Fire away at this adress and I'll get back to you as soon as possible

asklockeroom@gmail.com

Archers Bull's Eye Week#5

2006-10-10T03:00:00.000-04:00

Week #5

By now I hope you realize that all that draft day knowledge you had or someone else who sounded like they knew what was up..... was nothing more than bull shit. The numbers that Wikkid came up with were very interesting and believeable since I have been working the FA extra hard this year. I don't remember so much topsy turvy in years past, but I know there's usually a few busts in the top 10 of each position. It just seems like this year all but a few are busts, and there are copious amounts of undrafted talent scoring big fantasy numbers. So the key concept I am seeing as applicable here.... is flexibility. Don't toss in the towel just because your draft day studs are worthless.... we're all dealing with that reality. It's the ones who can grab WR's like Jennings or Cotchery when they are showing signs of being used frequently in their offenses... and giving up and benching WR's like Randy Moss or Hines Ward who aren't.

Here's the weeks anal-lyses:

Kitna Kitty Tranquilizer...

When did the Vikings draft Kitna? Without him helping them score a quick 14 points in the 4th Quarter... the Vikes would have lost to the winless Lions and had to explain their apathetic offense. I know this is the new coaching staffs rookie season, but the way everybody is playing shows that very little of them have bought into the new "culture" they are trying to create.

Which team was I talking about; The Vikings or Lions? Oh well, it doesn't matter. They both look awkward and insecure most of the time. How the Vikes are 3-2 and Lions 0-5 is beyond me.... Childress must have made a deal with the Devil to get all the lucky breaks he's gotten so far.

I've said this the last two years... "This is the last time I fall for the hype around the Lions offense and draft Kevin Jones or Roy Williams in hopes of amazing fantasy output..." Just shoot me next year if I don't get smart and avoid Motor City like the plague.

Where's the Slaughter?

The point spread was giving the Titans a 19 point head start, like a 2-A High School team was coming to Indy to take on Goliath Manning and his Cavalry. But every warrior knows the enemy has a weakness.... and this enemy has a soft underbelly in the middle that can be run over like the neighborhood wimp. Coincidence: Vince Young likes to run. Just imagine a QB with the height and vision of a younger Culpepper and the legs and elusiveness of Vick. This is what the Titans have acquired for their franchise QB... and he's showing signs of things to come... even in the losses. Just don't expect much from the passing game.... just like Vick.

THANK YOU for the Harrison TD..... finally!! If you have to totally mess with the spread-makers and squeek out every win this season just to get a score for Marvin every week.... I'll take it.

The Butler Did It...

To move the ball down into "chip-shot" field goal range with under a minute left just to have the ball stripped away from you the following play.... must be hell Monday morning. But that toss to Jennings earlier sure was pretty... surely stuff like that makes into the REM highlight reel, too.

Bulger had about two or three near misses that should have been interceptions and should have ended up giving the Packers at least 2 more scoring opportunities that would have won the game for them. The Rams are winning ugly, but at least they are winning. Has anyone noticed the number of passing attempts Bulger is averaging per game this year is down from last year? Rumor has it that he's learned how to throw smarter.... not harder. Maybe that's why Al Harris didn't catch that ball thrown right to him.

Fun with Dick & JP

Jauron was the coach in Chicago when they started building up a hell of good defense. They had no offense whatsoever, though. Looks like someone has added one hell of a good offense in the last few years since Dick departed. Chicago scored on its first five possessions and continues to usurp the Indianapolis scoreboard mojo. The 40-7 shallacking of the Bills was the highest scoring output for the Bears since 1993.... that's 13 years and a whole lotta Curly Shuffles under the bridge.

After hearing that the Bears have a guy named Israel Idonije on their special teams squad, who recovered a muffed kickoff return this week.... and oddly enough on a day when Muhsin Muhammad all but disappeared from the Grossman air attack, I was wondering if by any chance there was a guy named Jesus on the roster. Wouldn't hurt to cover all the bases.

Just a Little Peppers on my Frye...

Somebody needs to light a fire under the Panthers offense so they start acting like the defense did this week. They won't win too many games with only 20 points and their D won't hold everyone to just 4 field goals on the afternoon. The Brownies had their opportunities to make this one closer than it turned out, but the minute it looked like they had something going, Northcutt played "tip drill" with Marshall and gave the Panthers 7 points.

Julius Peppers was all over Charlie Frye and messin' with his rhythm. It's hard to see what your WR's are doing downfield when your looking up at the sky. This Browns O-line SHOULD be a big greasy 1/2 lb burger... clogging up the arteries. But they WERE nothing more than Turkey & Swiss Sunday.... too many holes. Once they learn to protect their leader... I think they can start winning some games. As long as Charlie is running for his life.... no chance.

Bleed With Me...

The famous Hollywood line by "The Bruce" in Braveheart would have been a good movie to watch Saturday night for Mr Gradkowski and his comrades, the night before the rookie QB made his big debut. Surprisingly, he seems to have more command of this team than what Simms could ever dream of... and he had more pocket poise than one would expect of a nascent signal caller. The Bruce has single-handedly resurrected the fantasy values of Galloway, Caddy and TE Alex Smith, who might not be a bad TE pick up since his bye week is gone. Rookie QB's and TE's are supposed to be tight like that.

Playing to the home crowd.... Bush finally scored, and in fantasy terms he scored twice. Once as a Running Back and once for the D/ST since he returned a punt all the way. So I'm trying to find a clever way of saying that ONE in the hand is worth TWO in the Bush.... you do it... I give up.

Beyond the total domination of the Bears.... the 4-1 Saints are the NFC surprise of the year for me. As long as the Falcons or Panthers don't disintegrate somewhere along the next 11 weeks.... I can't see the Saints making the playoffs.

Amber Alert....

Can you use the Amber alert if you're Alzheimer's suffering QB disappears and you don't know where he is? He was passing for 400 yards a game and scoring 30+ points... then we were taking him to the Meadowlands and he just vanished into thin air. Eighty-six yards passing and no TD's? What happened? The G-Men D showed up... that's what. Three times they got to Brunell, the first of the season for Osi "My Last Name Is a Scrabble Triple Score-Ah" Umenyiora.

Am I the only one getting tired of the Shockey whining no shows. Slap a Kotex on it Jeremy... and get in the game for your T-E-A-M.

Thank You Joey... I'm Not Angry Anymore

First four games with Culpepper starting he is sacked an average of seven times per game. Harrington's debut = 1 sack. Am I missing something or does it sound like the Dolphin O-line is a bunch of Southern redneck KKK dudes? I AM just kidding... but seriously, where did the protection come from? Oh.... you mean Joey was unloading the ball quicker? Well, why didn't Duante figure that out a few games back? Yeah.... I know.... he had the sense knocked out of him.

Okay so I guess it's back to Plan A.... Joey is the guy this year (Lord have mercy on the Phins now).... and C'pepper is the guy of the future, when his leg r-e-a-l-l-y finally heals (I promise this time).

The Romulan Invisibility Cloak award this week goes to Asanti Samuels... who had two interceptions and helped set up two Patriot TD's.

Okay quick... name 3 or 4 Patroit WR's. Yeah.... Me neither!

Battle in the Bay...

Once upon a time the power and prestige in NFL football was assembled on either side of the Bay... but now, they could wear jean shorts, t-shirts and velcro flag belts and no one would care. I know Moss was just trying to light a fire under his buddies... but I think it either backfired or he started believing what he was saying.... bad result either way.

Andrew Walter "Mitty" threw two interceptions on the day.... and not to be outdone, his replacement Marquis Tuiasososososososo so-so had two of his own. Maybe they can buy a better QB on eBay. Wasn't there a deaf QB from Louisville that got drafted this year? Where's he at... gotta be better than these two clowns.

The flavor of the week this week for Smith was Arnaz Battle... but something tells me this isn't going to be a frequent hook up. Now that defenses have to respect Battle, they won't be able to key in on Bryant... and viola... next week Bryant gets 2 TD throws.

Go ahead Norv.... give them the single finger salute for the way they treated you. Just remember to stick to what you do best..... Mr O'Guru.

Flight #10 Shot Down...

Penny and the Jets were flying high until Sunday... and all of a sudden they stink it up worse than a ruptured colostomy bag. After being embarrassed by the Redskins... the Jaguars D threw down the gauntlet and re-emphasized their dominance over opponents offenses.... especially in their own house. After one half of the eventual shutout, Jags Linebacker Michael Peterson was busy intimidating Jets offensive linemen when he flexed his pectoral muscle just a little too hard and it blew up.

The Jags D has Pennington's number apparently.... it was during this game last year when he got injured.

The Boldin & The Beautiful...

Just two pass attempts into his NFL starting debut and Matt Leinart had a TD pass under his belt, and a nice lob to Anquin Boldin. Just when my hopes were up about the liklihood of keeping my WR corp intact with Fitzgerald... that when he goes and gets hurt. I never got Boldin, nor did I pick up Leinart in time a few weeks ago..... so until Fitz returns I'm SOL.

I'd just like to say that I know I have a lot of cheesy quips here... but when I read the "Wreck of the Larry Fitzgerald" on Fanball earlier.... I knew I hadn't gone that far over the edge. Actually.... I laughed and got jealous that someone else used it before I could.

The surprise of the match up here has to be the lack of a running game for the Chiefs, when the Cards have shown no stinginess in that area. I don't know if Antrel doesn't understand human anatomy and the basic principles of physics and objects in motion... but LJ looked like a rag doll for a second there. I'd like to see someone make a helmet with razorblade edges on the plastic face guard that would slice anyone's fingers who dared to grab the facemask. Lose a few digits and that shit will cease and desist pronto.

Boz Scaggs Gets A Royalty Fee...

...or The Basket Case vs the Case for Baskett

How many times has little Lito Sheppard been the toast of the town? That was some dandy of a 102 yard "Lito" Shuffle at the end of this one. How does a veteran QB like Bledsoe make such bonehead moves when the pressure is on? He had the Cowboys in position to tie it up with time running out. Without the mistake... we'd be singing a different song... and Boz Scaggs probably wouldn't mind a bit.

TO is singing "Crazy on Drew" by Heart these days. Anyone starting the office pool on the enivitable TO meltdown? I'll take Week #9... and the media frenzy between now and then is going to be a major headache for Poor ol' Bill.

Donovan is just tossing that football like a wadded piece of paper into the.... Baskett. Gotta respect the Lobos alum.... but he's just another flavor of the week on the WR rotessierre. Plenty of points to be had on the Eagles offense, but the problem is picking which one will be hot from week to week.

Chargers D London Itinerary... Meet Me At Big Ben

So far... nothing has gone right for the Steeler QB this season. His passing rating is next to last in the league, which means that rookies like Andrew Walter and Vince Young are in the same ballpark as last years Super Bowl winning QB.

Often times I've seen it.... and even experienced it myself. When you step into a new job or activity and begin performing it at exceptional level of ability with relative ease.... like it was nothing.... then sooner or later you're going to hit the wall and struggle. The best learning period is during the struggle... as much as you'd like to have the smooth ride and accolades... there really isn't anything there that will lead to growth.

On the Chargers side of the ball.... I like the fact that Marty is loosening up on the kid and giving him a chance to do what he does best (at least in college). If we don't see a return to Marty ball then I would expect great things from the combo of Rivers - Floyd. They've already got 2 TD's under their belt and they have a good chemistry.

You Were Expecting Beetle Bailey?

I have much respect for McNair... and typically he makes sound decisions that don't hurt his team. But Monday night that wasn't the case at all. I have no idea what possessed him to throw a ball to a receiver with very little "battle" experience and being covered by one of the leagues perennial "Shut Down" cornerbacks. The Bailey interception right before intermission was when the momentum began to swing Denver's way.

For whatever reason the Denver offense and Mr Plummer are slow to warm up and mistake prone. Bell's fumble and Plummer's interception early in the game made it look like a long wet night for Bronco fans like me. But fortunately things turned around with 3 McNair picks.... and a lethargic offense that never made it close to the end zone. The Broncos D has only allowed one TD so far.... that's the kind of scoring I'm used to... I get to score all kind of FG's.... just no TD's.

Sagitta Veritas

NUFCED by wikkidpissah

2006-10-09T06:00:00.000-04:00

The phenomena that cracks me up more than anything in fantasy sports is the certainty of August. Generally speaking, very few people have a clue what they’ll be thinking, feeling, doing four minutes from now and, for most of us, life raises far more question than it even pretends to answer. Yet, within the first week of NFL training camps, when teams themselves have yet to work out the conduct of their plan for the upcoming season, thousands are already certain about this & that involving the fantasy value of players or positions. Some years, it’s about who the first pick absolutely must be, in others it’s that the most talented rookie RB CANNOT be worth as much as the worn-out trusty vet. This year, with little argument about the top 3 except their order, the specific values of the 2nd tier was spelled out pick-by-pick as though the order were safeguarded by the immutable laws of physics. Were one to have asserted six weeks ago that Rudi had more value than Clintoris, Westboogie than Tiki, Fast Willie than Lamont or Andre, and not Chad, to be the best Johnson at WR one would have been treated as though he believed ’76 Pintos to be the hottest car, Paris to be the world’s finest singer, Springer its best dancer or, heaven forbid, Madeleine Albright to be a hotter Secretary of State than Condy.

Since I did such a poor job in my preseason evals, I thought I’d look back upon how much wisdom is left to August by October. I have taken the FAMEBALL draft as my sample, it being the finest assemblage of drafting ability in recorded history. I’ve used the scoring in that Yahoo league as well & have included missed games in the avgs. Don’t like the anomalies in just a four week sample but, what the hey.

QB: Peyton was the only passer taken before 4.10 and is avging a roundworthy 23 pts/g. The 4 QBs taken in rds 4-5 are avging 21, the 5 in rds 6-8 avg 15, the 4 9-10 rders 6. There were 7 QBs taken 10+ or not at avging more than 15 pts/g.

RB: LT2 & LJ have supported there consensus 1-2 status by being tied for the league lead I avging 19 pts for each of their teams games played. Missed time has SA’s avg at 8. The other 8 backs taken in rd 1 avg 12 pts/g. The 7 2nd rd RBs avg 12 too, the 5 in the 3rd 9, the 5 in 4-5 avgd 12 (reminded us not to let trusty vets drop too far), the 6-8 avgd 7 and the 9-10s 4, with 5 backs 10+ avging more than that.

WR: No 1st round WRs in this draft. The Big Halfdozen of rd 2 total 54 pts (9 pt avg), the Little Halfdozen of rd 3 had 50 (avg 8). The 8 wrs in rds 4-5 have avgd 11 pts, once again flipping the order like a pancake (as it does virtually every year). The rd 6sters avg 5 pts though (reminding us TO let trusty vets drop down at this position), with the speculations of rds 7-10 avging 7 pts.

Nowhere in this mix did I see any immutable cutoff lines, empirical certainties or even golden rules. That fact that not a lot was proved by this quick survey proves that the only thing that can hurt you is the rut of consensus expectation locking you into taking players you don’t like or not taking players you do. As I’ve said before, the player you should always pick is the one you like the most who won’t be available next time you do. And have fun.

Let’s have a look at the Pintos & Parises of Week 5:

INDY 14 TENN 13

Dayum! In our Absolutely Impossible pool at my local saloon, I could have taken President Bush giving a cold recitation of all the Hamlet soliloquies. Or Nicole Richie unbuckling her pants at the table so she’d have room for more. But NOOOO! I gotta pick the Colts being held scoreless for a half at home by the Tennessee freakin’ Tuxedos! Dayum!!....It was wise for the Titans to go primarily to the shotgun for VYoung’s greater comfort, but stupid not to put him back under center when they had a lead to milk....Watching P-Man send the punt team back to the sidelines in this’n has me wondering if his increasing say over events in Indy has summin to do with the declining efficacy of that offense.

NYG 16 WASH 3

Man, the DC eleven are more schizoid than the girls on Bachelor....Here’s a contrast for you – Brunell’s total ydage in the last three Wash/NYG contests, 286; Tiki’s, 479. Barber was thiiiis close to breaking about ten long plays. Coulda had 300....Still haven’t seen Eli throw a mid-range pass on the money. If the Giants can keep the mix of runs/bombs they had today, it won’t matter.

NO 24 TB 21

I turned to my pal as we looked forward to the Saints’ final possession to proclaim that it was now-or-never for Reggie B and, before I could get to the last syllable he had the ball in the end zone. Had a huge hole but, still....I’ve seen more impressive debuts than Gradkowski’s but none more composed – a polar opposite to Simms’ safety dances....Deuce is looking totally back and, if Payton is smart, he’ll reduce Bush to specialist for the rest of ‘06

NE 20 MIA 10

The harvest moon itself is less reliable than the suckness of my Pal Joey – the Pats started coasting in the 2nd Q once they realized how little they were up against....Good thing NE is going to the bye. Game film of their inefficiency against a tight cover-2 today by the Phin D will show their next opponent just how far from previous glory the NE O is. They just don’t have WRs to run the routes called for in this offense. Mia bunched the run and kept it close doing so.

MINN 26 DET 17

How could it be that a winless team stops playing after building a nice lead? Cuz their coaching staff relaxed-then-panicked before the players did. When will teams learn that settling for 3-&-outs is never an option. At least Detroit has the Tigers....In the two games since I proclaimed Childress my early candidate for Coach of the Year, the Vikes have excelled in little more than sloppiness. Penalties & turnovers would have buried them had not Kitna’s Pee Wee backup impression saved them.

CHI 40 BUF 7

Ouch!

CAR 20 CLE 12

Summin wrong with this Cat team. At home they are, dominating the Browns on both lines, RB gets 100, access to their WRs at will, spirited defensive play and yet Cleveland still had a shot to tie late. Somebody ‘splain that to me....Nobody needs the bye more’n Frye.

KC 23 AZ 20

Well, the Leinart Era sure got off to a promising start. Fortunately, though the Cards were able to regroup, pull together and grasp defeat from the jaws of victory. I mean, when you stop LJ’s ground attack only to convert him into an All-Pro receiver, you’re doing that special something extra that losing streaks are made of....Huard threatened to come back to earth, but Az just couldn’t let him....Matt gets good rookie scores except in his pocket awareness. If he don’t get a nose for oncoming DEs, he’s gonna fumble as much as his mentor....Bryant Johnson looked better than his fancier cohorts, but dropped a sure TD when they could have put it away.

PHIL 38 DAL 24

NOW you can kill yourself, TO. You’ve always been a hyper-talented piece of shit, but at least you useta be a gamer....A different Eagle has led the team in receiving yards each week. When a UNM Lobo (didnt them Baskett catches look great?!) even Pinkie and Wrong Said Fred would have a chance on this funass team...Even though Drewbie had one of his old-man games (3 ints, 3 fumbles), the Dallas D kept them in it til it just got ridiculous....I’m having the best time watching these Iggles.

JAX 41 NYJ 0

How many of y’all benched the Jax D after that showing in DC last week. Oops....Even though this Jets performance gets a mulligan from me, Coach Mangina got them off to a horrible start with another bonehead move. He started Brad Smith at RB & stayed with him just long enough to spot the Jags 2 TDs. Still trying to figure out the upside on that one....Getting real tired trying to figure out which Fred is gonna show up.

STL 23 GB 20

Dog of the day – Stloo is as unqualified to be 4-1 as Green Bye is to be 1-4....Much as I like me some Maroney & Jerious....Jennings is my ROY so far. The Packers would be the Raiders without him....Herron has a nice burst. Even though Morency didn’t deserve the benching for his 1st turnover of the year, they mighta backed into summin there.

SF 34 OAK 20

Al Davis must be spinning in his casket – can’t remember seeing a more heartless team....Even though I like him, the waiver claims that are sure to come in on Battle will be a waste of a button push....Huggy Jr. showed some stuff but you just know he’ll spit the bit if they ever come to count on him....Walter grew some this game, even if it was hard to tell amid his gruesome team.

Listen, guys, Fanball’s Lord Helmet will be answering WDIS questions for us once a week starting Wednesday. For now, put any questions in the comment section of this column – we’ll have an email addy for them up in the next coupla days. Play hard -

By The Numbers

2006-10-08T11:51:00.000-04:00

A Future By The Numbers Fan

I need to make more changes to the routine, which puts off working on this stuff until the weekend so I can have a life during the week.... or try uploading this stuff at the library instead of at my current home that is on dail-up. Also going to take away the prediction and who to bench aspect because I never seem to have enough time to get around to it, and I am sure that with the raw data I am providing that most of you can figure out who to start..... you may see things in your scanning of the numbers that I miss completely.

http://www.editgrid.com/user/todd_bridges/By_The_Numbers

Once you get to the page then click on the worksheet labeled week #5 for the new stuff.

On The Hash... Marks (Special Step Up Stuff Edition!!!!!~1!!1!11!)

2006-10-07T01:20:00.000-04:00

"There's a lady who's sure all that glitters is gold..."

Apparently this week has been deemed "Step Up Saturday" by the suits running college football. Not sure quite how that affects anything, but I'm sure they feel important. Nice to see my column makes its triumphant return after a semi-break. Almost didn't get a chance to write this because my carpet's being torn up in order to make way for wooden floors, however I found a way to deliver for you, the reader(s). Poll time!:

1. Ohio St.
2. Auburn
3. USC
4. Florida
5. Michigan
6. West Virginia
7. Louisville
8. LSU
9. Texas
10. Oregon
11. Texas
12. Georgia
13. Iowa
14. Notre Dame
15. Oklahoma
16. Clemson
17. Georgia Tech
18. Tennessee
19. California
20. Boise St.
21. Missouri
22. Nebraska
23. Rutgers
24. Virginia Tech
25. Wake Forest

Heisman Race:

1. Troy Smith QB
163.8QBrat 1070yds 12TDs 2INTs
Prediction: vs. BG 13-18 220yds 3TDs; 1rush TD

2. Adrian Peterson RB OK
117rush 643yds 5.5ypc 7TDs
4rec 72yds 1TD
Prediction: vs. Tx 30rush 150yds 1TD

3. John David Booty QB USC
145.2QBrat 966yds 10TDs 2INTs
Prediction: vs. Wash 20-30 240yds 3TDs

4. Mike Hart RB UM
135rush 672yds 5.0ypc 5TDs
5rec 56yds
Prediction:vs. MSU 25rush 145yds 1TD

5. Steve Slaton RB WVU
86rush 583yds 6.8ypc 6TDs
4rec 47yds
Prediction: vs. Miss St. 18rush 130yds 2TDs

Last Week: 9-7-1
Overall: 60-35-2

Auburn -15 Arkansas
The Razorbacks have had a week to celebrate their big win over Alabama, so the whole "coming out flat following an emotional win" theory is out. Tough to pick a team to win by 15 in an SEC game, especially since Arkansas really isn't that bad. Not too confident about this one, but I'm staying on the Auburn bandwagon.

Aub 26 Ark 10

Iowa -11 Purdue
Yeah, so I was forced to help myself to a serving of crow after Iowa lost to tOSU last week. I has predicted they would win that before the season, and was telling anyone who would listen that they would win. Apparently no one let Troy Smith know about my prediction and he proceeded to make me look foolish. Whatever, this week Iowa throws it all over Purdue.

Iowa 40 Purdue 27

Oklahoma +4 Texas
Without Vince Young, I'm sensing this feud returns to its old ways with The Sooners winning. Even though Sooner fans have become almost as unbearable as Seahawks fans with their whining, they do deserve a little help from the football gods this week.

Ok 20 Tx 17

USC -19 Washington
SC's schedule has been tougher than I thought it would be. Nebraska's good, and wins in Arizona & Washington St. were tough. I don't think Washington has it in them to do into SoCal and hang around all game. A win against UCLA is impressive, but that was at home USC is a much better team than UCLA.

USC 37 Wash 16

*!!*Shit games*!!*: West Virginia -21 Mississippi St., Notre Dame- 29 Stanford, Ohio St. -35 Bowling Green, Boise St. -36 Louisiana Tech.

Florida -2 LSU
The biggie of the weekend. This one is a tossup for me, both defenses are incredible, and both teams will likely have no success on the ground. The game comes down to big plays in the passing game. JaMarcus Russell's been great this year, but I'm taking Chris Leak & Co. People could die in this game. Watch out for that.

UF 10 LSU 7

Maryland +14 Georgia Tech
At this point, I'm taking the points in every ACC game.

GT 23 Mary 14

Iowa St. +7 Nebraska
Before the season, I knew this game would decide the Big 12 North. Of course, with Missouri's emergence, I may be wrong, but I have to think whoever wins this is in the driver's seat. ISU has been a guilty pleasure of mine for 2 years, and this is more a gut pick than using silly things like knowledge and fect and all that crap.

ISU 27 Neb 23

Michigan St. +15.5 Michigan
15.5 just seems like a ridiculous amount of points to give to State. Stanton will get them in the endzone and have success against the UM D. Besides, no rivalry game should have a spread the large.

UM 31 MSU 24

Missouri +4 Texas Tech
Missouri, quietly, has been a much better team without Brad Smith. I certainly didn't forsee that coming. Tech is Tech. Very meh. I always hate picking their games because they're inconsistent.

Mizzu 33 TxTech 28

Tennessee -2 Georgia
The fact that Tereshinksi's starting, mixed with my hatred of Phil Fulmer makes this tough for me to do, but Georgia's looked BAD the last 2 weeks. Can Tereshinski come in and make everything better right away? And against that Tennessee defense? Yeesh. Of course, now that I'm picking Tennessee, Erik Ainge will remember to suck.

Tenn 16 UGA 13

Oregon +5 California
Cal's pretty much screwed me everytime I've picked one of their games. Oregon's the better team, and if they win this, you have to think they're the favorites to win the Pac-10. You heard me, USC.

Ore 32 Cal 24

Special 2 in 1 Upset Special/LOW Pick: Wake Forest +16.5 ClemsonIs it me, or is every ACC game decided by 7 points or less? Wake's much better than a 16.5 point line, but I still think Clemson gets by with the win.

Clem 31 Wake 27

Window Lickers week 5 edition

2006-10-06T20:15:00.000-04:00

Have patience, Im still getting free moments sincee I've been home for the last 2 days.
I will post last weeks results later. I'm having a hard enough time getting this weeks pix in.

PROF

PATS
NO
GINTS
CHI
STL
CAR
INDY
MINNY
KC
OAK
JAX
PHI
PIT
DEN

AHEMS

IND
PATS
WASH
CHI
STL
MINNY
CAR
NO
JAX
KC
SF
PHI
SD
DEN

WIKKID

NO
IND
MIN
CHI
STL
GINTS
CAR
PATS
SF
KC
JAX
PHI
SD
DEN

JIMED
STL
NO
IND
MIN
CHI
GINTS
CAR
PATS
OAK
KC
JAX
DAL
SD
BAL

CREEK

PATS
NO
WASH
CHI
STL
CAR
INDY
MINNY
KC
OAK
JAX
PHI
SD
BAL

Degenerate Gamblers V 2.0 week 5

2006-10-06T15:49:00.000-04:00

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. My life has been a series af paradoxes since last we met.

I have returned home(good) but the old lady has "that" time of the month(bad)

I went to Foxwoods and won $2000.00 playing craps(good), but I was already down $5000.00(bad)

Going into last weekends games I had $420.00 of the mans $$(good). After last weeks Beatdown, I now face a $460.00 deficit, losing $880.00 for my 0-4 dismal showing(Bad).

I know most of you are saying stop whining, but I'm not............ sobbing is a better word.

This weeks selections...

Stl spotts GB 3 points... Give the points for a $330.00 wager

Jax gives 7 to The Jests...Give for $220.00

KC gives 3 to the Rookie Cardinal signal caller....Give for $330.00

I now have a taste for sweet and sour soup. Till next time, ya spastic gnomes

Professor Ellis D Trails Week 5 Syllabus

2006-10-05T06:00:00.000-04:00

Welcome to the NFL Circus.

Week 5 is upon us and it seems to be a week of reunions. Dick Jauron leads his band of merry men into Chicago where he was fired not so very long ago. LaVar Arrington gets to face his old teammates in his new home, the Meadowlands. Mike Anderson and Trevor Pryce return to Denver to show Shanny that they can be mediocre on another team and finally, TO will return to the place of his greatest debacle put forth on our fine league, until the whole farcical suicide attempt. How will each person deal with their respective returns? Only time will tell. The media circus will be looming large surrounding the Dallas/Philly game this week and you can be sure that the Philly fans have their batteries ready. Onto the games and what you have all shown up today for.

Sunday October 8, 2006

BUF @ CHI
Jauron has this group playing well together and actually winning some games. That will not continue this week. Chicago rolled on Seattle to stake their claim for top dog of the NFC.

JP Loseman - Anything promising you have seen this year should be forgotten this week.
Willis McGahee - I have always said that Willis disappears against strong defenses; here is his chance to prove me wrong. He won’t though.
Lee Evans - It’s too bad; he just seemed to start to heat up and now Chicago.

Rex Grossman - Grossman vs. Loseman, that sounds terrible doesn’t it. I am almost officially part of the Rex fan club. I needed to see that performance against Seattle to actually feel that he could play, and he can play. Berrian is a playmaker.
Thomas Jones - He will pound out some nice yardage in this one, although the scoring might be all kickers.

CLE @ CAR
Cleveland made a nice comeback last week. OK we all know it was Oakland. Too bad you can’t play the Raiders every week. Carolina is gaining some momentum after beating previously undefeated New Orleans. They could go on a serious roll.

Charlie Frye - He is still growing in that offense, but he needs to have all his weapons healthy to be able to even come close to being productive.
Reuben Droughns - Carolina can be run on. Injuries have made the middle of this defense soft.
Braylon Edwards - Great player that is still inconsistent, he could blow up or disappear each week. He’ll get more consistent with time and an experienced QB.

Jake Delhomme - Huge difference when Steve Smith is playing. It opens everything up for him and the offense.
DeShaun Foster - Just when I had counted him out, he has a big game. Maybe the DeAngelo Williams era will be delayed a bit.
Steve Smith - Nothing needs to be said. Play him every week.

DET @ MIN
Detroit played great against St Louis in Martz’s return to the Dome, but in an old time Best Show on Turf explosion of offense, the Lions fell short. Minnesota lost for the second week in a row, this time to an upstart Bills team. The Vikes need to and will right the ship this week.

John Kitna - He is playing great as of late and is making Detroit fans forget about Joey, ok, not yet. Smoot is still overrated and Martz will be chucking it like he loves to do.
Kevin Jones - He was bowling people over last week like we knew he could. He just needs to keep pounding it and wearing down defenses.
Roy Williams - He is thriving under Martz, but I know his fantasy owners would like a few more TD’s.

Brad Johnson - Old Man football is still plugging away. Master of the Dink and Dunk should be able to get average numbers this week.
Chester Taylor - Look for Childress to get back to the ground attack this week with a heavy dose of Chet.
Troy Williamson - Give him a great QB and this kid could be real nice.

MIA @ NE
Miami lost to the Texans. They continue to be the biggest surprise in football for your Professor. New England rattled off a win at Cincinnati. These teams are going in opposite directions.

Culpepper - I have lost all faith in Daunte, maybe he is scared or the play calling is just that bad.
Ronnie Brown - You can’t put up numbers when you don’t get opportunities and right now his offense is terrible and the o-line is worse.

Tom Brady - He can only work with what he is given. There is only so much TE’s can give you before you need to throw to the WR’s. He’ll give you his normal 15 per game score.
Laurence Maroney - The stud is here. The first rookie RB to really start to make a name for himself is L-Train. I give props to my man Lionel Simmons, but this guy motors down the track like the 20th Century Limited or the Super Chief.

STL @ GB
St Louis reminded me of games of old where The Rams would throw up 400 yards of offense and then give up 500 on defense. GB was knocked around by Philly and Brett got a boo boo.

Marc Bulger - Marc has started to settle into the new system nicely. He has yet to throw a pick this year and now faces a defense that has given up a ton of big plays in the passing game.
Steven Jackson - The unconditional man in the backfield. He is the guy that is carrying this team so far, must play every week.
Torry Holt - His name is big game and he always brings it. This week could be a huge week for Torry.

Brett Favre - Took a shot and now has a little bump. He will play and with the numbers Kitna had against these guys, well, we’re looking at another shootout here.
Ahman Green - This team is old and needs a rebirth or something. Green has played well enough, when he plays.
Donald Driver - Dealing with some rib and hip issues, but when Favre is your QB, you have got to play.

TBB @ NO
Simms is out with his recovery to take some time. Tampa had a much needed bye week and this week goes against the league Darlings thus far. New Orleans played uninspiring against Carolina and looked bleh except for that 86 yards catch and run by ROY Marques Colston. New Orleans meet Earth, this is where you belong.

Bruce Gradkowski - The rookie gets his first start in the league and should see a lot of pressure with NO’s big ends coming at him.
Cadillac Williams - With the new rookie QB, his production may actually get worse.

Drew Brees - Deuce and Co. have really helped in acclimating him into the system and Colston has been a godsend
Duece McAllister - He has been the better running back so far.
Reggie Bush - When will this superhyped athlete score a TD?
Marques Colston - Joe who?

TEN @ IND
Tennessee is bad, they can stop no one and they have a rookie QB doing option plays. This could not only be the first season that we have an 0-16 team, but there could really be two – See Oakland. Indianapolis survived the Jets imitation of the Cal/Stanford play and remained undefeated. Indy doesn’t lose that much until the playoffs.

Vincent Young - I still say it is too soon to throw him into the fire, but then again the owner shouldn’t be doing the coaches job.
Drew Bennett - Well you see a lot of option plays coming from Vince and they look just bad out there. The only solace that you could take is there will be plenty of garbage time passing in their games this year.

Peyton Manning - The spread this week is Colts -19, get all your Indy players into your lineup.
Joe Addai - He will continue to grasp a hold of the starting job with a great performance this week.
Marvin Harrison - Marvin moved into 4th all time in receptions last week and this week will break Marshall Faulk's team record for consecutive games with a catch. The theme here is consistency.

WAS @ NYG
Washington pulled one out of their asses last weekend when Moss finally started earning a paycheck. The Giants had their bye week early in the year and now have to face a division opponent that is playing well with Portis back.

Mark Brunell - Last week was an aberration from the norm. Mark is on his last legs and needs Clinton to survive.
Clinton Portis - He is back and feels good and tore up the Jaguars defense that only allowed 26 to Pittsburgh and Indy to 63. He should definitely do well against a team that is giving 90 yards and a touchdown a game to their opponents.
Three Blind Mice - See how they run. Moss actually did some catching with that running last week. Get used to it not happening consistently.

Eli Manning - He looks to pick up right where he left off. Playing like hell for three quarters to only pack a game worth of good stats into one quarter at the end. This is a tough game that the Giants are expected to win.
Tiki - He needs to average more than 70 yards a game for the Giants to contend seriously. Washington is 5th in the league against the run btw.
Plaxico Burress - All talent and no attitude. He listens to Shockey more than his coach.

KC @ ARI
Damon Huard leads the Chiefs into Arizona where we will witness the Larry Johnson show this weekend. Arizona hands the reigns over to Matt Lienart. The speed of the game will mess with him for a little while. Expect a slow start to his career with that o-line.

Damon Huard - If you are in need of a desperate starter, Damon is not a bad choice going against a defense that hasn’t figured out their identity yet. Matt is going to need some time to learn and the defense should be playing a lot.
Larry Johnson - This weekend it is going to be the Larry Johnson show in the desert.
Tony G - Inexperienced QB’s and backups alike always exploit the safety valve that is the TE. This one happens to be one of the best.

Matt Lienart - His first NFL start and only one week after Vince. It will take some time getting used to the speed that Linemen and DB’s will be rushing you because your o-line is pathetic.
Edge - Did you take him at 5 or above? How is next to last place feeling right now?
Boldin and Fitzgerald - These two should lose some stats with the new guy, but they will always make tough catches and are a threat to score once the pigskin is in their hands.

NYJ @ JAX
The Jets are soaring and have delusional thoughts running through their heads right now. Jacksonville looks like a different team on the road; it’s a good thing they are at home this week.

Chad Pennington - He has been hot with his two receivers putting up huge numbers. Not bad for a guy with two shoulder surgeries. I still believe that at some point Penny will go down. I am just waiting for those magic words, “Chad experienced some “Shoulder Soreness” today. It is only a matter of time and this week he should be chewed up and spit out like Ben Roethlisberger at a Harley Davidson convention.
Coles and Cotchery - The killer C’s are killing the opposition right now and as long as Penny is in there, it shouldn’t be too much different, unless you are facing the Jags at Jacksonville a week after they had a heartbreaking overtime loss.

Byron Leftwich - He has a ton of weapons at his disposal and an emerging one in Drew. He doesn’t wow too many, but he gets the job done when he has too.
Fred Taylor - He keeps on Chooglin’ to borrow a phrase from CCR. The Jags are going to look to control this one on the ground and give the Jets a heavy dose of Freddie.
Reggie Williams - With Matt Jones likely to miss this week heading into the bye, Williams has surfaced as Leftwich’s go to guy.

OAK @ SF
This game really could go either way. The Niners look pretty good at times with Smith – Bryant and Frank Gore rushing, but Gore does lead the league in fumbles lost. Oakland’s ground game finally got going last week, but could put away the game. Don’t expect any fireworks from that passing offense that is averaging 70 yards per contest so far.

OAKLAND - Randy Moss is not happy and neither are his teammates. Why does this Porter thing still going on. Has Shell made his point yet? This is ridiculous for an NFL Franchise. They are terrible. If you can’t beat Cleveland after your bye week with a 21-3 lead, then you will lose every single game this season. Jordan is the only start from this team and only against poor defensive teams. He isn’t getting 70 receptions this year.

Alex Smith - People are putting him into their lineups this week, but I say be careful. Oakland is surprisingly #3 in the league against the pass so far, mostly because they can be run on easily, but let this be a warning to think that Smith will perform because Oakland Sucks. They have given up fewer pass yards than Baltimore and Chicago.
Frank Gore - Lets say the fumbling is behind him. He will explode this week against an extremely porous run defense surrendering 145 yards on the ground.
Antonio Bryant - Knock him down a few notches and leave him on your bench if you can afford it this week.

DAL @ PHI
Dallas is coming off the week where their Center was stomped on ala Ed Norton in “American History X.” Philly dominated the entire Green Bay game, despite the often incoherent ramblings of Theismann. How does he still have that job? TO returns to face the crowd that once defended his childish antics, to now showcase them in the national spotlight. Hey TO, better duck.

The Statue - He holds the ball way to long and the blitzes will have him in frustration mode this week.
Julius Jones - Quietly, He has put together a nice season so far. I wonder if he has any predictions on the remainder of the season. Nobody has been able to run on the Eagles, I don’t see why that will change.
TO - TO returns to philly, Ho Hum. He is useless. He always put up stats against us, but his teams rarely won. This malcontent has yet to show any reason why he deserves the attention he gets.
Terry Glenn - Hello Mr. Eagle Killer. I hate him. He is the real weapon to watch this weekend. If the DB’s can’t go, He will have a huge game.

Donavon McNabb - He is the best QB in the league right now. Where are all the people that questioned whether or not he could put up these numbers without TO. Sit the fuck down now.
Westy - The offense is definitely different without him in the lineup and I firmly believe that he will be in there on Sunday breaking the century mark in total yards and at least one touchdown.
Donte Stallworth - He has dropped a few passes, but so far has looked to put his past in New Orleans behind him and at this point he makes a great play every week.
LJ Smith - He roams the middle of the field waiting to catch the ball and roll on somebody. You should start everyone in this offense until they cool off, in other words, never.

PIT @ SD
Another team to stumble into their bye week is Pittsburgh. They need to turn it around against a San Diego team that should still be undefeated. They will be looking to get back to winning against a struggling offense.

Ben Roethlisberger - Ben’s must have lost his near sight in that accident because he is always looking upfield instead of looking right in front of him for Parker and Miller more often. Hey Ben, stop throwing into double and triple coverage and maybe your team might be able to run the ball. Now he plays like a rookie.
FWP - Another week and another great run defense. Don’t expect much.
Hines Ward - Owners, I know that you are aggravated over what has or hasn’t happened in Pittsburgh, but you saw their schedule and knew what types of defenses they were playing early, so deal with it.
Heath Miller - *******Breaking News******* Once Heath Miller catches one pass, he puts on his Invisible Suit making it extremely difficult for Ben to see him over the middle. What’s that? Huh? There is no such thing as an invisible suit? Then how can you explain it then?

Monday October 9, 2006

BAL @ DEN
Baltimore pulled off another improbable victory last Sunday in the final minutes of the San Diego game. This Monday Night Game will expose them for the farce that they are. They could easily be 2-2 this week and will get their first loss here. Jake has shaken off the rust of the first game and played great in the New England game heading into their bye.

Steve McNair - The Mile High City welcomes Air McNair into town. You would first assume that this game is going to be a defensive struggle. Well it will be for one team. Steve just doesn’t light up the board like he used to and it won’t happen in Denver.
Jamal Lewis - He really seems to be one step from breaking one. He won’t break one this week either. 75 and a TD if he is lucky.
Mark Clayton - Once again on the game winning drive, Steve went to Mark and not Mason.
Todd Heap - The best pure TE in football.

Jake Plummer - Jake looked smooth as silk against the Pats and hit his stride right into the bye. He had an extra week to prepare with his coaches and Baltimore’s defense will be exposed a little this week.
Bell - Bell should have a good game. Which one you say?. The one that’s running.
Javon Walker - Welcome back Javon. Walker is the real steal of this year’s draft.

Top 10 QB’s for Week 5
1. Marc Bulger
2. Donovan McNabb
3. Peyton Manning
4. Brett Favre
5. Eli Manning
6. John Kitna
7. Tom Brady
8. Drew Bledsoe
9. Brad Johnson
10. Jake Delhomme

Top 10 RB’s for Week 5
1. Larry Johnson
2. LaDanian Tomlinson
3. Clinton Portis
4. Frank Gore
5. Thomas Jones
6. Chester Taylor
7. Steven Jackson
8. Kevin Jones
9. Julius Jones
10. Joe Addai

Top 10 WR’s for Week 5
1. Tory Holt
2. Marvin Harrison
3. Donald Driver
4. Terrell Owens
5. Steve Smith
6. Santana Moss
7. Troy Williamson
8. Plaxico Burress
9. Braylon Edwards
10. Roy Williams

Sleeper of the Week
Randy Moss – If there was ever a team to start him against, it is the 49ers. I predicted a bust out week for Lamont last week and this week it is Randy’s turn.

Bust of the Week
Tiki Barber – Barber has only totaled just over 100 yards for the last 2 games combined. This week he faces a tough Redskin run defense and should continue his mediocre play for another week.

The season has started to take shape. Certain teams have started to assert themselves and begun to achieve minor goals and create identities. It is still early, yes, but each game is a war and war takes its toll. The NFL is more wide open than it ever has in my memory, which unquestionably makes for some exciting and entertaining football to watch. As Always go with your gut and don’t look back.

Professor Ellis D Trails

Archer's Bulls Eye Week #4

2006-10-03T02:28:00.000-04:00

This is what happens when you drop out of proctology school.

Super Mario Donkey Kong’s Phins

Kube has #1 under his belt…. Finally. It was nothing fantastic but when you’re the ugly red-headed step sister, you don’t get too many calls for Friday night. So you take it when you can get it.

When the Texans can brag about putting pressure on the QB all day…. You really have to wonder about your O-line. There was so much confidence in Culpepper that when the chips were down and they had to go for two just to tie the game they called for a passing attempt with Ronnie Brown on the throwing end instead of the receiving end. Doh!

What were you guys thinking!!

With friends like that…. Who needs enemies?

After being the key block to spring Foster loose into the secondary for a rendezvous with the goal line, Keyshawn Johnson thwacked Deshaun in the back of the head pretty good…. All in good fun and celebrating the moment, but geez!! Take it easy KJ, you’ve been there before.

On the following possession the Saints made it interesting with a 86 yard romp by the rookie WR Colston, who is this year’s Antonio Gates…. On speed. The Cinderella Saints were due a loss, but they didn’t play flat or play like they had an emotional letdown after last week’s homecoming. I can hear it coming…..

Who Dey?

Time Management Skills....

If the Vikings had any decent WR’s with 2:00 minute time management skills, this game could have had a much different outcome. When you don’t have any time outs left the last place you need to be is in the middle of the field. Especially when your QB needs a walker just to get up to the line of scrimmage, no way could he get the ball and spike it with less than 8 seconds left. They call him BJ because he has no teeth left and gives a mean knob-slobber…. he has Alzheimer’s so it’s not like he’ll remember anything in the morning.

Losman pitched an error-free game… give him a gold star and the handicap parking space at Orchard Park stadium for the week. It’s doubtful this becomes a weekly habit, but every dog has his day.

The Leapin’ o’ Heap Make the Bolts Weep....

The Dirty Birds are 4-0 for the first time in franchise history… and I think that includes their days in Cleveland so that goes way back to Pterodactyl days. All this club needed was a captain at the helm, which McNair brings along with his Super Bowl and MVP experience, and he must have some luck o’ the Irish that rubbed off with the name. He is certainly practicing the Taoist philosophy of football….. accomplishing more by doing less. Whatever it is… it’s working.

The Chargers would have lost anyway, but what was the idea behind giving a safety away? Was it a 1/3 off FG’s “The manager has gone crazy” Sale? How long has it been since LT was shut out of the end zone? Rivers just doesn’t have the experience or respect to keep defenses like the Ravens from stacking the box. That should change in a few years…. And probably after a few more lessons in losing for Philip.

Cardinals Avoid Collapse, Clinch Division Crown ...

How’d that baseball headline get in here?

It would appear that the days of Warner are numbered, no matter how much denial the press is hearing from him and Green. Reason: SpongeBob Squarepants O-line + Matchstick Man = *snap*

Judging from the sneak previews, Leinart won’t be much better…. And this probably spells the end to the Fitzgerald and Boldin Salad Days. They were fun while they lasted.

Somebody put the APB out on Warrick Dunn…. He’s disappeared again. Jerious Norwood owners are delirious with visions of fantasy plundering (just like Duckett owners last year…. And the year before.) Contain the enthusiasm boys, it’s the same song, just a new vocalist singing the song.

I See Dead People…

Watching the Jets game I had visions of Emerson Boozer wearing the Kelly Green #20 pounding his way into the end zone when Broadway Joe couldn’t find Maynard for six. Barlow almost looked like a franchise running back while he had the opportunity. Like maybe he had some ounce of pride left and was tired of being the “invisible” one on the Jets RB staff….. THE JETS!!! You have to be pretty damn invisible to be looked over in the Meadowlands these days.

I want to know why Manning is acting like a first year QB all of a sudden and not paying any attention to his WR’s near the end zone…. Only TE’s are scoring. Harrison has yet to score a TD this year!!

I’m hurt! Probably more than Marvin is… but I’m a selfish fantasy owner just looking for a fix. A little Starvin’ Marvin Methadone…. I got the shakes!

File under: What the Hell Were You Thinking?!

The weekly drama that has defined TO’s career much more than any of his actual on-field talent, has opened up the press feeding frenzy in yet another soap opera. In this instance, I actually believe TO…. There is no way he would be contemplating suicide right now. He gets way too much attention. He won’t try the suicide ploy until the attention dries up and he’s just another crippled NFL has-been, who has to open up a restaurant just to have something to do and a measly income. Attention Whores who are getting attention have no reason to end the ride. Now being stupid enough to take a bunch of pain pills and hit the bong or have one too many snifters of Courvoisier…. That makes perfect since for TO

Not to be outdone…. Albert Haynesworth put his foot in a $500,000 and 5 week suspension “stinkhole”. Don’t tell me you were “not” playing dirty!! If Albert doesn’t get chop blocked into a ACL season ending injury within 2 weeks of returning from his suspension…. I will be very surprised.

You crossed the line son!!

The Chiefs Scalped the 49ers…(Is that culturally insensitive or what)?

The return of Trent Green to the sidelines must have been a major confidence boost for Huard, because he looked like a damn good quarterback out there Sunday….. even threw a TD pass to Kennison, This smacks of Seinfeld’s Bizarro World. Huard is just Bizarro Green.

What happened to Alex Smith? I haven’t seen anything go South faster than that since I dated a 300 pound woman who hadn’t seen male genitalia for at least a decade. The Chiefs D has another easy lay when they go visit the Cards next week. If I was hurtin’ at D … I’d grab the Chiefs. *ssh* Keep that on the down low.

What Would Walt Disney Do With The Greatest Show On Turf...

Chip: Thank you so much for the ball in scoring position again
Dale: You are more than welcome, kind sir
Chip: Why don’t you score a touchdown first
Dale: No… you…. I insist
Chip: Don’t mind if I do. Are you always this good to your guests?
Dale: Oh Chip, I do believe you’ve made me blush!
Chip: While you’re blushing, do you mind if I kick another 40+ yard field goal?
Dale: By all means… if you have the leg for it.
Chip: Indubitably!!

Santana Got a Wicked Spin Move!

Deion Grant was left hugging nothing but air…. And Moss went to the house. One of three visits for Moss, the last one was the game ender in over time. Considering this was billed as a defensive slugfest that would barely light up the scoreboard…. I’d say this game was the surprise of the day.

The “Jacked Up” shot of the day for my money was the helmet popping that Reggie Williams took at the hands of Sean Taylor in the 4th. Shaking his Huggy Bear ‘fro like a madman ready for another hit…. Was my laugh for the day. The guy has guts to go over the middle and take a shot like that.

I Found the Dinkins….. Where are the Donuts?

Frye didn’t start acting like he’d made the flight out to the bay until he found a fantasy worthless TE named Darnell Dinkins on a 3 yard “dunk” pass near the end of the first half. By that point the Raider offense which had put up the “donuts” recently, had made it to the end zone three times already and looked to be in charge of the game…. Even with a wobbly-kneed rookie QB barely leading the way.

The Browns first possession of the second half was also aided by excellent field position with another Cribbs’ return. The Raiders D couldn’t keep the Brownies out of the end zone, but the Burgess King showed up and made sure to put Frye on his side a few times.

My Maroney has a First Name…. It’s L-A-U-R-E-N-C-E

The Pats just don’t lose two in a row, no matter how much it looks like they should. And the rookie running back had a game making the Bengals D look like a bunch of clawless kittens.

Dillon got a little taste of sweet revenge when he added six more points to make the dyslexic nightmare score 31-13 early in the 4th and finally nailed the coffin shut on any last minute hopes the Bengals had. But someone needs to give him TD celebration dancing lessons….. or show him the restroom.

We’re On A Mission From Muhammad….

Grossman wasted no time in showing he was a force to be reckoned with when he found Muhsin “The Profit of Midway” Muhammad for six over the middle after already completing 6 of 7 passes in the mid 1st Quarter drive. Seattle had already scored 3, but from the point “Mooshy” scored the Bears never trailed again. The past few weeks King Rex has been strutting his stuff in the air game, but against the unlikely stingy Seahawk defense… the Bears finally got a running game established.

Maybe against a lesser defense the Hasselbeck Four would have been more successful without Alexander…. But not against the Bears. The Hawks just plain stunk … worse than the summer Lake Michigan dead fish smell mixing with the downtown Chicago smog.

*Deep Breathe*

Oh yeah….. that stinks!

Well, If You Don’t Start… Then I Won’t Start Either….

It was pretty much a foregone conclusion that the week after Westbrook made fantasy owners learn algebra just to figure how many points he scored for them…. He would need to rest a week or two. Math is hard!

But what happened to Ahman? Was there some Presidential announcement that this was an official holiday for starting running backs? Morency didn’t look too bad…. And I will go out on a limb and say that Houston got the short stick in that trade. Give it another year.

McNasty took advantage of the fact his main running back was out and Buckhalter was a fumbling idiot…. And just started running the damn ball himself. And since all his WR’s were injured except one… Greg Lewis got 2 TD catches to add to his resume. Sometimes all you have to do is show up and things go your way.

Does Rayner have a clubfoot? 54 yards!! Somebody get that boy a holster for his gun!!

Favre's head "stinger" is going to be a season long ailment. Write this one off.... next week you get to be Chip or Dale, take your pick.

Sagitta Veritas

NUFCED by wikkidpissah

2006-10-02T00:35:00.000-04:00

STOP RIGHT THERE!

You may not want to read another word. The management of LOCKERROOM has asked me to warn you that the Nufced column should be read for entertainment purposes only, if at all. I try to be amusing & original in my observations on weekly action but, for Fantasy Football talent evaluation, I must be considered a fraud. While I am 7-1 in my sucker $ leagues, in the four leagues (3 with Fanballers, 2 of those for dough) against people who have a rough idea what they’re doing, I’m 3-9 going into this week, and appear to be going 1-3 or 2-2 today.

How could such FLAMINGLOSERGENIUS go so far afield? Beside pure idiocy, I blame the writing I do on Fanball and for LR. My reputation is of one of strong, contrary opinions. I think that’s true but that don’t mean much when those opinions are so freakin’ WRONG. And I’m drafting based on what I have invested so much argument in, rather than money on. I advanced Edge as an option as good as any player outside the Big 3 – NOT, IN EXTREMIS. I’ve yet to see a SINGLE play in four games where he has looked to be a boon to his team. I parked Caddy as the best of the sophomore crop at the head of the 3rd tier, knowing full well that he’d be handed off to by the poster boy for Suckage himself & did not warn you or heed me. *slaps forehead*. And a posted prolifically in “size=6” gold letters that Reggie Bush was the WRATH OF GOD!!!! He hasn’t even been the wrath of Khan. Rushing TD’s for this tremendous trio? Zip, nada, bupkes and, worst of all, two less than Peyton Manning. Oy, gevalt!

So, listen to anything I say at your own risk, but here it is anyway.

BAL 16 SD 13

Good football game. Well-contested, hard hitting with an old vet leading a dramatic comeback. A pleasure to watch. Both teams will go far...I’m really liking MTurner as that bowling ball, Natrone Means kinda runner, but no WAY should he be in the backfield at the important points he was in this game. Don’t be an idiot, Schottsie....The Ravens really, really, REALLY need a 3rd down scatback. And Billick is not using his tiny twosome at WR in the Belichick way I thought he would. Therefore, they have no short passing game at all....Didn’t see a play to Gates the whole day – all progression dumpoffs.

BUF 17 MIN 12

Easily the best game of Losman’s career. The Bills out-Minny’d Minny as he led a totally self-contained conservative attack. Even though the game was too dull to pay that much attention to, I didn’t see JP throw one of his “huh?” passes all day....Far be it from me to suggest another RBBC situation, but they should think about throwing MeMo in on one of the 1st 2 downs every now & then. Haven’t seen them do it yet and Chet becomes more defensible each week. BJ doesn’t offer enough air support to override a predictable run game.

WASH 36 JAX 30 OT
Who woulda figured this to be the pinball game of the day?! Didn’t see no D played AT all....Lemme say this about small receivers. I am on record as saying that, if I ran an offense, I’d go with the waterbug types almost exclusively because they offer the greatest playcalling flexibility. As a FFB manager, though, gimme size. Because the advantage with midgets is almost entirely in the short game. Once you set that, then they might bust one but it’s just a fact that li’l guys have more nothin’ games than big guys. No better example than Santana Abraxdeyass – one monster, one mediocre, two invisible. Did it last year, too. Deal with it....Fred was a total puss all day – he should just not be paid when he acts/runs like that....Clintoris must be thiiiis close to rebusting that shoulder with all the breaks Gibbs gibbs him.

NE 38 CIN 13

A Brady-led team just don’t lose back-to-back games and can’t no one make em....Cinci had a totally gasless game in wk 4 last year, too....Dillon looked fine, but there’s a spark in the air when Maroney’s back there. His 1st TD, he knew, from 11 yds out, he was going in & exactly how he was gonna do it. That’s a verrrry special quality....Does Chris Henry make that much difference?!

DAL 45 TEN 14

There are a lot of fine WR tandems (especially Mutt & Jeff ones) in FB this yr, but I’d OD on the Dallas pair over any other.... Crikey – Vince must yank it even more than I do. He has the strongest wrist throw I’ve ever seen. Thing is, even Superman’s wrist throws don’t play in the Big Show. I wouldn’t feel bad bout a Titan future of he & Lendale, but the present is gonna be rough. VY aint close to understanding that the game is as fast as he is. Downgrade Bennett til he does, upgrade Troupe....First time since the Johnson era that da Boyz don’t have a major hole in their defensive backfield....I wouldn’t mind at all if Haynesworth was charged with assault, and I’m not usually that type.

CLE 24 OAK 21

Snoozer of the day. The Raiders came out playing well, especially on D and were sooo surprised they didn’t suck, their sigh of relief lasted the entire final 3 Qs of the game....Though my Charlie led his team to their 1st ’06 win, he took a step back in his progress....I knew Andy Walter was a project, but I never thought he’d look this confused. He was Tuiasosopawful today....Dont upgrade Rubes too much off this – he did most of it against a team that played back on their heels. That Brownie o-line is still abysmal.

STL 41 DET 34

Yet another just-enough-to-lose game from the Lions. The Lions have easily the worst pass D in the game. You can pass to set up the run against them, no sweat....Interesting revenge aspects to this game. Holt & Bruce did their best to make their old coach homesick and Mike Furrey was a serious nuisance to the team that tried to turn him into a DB last year....KJ and Royboy’s nice emergence into legit forces will go unnoticed amongst the rest of the mess, I fear.

INDY 31 NYJ 28

Hafta give Coach Mangina credit for leading perhaps the most spirited squad in football, but he has as much to learn about gamecalling as Vince Young. Not only did he give in to the impatience that all have learned to avoid when facing the Colts, but his RB rotation was the single most irritating thing I’ve seen this year. No strategic or situational aspect to it, he was just shuttling a new one in like he was sending in the play with them. Yeah, they all suck, but they would even if they didn’t under these terms....The Colts offense is a shadow of their former selves. At several points they coulda bitchslapped the Jets d, but couldn’t.

KC 41 SF 0

I know this ain’t a good Niners team, but they get a mulligan from me for today. KC got them out of their rhythm early with attacking defense (I think that’s gonna be their gameplan this yr) and SF just never got it back. Not total suckage, they just got in their won way a lot....Gotta give most of the credit for Huard’s play to Coach Edwards. I think that’s the 1st time I’ve given him credit for anything.

HOU 17 MIA 15

Can’t imagine being more surprised by anything than I am by the Phins level of suckage this season. I was gonna make a joke about Frerotte having kidnapped CPep and leading Miami in secret minstrel makeup, but it’s worse than that. For the joke to really work, it’d hafta be Bernie Kosar....In another brilliant prediction, I proclaimed far & wide that Chambers would be the best WR in the game in ’06. The C & C Lose-ic Factory had one completion in their 1st eight looks against a D that’s been giving up 500 yds/game this season....AJ looks verrry TO-ish out there finally. That’s a good thing btw.

CAR 21 NO 18

The Panthers probably have more of their personnel from two yrs ago than any team in the game, yet they look nothing like the ’04 team. How IS that?!....I’m sorry to have to say it, but I’ve yet to see anything from Bush that doesn’t scream “3rd down back”. Knock me over with a feather....This Colston kid is for real though – similar to what we thought VD was gonna be.

ARL 32 AZ 10

Hopefully, this game will have significance as the beginning of the Leinart area and the end of Phoenix as a sinkhole where good players go to lose. If not, the league should downsize Az & Det to India....How can it be that Dunn is a top 5 RB yet only the 3rd best runner on his own team?!....The Matt Age began with SuckAge – a sack, a fumble & an INT in like his 1st 5 plays....We’ve had RBBC, we even saw QBBC in Tenn b4 the Titans turned it over to VY. Now, we’ve got KBC in Georgia – ol’ Mort had 13 FGs, I think, to Keonens 11 or summin like that.

CHI 37 SEA 6

Eeyeeeew – maybe Soldier Field wasn’t the best place to begin the four wideout experiment. I think this proves for good & all that you have to run 1st against Da Bearss to have any chance....Can we give SA the MVP for how bad his team looked without him? Btw – did you see where Big Shaun showed up Wednesday announcing he & his crew had prayed his foot well? And, with TO’s OD, it wasn’t even the funniest story of the DAY! I LUUUUV THIS GAME!!!!

Play hard -

By The Numbers

2006-10-01T09:42:00.000-04:00

http://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=poYlDrNve6xsndj9zuBgwVw

I hope this works or else I just pulled another bonehead move. But since this blog doesn't support any chart, table or spreadsheet typew of format, which is the Holy Temple and sacred sanctuary of any statistician.... then I went and found that Google has started offering .xls spreadsheet webpages.... PREFECT!!

I am hopeful this works, but knowing new technology snafus.... realistic in that something is bound to go wrong. The other thing, I didn't have any template set up for this and creating that took longer than I thought, so I have only analyzed half the games so far.... and I doubt I have enough time or energy to finish it out before the games start.

Next week I won't have to spend so much time with the template and can just export the numbers and go.... so this is a "fly by the seat of your pants" operation and there is plenty of room for growth. I would like to hear any feedback about this attempt in order to make it the best number crunchers "free" resource on the internet for those fantasy numbers we all crave.

Happy reading!

THE PASTIME by wikkidpissah

2006-09-30T21:37:00.000-04:00

Since Creekie had too much life this week to give a full column & we don’t have scheduled content for tomorrow, I thought I’d have a look at how I did as a fantasy baseball prognosticator. There some brilliance, some wisdom, some lameness and some utter stupidity. Let’s break it down:

BRILLIANT:

- Ryan Howard will be a consensus 1-2 round draft pick in '07 and he’s going 5-10 now. Grab him – he’s Big Papi without the learning curve.

- Odd to put a second year player who reminds me of George Brett (the best unjuiced hitter of the last quarter century) up as a Snoozer pick, but Garrett Atkins (Col) will make a great safety pick at the position. Could even challenge for the NL batting title.

- Loves me some Carlos Guillen. Suck it, Creekie!!

- Joe Mauer is my only unqualified stud at the catcher position. Only player I'm over-drafting this year...

- Lance Berkman is a pure stick who got waylayed a little by injury last season. There are a lot worse batters being drafted waaay ahead of him. Smarten up

- he's not really a sleeper because he was drafted pretty high last but, though Vernon Wells was overrated last year, he's underrated for '06 & the reason for both is the same. BEWARE when a hitter (who's not Miggy Cabrera) becomes the lone good hitter in a lineup. Pitchers can and do save their best stuff for that target player in those situations. When they don't have to worry about exhausting themselves for the rest of the order, they can pitch to one player at closer velocity without consequence. ... this was Wells' situation last year

- Brad Lidge has the very best stuff in baseball. I say his '05 post-season failures mess up his head

WISE:

- All the knowsters are picking Casey Kotchman (Pocoima Angels) as their sleeper this year, but I got a question: when nobody's picking Sean Casey or Lyle Overbay in the 1st 20 rds this season, why would anyone be excited about someone who aspires to be Sean Casey or Lyle Overbay?!....

- 2B DUDS: I'll go for my best sleeper of '05, Jorge Cantu, to fall back to earth. Marcus Giles is also looking like he'll never deliver on his '04 promise.

- Miggy Cabrera is the second best hitter in baseball (he moves ahead of ARod this year)

- David Wright is Scott Rolen with speed, Scott Rolen is David Wright on speed. Rolen is my pick for bargain (7-9th rd) of the year

- Morgan Ensberg's '04 was soooo bad that his excellent '05 doesn't yet have me convinced.

- Clint Barmes comes back to earth bigtime this season - wouldnt take him in the 20th. Are Bobby Crosby & Khalil Greene the same person? They have the same skill set, faith of their teams and, at best, only one of them ever seems to be playing (due to injury) at any one time. Seattle's Jlo - I just found out Yahoo has him eligible only at 2b for some reason. He came up with phenom written all over him & may be worth giving a 2nd chance .

- No real duds in the outfield this year, but a couple worth mentioning. JayBay is being drafted in the 1st round by some this year. That's a mistake...I was going to announce that this is the year that Sheff goes bad, but he's sinking like a stone in avg draft position, so i guess you already know that.

- Pedro has BMS - Baseball Munchhausen Syndrome. He LIKES having an injury situation goin on from which to frustrate the living bejeesus out of his owners for weeks on end & then rescue your opinion of him with 2-3 starts where he pitches as only Pedro can, then rinse & repeat. The toe gives him the perfect excuse for one of those years...

WEAK:

- Jay Gibbon will have the most invisible good season in baseball this year. (well, I got invisible right

- Mark Loretta will win the batting title this year

- 2B STUDS: Chase Utley will dominate his position like no one else in '06. Thanks to Creekie for putting me on him early last season...Rickie Weeks will be what Utley was in ‘05

- Jhonny Peralta scares me a little, but the speed with which the Indians moved him to 3rd in the batting order once he started hitting & how he thrived once they did was the best surprise of last season.

- Never liked Andruw, never will.

- I am flat freaking amazed that Jeff Francoeur is lasting to round 10 in many drafts. My boy Frenchy is Vlad Guerrero in the Montreal years, kids, simple as that

- I didn't like the way Jeremy Hermida looked when he came up last year, but a look as his minor-league numbers convince me he was pressing and will do very nicely this season.

- Brady Clark is virtually the same player as Coco Crisp. Why are they being drafted well over a hundred spots apart? (weak because, even tho clark & crisp were close to equal uts cuz Coco was sooo lame)
-
- Rich Harden's shit is as filthy as Johan's - remember I said that

JUST PLAIN WRONG:

- Dan Johnson will have a better '06 than Prince Fielder

- 2B DUDS: Soriano's too easy. Robinson Cano is a bum who wouldn't merit discussion if he wasn't in that lineup.

- I really should have put John Patterson in the Studs section off his promising '05, but it's only in the last couple of days that word of his new changeup has me convinced this kid could be the Chris Carpenter for this season

- the Baltimore Orioles pitching staff - add the best pitching coach in baseball history to some of the sickest ballthrowers in the game & summin's GOTTA happen

- this is the year KRod's arm blows up & we lose him for a year-and-a-half

- Bobby Cox should be smart enough to put Joey Devine into the closer role sooner rather than later. Grab him off the WW the very second you hear he might be thinking of doing that. You're welcome.

And there you have it. I think, all things considered, you did better by listening to me than not, but I won’t be offended if I hear some giggling. Play hard -

On The Hash... Marks (Not So Special Edition)

2006-09-30T01:50:00.000-04:00

My usual plan for this column, is as follows:

Mon-Wed: Read up on last weeks games, as well as the upcoming's weeks games.
Thurs: Do predictions part of column
Fri: Do Poll & Heisman part, then post on LR

Unfortunately, I've had quite the busy week. Thursday night was an open mic which meant I wouldn't be starting mu coulmn then. In retrospect, I probably should've writtin it wednesday night, but I had hoped to write it friday after school. Well, it turns out friday after school was the perfect time to attend one of my school's football games for the first time. No big deal though, it ends at 7:30, still plenty of time to do everything necessary for the column. Afterwards however, we all decided to go out to dinner... then we went to hang out at the pool... then back to my friends house. So now I'm sitting at home, dead tired, with a column to write. I really wish I had it in me to stay up another couple hours and write my usual column, but I don't. And I wish I had it in me to wake up early in the morning to write my column, but I don't. I know, I know, if I don't care enough to write my column, why should you care enough to read it? I really don't have an answer for that. I don't really feel that bad about it either. This has been the most eventful week of my real life in some time. So even though I offer no insight or reason for you to read, I will make picks this week. Mostly for myself, but if anyone feels like commenting and starting a discussion, I'd be glad to respond.

Last Week: 10-10-1
Overall: 51-28-1

Tennessee -13 Memphis

LSU -33 Mississippi St.

Colorado +16 Missouri

Utah -5.5 Boise St.

Georgia Tech +10.5

Alabama +16 Florida

California -9.5 Oregon st.

Texas (No Line) Sam Houston St.

USC -17 Washington St.

Clemson -33.5 Louisiana Tech

Iowa +6.5 Ohio St.

Michigan -9.5 Minnesota

Upset Special (3-1): Oregon +1.5 Arizona St.

**~**$Creek's 5-Star, No Doubt, Money-Making *dramatic music, extreme closeup* LOCK OF THE WEEK**~** (2-1-1): Georgia -18 Mississippi

Degenerate Gamblers V 2.0 week 4

2006-09-29T07:15:00.000-04:00

Shut up bitches... No one feels worse than me with last weeks 0-2-1 $550.00 deficit. You are still up $420.00 for the year with the 5-3-1 season record against the spread.

I have been back in the States for over 2 weeks, and still am not home yet, so my patience is wearing thin, whining will get my acid up, so roll with the punches, tighten up your chin strap, and enjoy the E-ticket ride that is Degenerate Gamblers.

The picks

Charlie Frye handed the Ravens a win last week, by actually passing into the endzone, with a lead, late in their game. San Diego wont make that poor choice this week, as LT & Gates sing the old Talking Heads song, Take Me To The Rivers. San Diego - 2.5 will be a $330.00 play

Seattle/Chicago should be a good Game. No SA, means Hass will have to throw into the teeth of what may be one of the better defenses. Rex has been playing way above his ability for 3 weeks. Sorry rex, but that is about to end. Sea + 3.5 will eke out a win. $220.00 says Seattle wins this one.

Minn plays a Buffalo team, that is a roller coaster in it self. They never know what team is going to show up. Minny has been playing well, & the 420 year old Brad Johnson, has been steady. I expect this to come down to the kicking game, and Minny grabbing 1 point, while not a lot, is still my choice. Minn +1 will be a $220.00 play.

Teaser of the week.
I love this teaser. I am risking $110.00 to get a $330.00 payoff, and I highly recommend you do too. 6 point Teaser.....

San Diego +3.5
Minny +7
Carolina -1
Seattle +9.5

that's it for this week, so go on with your lives, and put a fresh coat of lime on the bodies you have buried under your porch.

Later you winning wannabes

WINDOW LICKERS WEEK 4

2006-09-28T17:32:00.000-04:00

PROF 32-14
WIKKID 31-15
CREEK 30-16
JIMED 29-17
ARCHER 29-17
GBIN 28-18
AHELM 27-19

PROF....

Buf
Indy
Dall
Cheifs
Falcons
Panthers
SD
Dolphins
Rams
Bengals
Oak
Jax
Chi
Philly

AHEMS....

MIN
IND
DAL
KC
ATL
CAR
SD
MIA
STL
CIN
CLE
JAX
CHI
PHILLY

WIKKID.....

KC
MIN
DAL
IND
MIA
SD
CAR
ATL
DET
OAK
JAX
PATS
SEATTLE
PHILLY

ARCHERS...

ATL
DAL
IND
MIA
MIN
CAR
SD
STL
SF
CLE
WASH
PATS
CHI
PHILLY

JIMED.....

ATL
DAL
IND
MIA
MIN
CAR
SD
KC
STL
CLE
JAX
CINCY
SEATTLE
PHILLY

GBIN

ATL
DAL
IND
MIA
BUF
CAR
BAL
KC
STL
OAK
WASH
CINCY
SEA
GB (homer alert)

CREEK

Atl
Car
Minny
SD
Hou
Ten
KC
Indy
Stl
Was
NE
Oak
Chi
Philly

Professor Ellis D Trails Week 4 Syllabus

2006-09-28T12:32:00.000-04:00

Week 4 has brought us to the first crossroads. This is where some teams can make or break a run. This is where some teams can either overcome or succumb to an injury. This is where stories are made and dreams are destroyed. The trenches of the NFL are known specifically as the connection between the offensive and defensive lines. However, it is also the time in which men become leaders and the losers stagger in defeat. Football is unlike any other sport as it is a sprint, a fleeting group of moments that builds towards the ultimate goal of every player and coach upon the conclusion of training camp and that assemblage of men diminishes with each crushing loss and each short-lived victory. That is the NFL and why we love it so.

Week 4.

SF @ KC
San Francisco lost two young players on that “Bus”esque trot to the end zone by big DT Mike Patterson last week although it looks as though Gore will be ready to go this week. The question is whether he will lose goal line carries to Robinson. KC comes off their bye week with Huard still at the helm, he couldn’t ask to play a worse defense.

Alex Smith - Playing on the road in KC is tough for any seasoned vet.
Frank Gore - KC has real trouble stopping the run. Great start.
Eric Johnson - Now that Davis is out he is the go to guy once again. He was most likely available in your league, did you get him?

Damon Huard - Only worthy because of the opposition. SF pass defense is terrible.
LJ - LJ owners rejoice that he is back to face the Niners, did you win with your bye week fill in? I did.
Tony G - He is a great play because Huard will look to him a lot to move the chains.

MIA @ HOU
Daunte Suckapepper gets to tee off against the lowly Texans. Many thought he would against the Titans as well. Mularkey seems lost. People still think that the Texans should have taken Bush, now they have a shot at Peterson.

C-Pep - He seems like he forgot how to throw the football. He will be reenergized against this piss poor group of DB’s.
Ronnie Brown - Houston gives up huge games to running backs.
Chris Chambers - When is he going to get going? It is a safe bet, it will be this week and that could catapult this offense to where it needs to be.

Andre Johnson - He has really benefited from have Moulds. Moulds is a teacher and takes enough of the coverage.

DAL @ TEN
Dallas comes off their bye with allegations of a suicide attempt by the nameless jackass. He probably realizes the mistake that he made going to a team with the human statue as his QB. Tennessee almost pulled of the upset last week, that team could seriously go 0-16.

The Statue - This is the battle of the two statues this week. Drew should suck a little less.
Terry Glenn - With the nameless jackass still out, he should get a ton of looks and some nice numbers.
Jason Witten - See Terry Glenn

The Statue #2 - He is the lame duck and gets pummeled once again behind a line that gives a different meaning to the term “offensive” line.
Drew Bennett - The only real option for a team that will be perpetually trailing with absolutely no running game to speak of.

IND @ NYJ
Indy doesn’t have any real running game but still puts up the points and gets the wins. The game is a sneaky game for the Colts. The Jets are playing some strong ball right now and do not really have an identity to key on as of yet for a defense.

Peyton Manning - If Loseman can go for over 350, what do you think Peyton can do?
Joe Addai - I called his last big game and I am doing it again for this week
Marvin Harrison - Ho hum, 100+ and a TD, Ho hum.

Chad Pennington - Right now, he is my comeback player of the year. Not only is he playing well, but is a leader on the field.
Leon Washington - He showed some flashes of his ability last week and with the dismal play of Derrick Blaylock, he might get a shot this week at some significant playing time. Barlow is still the goal line and starter, so don’t put your expectations too high.
Coles - He is really happy that Chad is back and is playing that way.
Cotchery - McCariens who? Great hands and maneuverability. If he is available in your league, get him, but I am sure someone already has.

MIN @ BUF
Minnesota has been playing real smart football. Well up until that last few series against Chicago. Buffalo was the first team ever to lose when their QB throws for over 350 and their RB runs for over 150. That is a record to cherish.

Brad Johnson - He can win close games, but has no real fantasy value.
Chester Taylor - He will play better this week than against Chicago, but who doesn’t play better when they are not playing Chicago?

J.P. Loseman - He looked stellar against the Jets and still manages to lose. Maybe he should change his name to J.P. Winman, that might help.
Willis McGahee - Can it be that Willis has turned the corner and become a top level fantasy back, I still don't believe it.
Lee Evans - He finally started to show some of that promise last week and that should continue this week against an overrated Smoot.

SD @ BAL
SD comes off of their bye as hungry as they left. Baltimore barely escapes Cleveland with a win and now comes home to a defense that will eat you up and spit you out before you can say, Steve McNair looks tired.

Rivers - Start someone else, this is going to be a very very low scoring game
LT - You have to start him, but don’t expect too much from him.
Gates - See LT

I do not recommend any Baltimore players this week except maybe Stover and Heap. Stover might get a couple of field goals on turnovers and Heap will be covered by Clinton Hart is playing out of position thanks to the shipment of codeine cough syrup shipment by the regular starter. It is obvious that this game will be a low scoring affair and could even end up scoreless going into overtime.

NO @ CAR
New Orleans comes off of their huge emotional Monday night victory over the undefeated Atlanta Falcons, if there was ever a time for a let down, this would be it. Carolina is still not playing the way they were expected, but put Simms in the hospital last week and should be able to take care of a flying high Saints squad.

Drew Brees - I’ll be the first to admit that he has far exceeded my expectations. I thought that with the lack of Gates would really be his downfall, but this kid Colston has stepped up and filled that role nicely.
Deuce McAllister - He might have thought that the Bush situation would hurt him, but it has only helped him. It gives him necessary rests to maintain freshness and also helps take tacklers away when Bush is out wide or in motion. They are using this tandem well right now.
Joe Horn - Do you remember that SD WR’s sucked, well now Brees is in New Orleans.

Jake Delhomme - He obviously looked better with smith. Even Me-shawn benefited from Smith’s return.
DeShaun Foster - Seems to still be the #1 for now, I think that Fox will play the hot hand, so look for some good games and some non existent games.
Steve Smith - New Orleans defense played over their heads against Atlanta and were aided by the poor play of the WR’s and Michael Vick. Smith will get his first TD of the year with ease.

ARI @ ATL
There was some chatter about Leinart starting this week after the many turnovers from Kurt “I have never seen a pass route that I can’t hit in my life, whoops” Warner. Ain’t happening. Green isn’t stupid enough to throw Leinart to the wolves while games still mean something. He’ll wait until the Cards are out of the hunt, at least next week. Atlanta laid a big egg at New Orleans, but they would have had targets on them if they won that game.

Kurt Warner - He can feel Matt’s breath on his neck and could put in another turnover filled performance this week. This one should be a high scoring game as Kurt is back in a dome, where he can air it out to his duo.
Edge - I have seen a lot of, “When will Edge get his first 100 yard game?” talk. It may not happen this year.
Larrynquan Fitzboldin - These guys are interchangeable. I wouldn’t mind having both on my team each week.

Vick - If you can stop his legs, he is easily beatable.
Dunn - He’ll be running wild at home this week.

DET @ STL
New coaches, new system, new defense, new quarterback, same result. Marc looked to start to get into a groove against Arizona and will continue again this week at home versus a defense that gives up a ton of passing yards.

John Kitna - This game could turn into a shootout. He should get some stats at the end to build up his numbers.
Roy Williams - He exploded against GB, and will put up similar numbers this week.

Marc Bulger - He is in line for a big week, he is at home against the Lions.
S-Jax - He has grown a lot this year and will continue his breakout season.
Torry Holt - Marc has two TD’s this year, both to Holt, look for that to continue. He wishes that he could play the Lions every week.

CLE @ OAK
Cleveland was deflated in their loss to Baltimore and now has to go on the road to face an extremely underachieving Raider team that is coming off a bye. If Oakland ever had a shot to win a game this season, this would be it.

Charlie Frye - He did insanely well against Baltimore considering their defense, Winslow is nursing some injuries, but Braylon is playing well. Time to come back to earth, Charlie and out of the top players of the week.
Braylon Edwards - One of the best young players in the league will hit a couple of bumps and this week will be one of them.

Andrew Walters - We finally get to see what this kid is made of. The line play should be better on both sides of the ball and could have a good game this week as long as he doesn’t try to do too much
Lamont Jordan - Walters is going to need him as a runner and a receiver to play well. Start him in ppr’s.
Randy Moss - If, and that’s a big If, he catches a couple of bombs from Walters, he won’t want Brooks back and neither will the fans. Big If though.

JAX @ WAS
The Jags came close to pulling the upset last week, special teams got them and they couldn’t do squat on offense. Washington finally showed that they have an offense, but it was against the Texans.

Byron Leftwich - People think that Washington’s defense is good, but they are actually pretty susceptible to the pass.
Fred Taylor - He gets hurt so often, that when his backup was hurt, people were really upset. He looks healthy and strong this year and that is good for the jaguars.
Matt Jones - He is almost undefendable. He is tall and fast and can catch anything. He has the will and determination of 5 men and the only WR worth a start on this team.

Mark Brunell - You can be sure that he won’t be setting any completion records against the Jaguars.
Clinton Portis - Doesn’t make a great play this week against Jacksonville, especially with the Jags losing last week.
Three Blind Mice - See how they run.

NE @ CIN
New England looks to be in some trouble. Watching the Denver game showed me that Brady needs a go to guy. Even if he doesn’t throw it to him all the time, it allows him to be more flexible. Without that guy he is just trying to hard. Maroney is a stud though. Cincy started of the Pittsburgh game slow, but Carson took advantage of some key turnovers and scored in an instant, you just can’t give that offense those kinds of opportunities.

Tom Brady - He really cannot do it all himself. His two best receiving threats are both TE’s. He needs a playmaker at WR and Reche Caldwell is not it.
Corey Dillon - He was hurt in last week’s game, but no one knows how much. Damn Belichik and his effing injury silence.
Laurence Maroney - Stud, star, beast, whatever you want to call him. Indianapolis is wishing they got him.
Ben Watson - He is still Brady’s top target, but they need to move the ball better overall.

Carson Palmer - If you didn’t think that he was back before last week, you know he is now. You cannot say he isn’t gun-shy and with those wide receivers, can you blame him? Palmer is a must start.
Rudi Johnson - In that offense, he is a good start, but don’t expect a ton out of him
Chad Johnson - He hasn’t had a big week yet, that will change this week.
Housh - He picked the right week to comeback and was the top performer in many leagues last week. 80 and a TD is not out of the question.

SEA @ CHI
Seattle won the game but lost Alexander. That hurts, but not as much as one might think. Morris is a #1 back for some teams in this league and will play just fine in SA’s place. Granted, they are playing Chicago this week, so it wouldn’t really matter who is running behind that o-line. Chicago stole a victory from Minnesota last week on a miracle fumble and then some bonehead calls by the Minnesota offense at the end. This should be a close and entertaining game.

Matt Hasselback - He certainly won’t throw five TD passes this week. He’ll be lucky to get one.
Maurice Morris - He finally gets to start, too bad it’s in Chicago.
Deion Branch - The wrinkly that Branch adds to their offense is an interesting one, it gives the team an added dimension that it did not have before. They are able to spread the field and still run effectively. It could take Chicago by surprise this week, but I doubt it.

Rex Grossman - You saw the Rex that isn’t playing Detroit or Green Bay last week. The same one that tosses touchdowns to the other team. Back to the bench you go buddy.
Thomas Jones - Did Cedric Benson even play last week? Seattle’s run defense is pretty damn stout, so play him only if you have no other options.

GBP @ PHI
Brett Favre looked like the Brett of old last week or is the Brett is old, anyway, he threw his 400th TD pass and continues to trot all the way to Canton. He doesn’t have a great history when playing philly, but philly is banged up in the secondary and if anyone could take advantage of that it would be him. I expect a high scoring Monday night battle between the old and the new regime at Qb in the NFL.

Brett Favre - Brett still has the arm and the heart to lead his team. He will always get his stats, you just got to think the old man is due to throw a few interceptions this week.
Ahman Green - Take away the receiving stats from last week’s game and Green flat out sucked. The Eagles are stingy when it comes to the run, so don’t expect much here.
Donald Driver - He is still a top WR in the league and a great #2 on any fantasy team.
Greg Jennings - He is fast becoming Brett’s go to guy.

Donavon McNabb - Visions of 4th and 26 will dance in the heads of the fans this coming Monday night, but it shouldn’t take anything like that to beat the Pack. He will put up another juggernaut of a game though in Primetime where he thrives.
Westy - He was my #1 pick for backs last week and he came through in a big way. Here is to all those fools that took Lamont Jordan and Cadillac Williams ahead of him.
Reggie Brown - With all the hype that Stallworth has gotten, D-Mac still feels like Brown is the #1 WR on that team and against the Niners, we saw why on the first play.

Top 10 QB’s for Week 4
1. Donavon McNabb
2. Peyton Manning
3. Tom Brady
4. Michael Vick
5. Carson Palmer
6. Kurt Warner
7. Marc Bulger
8. Jake Delhomme
9. Brett Favre
10. Daunte Culpepper

Top 10 RB’s for Week 4
1. Larry Johnson
2. Brian Westbrook
3. LaDanian Tomlinson
4. Steven Jackson
5. Rudi Johnson
6. Chester Taylor
7. Ronnie Brown
8. Clinton Portis
9. Kevin Jones
10. Lamont Jordan

Top 10 WR’s for Week 4
1. Steve Smith
2. Chad Johnson
3. Torry Holt
4. Randy Moss
5. Marvin Harrison
6. Larry Fitzgerald
7. Roy Williams
8. Andre Johnson
9. Donald Driver
10. Terry Glenn

Week 4 saw some more surprises as well as some teams starting to make their early move to jockey for position. We are one fourth of the way through the fastest start to a season that I have ever been witness to. Did you think the Saints would have a shot at going 4-0 while the Buccs were still looking to get a W, or that you might be contemplating starting Damon Huard because Eli Manning is on the bye. That, my faithful followers is the NFL for you and you just never know what’s right around the corner. Until next week’s class, remember my credo, Always go with your gut and don’t look back.

Professor Ellis D Trails.