Ask the Experts is a feature of LOCKERROOM where authorities from outside traditional fantasy sports sources answer your questions. This week's panel:
Emanuel St. Saint - Manny has been a highly regarded designer of football gear for home use for many years. His fishnet hikechute has set the standard for amateur centers everywhere. He also covers red-carpet events for Lubricants Monthly.
Forrest Hardy - CEO & Dean of Admissions of IFF Tech (formerly the Lordsberg Institute for Interstate Trucking, Fantasy Football & Refrigerator Repair), his Commissioner Course was voted one of the Ten Best in Southwestern New Mexico.
Naomi Moon Goldberg - second wife of LR's managing editor & self-appointed fantasy sports psychic, Ms. Goldberg used her astrological skills to predict the two-game fantasy career of Leonard Henry last season & waived this month's alimony in order to use this forum to promote her new book "Holistic Guide to Halftime Sex".
Q: Will Joe Gibbs ever catch on to coaching in the 21st century? Craig Woodbury, Essex Jct., VT.
ESS.: Well, I will tell you that the Joseph Gibbs I know is wide open to new ideas. He was the first to wear my Coaches Corset, to assure a clean, trim line while wearing the clingy synthetics so common in coaching gear. I offered it to Coach Parcells to help him deal with that kangaroo pouch of his and I believe, to this day, that it would have saved his marriage.
FH: Gotta tell ya, Craig - next to Earl Happler, inventor of triple clutching, Coach Gibbs is the most-quoted guy in the textbook for our popular "Weigh Stations & Playstation" course. The classics don't need changin'.
NMG: I have no doubt that if Mr. Gibbs would let the universe call his plays more often, his path to actualization would be much smoother. Getting a player named Santana is a good start, though.
Q: Should I drop Joey Harrington from my dynasty team now, or should I give him the week off to collect himself? Don Egedy, Holland MI.
ESS: Perhaps I should disqualify myself, as I made a number of decorative cast sleeves for Jeff Garcia & am a biiiig fan. I've always been one to give a good-looking man a second chance & maybe he'll get his head together during his bi-week....excuse me?....
b-y-e?!....dump the bitch!
FH: That boy couldn't tell a condenser from a compressor if you spotted him the mounting plate. Tell you what - the light don't stay on when you close his door, if you know what I mean.
NMG: Much as I dislike to fall in with the crowd, I have to make this one unanimous. I was the numerological consultant when they painted that picture of him on the side of a New York skyscraper & I ran his starchart at the time, too. The only way to put it politely is to say that poor, star-crossed boy has way too many of his houses in Uranus.
ESS: Ooooh!
If you could change anything about fantasy football, what would it be? Terry Spitzer, Pismo Beach CA.
ESS: Double the points for tight ends & hold more greased, naked drafts with a Twister board determining draft position.
FH: Make the newbies take my mail order course "NFL/CDL - Know the Difference" complete with Draft-Rating Wishmirror, $49.95 at www.ifftech.org
NMG: Less emphasis on scoring & more VBD by ascending sunsigns.
Tuesday, September 20, 2005
Monday, September 19, 2005
CURTIS MARTIN WITH STRAINED RIGHT KNEE
YOU HEARD IT HERE FIRST. UNSURE HOW LONG HE WILL BE OUT OR THE SEVERITY OF THE INJURY BUT CMART WITH A STRAINED RIGHT KNEE. MIGHT WANT TO BE LOOKING INTO BACKUP PLANS FOR THIS SUNDAY IF HE CAN'T GO! I'LL POST MORE IF I HEAR ANYTHING ELSE...
MONDAY MORNING WATERBACK
Hi, I'm wikkidpissah - maybe you've heard of me. For a stunt performed in respomse to those who failed to take me at my word when I claimed to have been wronged in my 1st week in their league, I have become a pariah in the fantasy football community. In the past few days, I've been called a baby, a lunatic, a terrorist & more. A Fanball moderator even exposed himself to significant legal liability in order that I might be better punished. And guess what? I couldn't care less. I only wish my real life (try one) hadn't kept me away from the boards for much of the weekend so I could've enjoyed watching the fishwives stone their harlot on a more live basis. Fact is, I answered the first message I received about what damage my actions would cause beyond my league with a promise to rectify (which did not stop the recipient from letting his passions turn into inane speculations about my possible future actions throughout the weekend). When I returned to my computer Sunday evening, I roared over the amount of time & space wasted by busybodies pretending to know both my actions & motives, then promptly fulfilled my Saturday AM promises. Please, please, please think of me what you will - for I now know your colors far better than you'll ever know mine. nufced.
I'll spare you a game-by-game recap this week since it likely won't be why you'll be reading this. Just a few observations. Keep your wet noodles at the ready, though - I'll be here every Monday.
- Has a team ever stuck longer with a QB who shows so little ability to lead a team to victory than the Lions?
- Wasn't impressed with him in college, but Cadillac Williams runs not only well, but tough.
- Kudos to those who saw a dramatic fallback for Peyton Manning - I did not.
- Are you surprised by how many marquee RBs have sucked dead bones?
- I'm gonna reserve judgement 'til they play a real defense, but the Bengals are my new favorite team.
- All due respect to Chad Johnson, but there are still only two receivers who change the way a game is played & you know who they are.
- Is the Titans defense not as bad as I thought or is the Raven offense reeeeeeally awful?
- I sure hope as a fan he comes around & closes his career on a positive note, but Bret Favre is playing old.
- They may have taken advantage of the aforeslurred Ravens' offense last week, but the Colts' defense made the Jags' offense look as limp this week as they looked crisp last.
- Are the Steelers the most oddly competent team you've ever seen? Still gonna wait 'til he faces the Pats before putting Wicked Willie Parker up for the HOF.
- The Tampa Bay renewed defensive excellence is not a mirage
- Who's worse - the NL West or the NFC West?
- Defenses take note: Take away Tom Brady's rhythm & he won't hurt you.
- Is it wrong that watching Oakland lose makes me so happy?
Nufced for now. I will comment no further on Smackgate. Feel free to take your shots, but do try to make them entertaining.
I'll spare you a game-by-game recap this week since it likely won't be why you'll be reading this. Just a few observations. Keep your wet noodles at the ready, though - I'll be here every Monday.
- Has a team ever stuck longer with a QB who shows so little ability to lead a team to victory than the Lions?
- Wasn't impressed with him in college, but Cadillac Williams runs not only well, but tough.
- Kudos to those who saw a dramatic fallback for Peyton Manning - I did not.
- Are you surprised by how many marquee RBs have sucked dead bones?
- I'm gonna reserve judgement 'til they play a real defense, but the Bengals are my new favorite team.
- All due respect to Chad Johnson, but there are still only two receivers who change the way a game is played & you know who they are.
- Is the Titans defense not as bad as I thought or is the Raven offense reeeeeeally awful?
- I sure hope as a fan he comes around & closes his career on a positive note, but Bret Favre is playing old.
- They may have taken advantage of the aforeslurred Ravens' offense last week, but the Colts' defense made the Jags' offense look as limp this week as they looked crisp last.
- Are the Steelers the most oddly competent team you've ever seen? Still gonna wait 'til he faces the Pats before putting Wicked Willie Parker up for the HOF.
- The Tampa Bay renewed defensive excellence is not a mirage
- Who's worse - the NL West or the NFC West?
- Defenses take note: Take away Tom Brady's rhythm & he won't hurt you.
- Is it wrong that watching Oakland lose makes me so happy?
Nufced for now. I will comment no further on Smackgate. Feel free to take your shots, but do try to make them entertaining.
Sunday, September 18, 2005
WETBOAT'S SUNDAY MUSINGS, WEEK 2
Will Laveranues catch more balls now?
1. This weekend is the NFL's Hurricane Relief Weekend. I've been informed that windy players like Terrell Owens will not be in uniform. *ducks tomato*
2. A story broke in today's New York Times (New Trust Lets Coles Share Secret, 9/18/05) about Laveranues Coles' past. As a Washington Redskins fan, I was thrilled when Laveranues signed with the team two years ago. He was very fearless on the field and truly made a difference in the Redskins' passing attack -- if there was one. He was always counted on to catch a pass down the middle, even if it meant getting his slight, small frame drilled by a linebacker or safety. Every time he couldn't hold on to the ball (in most cases due to bad passes by Ramsey or Brunell), I stood up and applauded his every effort because he knew he was exposing himself to injury even going after an uncatchable ball.
I always believed he really worked for the team, and never let his ego get in his way. I was shocked and disappointed when Laveranues bellyached about his lack of involvement in Joe Gibbs' offense, and demanded to be traded, even if it meant a huge salary cap hit for the Redskins and, ultimately, putting his own teammates' futures with the Redskins at risk. He really subsumed his ego to contribute to the Redskins, and two years later, his ego showed in his whining about his role on the team. I wrote him off as a classless hypocrite and privately hoped he would find more disappointment in his return to the Jets -- and get roasted by the eternally touchy New York media.
Today's story in the New York Times has upended my perceptions of a player who gave the Redskins so much promise with his speed and hands, and much grief with his exit and major salary cap hit. It is very brave of him to come forward with a dark chapter in his past. That would explain his contradictory actions -- he commits to a team and gives 110%, and at other times he drops everything and jumps ship. Joe Gibbs demands loyalty, and he expects every one of his players to really contribute, even if it means forgoing a central role in the Redskins' efforts to make the playoffs and win a Super Bowl. He was very disappointed in Laveranues Coles' actions, because he bent over backwards to include him as a speedy decoy that would help set up Clinton Portis' running attack.
Laveranues becomes very prickly when he perceives that he is not getting the support he believes he deserves from a team. He was so upset with Florida State's lack of emotional support when he was caught shoplifting with Peter Warrick, so much so that prior to every Monday Night Football game when each player introduces himself, his position, and his college, Laveranues makes a point of introducing his high school, not FSU. Gibbs could have seen that one coming when he emphasized his power running game which places less emphasis on wide receivers.
Here is hoping that Laveranues' disclosure today, and the Jets' support of him, translates into a truly productive Laveranues Coles on and off the field. Because if Chad Pennington is going to continue to be the player he was against the Chiefs last week, Laveranues will have a lot of work cut out for him, and he will need to maintain his patience in his quarterback and support the Jets in the process. I'm really looking forward to watching today's Jets-Dolphins game.
3. Kyle Boller won't get his starting job back. His ability to throw 65 yards downfield on one knee -- which he demonstrated as a Cal Berkeley senior in the runup to the 2002 NFL draft -- attracted a few suckers who were desperate for a quarterback with a strong arm. When Brian Billick couldn't get Byron Leftwich (during what was my favorite NFL draft moment when the Vikings dropped 3 picks without realizing it), he traded up to get Boller. Today, Leftwich is gradually becoming a very productive quarterback in this league, while Boller hasn't shown us a lot. Oh yeah, he could heave the deep ball, but...
Guys, how often must you realize that powerful QB arms won't do anything in the NFL unless they are accurate?
4. Will this be the year NOT to start a Denver RB in fantasy football? Mike Anderson is playing hurt, Tatum "Taco" Bell isn't showing a lot of burrito (and is oft-injured too), Quentin Griffin is too short and barely a year removed from his ACL injury to be truly effective, and Ron Dayne.....*giggle*. This is the perfect time for Crazy Coach Shanahan to roll out his annual low-round draft pick and run him to football glory. Except that, this year, he turned this low-round draft pick into a third-round pick and used it on Maurice Clarett! Marion Barber, Brandon Jacobs, and Ciatrick Fason were still available and ripe for the picking. Brandon Jacobs ran like a man possessed last week, smoke steaming from his nostrils, and looking like he would explode in a manic celebration every time he gained yards or scored a TD. He truly "played angry." Now imagine Jacobs in the Denver backfield. I can hear Skeevie Stevie crying in his surgical mask.
Brandon Jacobs will take over the mantle of "The Bus" when Jerome Bettis retires.
Saturday, September 17, 2005
On the Hash... Marks... Kinda
Let me start by saying that my computer didn't save the column I worte for this (which I wrote part of last night & part of the night before), so I had to do a makeshift version of my column for this week, but we will be back to the format I had last week, next week. Anyway, let's get to the top 25:
1. USC
2. Texas
3. LSU
4. Virginia Tech
5. Tennessee
6. Georgia
7. Florida
8. Ohio State
9. Purdue
10. Boston College
11. Florida State
12. Notre Dame
13. Louisville
14. Georgia Tech
15. California
16. Michigan
17. Arizona State
18. Miami
19. Texas Tech
20. Clemson
21. Alabama
22. Iowa St.
23. Iowa
24. Virginia
25. UCLA
Heisman 5 for '05:
1. Matt Leinart
2. Vince Young
3. Reggie Bush
4. Laurence Maroney
5. Omar Jacobs
Now onto the games, where I am an doing my best Derek Lowe impression, and have gone 6-15-1 to start the year. but as D-Lowe, I will pick it up once my team is 5 games back and the most dangerous hitter in baseball has returned to my rival team... Well maybe it won't be exactly like that, but you get the point. (sorry there are no capsules, but I had to get it done. Stupid computers!!!)
USC -32 Arkansas
Texas -40 Rice
Virginia Tech -34 Ohio
Ohio St. -27.5 SDSU
Notre Dame -6.5 Michigan St.
Louisville -13.5 Oregon St.
UConn +15 Georgia Tech
California -21 Illinois
Michigan -29 Eastern Michigan
Arizona St. -14.5 Northwestern
Texas Tech (no line) Sam Houston St.
Clemson +7 Miami
Alabama -2.5 South Carolina
UCLA -6.5 Oklahoma
Boston College +1 FSU
Florida -6 Tennessee
Upset Special (0-2): Syracuse +8 Virginia
Lock Of The Week (0-2): Purdue -7.5 Arizona
I certainly hope I can improve, and it sucks I lost everything I had for this week, but I'll be back with reviews, previews, heisman info, game picks, and more next week. Until then, I'm Creek, and you're not.
1. USC
2. Texas
3. LSU
4. Virginia Tech
5. Tennessee
6. Georgia
7. Florida
8. Ohio State
9. Purdue
10. Boston College
11. Florida State
12. Notre Dame
13. Louisville
14. Georgia Tech
15. California
16. Michigan
17. Arizona State
18. Miami
19. Texas Tech
20. Clemson
21. Alabama
22. Iowa St.
23. Iowa
24. Virginia
25. UCLA
Heisman 5 for '05:
1. Matt Leinart
2. Vince Young
3. Reggie Bush
4. Laurence Maroney
5. Omar Jacobs
Now onto the games, where I am an doing my best Derek Lowe impression, and have gone 6-15-1 to start the year. but as D-Lowe, I will pick it up once my team is 5 games back and the most dangerous hitter in baseball has returned to my rival team... Well maybe it won't be exactly like that, but you get the point. (sorry there are no capsules, but I had to get it done. Stupid computers!!!)
USC -32 Arkansas
Texas -40 Rice
Virginia Tech -34 Ohio
Ohio St. -27.5 SDSU
Notre Dame -6.5 Michigan St.
Louisville -13.5 Oregon St.
UConn +15 Georgia Tech
California -21 Illinois
Michigan -29 Eastern Michigan
Arizona St. -14.5 Northwestern
Texas Tech (no line) Sam Houston St.
Clemson +7 Miami
Alabama -2.5 South Carolina
UCLA -6.5 Oklahoma
Boston College +1 FSU
Florida -6 Tennessee
Upset Special (0-2): Syracuse +8 Virginia
Lock Of The Week (0-2): Purdue -7.5 Arizona
I certainly hope I can improve, and it sucks I lost everything I had for this week, but I'll be back with reviews, previews, heisman info, game picks, and more next week. Until then, I'm Creek, and you're not.
Wednesday, September 14, 2005
Week 2 Predictions
*Imagine there's a recent NFL photo here*
Just to keep tabs of how I'm doing, I'll start the new week's article with a summary of how I did last week. Week 1 is so hard to predict without the current stats to go on, but I went .500 at 8-8, which I won't complain about. There's room for plenty of improvement and I didn't totally suck.
Speaking about totally sucking.... how about that Bronco offense!! How embarrasing it must be to have to deal with that loss to open the season. Frerotte must like S. Florida, if he keeps up those types of performances he'll have a good shot at staying there for a while. We'll see if this is trend or mirage with the Jets D this week. Plenty of new TE's to mention, but I'm glad that Pollard and Heath Miller both had good days. Anderson and Alex Smith could be consistent impact players on their respective offenses.
One final note about last week... what happened with the QB's not being able to hold onto the ball? I don't know how many had fumbles, but it was a very disturbing epidemic that came out of nowhere.
Let's hit it!
Baltimore 24 at Tennessee 7
According to Simms article on NFL.com today it sounds like Boller is not going to play this week due to injury, which could help Wright win the starting job with a good showing this week. The Titans D is struggling, so Wright has an excellent chance of taking over the #1 spot for the rest of the season. I've been wanting Boller out of there for a few years now. Wright may not have ALL the attributes of a star QB, but at least he has an arm. If Wilcox has another decent outing this week it may spell the end of Heap being the Ravens #1 go-to guy. Things are changing on that offense this year, so it's worth keeping an eye on.
Boller 7/17 120 0td 1int or
Wright 17/28 210 2td 1int
Lewis 65 1td
Mason 115 1td
Clayton 50 0td
Heap 65 1td
Stover 3xp/1fg
DEF 2s/2i/0f
McNair 22/34 220 1td 1int
Brown 80 0td
Henry (?)
Bennett 80 1td
Calico 60 0td
Troupe 50 0td
Kinney 30 0td
Bironas 1xp
DEF 1s/1i/0f
Buffalo 14 at Tampa Bay 20
Losman had an easy time of it with the Texans secondary, and still didn't put up numbers that could be called impressive. He'll struggle this week. Both offenses will have lower output this week. This will be a duel of stellar defenses and running backs.
Losman 21/34 185 0td 2int
mcGahee 115 2td
Moulds 50 0td
Evans 75 0td
Lindell 2xp
DEF 4s/2i/0f
Griese 16/32 190 1td 2int
Williams 90 1td
Clayton 75 1td
Galloway 90 0td
Smith 25 0td
Bryant 2xp/2fg
DEF 3s/2i/1f
Detroit 24 at Chicago 10
First of all, I'd like to congratulate Charles Rogers for staying healthy beyond week one of the NFL season. Keep up the good work... and get in the end zone this week! I'm cautious with the success of the Lions passing attack aginst that Bears secondary, but with Harris taking over for Green... I think there's something there for the Lions to take advantage of this week.
Harrington 21/34 220 2td 1int
Jones 80 1td
RWilliams 40 1td
Rogers 80 1td
MWilliams 50 0td
Pollard 50 0td
Hanson 3xp/1fg
DEF 3s/1i/1f
Orton 16/30 175 1td 1int
Jones 70 0td
Benson 30 0td
Muhammad 65 0td
Gage 30 1td
Brien 1xp/1fg
DEF 3s/1i/0f
Jacksonville 17 at Indianapolis 27
The Colts D was impressive last week against the Ravens, this week should make it two in a row. Jimmy Smith had an awesome week against a Hawks secondary that didn't look very good. Can he get in the end zone 2 weeks in a row?
Leftwich 16/28 190 1td 2int
Taylor 95 0td
Jones 25 1td
Smith 90 1td
Williams 30 0td
Scobee 2xp/1fg
DEF 3s/1i/0f
Manning 23/35 255 2td 1int
James 80 1td
Harrison 70 1td
Wayne 60 1td
Stokley 50 0td
Utecht 30 0td
Vanderjagt 3xp/2fg
DEF 3s/2i/1f
Minnesota 20 at Cincinnati 24
Hmm.... Culpepper without Moss was a totally different beast. The Bengals D isn't as tough as the Bucs, but it won't be much better this week. On the other side of the ball for the Bengals O... they looked like a team that was clicking on all cylinders. The Vikings d will be a little more of a test than the Browns were.
Palmer 23/32 250 2td 1int
RJohnson 100 1td
CJohnson 75 1td
THoushmandzadeh 60 0td
Walter 50 1td
Graham 3xp/1fg
DEF 1s/2i/1f
Culpepper 22/33 275 1td 2int
Bennett 50 0td
Williams 30 1td
Burleson 60 1td
Taylor 40 0td
Robinson 35 0td
Wiggins 40 0td
Edinger 2xp/2fg
DEF 2s/1i/0f
New England 21 at Carolina 17
This one could swing Carolina's way if they can establish a decent running game. I think most of Foster's 60 yards will be passing yards though, so I wouldn't bet on the Panthers having much more than 100 yards on the ground. Let's see if they can also have some success throwing to their TE like the Raiders just did last week.
Delhomme 20/33 240 2td 1int
Davis 80 0td
Foster 60 0td
Smith 100 1td
Colbert 80 0td
Mangum 35 1td
Kasay 2xp/1fg
DEF 1s/0i/0f
Brady 20/32 230 2td 0int
Dillon 95 1td
Branch 75 1td
Givens 30 0td
Brown 50 0td
Watson 45 1td
Vinatieri 3xp
DEF 1s/1i/0f
Pittsburgh 31 at Houston 7
Ride the Willie Parker train again while it's hot. The Titans D was only slightly better than the Texans will be this week, so look for similar numbers. Carr is suppose to be coming of age this year, but starting the year off against Buffalo and then Pittsburgh is tough. Don't expect miracles this week.
Carr 15/26 140 0td 1int
Davis 110 1td
Johnson 75 0td
Brown 1xp
DEF 0s/1i/0f
Roethlisberger 14/21 215 1td 1int
Parker 120 2td
Haynes 40 0td
Ward 40 0td
Randle El 70 1td
Miller 30 0td
Reed 4xp/1fg
DEF 4s/1i/1f +td
San Francisco 13 at Philadelphia 30
Surprising performance by the 49ers offense to beat the Rams last week. I don't think the Eagles D with Trotter will be as yielding. I'm also hoping McNabb can play an error free game this week.
McNabb 19/31 240 2td 0int
Westbrook 90 1td
Gordon 45 0td
Owens 85 1td
Lewis 45 0td
Smith 30 1td
Akers 3xp/3fg
DEF 4s/2i/1f
Rattay 12/22 150 0td 2int
Barlow 35 1td
Gore 40 0td
Lloyd 70 0td
Battle 50 0td
Nedney 1xp/2fg
DEF 0s/0i/0f
Atlanta 23 at Seattle 21
If Vick could only pass the ball, he could have a similar outcome as Leftwich just had against this secondary. I think the Falcons will still win it, but it will be a close one.
Hasselbeck 23/37 265 2td 2int
Alexander 90 1td
Jackson 75 1td
Engram 85 0td
Stevens 40 1td
Brown 3xp
DEF 3s/1i/1f
Vick 13/24 160 0td 1int r(60 1td)
Dunn 85 0td
Duckett 35 1td
Jenkins 70 0td
Crumpler 45 0td
Peterson 2xp/3fg
DEF 2s/2i/0f
St Louis 24 at Arizona 20
Last weeks games by both of these tteams was pathetic, whoever wins this one will be by default. I'm predicting a Rams win just based on the fact that Bulger has less of a chance of turning the ball over than Warner does. But he will be under pressure all day. A last minute touchdown saves the Rams from going 0-2 to start the season.
Bulger 28/42 330 2td 1int
Jackson 65 1td
Holt 130 1td
Bruce 60 1td
Curtis 60 0td
Wilkins 3xp/1fg
DEF 0s/2i/0f
Warner 26/40 275 1td 2int
Arrington 30 1td
Boldin 60 1td
Fitzgerald 55 0td
Rackers 2xp/2fg
DEF 4s/1i/0f
Cleveland 13 at Green Bay 14
The glory days of high scoring football at Lambeau are over for the time being. Last week the Packers were only able to muster a FG against the Lions. They should be able to score a few TD's this week against the Browns, but I wouldn't expect much more than that. Hard to believe a Packers game could be called a snoozefest.
Favre 24/37 255 1td 1int
Green 80 1td
Driver 60 0td
Franks 40 1td
Longwell 2xp
DEF 1s/2i/0f
Dilfer 23/41 230 0td 2int
Droughns 80 1td
Bryant 100 0td
Jackson 75 0td
Heiden 35 0td
Dawson 1xp/2fg
DEF 1s/1i/0f
Miami 13 at NY Jets 17
The defenses in this one are just too good to think there's going to be much action on the scoreboard. I'm thinking Frerotte has a harder time with the Jets secondary, but Pennington won't fair any better with the Phins. Martin and the Jets running game makes the difference.
Pennington 18/29 210 1td 1int
Martin 115 1td
Coles 65 1td
McCareins 50 0td
Baker 50 0td
Nugent 2xp/1fg
DEF 2s/1i/0f
Frerotte 25/35 250 1td 1int
Brown 65 0td
Chambers 75 1td
Booker 60 0td
McMichael 65 0td
Mare 1xp/2fg
DEF 2s/1i/0f
San Diego 31 at Denver 30
I'd love to be a homer and pick my Broncos to win this one, but I'm already giving them too much benefit of the doubt by making this one as close as I have it. If the Broncos don't get a decent running game going this week, they will be down by a few touchdowns in this one easily. That's a sad state of affairs since the Bronco running game has been such a stalwart during Shanny's tenure. On the positive side, I think the Broncos secondary will cause Brees some problems, so the Chargers will probably look to LT more this week.
Brees 21/33 210 2td 1int
Tomlinson 125 2td
McCardell 60 1td
Gates 70 1td
Kaeding 4xp/1fg
DEF 2s/1i/0f
Plummer 20/34 260 2td 1int
Bell 65 1td
Anderson 30 0td
Smith 60 0td
Lelie 75 1td
Putzier 75 1td
Elam 3xp/3fg
DEF 1s/1i/0f
Kansas City 28 at Oakland 23
I like the new Chiefs Defense, DJ is going to have a big year. Oakland will have problems stalling out near or just beyond the red zone, so Janikowski is going to have a decent day. The way Holmes and Johnson split duty last week is exactly what the doctor ordered for keeping Holmes healthy as long as possible, that will be happening every week. For a RBBC, the Chiefs version actually doesn't hurt anyone too bad. Just pretend LJ and Holmes are both feature backs for a "typical" team.
Collins 21/43 255 2td 2int
Jordan 90 0td
Moss 120 1td
Porter 50 1td
Anderson 25 0td
Janikowski 2xp/3fg
DEF 0s/1i/0f
Green 23/35 280 2td 1int
Holmes 85 1td
Johnson 70 1td
Kennison 75 1td
Gonzalex 80 1td
Tynes 4xp
DEF 3s/2i/0f
Monday Night's Double Header
Washington 16 at Dallas 21
Who will be the starting QB at Dallas this week for the Skins? Brunell is my guess. Simms also had the same feeling, and he also added that Ramsey wasn't losing his starting job due to a slight injury last Sunday. Either way, I don't see the Redskin passing game having much success against the Cowboy secondary. I also don't see Bledsoe having an interception-free afternoon this week against the Skins D.
Bledsoe 17/31 230 2td 2int
Jones 90 1td
Crayton 80 1td
Glenn 60
Witten 30 1td
Cortez 3xp
DEF 2s/2i/0f
Brunell 14/25 170 0td 1int
Portis 100 1td
Moss 65 0td
Cooley 40 0td
Hall 1xp/3fg
DEF 3s/2i/1f
NY Giants 27 at New Orleans 28
Maybe the whole Katrina thing can be used as a 'rallying the troops' kind of thing for the Saints this year. If their D can hold the Giants offense to just 2 td's, then I think they can win this one. McAllister will have to have a good day, too. The Giants D may be a little better this year than it was last year. They looked good last week. The special teams were extraordinary.
Brooks 20/34 240 2td 1int
McAllister 95 2td
Horn 75 1td
Stallworth 50 1td
Conwell 80 0td
Carney 4xp
DEF 1s/0i/1f
Manning 12/25 160 1td 0int
Barber 120 0td
Jacobs 40 1td
Burress 75 0td
Shockey 15 1td
Feely 2xp/2fg
DEF 3s/1i/0f +td
Just to keep tabs of how I'm doing, I'll start the new week's article with a summary of how I did last week. Week 1 is so hard to predict without the current stats to go on, but I went .500 at 8-8, which I won't complain about. There's room for plenty of improvement and I didn't totally suck.
Speaking about totally sucking.... how about that Bronco offense!! How embarrasing it must be to have to deal with that loss to open the season. Frerotte must like S. Florida, if he keeps up those types of performances he'll have a good shot at staying there for a while. We'll see if this is trend or mirage with the Jets D this week. Plenty of new TE's to mention, but I'm glad that Pollard and Heath Miller both had good days. Anderson and Alex Smith could be consistent impact players on their respective offenses.
One final note about last week... what happened with the QB's not being able to hold onto the ball? I don't know how many had fumbles, but it was a very disturbing epidemic that came out of nowhere.
Let's hit it!
Baltimore 24 at Tennessee 7
According to Simms article on NFL.com today it sounds like Boller is not going to play this week due to injury, which could help Wright win the starting job with a good showing this week. The Titans D is struggling, so Wright has an excellent chance of taking over the #1 spot for the rest of the season. I've been wanting Boller out of there for a few years now. Wright may not have ALL the attributes of a star QB, but at least he has an arm. If Wilcox has another decent outing this week it may spell the end of Heap being the Ravens #1 go-to guy. Things are changing on that offense this year, so it's worth keeping an eye on.
Boller 7/17 120 0td 1int or
Wright 17/28 210 2td 1int
Lewis 65 1td
Mason 115 1td
Clayton 50 0td
Heap 65 1td
Stover 3xp/1fg
DEF 2s/2i/0f
McNair 22/34 220 1td 1int
Brown 80 0td
Henry (?)
Bennett 80 1td
Calico 60 0td
Troupe 50 0td
Kinney 30 0td
Bironas 1xp
DEF 1s/1i/0f
Buffalo 14 at Tampa Bay 20
Losman had an easy time of it with the Texans secondary, and still didn't put up numbers that could be called impressive. He'll struggle this week. Both offenses will have lower output this week. This will be a duel of stellar defenses and running backs.
Losman 21/34 185 0td 2int
mcGahee 115 2td
Moulds 50 0td
Evans 75 0td
Lindell 2xp
DEF 4s/2i/0f
Griese 16/32 190 1td 2int
Williams 90 1td
Clayton 75 1td
Galloway 90 0td
Smith 25 0td
Bryant 2xp/2fg
DEF 3s/2i/1f
Detroit 24 at Chicago 10
First of all, I'd like to congratulate Charles Rogers for staying healthy beyond week one of the NFL season. Keep up the good work... and get in the end zone this week! I'm cautious with the success of the Lions passing attack aginst that Bears secondary, but with Harris taking over for Green... I think there's something there for the Lions to take advantage of this week.
Harrington 21/34 220 2td 1int
Jones 80 1td
RWilliams 40 1td
Rogers 80 1td
MWilliams 50 0td
Pollard 50 0td
Hanson 3xp/1fg
DEF 3s/1i/1f
Orton 16/30 175 1td 1int
Jones 70 0td
Benson 30 0td
Muhammad 65 0td
Gage 30 1td
Brien 1xp/1fg
DEF 3s/1i/0f
Jacksonville 17 at Indianapolis 27
The Colts D was impressive last week against the Ravens, this week should make it two in a row. Jimmy Smith had an awesome week against a Hawks secondary that didn't look very good. Can he get in the end zone 2 weeks in a row?
Leftwich 16/28 190 1td 2int
Taylor 95 0td
Jones 25 1td
Smith 90 1td
Williams 30 0td
Scobee 2xp/1fg
DEF 3s/1i/0f
Manning 23/35 255 2td 1int
James 80 1td
Harrison 70 1td
Wayne 60 1td
Stokley 50 0td
Utecht 30 0td
Vanderjagt 3xp/2fg
DEF 3s/2i/1f
Minnesota 20 at Cincinnati 24
Hmm.... Culpepper without Moss was a totally different beast. The Bengals D isn't as tough as the Bucs, but it won't be much better this week. On the other side of the ball for the Bengals O... they looked like a team that was clicking on all cylinders. The Vikings d will be a little more of a test than the Browns were.
Palmer 23/32 250 2td 1int
RJohnson 100 1td
CJohnson 75 1td
THoushmandzadeh 60 0td
Walter 50 1td
Graham 3xp/1fg
DEF 1s/2i/1f
Culpepper 22/33 275 1td 2int
Bennett 50 0td
Williams 30 1td
Burleson 60 1td
Taylor 40 0td
Robinson 35 0td
Wiggins 40 0td
Edinger 2xp/2fg
DEF 2s/1i/0f
New England 21 at Carolina 17
This one could swing Carolina's way if they can establish a decent running game. I think most of Foster's 60 yards will be passing yards though, so I wouldn't bet on the Panthers having much more than 100 yards on the ground. Let's see if they can also have some success throwing to their TE like the Raiders just did last week.
Delhomme 20/33 240 2td 1int
Davis 80 0td
Foster 60 0td
Smith 100 1td
Colbert 80 0td
Mangum 35 1td
Kasay 2xp/1fg
DEF 1s/0i/0f
Brady 20/32 230 2td 0int
Dillon 95 1td
Branch 75 1td
Givens 30 0td
Brown 50 0td
Watson 45 1td
Vinatieri 3xp
DEF 1s/1i/0f
Pittsburgh 31 at Houston 7
Ride the Willie Parker train again while it's hot. The Titans D was only slightly better than the Texans will be this week, so look for similar numbers. Carr is suppose to be coming of age this year, but starting the year off against Buffalo and then Pittsburgh is tough. Don't expect miracles this week.
Carr 15/26 140 0td 1int
Davis 110 1td
Johnson 75 0td
Brown 1xp
DEF 0s/1i/0f
Roethlisberger 14/21 215 1td 1int
Parker 120 2td
Haynes 40 0td
Ward 40 0td
Randle El 70 1td
Miller 30 0td
Reed 4xp/1fg
DEF 4s/1i/1f +td
San Francisco 13 at Philadelphia 30
Surprising performance by the 49ers offense to beat the Rams last week. I don't think the Eagles D with Trotter will be as yielding. I'm also hoping McNabb can play an error free game this week.
McNabb 19/31 240 2td 0int
Westbrook 90 1td
Gordon 45 0td
Owens 85 1td
Lewis 45 0td
Smith 30 1td
Akers 3xp/3fg
DEF 4s/2i/1f
Rattay 12/22 150 0td 2int
Barlow 35 1td
Gore 40 0td
Lloyd 70 0td
Battle 50 0td
Nedney 1xp/2fg
DEF 0s/0i/0f
Atlanta 23 at Seattle 21
If Vick could only pass the ball, he could have a similar outcome as Leftwich just had against this secondary. I think the Falcons will still win it, but it will be a close one.
Hasselbeck 23/37 265 2td 2int
Alexander 90 1td
Jackson 75 1td
Engram 85 0td
Stevens 40 1td
Brown 3xp
DEF 3s/1i/1f
Vick 13/24 160 0td 1int r(60 1td)
Dunn 85 0td
Duckett 35 1td
Jenkins 70 0td
Crumpler 45 0td
Peterson 2xp/3fg
DEF 2s/2i/0f
St Louis 24 at Arizona 20
Last weeks games by both of these tteams was pathetic, whoever wins this one will be by default. I'm predicting a Rams win just based on the fact that Bulger has less of a chance of turning the ball over than Warner does. But he will be under pressure all day. A last minute touchdown saves the Rams from going 0-2 to start the season.
Bulger 28/42 330 2td 1int
Jackson 65 1td
Holt 130 1td
Bruce 60 1td
Curtis 60 0td
Wilkins 3xp/1fg
DEF 0s/2i/0f
Warner 26/40 275 1td 2int
Arrington 30 1td
Boldin 60 1td
Fitzgerald 55 0td
Rackers 2xp/2fg
DEF 4s/1i/0f
Cleveland 13 at Green Bay 14
The glory days of high scoring football at Lambeau are over for the time being. Last week the Packers were only able to muster a FG against the Lions. They should be able to score a few TD's this week against the Browns, but I wouldn't expect much more than that. Hard to believe a Packers game could be called a snoozefest.
Favre 24/37 255 1td 1int
Green 80 1td
Driver 60 0td
Franks 40 1td
Longwell 2xp
DEF 1s/2i/0f
Dilfer 23/41 230 0td 2int
Droughns 80 1td
Bryant 100 0td
Jackson 75 0td
Heiden 35 0td
Dawson 1xp/2fg
DEF 1s/1i/0f
Miami 13 at NY Jets 17
The defenses in this one are just too good to think there's going to be much action on the scoreboard. I'm thinking Frerotte has a harder time with the Jets secondary, but Pennington won't fair any better with the Phins. Martin and the Jets running game makes the difference.
Pennington 18/29 210 1td 1int
Martin 115 1td
Coles 65 1td
McCareins 50 0td
Baker 50 0td
Nugent 2xp/1fg
DEF 2s/1i/0f
Frerotte 25/35 250 1td 1int
Brown 65 0td
Chambers 75 1td
Booker 60 0td
McMichael 65 0td
Mare 1xp/2fg
DEF 2s/1i/0f
San Diego 31 at Denver 30
I'd love to be a homer and pick my Broncos to win this one, but I'm already giving them too much benefit of the doubt by making this one as close as I have it. If the Broncos don't get a decent running game going this week, they will be down by a few touchdowns in this one easily. That's a sad state of affairs since the Bronco running game has been such a stalwart during Shanny's tenure. On the positive side, I think the Broncos secondary will cause Brees some problems, so the Chargers will probably look to LT more this week.
Brees 21/33 210 2td 1int
Tomlinson 125 2td
McCardell 60 1td
Gates 70 1td
Kaeding 4xp/1fg
DEF 2s/1i/0f
Plummer 20/34 260 2td 1int
Bell 65 1td
Anderson 30 0td
Smith 60 0td
Lelie 75 1td
Putzier 75 1td
Elam 3xp/3fg
DEF 1s/1i/0f
Kansas City 28 at Oakland 23
I like the new Chiefs Defense, DJ is going to have a big year. Oakland will have problems stalling out near or just beyond the red zone, so Janikowski is going to have a decent day. The way Holmes and Johnson split duty last week is exactly what the doctor ordered for keeping Holmes healthy as long as possible, that will be happening every week. For a RBBC, the Chiefs version actually doesn't hurt anyone too bad. Just pretend LJ and Holmes are both feature backs for a "typical" team.
Collins 21/43 255 2td 2int
Jordan 90 0td
Moss 120 1td
Porter 50 1td
Anderson 25 0td
Janikowski 2xp/3fg
DEF 0s/1i/0f
Green 23/35 280 2td 1int
Holmes 85 1td
Johnson 70 1td
Kennison 75 1td
Gonzalex 80 1td
Tynes 4xp
DEF 3s/2i/0f
Monday Night's Double Header
Washington 16 at Dallas 21
Who will be the starting QB at Dallas this week for the Skins? Brunell is my guess. Simms also had the same feeling, and he also added that Ramsey wasn't losing his starting job due to a slight injury last Sunday. Either way, I don't see the Redskin passing game having much success against the Cowboy secondary. I also don't see Bledsoe having an interception-free afternoon this week against the Skins D.
Bledsoe 17/31 230 2td 2int
Jones 90 1td
Crayton 80 1td
Glenn 60
Witten 30 1td
Cortez 3xp
DEF 2s/2i/0f
Brunell 14/25 170 0td 1int
Portis 100 1td
Moss 65 0td
Cooley 40 0td
Hall 1xp/3fg
DEF 3s/2i/1f
NY Giants 27 at New Orleans 28
Maybe the whole Katrina thing can be used as a 'rallying the troops' kind of thing for the Saints this year. If their D can hold the Giants offense to just 2 td's, then I think they can win this one. McAllister will have to have a good day, too. The Giants D may be a little better this year than it was last year. They looked good last week. The special teams were extraordinary.
Brooks 20/34 240 2td 1int
McAllister 95 2td
Horn 75 1td
Stallworth 50 1td
Conwell 80 0td
Carney 4xp
DEF 1s/0i/1f
Manning 12/25 160 1td 0int
Barber 120 0td
Jacobs 40 1td
Burress 75 0td
Shockey 15 1td
Feely 2xp/2fg
DEF 3s/1i/0f +td
By The Numbers - Week 1
Time for a look at the fantasy numbers for week 1 – prepare to be dismayed, amazed and reminded …
Oh, How The Mighty Have Fallen
What do Daunte Culpepper, Brett Favre and Chad Pennington have in common? They all sucked on the same weekend, and all three led their respective teams to less than stellar fantasy and real-life performances. Here’s a look at the game and fantasy numbers (using standard Yahoo scoring):
Daunte Culpepper (consensus #2 QB in fantasy circles) – 0 TDs, 233 yards passing, 3 picks, 2 fumbles = -5 fantasy points
2004 Game #1 performance (vs. Dal): 5 TDs, 242 yards passing, 25 yards rushing = 35 fantasy points
Brett Favre (top #5 QB in most preseason rankings) – 0 TDs, 201 yards passing, 2 picks, 1 fumble = -2 fantasy points
2004 Game #1 performance (vs. Car): 1 TD, 143 yards passing = 8 fantasy points
Chad Pennington (serviceable QB with a new scheme in 2005) – 0 TDs, 264 yards passing, 1 pick, 2 fumbles = -2 fantasy points
2004 Game #1 performance (vs. Cin): 2 TDs, 224 yards passing = 16 fantasy points
Out of Their Heads
What do Alex E. Smith, Courtney Anderson and Frisman Jackson have in common? They all performed far beyond real-life and fantasy expectations, and the two tight ends (that’s right, the toughest fantasy position to predict) scored two TDs each!
Here’s a look at the game and fantasy numbers (using standard Yahoo scoring):
Alex E. Smith (rookie out of Stanford): 2 TDs, 4 catches for 34 yards
Courtney Anderson (13 receptions, 1 TD all of last year): 2 TDs, 3 catches for 18 yards
Frisman Jackson (3rd year, undrafted out of Western Illinois): 1 TD, 8 catches for 128 yards
This Week in Fantasy History
For each coming week, I’ll take a look at great performances in fantasy football history. Let’s start with the least-respected position in football, the placekicker.
In week 2 of 2003, Billy Cundiff of the Dallas Cowboys booted 7 field goals in a game against the NY Giants, including the game winner in OT. Total fantasy points: 25.
Oh, How The Mighty Have Fallen
What do Daunte Culpepper, Brett Favre and Chad Pennington have in common? They all sucked on the same weekend, and all three led their respective teams to less than stellar fantasy and real-life performances. Here’s a look at the game and fantasy numbers (using standard Yahoo scoring):
Daunte Culpepper (consensus #2 QB in fantasy circles) – 0 TDs, 233 yards passing, 3 picks, 2 fumbles = -5 fantasy points
2004 Game #1 performance (vs. Dal): 5 TDs, 242 yards passing, 25 yards rushing = 35 fantasy points
Brett Favre (top #5 QB in most preseason rankings) – 0 TDs, 201 yards passing, 2 picks, 1 fumble = -2 fantasy points
2004 Game #1 performance (vs. Car): 1 TD, 143 yards passing = 8 fantasy points
Chad Pennington (serviceable QB with a new scheme in 2005) – 0 TDs, 264 yards passing, 1 pick, 2 fumbles = -2 fantasy points
2004 Game #1 performance (vs. Cin): 2 TDs, 224 yards passing = 16 fantasy points
Out of Their Heads
What do Alex E. Smith, Courtney Anderson and Frisman Jackson have in common? They all performed far beyond real-life and fantasy expectations, and the two tight ends (that’s right, the toughest fantasy position to predict) scored two TDs each!
Here’s a look at the game and fantasy numbers (using standard Yahoo scoring):
Alex E. Smith (rookie out of Stanford): 2 TDs, 4 catches for 34 yards
Courtney Anderson (13 receptions, 1 TD all of last year): 2 TDs, 3 catches for 18 yards
Frisman Jackson (3rd year, undrafted out of Western Illinois): 1 TD, 8 catches for 128 yards
This Week in Fantasy History
For each coming week, I’ll take a look at great performances in fantasy football history. Let’s start with the least-respected position in football, the placekicker.
In week 2 of 2003, Billy Cundiff of the Dallas Cowboys booted 7 field goals in a game against the NY Giants, including the game winner in OT. Total fantasy points: 25.
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