RotoBuzz -- Fantasy Football

Friday, May 30, 2008

We've Moved

Still looking over here for info?

We've moved over to Rotobuzz.com

Baseball is in full swing and we'll be back for football over the summer.

See you all in the money this year!!!

Saturday, December 30, 2006

Week 17 Preview

Well, this is it. Last entry. The final week of a fantastic (depending on your perspective) NFL regular season. Last year's champs are done, the Jets are on the rise and it looks like it will be another year of AFC dominance. If you're still playing for your fantasy championship, I wish you the best of luck. It's a tricky week and even I'm not sure who's playing a full game this week or not. In any event, here's what it looks like to me...

Saturday Night Spoiler Special:

Washington Redskins over the New York Giants

Standouts: Ladell Betts, Jason Campbell, Chris Cooley, Santana Moss, Eli Manning, Plaxico Burress, David Tyree, Jay Feeley

It's a shame that Joe Gibbs is too "old school" to know how to properly utilize Antwaan Randle-El in the modern NFL. Otherwise, he'd be listed here too.

Sorry Giants fans...it ends here. Atleast you won't have to endure another year of Tom Coughlin. He's dunzo!!

Here's a quick glance at the rest of the games...

New Orleans Saints over the Carolina Panthers

Standouts: Deuce McAllister, Reggie Bush, Drew Brees, Marques Colston, Jake Delhomme, Steve Smith, Keyshawn Johnson

Houston Texans over the Cleveland Browns

Standouts: Ron Dayne, David Carr, Andre Johnson, Kris Brown, Ken Dorsey, Kellen Winslow, Dennis Northcutt

Dallas Cowboys over the Detroit Lions

Standouts: Marion Barber, Julius Jones, Terrell Owens, Terry Glenn, Tony Romo, Jon Kitna, Roy Williams, Jason Hanson

Jacksonville Jaguars over the Kansas City Chiefs

Standouts: Maurice Jones-Drew, Dave Garrard, Matt Jones, josh Scobee, Larry Johnson, Trent Green, Tony Gonzalez, Laurence Tynes

New England Patriots over the Tennessee Titans

Standouts: Tom Brady, Corey Dillon, Reche Caldwell, Troy Brown, Vince Young, Travis Henry, Rob Bironas

New York Jets over the Oakland Raiders

Standouts: Chad Pennington, Leon Washington, Jerricho Cotchery, Chris Baker, Justin Vargas, Sebastian Janikowski

Cincinnati Bengals over the Pittsburgh Steelers

Standouts: Carson Palmer, Chad Johnson, T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Rudi Johnson, Ben Roethlisberger, Hines Ward, Willie Parker, Jeff Reed

Seattle Seahawks over the Tampa Bay Bucaneers

Standouts: Shaun Alexander, Matt Hasselbeck, Deion Branch, Jerramy Stevens, Tim Rattay, Joey Galloway, Mike Alstott

St. Louis Rams over the Minnesota Vikings

Standouts: Mark Bulger, Torry Holt, Isaac Bruce, Steven Jackson, Jeff Wilkins, Tarvaris Jackson, Chester Taylor, Ryan Longwell

San Diego Chargers over the Arizona Cardinals

Standouts: Phillip Rivers, Antonio Gates, LaDanian Tomlinson, Michael Turner, Nate Kaeding, Kurt Warner, Larry Fitzgerald, Anquan Boldin, Neil Rackers

Philadelphia Eagles over the Atlanta Falcons

Standouts: Jeff Garcia, Brian Westbrook, Donte Stallworth, Reggie Brown, David Akers, Michael Vick, Warrick Dunn, Alge Crumpler, Michael Jenkins

UPSET SPECIAL:

Buffalo Bills over the Baltimore Ravens

Standouts: J.P. Losman, Lee Evans, Willis McGahee, Roscoe Parrish, Rian Lindell, Steve McNair, Todd Heap, Matt Stover

Indianapolis Colts over the Miami Dolphins

Standouts: Peyton Manning, Reggie Wayne, Marvin Harrison, Joseph Addai, Ronnie Brown, Olino Mare

Denver Broncos over the San Francisco 49ers

Standouts: Jay Cutler, Javon Walker, Tatum Bell, Tony Scheffler, Jason Elam, Frank Gore, Alex Smith, Vernon Davis

Chicago Bears over the Green Bay Packers

Standouts: Thomas Jones, Cedric Benson, Rex Grossman, Desmond Clark, Bernard Berrian, Brett Favre, Ahman Green, Donald Driver, Dave Rayner

Last Week: 8-8
Overall: 145-97

Good luck to you all and have a Happy New Year!!!!!!

Friday, December 29, 2006

QB Rankings -- Week 17

OK....here we go. Last week of the regular season. Some people are playign for the championship here, so good luck. Here's the QB rankings for NFL week 17. Be careful. While some of these playoff bound guys will start, they may not finish the game if their teams are way ahead or way behind. As always, color codings remain the same.


1. Peyton Manning, IND -- vs. MIA
2. Carson Palmer, CIN -- vs. PIT
3. Marc Bulger, STL -- @ MIN
4. Ben Roethlisberger, PIT -- @ CIN
5. Jeff Garcia, PHI -- vs. ATL
6. Michael Vick, ATL -- @ PHI
7. Jon Kitna, DET -- @ DAL
8. Jay Cutler, DEN -- vs. SF
9. Vince Young, TEN -- vs. NE
10. Matt Hasselbeck, SEA -- @ TB
11. Tony Romo, DAL -- vs. DET
12. Kurt Warner, ARI -- @ SD
13. Phillip Rivers, SD -- vs. ARI
14. Brett Favre, GB -- @ CHI
15. Drew Brees, NO -- vs. CAR
16. Eli Manning, NYG -- @ WAS
17. Dave Garrard, JAC -- @ KC
18. Tim Rattay, TB -- vs. SEA
19. Steve McNair, BAL -- vs. BUF
20. Jason Campbell, WAS -- vs. NYG
21. Tarvaris Jackson, MIN -- vs. STL
22. J.P. Losman, BUF -- @ BAL
23. Rex Grossman, CHI -- vs. GB
24. David Carr, HOU -- vs. CLE
25. Tom Brady, NE -- @ TEN
26. Trent Green, KC -- vs. JAC
27. Chad Pennington, NYJ -- vs. OAK
28. Jake Delhomme, CAR -- @ NO
29. Alex Smith, SF -- @ DEN
30. Cleo Lemon, MIA -- @ IND
31. Ken Dorsey, CLE -- @ HOU
32. Aaron Brooks, OAK -- @ NYJ
33. Brian Griese, CHI -- vs. GB
34. Jamie Martin, NO -- vs. CAR
35. Matt Cassell, NE -- @ TEN
36. Andrew Walter, OAK -- @ NYJ

Tuesday, December 26, 2006

Tuesday Morning Quarterback

Player of the Week: He was the cause of my demise in the fantasy playoffs and the reason my wife is atleast about to win the 3rd place consolation prize in our primary league. With a 65.8% completion percentage, Marc Bulger led the Rams to victory with 388 passing yards and 4 TDs over the upstart Redskins. He also threw in a little bonus action with an additional 27 rushing yards. Big points in a very important week. He's had some peaks and valleys this season, but as always he is a dangerous quarterback to go up against.



You're probably celebrating like a champion if you started:

QB Marc Bulger, STL: 388 passing yards-4 TD, 27 rushing yards
QB Jon Kitna, DET: 283 passing yards-3 TD, FL
QB Vince Young, TEN: 183 passing yards-2 TD, 61 rushing yards-1 TD
QB Steve McNair, BAL: 256 passing yards-3 TD, 2 INT
QB Peyton Manning, IND: 205 passing yards-3 TD
RB Steven Jackson, STL: 150 rushing yards-1 TD, 102 receiving yards-1 TD, FL
RB Maurice Jones-Drew, JAC: 131 rushing yards-2 TD, 41 receiving yards
RB Ladell Betts, WAS: 129 rushing yards-2 TD, 35 receiving yards, FL
RB Shaun Alexander, SEA: 140 rushing yards-2 TD
WR Marvin Harrison, IND: 112 receiving yards-2 TD
WR Isaac Bruce, STL: 148 receiving yards-1 TD
WR Mark Clayton, BAL: 108 receiving yards-1 TD
WR Mike Furrey, DET: 107 receiving yards-1 TD
TE Chris Cooley, WAS: 77 receiving yards-1 TD
TE Vernon Davis, SF: 91 receiving yards
K Rian Lindell, BUF: 5 FG, 2 XP
K Robbie Gould, CHI: 4 FG, 2 XP
K Neil Rackers, ARI: 4 FG, 2 XP
DEF Tampa Bay Bucaneers: 4 INT, 3 sacks, 1 DTD
DEF Kansas City Chiefs: 2 INT, 4 sacks, 3 DFR

You understand the phrase 'the agony of defeat' if you started:

QB Derek Anderson, CLE: 123 passing yards, 4 INT
QB Michael Vick, ATL: 109 passing yards, 2 INT, 32 rushing yards
QB Matt Hasselbeck, SEA: 189 passing yards, 2 INT, 10 rushing yards
RB Dominic Rhodes, IND: 15 rushing yards, 6 receiving yards, FL
RB Willie Parker, PIT: 29 rushing yards, FL
RB Warrick Dunn, ATL: 29 rushing yards, 9 receiving yards
WR Steve Smith, CAR: -5 rushing yards
WR Braylon Edwards, CLE: 7 receiving yards
WR Michael Jenkins, ATL: 9 receiving yards
WR Devery Henderson, NO: 0 yards, 0 points
WR Drew Bennett, TEN: 0 yards, 0 points
TE Jeremy Shockey, NYG: -3 receiving yards
TE Jermaine Wiggins, MIN: 4 receiving yards
K Ryan Longwell, MIN: 1 XP
K Jeff Reed, PIT: 1 XP
K Jay Feely, NYG: 1 XP
DEF Indianapolis Colts: 27 PA, 354 TYdA

You gotta be nuts, but lucked out if you actually started:

RB Ron Dayne, HOU: 153 rushing yards-2 TD (c'mon...even with that matchup, no one started him, did they?)
WR Vincent Jackson, SD: 97 receiving yards-2 TD (even though I've been pushing him for weeks now)
WR Brandon Jones, TEN: 101 receiving yards-1 TD
TE David Thomas, NE: 83 receiving yards-1 TD

TE Dominique Byrd, STL: 39 receiving yards-1 TD
TE Dan Campbell, DET: 31 receiving yards-1 TD
DEF Cleveland Browns: 1 INT, 3 sacks, 1 DTD

News & Notes


You know, I'll be honest with you. What with the holiday and my work schedule I really didn't get a chance to watch much football this weekend. Blasphemous, I know. I didn't even get a chance to watch highlights. So this section here is going to be pretty light. I'll go over a couple of things though that I did happen to catch...

Who would have thought that in week 16, championship week in most leagues, LTD would end up going TD-less and Steve Smith going catchless? I hope they didn't cost anyone a championship. Nightmarish timing.

Vince Young shines bright again for the Titans as he throws for 2 TDs and runs another one in. He is proving to be the real deal and once again continues to see his value skyrocket in keeper leagues.

Seriously. Can we finally stop hearing it from the Tony Romo fluffers?!? If you take away that Thanksgiving game, you've got one pretty average former practice squad kid. He's got a better chance of living happily ever after with Carrie Underwood than he does of having a successful career in the NFL.

In three years from now, that Cardinals/49ers game could end up being for the NFC championship. Frank Gore is going to be solid for years to come and Matt Leinart (injured and all) is going to bring that team to a new level soon.

Are the Colts pulling a rope-a-dope here? Do they really think people will start taking them lightly if they limp into the playoffs like this?

The Saints are high flying, the Ravens look fierce and the Lions and Raiders are just the worst I've seen in years. And I'm a Jets fan!!!

And speaking of...

How about a big, hard nosed, rain soaked victory that pushes Gang Green's record to 9-6 now?!?! I can't believe I'm typing this, but if we can just avoid the "Same Ol' Jets" stigma here and not screw up the game against the Raiders in the final week, we can take momentum into the playoffs! We control our own destiny!

C'mon Man-genius!! Take us there!

Saturday, December 23, 2006

A Closer Look at Week 16

Baltimore @ Pittsburgh

The Ravens may have clinched their division, but home field advantage is still very much up for grabs in the AFC, so don't expect them to lie down for this one. Expect an old school smashmouth style game here between these two rivals. Both teams will try to establish a runnning game but don't set your expectations for Willie Parker and Jamal Lewis too high. Both defenses are solid against the run, both ranking in the top 5 in the league. The passing game should be interesting to watch. Steve McNair is back in action this week and should be looking for Mark Clayton and Derrick Mason downfield more than across the middle to the banged up Todd Heap. Ben Roethlisberger has Hines Ward back but we're still waiting to see someone really step up as the #2 guy. Toss it up between Nate Washington and Santonio Holmes as Cedrick Wilson and former TE standout Heath Miller have been disappointing this year. I think whoever wins the ground battle, wins the war.

Carolina @ Atlanta

If it wasn't for the sad mediocrity of the NFC, this game would have no playoff implications whatsoever. Instead, the winner here keeps themselves alive and the loser...well, they can still get some help. The Panthers are struggling right now and need a jump start on offense. Chris Weinke has not been able to take advantage of having Steve Smith and Keyshawn Johnson and the team has only put up 16 points in the last 2 games. Perhaps a shootout with the Falcons is just what they need. With neither team having that great of a running game (DeShaun Foster and Warrick Dunn don't exactly instill a lot of fear in defenses) look for a lot of quarterback action. Michael Vick will pick up the slack on the ground, but will look for Alge Crumpler and Michael Jenkins against a team that's given up 21 TDs through the air this season. In response, you can look for Weinke to repeat that week 14 400+ yard performance with a few red zone strikes to his eager receivers.

Chicago @ Detroit

Normally I would say that this is a tough one to call, but with Detroit really being that bad, I still don't see them beating a Bears squad that has already clinched a divisional title and home field throughout the playoffs. With Kevin Jones still out, the Lions are going with Arlen Harris and Aevion Cason and they've been as close to useless as you can get in a fantasy running back. The forever average Jon Kitna doesn't have much going on but he'll still be forced to air it out to Roy Williams and Mike Furrey, as best as he can. For the Bears, Rex Grossman remains under center as he should be. If the team is looking to maintain their momentum in the playoffs, then Grossman needs to continue to play and stay sharp. He'll have the help of Bernard Berrian and Desmond Clark to keep those fantasy numbers up there. The one change you will see is in the Bears ground game. To keep him fresh for the playoffs, the team will likely cut down the workload of Thomas Jones and give the bulk of the carries to Cedric Benson. That doesn't bode well for Jones' owners, but if you have Benson, he could be a huge start for you this week.

Indianapolis @ Houston

The Colts are looking up at San Diego for home field and they're neck and neck with Baltimore for that #2 seed. Funny how a game against lowly Houston could be so important for the team. Peyton Manning should have a strong on ehere, probably locking up mostly with Reggie Wayne. Marvelous Marvin Harrison will play, but if you saw him last Monday, you'll see that that hand is still bothering him a little. Look for TE Ben Utecht to come up big as well. The ground assault will be led by Dominic Rhodes as Joe Addai is still questionable with the ankle sprain he suffered last week. For the Texans, I guess the guy to watch would be Ron Dayne. The Colts D still struggles big time against the run, and Dayne will do everything he can to expose its weaknesses. In the air, David Carr has been much less than spectacular lately, and will probably struggle again against the #2 pass defense in the NFL. Maybe Andre Johnson can come down with something at some point, but I wouldn't bet my fantasy championship on it.

New England @ Jacksonville

The Patriots can lock up the AFC East with a win, while the Jags need a win to keep themselves alive in the wild card hunt. Expect both teams to come out hard right from the start. Tom Brady will be able to show off his prowess as he goes again without his favorite target, Ben Watson. Reche Caldwell and Troy Brown could see some extensive looks. Also expect to see Brady get perennial backup Kevin Faulk in on the action again as he gets more time with Corey Dillon in the backfield while Laurence Maroney remains sidelined. It's still a tough Jags D, so don't expect anything crazy. For Jacksonville on offense, it's going to be a lot of Maurice Jones-Drew. With Fred Taylor sidelined and Dave Garrard being so inconsistent, look for a game plan that keeps the focus on Jones-Drew both on the ground and in the air. Matt Jones may get a few looks here and there, but he's not someone I'm relying on. I don't see it being a barnburner, but I don't see it being too low scoring either. Brady and Jones-Drew should be the top point-getters.

New Orleans @ NY Giants

Now this one, on the other hand, has all the potential of being a huge barnburner. The high-flying Saints are looking to put last week's debacle behind them and will look to expose a very problematic New York secondary. The Giants hope to work some of their offensive magic into the game also and while the Saints have the #5 pass defense in the league, they've still given up 23 TDs via the pass this year. What does this mean for fantasy? It means get your damn starters in. Eli Manning, Jeremy Shockey, Plaxico Burress, Tiki Barber, Drew Brees, Marques Colston, Devery Henderson, Reggie Bush, Deuce McAllister...get them all in unless you have ridiculously better options. The Giants may be getting back DL Michael Strahan, but the team has been bad enough the past few weeks to counter any and all of his efforts.

Tampa Bay @ Cleveland

Now here you go. A game without a single playoff ramification. Two franchises looking at a top draft choice next year. But for this season, there's still a little fantasy hope. Inserting QB Tim Rattay into the Tampa lineup did wonders for them after being battered by Chicago last week. They even made a game out of it by forcing overtime. Now Rattay takes over from the start and the Bucs are hoping to put up some points agaisnt a weak Browns squad. Joey Galloway should have a great afternoon and I'll bet TE Alex Smith gets a few red zone looks as well. The ground game may be a little rough as Michael Pittman takes over for the injured Carnell Williams, but Pittman has surprised folks for a few years now. For Cleveland, it could be tough as they just don't have any sort of a ground game. Reuben Droughns and Jason Wright have been abyssmal, so expect Derek Anderson to look downfield a lot for Braylon Edwards and Kellen Winslow, although Steve Heiden has been a favorite target as well. With Ronde Barber on Edwards for most of the day, Dennis Northcutt becomes an interesting sleeper.

Tennessee @ Buffalo

Whoa!! Where'd these Bills come from? People are still using the word 'playoffs' when speaking about this team. J.P. Losman seems to be getting better and better and the trio of Lee Evans, Roscoe Parrish and Peerless Price gives them depth at WR and numerous options. Willis McGahee is trying to make something out of this year and a mediocre Titans run D could help the cause. For the Titans, it's going to be interesting to see how the offense rebounds from last week's disappointment. Vince Young couldn't get things going and the pass defense had to bail them out. It's a tough task for Young as his wideouts are achey and Travis Henry is banged up. Look for him to try and make it happen himself on the ground, but still find a few strikes to Brandon Marshall and, if he plays, Bo Scaife.

Washington @ St. Louis

Another game with little or no playoff implications, but possibly loaded with fantasy points. Redskins RB Ladell Betts has been fantastic since takin gover for Clinton Portis and he should attack the Rams D and their 31st ranked run D pretty strongly. I see another 100+ yard game for him. QB Jason Campbell seemed to be doing a little better last week and hopefully will be able to continue hitting Santana Moss and Chris Cooley in this potential shootout. For the Rams, they've followed through with their plan and have turned Steven Jackson into quite the premium running back. He's been great for fantasy owners down the stretch and should continue that against the Skins, although they've only given up a league low 5 rushing TDs. He'll get his points on yardage though. The points from the Rams, this week, are coming from the air. Look for Marc Bulger, Torry Holt and even Isaac Bruce to take advantage of the Skins' poor pass defense that has allowed a league high 25 passing TDs.

Arizona @ San Francisco

This is a game I'd love to see in 3 years. They've both got some holes to contend with, but these are two of the most promising young offenses in the NFL. The Niners will concentrate on the ground this week, so look for another strong performance from Frank Gore. The passing attack took a hit when Antonio Bryant was suspended by the NFL for violating the league's substance abuse policy, so look for Alex Smith to reach out for Vernon Davis and Arnaz Battle this week. For the Cards, look for Matt Leinart to shine. The Niners pass D is very suspect and with weapons like Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin, it's time for Leinart to step it up. Edgerrin James is coming off another solid performance so he will definitely take off some of the pressure. Joe Nedney and Neil Rackers should also be pretty busy. I see a high scoring ending here.

Cincinnati @ Denver

This is a must win for both teams if they want to make the playoffs. The Bengals need to rebound from last week's dismal showing against the Colts, if they want to win and are getting a nice spark at just the right time. Carson Palmer couldn't be happier with the return of OL Levi Jones and should get a little more worry-free time to stay in the pocket this week. Look for T.J. Houshmandzadeh and Chad Johnson to come up big this week, and maybe even a little "something something" from Chris Henry. Rudi Johnson should find it a little tough on the ground against the staunch Broncos D. On offense for Denver, it's going to be a nice test for Jay Cutler. The Bengals D, outside of last week, has made strong improvements and should make it tough for Cutler all day. Javon Walker should fare pretty well, but my sleeper this week is rookie TE Tony Scheffler. Cutler has the confidence in him and they've hooked up well before. Toss a friggin coin to see which RB shows up though. Mike Bell, Tatum Bell, jeez!! Who knows at this point?

San Diego @ Seattle

What better way to lock up home field advantage than to pile on more TDs for your record in front of the guy whose record was broken after just one year? LaDanian Tomlinson is a beast and he's going to continue to add to his totals this week. The Chargers want the win, so don't expect LTD to sit while the game is close. Expect yet another 100+ yard performance with a couple of touchdowns again. Hell, he'll probably throw one too. Phillip Rivers should also have another solid game as he tunes up for the palyoffs and Antonio Gates will reap the benefits there. The WR area is still a little sketchy, but expect Vincent Jackson and Keenan McCardell to get a few looks as well. For the Seahawks, it could be a rough day agains ta fired up Chargers defense. Shaun Alexander will find running room scarce and Matt Hasselbeck will have to deal with an outstanding pass rush. Still, I see Alexander maybe grabbing a score and perhaps a strike to Jerramy Stevens. Maybe even Deion Branch, but again, i'm not betting a championship on it.

Philadelphia @ Dallas

The Cowboys have already locked up a playoff berth, but a win this week gives them the divisional title and strong hopes for that #2 seed in the playoffs. Expect a usual Parcells type of attack as both Marion Barber and Julius Jones should get a large amount of work. Once again, I see Barber as the stroger option. Tony Romo will have ample opportunity to air it out, and if Terrell Owens has anything to say (and he usually does) he'll get the majority of looks as he tries to show up the Eagles this time around. I don't see Philly allowing too much of T.O., so expect to see Jason Witten and Terry Glenn get in on the action. The Jeff Garcia-led Eagles are also in the thick of the playoff race, so expect them to come out hard from the onset. Brian Westbrook has been solid as of late, and L.J. Smith has seen a nice resurgance as well. If only Garcia can get Reggie Brown and Donte Stallworth involved a little more, they could have a shot here after all.

NY Jets @ Miami

Saving the best for last here, huh? My Jets are 8-6 and have a shot (although they need some help) at making the playoffs here in Man-genius' first year as head coach. The Miami D is tough, but both teams always seem to step it up for this rivalry. Basically, don't expect Jason Taylor to run the show here. Chad Pennington should have a decent day and Laveraneus Coles (and all his bulletin board fodder) and Jerricho Cotchery should reap the benefits. The ground game will switch back to the Kevan Barlow-Leon Washington tandem while Cedric Houston sits due to injury. I expect Barlow to steal the 3rd down and goal line carries for Gang Green. For the Fins, it's about pride now. They were mathematically eliminated last week, but still want to go out with a bang. Word out of Miami has Ronnie Brown playing, but only to spell Sammy Morris, who should have the stronger game against the subpar Jets run D. Now since I'm not too sold on Morris, I'm going to have to assume that Joey Harrington is going to be looking for Randy McMichael and Chris Chambers a lot downfield. Former favorite Marty Booker is out again this week. I'm looking for a big Jets win here!!!

Good luck to you all this weekend and have a wonderful holiday!!!!

Merry Christmas, Happy Hannukah, whatever it is you're celebrating -- make it fun...and safe!

Saturday Night Special -- NFL Week 16

Kansas City @ Oakland

Despite some of the surprises we've seen this season, I can still say that this looks like a no brainer. You tell me...Oaktown has no offense, a great pass defense, and a poor run defense. The Chiefs have Larry Johnson and a decent (nothing to write home about) defense. Predictions? The Chiefs still have a faint glimmer of hope to make a playoff run (although they need a lot of help), and are looking to put away the Raiders early. LJ should run all over them. The Chiefs will attack on the ground from the onset and probably won't let up until it's obvious that Trent Green can easily connect with Tony Gonzalez downfield. It's the perfect Herm Edwards ultra-conservative, I don't know how to coach any other way type of game. For Oaktown, well, I wouldn't be starting any of these guys on my fantasy team. Aaron Brooks is banged up but will start, but Andrew Walter will still probably see some snaps of his own in the second half. Justin Fargas? Ronald Curry? Doug Gabriel? Are any of these guys even on someone's fantasy team right now? I didn't think so.

How about Chiefs 31 Raiders 13?

Week 16 Preview

It's the second to last week here. Some teams have clinched while others are still looking for wild card spots, divisional titles and home field advantages. Some important guys could sit if the scores get out of hand and some guys could sit just for protection from injury. Nothing too earth-shattering yet, so you should treat it as business as usual. Here's a quick look at what I think the rest of NFL week 16 could look like for fantasy football.

Kansas City Chiefs over the Oakland Raiders

Standouts: Larry Johnson, Trent Green, Tony Gonzalez, Chiefs Defense, Laurence Tynes, Sebastian Janikowski

Baltimore Ravens over the Pittsburgh Steelers

Standouts: Steve McNair, Jamal Lewis, Mark Clayton, Ravens Defense, Ben Roethlisberger, Willie Parker, Hines Ward, Jeff Reed

Atlanta Falcons over the Carolina Panthers

Standouts: Michael Vick, Alge Crumpler, Michael Jenkins, Warrick Dunn, Steve Smith, Keyshawn Johnson, Chris Weinke

Chicago Bears over the Detroit Lions

Standouts: Cedric Benson, Rex Grossman, Bernard Berrian, Bears Defense, Jon Kitna, Roy Williams, Jason Hanson

Indianapolis Colts over the Houston Texans

Standouts: Peyton Manning, Reggie Wayne, Dominic Rhodes, Marvin Harrison, Ron Dayne, Andre Johnson, Kris Brown

New England Patriots over the Jacksonville Jaguars

Standouts: Tom Brady, Corey Dillon, Reche Caldwell, Kevin Faulk, Troy Brown, Maurice Jones-Drew, Dave Garrard, Matt Jones, Josh Scobee

New Orleans Saints over the New York Giants

Standouts: Drew Brees, Reggie Bush, Marques Colston, Devery Henderson, Eli Manning, Jeremy Shockey, Tiki Barber

Cleveland Browns over the Tampa Bay Bucaneers

Standouts: Derek Anderson, Braylon Edwards, Kellen Winslow, Phil Dawson, Tim Rattay, Joey Galloway, Michael Pittman

Buffalo Bills over the Tennessee Titans

Standouts: J.P. Losman, Lee Evans, Willis McGahee, Peerless Price, Vince Young, Travis Henry, Brandon Jones

St. Louis Rams over the Washington Redskins

Standouts: Marc Bulger, Torry Holt, Steven Jackson, Isaac Bruce, Ladell Betts, Jason Campbell, Santana Moss

San Francisco 49ers over the Arizona Cardinals

Standouts: Frank Gore, Alex Smith, Vernon Davis, Bryan Gillmore, Matt Leinart, Edgerrin James, Anquan Boldin, Larry Fitzgerald

Cincinnati Bengals over the Denver Broncos

Standouts: Carson Palmer, Chad Johnson, T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Rudi Johnson, Jay Cutler, Tatum Bell, Javon Walker, Tony Scheffler

San Diego Chargers over the Seattle Seahawks

Standouts: LaDanian Tomlinson, Phillip Rivers, Antonio Gates, Vincent Jackson, Matt Hasselbeck, Shaun Alexander, Deion Branch

Dallas Cowboys over the Philadelphia Eagles

Standouts: Tony Romo, Terrell Ownes, Terry Glenn, Marion Barber, Jason Witten, Jeff Garcia, Brian Westbrook, L.J. Smith, David Akers

New York Jets over the Miami Dolphins

Standouts: Chad Pennington, Laveraneus Coles, Leon Washington, Kevan Barlow, Sammy Morris, Joey Harrington, Chris Chambers

Last Week: 10-6
Overall: 137-89

Thursday, December 21, 2006

QB Rankings -- Week 16

For most leagues, this is championship week here. For others, it's an opportunity to make it to the big dance. Either way, the right decision is vital. Here are the Week 16 QB rankings. All color coding applies.


1. Peyton Manning, IND -- @ HOU
2. Drew Brees, NO -- @ NYG
3. Marc Bulger, STL -- vs. WAS
4. Brett Favre, GB -- vs. MIN
5. Michael Vick, ATL -- vs. CAR
6. Tom Brady, NE -- @ JAC
7. Carson Palmer, CIN -- @ DEN
8. Eli Manning, NYG -- vs. NO
9. Matt Hasselbeck, SEA -- vs. SD
10. Phillip Rivers, SD -- @ SEA
11. Tony Romo, DAL -- vs. PHI
12. Ben Roethlisberger -- vs. BAL
13. Jeff Garcia, PHI -- @ DAL
14. Chris Weinke, CAR -- @ ATL
15. Jay Cutler, DEN -- vs. CIN
16. Chad Pennington, NYJ -- @ MIA
17. Steve McNair, BAL -- @ PIT
18. Jon Kitna, DET -- vs. CHI
19. Matt Leinart, ARI -- @ SF
20. Vince Young, TEN -- @ BUF
21. Rex Grossman, CHI -- @ DET
22. Trent Green, KC -- @ OAK
23. Jason Campbell, WAS -- @ STL
24. Alex Smith, SF -- vs. ARI
25. J.P. Losman, BUF -- vs. TEN
26. Dave Garrard, JAC -- vs. NE
27. Joey Harrington, MIA -- vs. NYJ
28. Tim Rattay, TB -- @ CLE
29. Tarvaris Jackson, MIN -- @ GB
30. Derek Anderson, CLE -- vs. TB
31. David Carr, HOU -- vs. IND
32. Aaron Brooks, OAK -- vs. KC
33. Andrew Walter, OAK -- vs. KC

The rest of the rankings will be posted later today in plenty of time to make decisions for tonight's game.

Week 16 Thursday Game Preview

Minnesota @ Green Bay

Neither team has any real shot of making the playoffs here, so it's about divisional pride...and that it may be the last time Brett Favre visits the Metrodome to play. So with that, you have to believe that he is going to want to go all out. It doesn't hurt that the Vikings have the best run defense in the league which means he's not getting a lot of support from Ahman Green this week. Expect Brett to air it out -- using the Jets' gameplan from last week, which was the Pats' gameplan earlier in the year. I'm looking for a big game from Donald Driver, that breakout game from Greg Jennings that I wanted last week, and the re-emegence of David Martin at tight end. All three should put up solid numbers.
For the Vikings, it's going to be a lot of Chester Taylor. After being held down agains tthe Jets last week, Taylor is looking to pound the Packers up and down the field. It's exactly what the team needs as they go with Tarvaris Jackson instead of former starter Brad Johnson; the fact that they have no legit wideouts helps too. Despite Green Bay's mediocre to poor pass defense, if you don't have anyone to throw to, then you're not going to put up a lot of points. Sure he'll get the occasional toss to Travis Taylor or Marcus Robinson if they're healthy, but I see him staying more with Jermaine Wiggins if he wants some assemblance of consistency.
So that's what it's looking like to me. Lots from Favre and the Packers wideouts, lots from Chester Taylor.
How about this? Green Bay 28 Minnesota 17

Tuesday, December 19, 2006

Tuesday Morning Quarterback

Player of the Week: You know, no matter how many times I watch him play, no matter how many times I write about how great he is, both on the field and off, I never get bored. You would think that this boyish giddiness was coming from a first time owner, but I've owned LaDanian Tomlinson in fantasy football every year since 2001. He is just unbelievable. In the much hyped "Battle of the Running Backs", LTD showed Larry Johnson who the big swinging dick in the NFL truly is as he torched the Chiefs defense for 199 rushing yards with 2 TDs, one of which was an 85 yarder -- the longest of his famed career. He also threw in a catch for 5 yards just to get his all-purpose yardage over the 200 mark. LJ? Pfffft! 84 piddly-ass yards. Anyone with a first or second overall pick that passed up on Tomlinson for those other two clowns should have to pay a penalty fee in your league.



You're en route towards some extra holiday cash if you started:

QB Peyton Manning, IND -- 282 passing yards-4 TD, 10 rushing yards
QB Michael Vick, ATL -- 237 passing yards-4 TD, 1 INT, 56 rushing yards
QB Rex Grossman, CHI -- 339 passing yards-2 TD
QB Alex Smith, SF -- 162 passing yards-2 TD, 33 rushing yards
QB Tony Romo, DAL -- 278 passing yards-2 TD, 1 INT
QB Jay Cutler, DEN -- 261 passing yards-2 TD, 1 INT, 10 rushing yards
RB LaDanian Tomlinson, SD -- 199 rushing yards-2 TD, 5 receiving yards
RB Steven Jackson, STL -- 127 rushing yards-2 TD
RB Frank Gore, SF -- 144 rushing yards, 34 receiving yards-1 TD
RB Brian Westbrook, PHI -- 97 rushing yards-2 TD, 40 receiving yards
RB Willie Parker, PIT -- 132 rushing yards-1 TD
WR Marvin Harrison, IND -- 86 receiving yards-3 TD
WR Laveraneus Coles, NYJ -- 144 receiving yards-1 TD
WR Joey Galloway, TB -- 107 receiving yards-1 TD
WR Terrell Owens, DAL -- 69 receiving yards-2 TD
WR Javon Walker, DEN -- 84 receiving yards-1 TD
TE Desmond Clark, CHI -- 125 receiving yards-2 TD
TE Jerramy Stevens, SEA -- 64 receiving yards-1 TD
K Stephen Gostkowski, NE -- 4 FG, 4 XP
K Mike Nugent, NYJ -- 4 FG, 2 XP
DEF New England Patriots -- 4 INT, 4 sacks, 1 DTD
DEF Dallas Cowboys -- 2 INT, 4 sacks, 1 DFR, 1 DTD

You're en route towards returning some of those holiday gifts you overspent on if you started:

QB Joey Harrington, MIA -- 20 passing yards, 2 INT
QB David Carr, HOU -- 127 passing yards, 4 INT
QB Phillip Rivers, SD -- 97 passing yards, 2 INT
QB Carson Palmer, CIN -- 176 passing yards
QB Steve McNair, BAL -- 0 passing yards, 0 points (left game with injury)
RB Tatum Bell, DEN -- 29 rushing yards, 12 receiving yards, FL
RB Reggie Bush, NO -- 14 rushing yards, 19 receiving yards
RB Julius Jones, DAL -- 26 rushing yards
WR Marty Booker, MIA -- 2 rushing yards, 0 receiving yards
WR Chris Chambers, MIA -- 11 rushing yards, 0 receiving yards
WR Greg Jennings, GB -- 5 receiving yards
WR Donte Stallworth, PHI -- 5 receiving yards
WR Drew Bennett, TEN -- 0 receiving yards, 0 points
WR Roy Williams, DET -- 11 receiving yards
TE Antonio Gates, SD -- 7 receiving yards
TE Owen Daniels, HOU -- 9 receiving yards
K Kris Brown, HOU -- 1 XP
K Ryan Longwell, MIN -- 1 XP
DEF Seattle Seahawks -- 24 PA, 390 TYdA

You just got your Christmas goose early this year if you knew to start:

QB Tim Rattay, TB -- 268 passing yards-3 TD, 1 INT
QB Kyle Boller, BAL -- 238 passing yards-2 TD, 1 INT, 12 rushing yards, FL
RB Kevin Faulk, NE -- 22 rushin gyards-1 TD, 46 receiving yards-1 TD
RB Vernand Morrency, GB -- 54 rushing yards-2 TD
RB Mike Bell, DEN -- 61 rushing yards-2 TD
WR Demetrius Williams, BAL -- 100 receiving yards-1 TD
TE Robert Royal, BUF -- 62 receiving yards-1 TD
DEF Tennessee Titans -- 3 INT, 5 sacks, 1 DFR, 3 DTD

News & Notes

A shootout in the RCA Dome last night? Not when the only one packing heat was Peyton Manning and the Colts. Amidst the inane ramblings of Tony Kornheiser and his cries of not winning "the big game", Peyton hooked up with old stalwart Marvin Harrison three times in the endzone, while the Colts D made Carson and Co. look like they belonged in the Kiddie Korrall. Fantasy owners don't care about his Super Bowl. He just won them "the big game" here in Week 15.

Aside from the fact that you can have an elite back on a mediocre team tearing up the fantasy world, all Frank Gore and the Niners taught me is that the Seahawks are just a shell of the team they were last year. Swept by San Francisco? No Bowl for you!!

In the immortal words of Ground Control to Major Tom -- "Commencing countdown, engines on." LaDanian...31 and counting.

Fantasy owners everywhere getting a little taste of mid-season Michael Vick just in time to put him into your lineup for next week's championship? Suckers!!!

I hope this past week helped you finally answer the question of whether to play Julius Jones or Marion Barber each week.

Yup! Nothing like a game against the Lions to build you up a little. Brett Favre sets the NFL record for most completions, tosses 3 INTs and still comes out a winner. I hear Roy Williams is guaranteeing a number one draft pick now.

But it looks like Detroit has a little competition as Oaktown seems to just be handing over games to build up the loss column. 5 turnovers? "Why don't you just give them the king!?! Give it to 'em!!" (mid 80's SNL reference to Jim Belushi as a chess team coach -- wish I could find the video to link it -- this blurb is great if you know it -- oof!)

It's Murphy's Law. Raise your hand if you sat someone better in favor of Drew Brees. Just what we all needed for the playoffs this week.

You know, Ladell Betts is making an awfully strong case for trading Clinton Portis. And I'm talking both fantasy and reality.

O.K. Just 2 weeks left in the season. Some fantasy leagues still going. Will the real Rex Grossman please stand up.

And how about that Bears/Bucs game? If this happened a few weeks earlier, Tim Rattay would have been jumping off waiver wires just in time to ruin your fantasy team. Let Joey Galloway owners reap these garbage time benefits. The rest of us should consider ourselves lucky.

Fast Willie Parker -- coming to a top 5 draft choice near you

All right. Sure. It was Joey Harrington and ::pause, slight chuckle:: Cleo Lemon, but that Buffalo D is gonna win someone a fantasy championship here.

Can someone please tell me which friggin Bell to play!?!?! The dude over at ESPN.com is right. If you have them both, then you should be allowed to start the UberBell each week.

By the way, speaking of Denver...this Arizona game is just the beginning for Jay Cutler. He's going to have a tremendous next 2 weeks. Keeper league owners get ready.

Now that's teamwork. If Vince Young can't win the game for you, the defense comes to the rescue. This team is playing the spoiler and are going to be something to watch next year.

And seriously...what's with the friggin' Jags?

I only ask this because I know the Giants aren't really as bad as they're playing, but is Jeff Garcia going to lead the Eagles into the playoffs and maybe beyond?

I'm still trying to figure out how the Browns put up 17 points. Kyle Boller to the rescue??? I'm not so sure these guys are going to be able to hang with San Diego in the playoffs anymore.

Ah yes, just what the Patriots need. An easy tune up game to get hot right before it really matters. The Jets fan in me is cringing.

And speaking of...

8-6? Chad and Laveraneus win us a meaningful December game? My Jets in a playoff hunt? It's a Christmas miracle!!!!!