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Quarterbacks that could struggle, based on their strength of schedule(SOS)

2010-07-23T04:15:00.000-07:00

How important is a fantasy player’s strength of schedule? This is a common mistake that many fantasy owners make, simply because they overlook this stat. Try to avoid drafting a player because he had a great season last year without looking at his strength of schedule for this season.
The strength of schedule (SOS) is the single most valuable statistic that all fantasy owners should study. Most fantasy magazines do not provide this stat, but if you go to websites like www.fantasycafe.com or simply Google fantasy football 2010 strength of schedule, you’ll see it is easy to find.
Here are some surprising players you might want to avoid based on their strength of schedule. 1.) Joe Flacco. I have heard a lot of fantasy owners whispering this guy’s name in the same sentence as a “break out” player. He did look very impressive at times, even during his rookie season. Fantasy owners have failed to look at his strength of schedule. He will face the toughest strength of schedule of any quarterback this season. You might want to keep that in mind before you spend a valuable pick on him. If you’re still not convinced, his receivers will also face the toughest strength of schedule as well. This is food for thought for those who were considering drafting Anquan Boldin. Yes he is talented, but this stat is screaming “CAUTION!”
2.) Carson Palmer. Hold on a second, this guy threw for 3,094 yards with 21 touchdowns last year. Remember, we are not drafting based on last years stats alone. He will face the 3rd toughest strength of schedule this season. His receivers will also face the 4th toughest strength of schedule this season as well. Be advised.
3.) Matt Ryan. Many fantasy owner’s are expecting good things from him this season. Sure he had a little sophomore slump last season, but that is to be expected of a young quarterback. His offensive does a great job in protecting him. He has a strong running game that takes pressure off him. He also has two very reliable targets in Roddy White & Anthony Gonzalez. He also has faces the 6th toughest strength of schedule. It would be too much to expect big things from a young quarterback. Draft him with caution.
4.) Tom Brady. This one will catch many off guard. Tom Brady is no longer in the same league as Drew Brees or Peyton Manning. He no longer has the same team with Wes Welker & Randy Moss. Both of these guys have seen better days. We could all see that when Baltimore spanked them in the playoffs. Brady will be facing the 5th toughest strength of schedule this season. Based on this stat alone, he will possibly be a quarterback to avoid on draft day.
As you can see, strength of schedule is no respector of persons. Great players performance will be affected by their schedule. This is a valuable stat that can really help you determine a players worth. I have included a strength of schedule all of my readers. The graph will base teams that have the easiest schedule starting with 1. 32 will represent the hardest schedule. Study this SOS, your entire fantasy season could depend on it. Good Luck!
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Running backs whose production could make or break your season based on strength of schedule

2010-07-19T03:19:00.000-07:00

Most fantasy owners base their expectations on a player’s performance last season. Probably 90% of fantasy owners are guilty of this expectation. The most overlooked statistic in fantasy football is the strength of schedule(SOS). The strength of schedule (SOS) is the single most valuable statistic that all fantasy owners should study, prior to drafting a player of any position.

I have made a list of a few players who could make or break your season based on strength of schedule. Remember, even though a player has good strength of schedule, it is wise to draft a player who has displayed a proven record. This is not to say you should not take chances, but only minimize your risks. However, you cannot win a championship without taking risk. The following are the player’s who could have a break out season based on SOS.
1. Jamaal Charles(Kansas City). He is a 3rd year player who showed flashes of fantasy super stardom last season. He rushed for 1120 yards with 7 touchdowns. He also caught 40 passes for 297 and scored 1 touchdown. He has the #1 spot on the strength of schedule. I think he is poised for fantasy greatness. He should go in the 1st or 2nd round.

2. Justin Forsett (Seattle). He came out of nowhere last season and rushed for 619 yards with 4 touchdowns. He caught 41 passes for 350 yards with 1 touchdown. His name is slowly moving up among fantasy websites. He is a player who could be drafted way too early or too late. He has the #2 spot on the strength of schedule. At one time, he was behind Lendale White, but Lendale’s lack of commitment to the game cost him a roster spot. He will compete with the often injured Julius Jones and Leon Washington. Washington is still recovering from a shattered leg. Watch this guy.

3. Frank Gore (San Fransisco). He enters his 6th season at age 27. He rushed for 1,120 yards with 10 touchdowns. He caught 52 passes for 406 yards with 3 touchdowns. Those are some impressive numbers! His team was starting to open things a little last season. He faces the #3 spot on the strength of schedule. Gore enjoyed his most productive season since 2006. What is most impressive is that he carried the ball only 229 times. He averaged more fantasy points than Ray Rice.

Before you decide to use a magazines cheat sheets, take the time to study for yourself. The strength of schedule is like a crystal ball. I would hate to see anyone draft a player with high expectations, to only find out later that he will face a challenging strength of schedule.

The following is a list of players whose strength of schedule could limit their success. Don’t be surprised. Search through this blog and you will find a strength of schedule and you can decide for yourself.

1. LeSean McCoy (Philadelphia). He is a 2nd year back that came out of nowhere to fantasy greatness, in his brief appearance last season. . He runs behind an effective offensive line and has a solid surrounding cast. He posted 637 yards with 4 touchdowns and caught 40 receptions for 308 yards with no touchdowns. Don’t expect him to have a break out sophomore season. He will face #30 on the SOS. Sure he could prove me wrong, but is too much to ask of a 2nd year player faces tough run defenses, week after week. Fantasy owners be very careful.
2. Matt Forte (Chicago). Nobody wants this guy to bounce back more than myself, due to the fact that I am a Bears fan. It will not happen this year. He will face the #29 spot on the SOS, but he will also be digesting a new offensive system. His receptions could increase, if Jay Cutler doesn’t have a fully understand the complex offense. Don’t set your sites too high.
3. Maurice Jones-Drew(Jacksonville). He is coming off a season where he posted career best in many categories. One thing that will hurt him is the fact that the Jags do not have a back that compliments him well. There are times throughout the season, where he will physically wear down. This offense revolves around him. He will be facing the #21 on the SOS in 2010. He had over 300 carries last year. History has proven that backs who see that much action tend to wear down. Drafting him at the right spot in the draft would be great, but don’t draft him too high.

I hope you have enjoyed this blog and learning the importance of studying the strength of schedule. Good luck!

fantasyendzone@gmail.com

Set your expectations based on these factors

2010-07-17T13:24:00.000-07:00

Set your expectations based on these factors.

Most fantasy owners base their expectations on a player’s performance last season. Probably 90% of fantasy owners are guilty of this expectation. There are some players that will produce consistent fantasy numbers regardless of their competition. There are acceptations, such as, Peyton Manning, Adrian Peterson, Larry Fitzgerald and other top tier players.

There are a number of factors that will make a player more or less valuable. They are as follows: 1.) their surrounding cast. Is the team that they played on last year different? Has free agency depleted the team’s strengths? Is there stability in their offensive line? Teams that have good offensive lines produce quality fantasy players. Solid offensive lines give their quarterbacks time to make decisions. Solid offensive lines allow wide receivers time in running their routes properly. Solid offensive lines open up holes for their running backs. Do they have quality players on their teams that compliment them well? If you draft the only offensive weapon on a team, teams will be game planning on stopping that one offensive threat.
2.) Their offensive scheme. When selecting players you should consider their offensive coordinator. Has the offensive system been successful? Be cautious of drafting a player, regardless of his position, if the offensive coordinator is inserting in a new offense. It is safer to draft players that have been in the same offensive system for at least 3 years.
3.) Their strength of schedule. This is a common mistake that many fantasy owners make, simply because they overlook this stat. This is the single most important stat you should always view BEFORE you draft a player of any position. Try to avoid drafting a player because he had a great season last year without looking at his strength of schedule for this season. The strength of schedule (SOS) is the single most valuable statistic that all fantasy owners should study. Most fantasy magazines do not provide this stat, but if you go to websites like http://www.fftoolbox.com or simply Google strength of schedule, you’ll see it is easy to find.
Winning a championship is hard enough. Follow these simple guidelines before drafting guys and it will increase your chances of winning. I have so generously included strength of schedule in this blog. It will cover all positions from quarterback to defensive back. For example, if you are drafting Jamaal Charles, you will see #1. This means that he will have the easiest strength of schedule against the run this season, or any other Kansas City running back. Another example would be Ray Rice. You will see #32 on his strength of schedule. This means that he will face the toughest running defenses based on strength of schedule.

If you are like me, you like to stay one step ahead of your competition. Well my fantasy friends, this will help you. Good Luck!

Strength of schedule is important tool in the arsenal of serious fantasy football drafters. By knowing what players have easier schedules you'll be able to make the hard decisions between two players.

Preparing for the draft in 2010

2010-07-14T14:40:00.000-07:00

Many will enter the draft this season unprepared. So what should they do to prepare themselves? Is buying a fantasy football magazine, and knowing front to back enough? Aren’t the cheat sheets printed in these magazines? Can’t I just use these cheat sheets? Buy magazines, look at many different websites, and study everything fantasy football to get ready.

Yes, these magazines are helpful, but if you want to truly win, you must commit yourself to other sources of information. Don’t just draft according to the cheat sheets that are published in a magazine. Buy 2 to 3 magazines and develop your own cheat sheets by position (QBS, RBS, WRS, TES,…).

My cheat sheets will include the following: 1.) the # of years of experience for the player, 2.) Offensive line ranking, 3.) Offensive line ranking for run blocking & pass blocking, 4.) The strength of schedule for each position( QBS, RBS, WRS, TES, …) and 5.) The bye week. You will need to Google “strength of schedule” and search for a schedule that breaks down position by position. Don’t get caught up in drafting a player based on last year’s numbers. Draft guys who have a favorable schedule, which will give them a better chance to be successful this season.
Keep a watchful eye on the direction of the draft. If there is a Hugh run on quarter backs, don’t be afraid to grab a top rated wide receiver. Remember drafting the safest picks will probably get you to the playoffs, but in order to win a championship, you must be willing to take some chances. If there are no risks, then there are no rewards. This not to steer you toward making every pick a risky pick, but it should encourage you to take some chances.
Good luck
fantasyendzone@gmail.com

The game has changed

2010-07-05T08:03:00.001-07:00

The NFL has changed over the course of time. Change is inevitable. In the old days, teams would run the ball, control the clock, and play great defense. This would most often result in a victory.
Few teams play that style of football today. The days of having one bruising back that would wear down defenses are gone. Most teams today have 2 or sometimes 3 running backs in their offensive attack. Very few NFL teams have a single featured back.
So as the NFL changes, so must the world of fantasy football. Once upon a time, you could build your fantasy football team around two solid running backs. You would spend your first and second round pick on running back studs that would carry your team. Enter the running back by committee. This made building a fantasy team more challenging.
Back in 2003, when I first began playing fantasy football, selecting two running backs early was a necessity. After two years of drafting according to this approach, I felt that I was drafting a running back in the 2nd round that in all reality had a 6th to 7th round value. I felt that I was selling myself short.
The days of dominating running backs had ended and the days of more productive quarterbacks had begun.

There are two positions that score more frequently, quarterbacks and running backs. Any one playing fantasy football must realize the importance of drafting a quality starting quarterback and a quality back quarterback, for insurance purposes.
It is more beneficial to draft a quarterback that barring injury will be on the field on every offensive play, other than drafting a strong running back that is caught in a RRBC situation. Last season ten quarterbacks passed for 4,000 yards and 12 other quarterbacks threw 25 or more touchdowns. Of the top 20 point producers, 14 of those producers were quarterbacks. Only 6 running backs scored over 200 fantasy points last season.
How should this change your draft approach for 2010? You can now build your fantasy league team around an elite quarterback. An elite quarterback will produce quality numbers on a more consistent basis. I feel that quarterbacks will go much faster this year on draft day.
Fantasy owners should not at all avoid running backs, but be very selective on draft day. Running backs have now taken a back seat to the quarterbacks. There are only a handful of featured backs in the league, and if you are presented with the opportunity to draft one, you should pull the trigger. However, greater emphasis needs to be placed on drafting 2 quarterbacks sooner rather than later.
Good luck on your draft.
Fantasyendzone.com
Fantasyendzone @gmail.com

Is your plan for the 2010 fantasy draft changing?

2010-07-03T13:44:00.000-07:00

I am currently trying to get prepared for the up coming fantasy season. Most publications are talking of changing the old strategy of using you 1st and 2nd round picks on some other position rather than on running back.

I always agreed with these publications are playing fantasy for about three years. It seemed like I was giving up my 2nd round pick on a running back that I would normally select in the 6th round.

Last year I held the 3rd overall pick. I tried a different approach to the draft that resulted in a championship season. I selected Chris Johnson with the 3rd overall pick. Picking that high, I really felt the need and the pressure to select a running back that was going to deliver. Most of the backs that were sitting there on the board were 2nd to 3rd year backs. Remember if there are no risks there are no rewards. My 2nd round pick was on WR Randy Moss. He was the most dominating Wide Out on the board. My 3rd round pick was QB Philip Rivers, he turned out to be a quality QB for me.

My thinking was having a well balanced team. I left draft day feeling that I had drafted a top 5 running back, a top 5 wide out, and a top 5 quarterback. I felt I had a good foundation to build upon. I then was able to fill in the remainder of my roster. I did not feel that I was a really strong team in ones aspect, but weak in other areas.

This season I select 12th overall. I don't feel that the same strategy will work for me. If at all possible you need to have a plan going into the draft, and then a plan that will adjust when the draft changes, because it will.

Good Luck
fantasyendzone@gmail.com

Congratulations!

2010-03-10T14:53:00.000-08:00

Blog makes CBS sports/fantasy.com
A blog I recently published through my stories made it all the way to CBS sports/fantasy.com. That is pretty exciting for a newbie at blogging. Here is a copy of the blog, http://bleacherreport.com/articles/352799-5-breakout-running-backs-that-fantasy-owners-should-watch , it can be found at http://www.cbssports.com/fantasy under fantasy football, then go to related links to the left and then click on B/R: RB breakouts This is such an honor!

chuck,
Congratulations!
Because your article, "5 Breakout Running Backs That Fantasy Owners Should Watch" has reached 1000 reads, we are awarding you with a bronze medal for reads.
You can view your new medal in the trophy case on your profile page.
Best,
The Bleacher Report Team

Blog makes CBS sports/fantasy.com

2010-03-09T15:23:00.000-08:00

A blog I recently published through my blog made it all the way to CBS sports/fantasy.com. That is pretty exciting for a newbie at blogging. Here is a copy of the blog, http://bleacherreport.com/articles/352799-5-breakout-running-backs-that-fantasy-owners-should-watch , it can be found at http://www.cbssports.com/fantasy under fantasy football, then go to related links to the left and then click on B/R: RB breakouts

This is such an honor!

Free agency begins!

2010-03-04T14:24:00.000-08:00

if you are not dominating your fantasy football league it is obvious; you need to get into the end zone.

2.

So the long awaited free agency period of the NFL begins. Who will win? Who will lose? Most people would think that the team that is not afraid to open up their wallets and pay quality cash for quality players. Are they really quality players? The youngest free agent is Karlos Dansby who is 28. All other free agents are over 30 years old.
Most of the time when a player reaches the age of 30 or 30+ their production starts to go down some. Players such as Julius Peppers, who has been a game changer, might experience a small bidding war for his services. Rumor has it that the Redskins, who year after year overspend in free agency, while continuing to field an average team despite the team’s over spending. The Chicago bears are also in the race. They spent last year’s 1st round pick and this year’s 1st round pick on Jay cutler. Their defense was anything but monsters of the midway. They put fear into no one last year. They need someone who has game changing force on defense.

I have heard that Pepper’s will probably receive $40,000,000 with his new deal. Is a 30 year old player really worth that amount? Are teams better off spending less on multiple decent free agents who can help fill holes on a roster? On the other hand, you spend all your cash on one player when you have multiple holes to fill out your roster. If you are the general manager, which move makes more sense?
I live in Nashville Tennessee. I have learned from watching the Titans over the years. Their approach to free agency is to wait. Many teams come out of the free agency gate like they have money burning a hole in their pocket. The Titans have not over spent for free agents in nearly 10 years, and they remain competitive year after year. Free agency is simply a way to fill holes in their roster with veteran players.
Here is a list of quality free agents that will not command mad dollars and would be good fits for many teams:
Jason Taylor, DE, Miami: Despite being 36, he remains an effective pass-rusher
Adewale Ogunleye, DE, Chicago: He has lost the consistent effectiveness he once had earlier in his career
Casey Rabach, C, Washington: There's always a need for a starting-quality center
Chad Clifton, OT, Green Bay
Nate Burleson, WR, Seattle
Tully Banta-Cain, OLB, New England: after his 10 sack performance in 2009, makes him a hot commodity.
Chad Pennington, QB, Miami: many teams could use a veteran quarterback, especially for insurance reasons.
Chris Chambers, WR, Kansas City: has seemed to be reborn after the chargers released him.
Aaron Kampman, DE, Green Bay
Kevin Walter, WR, Houston: Could be the biggest bargain of the free agency signing period. Also check out this site at

Most of the other available free agents will command the kind of money which will leave a team financially strapped. Teams that sit back and target the mid range free agents are bettering their teams. Check out this fantas football site at http://www.sofantasyfootball.com/

Octofinder

Jerome Harrison Cleveland Browns running back

2010-03-03T06:01:00.000-08:00

When looking over the Cleveland Browns roster, there is only one guy who I would consider on draft day, Jerome Harrison. He recorded 862 yards averaging 4.4 yards per carry. His longest run for was for a 71 yard touchdown and he recorded 5 touchdowns, yet he only played in 12 games. He seemed to get stronger as the season went on. The browns will more than likely have Brady Quinn at quarterback and will use their running game to take pressure off the young quarterback. The offensive line is a talented group that protects the quarterback well, the question is can they run block?

Harrison could be a potential fantasy star this year, assuming he stays healthy. The team needs to continue to build a wall of an offensive line surrounding that gives Brady Quinn great protection while opening up great holes for Harrison. The job is wide open for him to take. The veteran Jamaal Lewis is likely to step into retirement. This guy could be a quality 2nd or 3rd running back on your fantasy team this season. I would not reach to high for him; he looks like he is a 2nd of 3rd tier running back. He should be a running back to watch this summer; his stock will probably rise to the top 10 running backs in the league due to the fact that he will be an immediate starter.
if you are not dominating your fantasy football league it is obvious; you need to get into the end zone.

For a informative blog go to http://football.razzball.com/

Breakout tight ends

2010-03-02T06:54:00.000-08:00

One tight end that has received the tag as a breakout tight end for 2010 is Jermichael Finley. He is surrounded by talent on the packer’s team. He has a good quarterback, running game and good receivers. This could be the year that the third year pro from Texas really shows fantasy football owners what he has. He finished the year with 55 receptions for 676 yards and scored five touchdowns. He’s also developed a tremendous rapport with Rodgers. That rapport was on full display during the playoffs, where Finley recorded an amazing six receptions for 159 yards in a 51-45 overtime loss to the Cardinals. He is not a guy who will break into the top 5 of tight ends, but will be a good value pick in the draft. Many people seem to overlook the fact that the top 5 tight ends for this year are basically the same top 5 as last year. This guys are getting older and at some point. You have got to look to young unproven talent, just as you do with running backs.

Another young tight end to watch this season will be Vernon Davis. I know that he is not an unknown proven tight end, after the monster season that he had last year. If this guy is not the top tight end taken or at least a top 3, I would be shocked. He had 78 catches for 965 yards with league high 13 touchdowns for tight ends. He was tied in touchdowns with Randy Moss and Larry Fitzgerald. He has flourished in the new offensive system they are running. Coach Mike Singeltary will be the best out of his players.

Another tight end to keep your eyes on is Brent Celek, the tight end of the Philadelphia eagles. He very quietly put up an impressive year. With the departure of Brian Westbrook, the game in Philadelphia will change some. McNabb will throw the ball more often. He is a target in the offensive scheme they like to run. The absence of Westbrook only helps his production.

Owen Daniels is another tight end that could put up a solid season considering he stays healthy. He will not benefit from Andre Johnson receiving most or the double teams. If the Texans are able to get a solid running game through Steve Slaton, it will benefit the passing game. Daniels would be a valuable addition to any fantasy football team

The bottom line is easy to read. Don’t get too caught up in what a player did last year. I know that the big name tight ends who recorded over 1,000 yards & 7+ touchdowns. The tight end position is very difficult to predict. Your best bet is to draft a veteran tight end and probably a third year unproven one. They can be as unpredictable as kickers or team defenses.

When it comes to drafting a tight end you must be selective. Don’t be fooled by the yardage or the touchdowns. You should pay more attention to the number of catches he had or the number of times he was targeted especially in the red zone. Don’t get caught up in moment in the draft thinking that you must draft a top 5 tight end for productiveness. Last season I won my fantasy league and my tight ends were Kellen Winslow and John Carlson. I drafted Winslow in the 9th round and Carlson in the 11th round. My tight end position was productive and I did not give up a high draft pick on a tight end. You must think “value” when drafting. Don’t overpay for any position or player. A cool website that I check daily during the fantasy season is www.fantasysharks.com

T.O. is a free agent

2010-03-01T12:54:00.000-08:00

you must read this fantasy football blog

Well maybe teams have seen enough of T.O.’s crybaby act. Every where this guy has been there has been division within the team. It goes back as far as San Francisco. The question is will there be anyone who will be interested in his services? Let’s take a look back at all the on & off the field controversy he has caused in his career.
• San Francisco- He and quarterback Jeff Garcia had words. He was critical of Garcia’s play and if I recall, he even went so far as to question things in his personal life. The 49ers let him walk into free agency and they came out to be a better team.
• Philadelphia- Then he went to the city of brotherly love looking for a new start. He and Donavan McNabb seemed to start out well, but that relationship soon went sour. T.O. was openly critical of McNabb and I can still remember T.O. following McNabb on the sidelines giving him an earful of who knows what. I remember in San Francisco and Philadelphia scenes where he showed no respect for coaches or coordinators. He would show his disapproval of certain plays and come to the sidelines and yell at coaches or coordinators.
• Dallas- Then the cowboy’s welcomed him. He seemed to really perform well in their system. However it wasn’t long before he slipped back into his old ways. He was critical of how the cowboys were using him & he eventually turned on Tony Romo. He accused Jason Witten of being the favorite target of Romo. Eventually the cowboys grew tired of the same ole song and dance from T.O. They let him walk.
• Buffalo- Then he had what many said would be his last chance. Buffalo wasn’t exactly the most talented team. He really laid an egg in Buffalo. At times he didn’t play with heart due to the fact that they were losing. I saw him play here in Nashville against the Titans, and he would not even run good routes if the play was not designed for him.

The truth is that T.O. is just a waste of talent along with many others. He had the athletic ability to be one of the greatest, but he did not have the heart. He is a lazy and selfish player who can only blame himself for not winning a super bowl, due to the fact that he is not a team player. I think this is probably the end of the road for T.O. I can’t see any team signing him. He destroys teams. I know the Baltimore Ravens have a good young group of players and they need a veteran wide receiver with experience, but this is not what they need. They would be better off trading for someone like Anquan Boldin. T.O. will only tear the team apart, or at least that is what history tells us. I think they or any team would be wise to steer clear of this guy.

5 breakout running backs that fantasy football owners should watch this year

2010-02-26T07:07:00.000-08:00

This blog is a must read for fantasy owners. These guys have breakout potential because their teams have solid offensive lines. Last offseason the New York Jets upgraded their offensive line and the result was the rebirth of Thomas Jones. The following running backs have the chance to be breakout running backs that fantasy football owners should keep in mind. If the teams of these running backs keep their offensive lines in tact or upgrade them through the draft or free agency, they have the chance to produce.

• Jerome Harrison- Had 862 yards rushing while averaging 4.4 yards per carry. His longest run was for a 71 yard touchdown and he ended with touchdowns. These stats are based on 12 games. In my fantasy league he average 9.7 points per game. The last three games of the season, he averaged 32.0 points in my fantasy league. The Cleveland browns offensive line only gave up 19 sacks. This doesn’t tell us much about their run blocking, but it does tell us that they are a solid unit up front. The browns must build on their offensive line if they want to have a solid ground game.
• Jonathan Stewart- He had 1,133 yards rushing while averaging 5.1 yards per carry. His longest run was for a 76 yard touchdown and he ended with 10 touchdowns. He plays on a team that desires to run the ball first. He has a solid offensive line in front of him. The offensive line only gave up 23 sacks last season. Believe it or not DeAngelo Williams makes him a more desired running back. He keeps Stewart well rested. The panthers have relied on their aggressive running game due to Jake Delhomme’s inconsistent play at times. He could be a valuable back that could get overlooked come draft day. Breakout alert!
• Beanie Wells- Kurt Warner has called it a career. The talented team now looks to Matt Leinart as a leader. Beanie Wells will become his best friend. The cardinals have a solid offensive line up front. They only gave up 24 sacks on the quarterback. Wells had 793 yards rushing while averaging 4.5 yards per carry. His longest run was for 33 yards and he ended with 7 touchdowns. We will really see if he can carry the workload. Leinart is an inexperienced Quarterback who will need to rely on a solid running game that will take pressure off the Quarterback. He will be a make or break pick. I would not feel comfortable spending a high draft pick on him, but if he goes really late in drafts then he is worth that risk. Use CAUTION!
• Shonn Greene- He had 540 yards rushing while averaging 5.0 yards per carry in limited playing time. All the signs are pointing to this guy taking the spot of Thomas Jones. He just probably the best year of his career. He also is 31 years old which spells opportunity for Greene. He and Leon Washington will have more touches this season. Due to the age factor of Jones and his 5.0 yard per carry average, this will give Greene some added fantasy value come draft day. Fantasy Football owners are always looking for that unknown back that can really be a factor. This is the guy. He will be overlooked because of the season that Jones had last year. Fantasy owner should be cautious of Jones simply due to his age. All the great running backs in history have broken down when they reach the age of 30. This guy could be the X factor on your team.
• Jamaal Charles- He had 1,120 yards rushing while averaging 5.9 yards per carry. That stat
• alone tells me that he will be a featured back next season. His longest run was for a 76 yard touchdown and he ended with 7 touchdowns. These stats are based on 12 games. Over the last 6 weeks of the season he averaged 25.8 fantasy points. If the chiefs make efforts to strengthen their offensive line, he could be in for a big season.

I feel like these guys will be valuable come draft time. For a good fantasy football blog that is very helpful go to www.fantasyfootballcalculator.com/blog

5 Quarterbacks who could help you win a championship

2010-02-25T06:20:00.000-08:00

1. Drew Brees- He had a 70.6 percent completion rate. He threw for 4,388 yards with 34 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. He averaged throwing 292.5 yards per game. His longest pass was for a 75 yard touch pass and his passer rating was 109.6 He is surrounded by great talent in receivers, running backs, offensive linemen, and a solid defense. It will be hard for him to repeat the same type of numbers as last year, but I still expect him to have a good year.

2. Aaron Rodgers- He had a 64.7 percent completion rating. He threw for 4,434 yards with 30 touchdowns and only throwing 7 interceptions. That stat alone is simply amazing.
He averaged throwing 277.1 yards per game. His longest pass was for an 83 yard touchdown pass and his passer rating was 103.2. Another stat that stands alone are that he was sacked a league high 50 times. That is something that the packers must address this offseason through the draft or free agency. Most people thought that the glory days of the packers were gone once Farve was out the door. This guy has talent and could take them to the next level.

3. Philip Rivers- He had a 65.2 percent completion rating. He threw for 4,254 with 28 touchdowns with 9 interceptions. That is an impressive stat. This guy was on my championship fantasy team. He did not WOW you with huge days, but he usually hit his average. Another great thing was that he did not turn the ball over that much. He averaged throwing 265.9 yards per game. His longest pass was for an 81 yard touchdown and his passer rating was 104.4. With the departure of the great LT, the chargers will probably turn to rivers throwing the ball more. He is a great pick. He was only sacked 25 times, which speaks volumes for his offensive line.

4. Peyton Manning- What can you say about this guy? I can only say good things about him, and I really don’t like him due to the fact that he went to the University of Tennessee. This year he did not have Marvin Harrison, the best dependable weapon he has had for most of his career. He had a 68.8 percent completion rate. He threw for 4,500 yards with 33 touchdowns and 16 interceptions. He averaged throwing 281.2 yards per game. His longest pass was for an 80 yard touchdown pass and his passer rating was 99.9. Not a bad off year for him. His most dependable weapon was Reggie Wayne and he received most of the double teams. This opened up holes for Dallas Clark. Austin Collie was productive along with Pierre Garcon. I have made the bold prediction that Austin Collie could become the next Wes Welker. He put up solid Numbers while he experienced a below average year. His offensive line makes him a great Quarterback. They only gave up 10 sacks all year. That is amazing! This guy is one of the smartest Quarterbacks of all time and he is surrounded by a wall of an offensive line that gives him more than enough time to pick apart defenses. He has the ability to make everyone around him better. You could not draft a Quarterback with better chances of success.

5.Matt Shaub- This guy could make or break you in fantasy football. He had a 67.9 percent completion rate. He threw for 4,770 yards with 29 touchdowns and 15 interceptions. He has the best target in the league in Andre Johnson. He also has a talented tight end in Owen Daniels. His offensive line only gave up 25 sacks too. If the Texans are able to get their running game up to par, it would increase his chances of becoming a good Quarterback. He could use another weapon in a receiver or in a talented running back, which they have in Steve Slaton. If the Texans can clear up these issues, he could be an effective Quarterback.

Quarterbacks that didn’t make the list
Tony Romo- Solid season, but he is much like the cowboys, inconsistent at best.
Tom Brady- Brady may have lost some of his magic. One of his biggest targets in Randy Moss has seemed to have lost a little. He could become very dependable again if Moss rededicates himself to his game.
Brett Farve – Had arguably the best year of his career, but we once again go into an offseason where he waffles back and forth about playing just one more year.
Joe Flacco- This guy has the talent around him to be a very good Quarterback. If the Ravens can give him more weapons at receiver, he could easily be a top 10 Quarterback in fantasy football. He has an outstanding offensive line and a great running back in Ray Rice. Also check out this site at www.profantasy-football.com/

if you are not dominating your fantasy football league, it is obvious; you need to get into the end zone. Fantasyendzone.com

Life without Westbrook

2010-02-24T14:14:00.000-08:00

if you are not dominating your fantasy football league, it is obvious, you need to get into the end zone. Fantasyendzone.com

Today the eagles released veteran running back Brian Westbrook. He was injured most of last year. He like so many backs reached that 30 mark and his body just gave out.

He was a very dependable back for the eagles. Now they turn to Rookie Lesean McCoy. Only time will tell if he can carry the load. McCoy looks like the real deal, but he no longer has Westbrook to advise him from the sidelines. It will be interesting to see how this one shakes out.

Will the eagles be the same without Westbrook?

2010-02-24T14:07:00.000-08:00

go to my football blog
Today the eagles released veteran running back Brian Westbrook. He was injured most of last year. He like so many backs reached that 30 mark and his body just gave out.

He was a very dependable back for the eagles. Now they turn to Rookie Lesean McCoy. Only time will tell if he can carry the load.

Will the depature of Kurt Warner hurt Fitzgerald's fantasy value?

2010-02-24T09:34:00.000-08:00

We all expecting Kurt Warner to hang it up for good. He had a great career. The Cardinals have a big question going into the offseason.

Can Matt Leinhart lead this team. This is a team with great talent. I think this teams future could ride on Leinhart's arm. So what do the Cardinals need to do this offseason to prepare him?

I don't know the condition of the Offensive line, but if there are any holes that need to be filled, now is the time. Beenie Wells could become Leinharts best friend. He could become a solid running back in the line opens up holes for him.

He is the luckiest inexperienced Quarterback in the league. He has Fitzgerald, Boldin, Breaston and other young receivers who can make plays.

However his ability to lead this team will rest on Bennie Wells and his ability to take his game to the next level. We will see how it shakes out.

5 Wide Receivers to watch this year in fantasy football

2010-02-24T05:21:00.000-08:00

5 wide receivers to watch in fantasy football

1. Andre Johnson- This guy is the go to guy in the Houston offense. He is a game breaker. All he did was rank #1 in the league in receiving with 115 catches for 1,575 yards with 8 touchdowns. He averaged 98.4 yards per game and his longest catch was for 65 yards. Teams will work their defensive game plan on stopping him. He was probably the 1st receiver taken in last year’s draft and he will again this year. Good speed & good hands equals the best Wide Receiver in the game. Write it down.
2. Greg Jennings- This will surprise people. He has a great cast surrounding him. A solid Quarterback and a good running game always spell opportunity for receivers. He 80 catches for 1292 yards last year with 9 touchdowns. He averaged 80.8 yards per game and his longest catch was for 63 yards. He can stretch the field with his speed.
3. Calvin Johnson- This guy has freakish ability along with his freakish size. He stands at 6 feet and 5 inches and weighs around 230 pounds. He has great hands and good speed. Quarterbacks can just throw the ball up high and he can go get it. He had 78 catches for 1331 yards with league high 12 touchdowns. He averaged 83.2 yards per game and his longest catch was a 96 yard touchdown. He did all this while playing on one of the worst teams in the league. If the team improves just a bit, he could be a steal.
4. Reggie Wayne- No surprise here. When you have Peyton Manning throwing the ball to you, you should have every opportunity to be successful. He had 82 catches for 1,145 yards with 6 touchdowns. He averaged 71.6 yards per game and his longest catch was a 65 yard touchdown. With Austin Collie and Anthony Gonzalez coming back from injury, only helps his cause. Solid pick.
5. DeSean Jackson- I know that most people who are ready this article are shocked. Most would say that he is a good #2, but he doesn’t have the numbers to move him into a #1 receiver. Last year he had 62 catches for 912 yards and and 2 touchdowns. I hear you loud and clear. Those are not the kind of numbers you would expect from a #1 receiver. I agree. Too many times in fantasy we get caught up in what a player did last year, we expect the same kind of numbers when we draft that player. However many factors can set in. Injuries, his team plays poorly, or coaching changes. This will be the year that the eagles will need to replace Brian Westbrook. They have LeSean McCoy in the waiting. They will need to throw the ball more in order to take the pressure off this young back. Last season in my fantasy league he averaged 10.5 points per game. I would expect that average to be better this year. If he does not go as a #1 wide receiver, I will gladly take him as the best #2 receiver.

I know that many of you are wondering why Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin were not on this list. The retiring of Kurt Warner will have a deep effect on this team and Larry and Anquan’s fantasy value.

San Diego's Running Game

2010-02-23T03:25:00.000-08:00

The chargers need to fill a hole in their running game for the first time in nearly ten years. Can they be close to the same team without LT? The answer of is yes.
LT is a one of the great backs, who has just taken 9 year of physical abuse by running the ball. The chargers used him in a different role this year; he was no longer the every down back that once would wear teams down.
So where does he go from here? A lot of rumors of the Houston Texans have surfaced. That would seem to be a good fit. They have a young back in Steve Slaton, who could only benefit by learning about the game from someone with as much experience as LT. I feel like he would be a valuable addition to any team that has a good offensive line and the need for an experienced back.

Let’s not forget that he finished in the top 10 rushers of the league. He still had 292 carries for 1,110 yards, while averaging 3.8 yards per carry. He had 11 touchdowns and his longest run was for 45 yards. Based on these numbers, I think he could benefit another team if he is given the right chance. Yes teams want their running game to average 4 yards per carry, but 3.8 are not too far from 4.
Hats off to LT for what he has given the chargers and the NFL for 9 Years. I wish him only the best.

Manning's fantasy value?

2010-02-22T03:30:00.000-08:00

Will Peyton Manning still have a high value this season? I don't see why not. He does more with less. The Colts were really not the best team in the AFC, but Msnning still lead them to the big dance.

Two guys will keep his value hight. 1.) Dallas Clark- he is simplty amazing. He has developed great hands for a tight end. He has become the best tight end in the game. He runs great routes and he will help manning due to his ability to catch the tough pass.

2.) Austin Collie- I have said it before this guy has the chance to become the next Wes Welker. He goes accross the middle with no fear. Do you think that Wes Welker would have become the threat that he is, if he would not have been traded to the patriots? Manning will make this guy great.

A fantasy star rising?

2010-02-21T11:25:00.000-08:00

We all want to hear about rising fantasy football players. Joe Flacco is one to watch. Everything is falling into place for him. He has an execellent O-line, very good running back in Ray Rice, and a new threat at wide out in Donte Stallworth.

He is a young and smart Quarterback. The O-line and great ground attack makes him even more dangerous. This guy could move up draft boards very quickly this summer.

Right now I would say he probably is in the Top 10 Quarterbacks in fantasy football. He could find his way to just outside of the top 5 Quarterbacks by summer. He is definetly one to watch.

Who wins in free agency? Teams that are active or teams that stay on the sideline?

2010-02-20T05:19:00.000-08:00

All NFL teams can learn a lesson from the Washington Redskins. They go out every year and spend mad dollars on top free agents, who simply put are just the most popular free agent.

Albert Haynesworth had some outstanding years here in Tennessee. He jammed up the middle and took away the opposing teams inside run game. He was a force to deal with. Teams had to game plan with different strategies on how to contain this force. He was doubled teamed most of the time.
Haynesworth came to the Titans through the draft. He played ball at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. He had tremendous upside when we drafted him. Through most of his college career, he stayed injured. He quickly found that in the NFL, you play the game when you are hurting. Once he attacked that issue, he became a good quality player for the titans D-line.

Then in October, against the Dallas Cowboys, he kicked one of their O-lineman in the face. That was the low point of his career. He received a four game suspension.
However after that incident, he really started to play great football. He remained healthy to a degree, and his presence helped the titans to become a great defensive unit. However he was just a piece of the puzzle. He made everyone else around him better. Everyone knows that when a defensive line puts pressure on a Quarterback, it makes the secondary look better.
The Titans put the franchise tag on him the last year he spent here in Tennessee. He wanted a long term deal, but the titans were hesitant. Do you give a 7 year veteran a fist full of cash, when he weighs 360 pounds? The titans could see the writing on the wall, and it spelled, “knee problems”. The titans offered him a deal but he declined it, and tried hitting the free agent market. I knew that there would be a team that would WOW him with a huge contract. That bozo team was the Washington Redskins.
In Washington, he did not have the same cast of players around him. The players in Tennessee made him a better player. For instance, in Tennessee they ran the ball and controlled the clock, keeping their defensive players well rested. This improved their play when they took the field. He didn’t have that in Washington.
What can we learn about free agency? Many teams overpay for free agents simply based on what they have done in the past. Sometimes it works, but most times it does not. Take for instance the signing of the great late Reggie White. If Green Bay doesn’t sign him, in my opinion they do not win a super bowl. He added that dominant presence to the packer’s defense.
Most times in free agency, teams overpay a veteran who is on the backside of his career, and then injuries set in. These teams that overpay these guys are then stuck paying a player LARGE sums of money to warm their bench. Teams should think of this before they think of diving head first into the free agent market.

I am a huge Titans fan, and many years they have been way under the salary cap, and fans (including myself) have thought they should make a big splash in free agency, but they have not. The Titans are a franchise that smartly signs “middle of the row” free agents, simply for the purpose to add quality depth. They don’t put all their eggs in one basket in free agency. When they are well under the salary cap, they use that money to resign their own players (usually 3rd to 4th year players). They help secure they teams future this way. They have pretty good luck this way.
Making a big splash in free agency is not always the way to go. Teams cannot build themselves through free agency; they must build through the draft and fill positions with quality, through free agency.

Has Tom Brady's fantasy value taken a hit?

2010-02-19T03:26:00.000-08:00

The patriots were just not the dominant team this year. They did not have an every down back who is a threat. This type of back would only help Brady greatly.

His Wide Outs are decent, however they are not very deep. Wes Welker is a work horse. He catches everything that comes his way. He was much better we he was an unknown player. He has become the guy to stop in that offensive system. Randy Moss still has the abiltity to have hugh games, but these two are not the same duo they once were.

They Patriots must replenish their targets in order to help Tom Brady. Wether it be a goog Tight End or Wide Out. They need to give him some more weapons or his fantasy value will decline some.

How is Randy Moss's fantasy value?

2010-02-18T14:30:00.000-08:00

Randy seemed to fall a little this season. Don't get me wrong, he had some big games, but toward the end of the season he slipped some. I thin he will definetly be a top 10 Wide Out next year, but that will be it. He is too risky to spend a high draft pick, when a guy plays when he wants to. We will see how it shakes out.

Doe Jake Delhomme have any fanstasy value?

2010-02-17T13:04:00.000-08:00

This is big question in panther country right now. They have an outstanding o-line & dynamic set of running backs. They need somebody to get the ball to Steve Smith. A solid QB will only help the offense look better. Do you think that Delhomme is that guy? Feel free to comment.

Looking to make some $$$ for blogging about football

2010-02-17T08:39:00.000-08:00

I am currently trying to blog about football or fantasy football. Does anyone have any suggestions about where to look for someone who would pay for such services? Please email me @ fantasyendzone@gmail.com

America's most wanted, the Bengals!

2010-02-12T12:00:00.000-08:00

We could be looking at a set of Jones in the most troubled franchise in football. Matt Jones hasa been out of football for one year. Jones was released by the Jags in march of 2009, due to legal issues. This guy had the right size and talent coming out of college, but wasted it all.

The other troubled Jones happens to be Pacman Jones. He earned the nickname "crack man Jones", here in nashville. What do the Bengals think he could possibly have to offer? He has been out of football close to 2 years now.

The 2009 Bengals made the playoffs for the second time in the last 20 years. The rumor around the NFL is that the bengals could have interest in Terrell Owens. What a mistake that could be. He will destroy all chemistry in that team. He is the equal to a home wrecker. He is a spoiled baby who plays with his emotions on his sleeve.

On top of that, the team is also reportedly interested in receiver Donte Stallworth, who was recently reinstated by Commissioner Roger Goodell after serving 24 days in jail for killing a man while driving drunk. Donte Stallworth, who was recently, serving 24 days in jail for killing a man while driving drunk.

We could start to see the same ol bengals in 2010.

Running backs that could surprise in 2010

2010-02-12T04:38:00.000-08:00

1. Jonathan Stewart- he had 221 carries for 1,133 yards, he averaged 5.1 yards per carry with 10 touch downs. He really pushed Deangelo Williams last year. Health is his main concern. He has a great O-line in front of him. The offensive is built around the run. He could be a steal in fantasy football drafts this season.

2. Jamaal Charles- He had 190 carries for 1,120 yards, he averaged 5.9 yards per carry with 7 touchdowns, and he did this in a part time role until the departure of Larry Johnson. This projection is based on the moves the Chiefs make in the draft and offseason. They need to build on their O-line some. They could seek that help in free agency or through the draft. I know he is just a 2nd year back, and they carry heavy risk, but he could be a risk/reward type of running back. If you could take him as your 3rd running back, that would be a good spot for him.

3. Rashard Mendenhall- he had 242 carries for 1.108 yards, he averaged 4.6 yards per carry with 7 touchdowns. The Steelers drafted this guy with the hope that he would take Willie Parker’s place. Last year he looked liked the guy who could do that. The Steelers need to get back to doing what works for them. Which is running the football first? Mendenhall has the looks of an every down back. If they get back to playing steeler football he will be one to watch.

4. Matt Forte- This guy had an awful sophomore season, after a great rookie year. Maybe he learned a thing or two this last season. The bears need some O-line help. This will benefit Jay Cutler as well as Matt Forte. All the talk was that last year after the bears got Jay Cutler in a trade, was how much better this would make Matt Forte. I still believe it will. Jay & Matt will work under new Offensive Coordinator Mike Martz. If the bears can spread the ball around by completing passes, this will take pressure off Matt. He can catch out of the backfield. If he would’ve had a decent year last year, we would find him in the top 10 running backs. He could be a steal at a 2nd or 3rd running back for your team.

5. Felix Jones- He had 116 carries for 685 yards; he averaged 5.9 yards per carry with 3 touchdowns. With that kind of average per carry, I don’t see why the cowboys found him more playing time. He is an explosive back that compliments Marion Barber so well. This guy would probably be on the top of this list. He is a 3rd back who is ready to play a more featured role in their offense. They might decide to work on the O-line some through the draft or free agency. He would be a great 2nd running back.

6. LeSean McCoy-He had 155 carries for 637 yards; he averaged 4.1 yards per carry with 4 touchdowns. This guy is waiting in the wings to fill Westbrook’s shoes. Westbrook had a year where he battled injuries, and his production took a hit. We don’t want to rush McCoy into the running back role too quickly, but that is why the eagles drafted him. I know that he is a 2nd year back, and that he carries that dangerous tag with him. However someone has to step into that role and we see him doing it this season. He is definitely a guy who I could see as t 3rd running back on your roster.

Is Terrell Owens going to play in 2010, or is he TKO?

2010-02-11T03:52:00.000-08:00

Was Buffalo the last stop for this guy? Will anyone really want want he brings to the table?

I have to say that I think this guy is a total cry baby! It is a about T.O. He must have the spotlight. I really can’t think of one team that needs that kind of attitude on it.

I saw him play against the titans, here in Nashville. The bills were down by a lot, and he was not even trying at all. He would not run his routes. The funny thing was that the bills ran a quick pass to him, and he half ran the route and he deflected the ball out of frustration, and the result was an interception. He is a lazy, self centered Jerk! There are too many young talented wide receivers in the waiting.

This guy really could have written his own ticket last year. He played on an average team, and he could have displayed great work ethic, doing. whatever it takes to win. This guy wouldn’t know work ethic, if it slapped him in the face! It is a shame, because he has the ability to be one of the great receivers in the history of the game, but his problem is that he is not a team player. It is all about T.O. I guess his ego was still bruised, when Dallas cut him loose. He has been a caner on every team that he has played on. He was the problem in Philadelphia between him and Donavan McNabb. There were similar problems on the San Francisco 49ers between him and Jeff Garcia.

This loser will probably ride off into the sunset. See you loser!
Is Terrell Owens going to play in 2010, or is he TKO?

The Hiring of Mike Martz

2010-02-10T05:55:00.000-08:00

The hiring of Mike Martz could be a big factor for the bear’s organization. They will be a team full of players to watch in the offseason.

Jay Cutler, Matt Forte, & Devin Hester’s fantasy value could rise quite a bit. They could also be a risk in drafting these guys with valuable picks. Devon Hester has been figured by many to play on the inside or in the slot. Can you imagine the damage he could do if he’s covered by a linebacker? That is pretty scary.

It will be very interesting to watch the development of this offensive unit next season. If they do take to the system, they could be dangerous.

The saints shook up the world Baby!!!!!

2010-02-08T03:34:00.000-08:00

The saints shook up the world Baby!!!!!

I could not be happier for the New Orleans Saints! Nobody gave them a flying chance at winning this super bowl. They had to play to “us versus the world card” and it worked. Congratulations to the saints. Who have suffered for years? They deserve the championship

The defeated 3 hall of fame Quarterbacks in order to win the championship. First there was Kurt Warner who has been in 3 super bowls, and won one. Then there was Brett Farve, who had been in two in super bowls and won one, and finally there was Peyton Manning who was playing in his 2nd super bowl and he had already won one. That is an amazing accomplishment, by anyone. Congratulations New Orleans you have a super bowl, you earned it!!!

Evan Berry: 13-year-old yet to step on a high school field commits to Tennessee!

2010-02-05T14:00:00.000-08:00

Yes, I committed to Tennessee, said Berry. What were you doing at age 13? I was riding my bike. I sure wasn't thinking of where I would attend college! Berry has family ties at the University of Tennessee. My dad went there and my brother is there now.

Maybe he waited until that chicken of a coach, flew to USC, before deciding. Committing at 13 is quite premature. He has 5 years to change his mind. I think Lane Kiffin found out real quick that it is a lot harder to win game in the SEC, than the boring PSC 10. He also found that recruiting game is a little bit harder in the south. On the left coast, anyone who is a good prospect wants to go to USC. On the other hand in the south you have Georgia, Tenneessee, Florida, Florida state, Clemson, Sout Carolina, Ole Miss, and many others, because everyone knows that the best football players come from Mississippi and South Carolina.

Berry said that he wants to play for Monte Kiffen. Does he watch the news? If he has already committed to UT, he had better worry about passing High School.

"Today's athlete is out of touch with the normal working man"

2010-02-05T12:24:00.000-08:00

In today’s world professional athletes make Hugh sums of money. They have to be gifted athletically to play any sport professionally. I am sure it is not like a 9 to 5 job. Many people have the misconception that they have it made and they do not have to work. Nothing is further from the truth. They must work hard or the game will pass them by eventually. Maybe in college you can ride on the coattails of athleticism, but not in the professional game.

We have all seen so many talent athletes come into the game and exit the game as quickly. This happens mostly because of a lack of work ethic. Ryan Leaf, Heath Shuler, Mike Williams and many others. I respect the fact that these guys must be at the top of their game to be successful. They must work even harder in the offseason to stay in shape.

These guys are compensated very well. I believe the league minimum for Major League baseball is around $300,000.00, and the league minimum for the NFL is about $300,000.00. Most people could easily live off the league minimum with ease. These are the salaries of guys who go undrafted in the NFL. After a player plays the game for a certain period of time, he becomes legible for the veteran minimum, which $750,000.00. That is outstanding! Can you imagine the guys who make millions? A few years ago Lance Briggs threatens to sit out the year if the bears put the franchise tag on him. They did just that, and he was making $450,000.00 per game. NFL players get paid weekly during the 17 week season. When I first got out of college, my first working gig paid me $20,000.00. Last year Michael Crabtree held out for months because he and the 49er organization could not come to agreement on his compensation. He eventually signed a 6 year $32,000,000.00 deal.

We as fans, idolize these guys. We often hear of these guy’s legal issues. Many times these guys are great on the field, but their lives off the field are a mess. Last year an Icon here in Nashville was killed, Steve McNair. He was loved and adored by the fans in Tennessee. My 7 year old son wanted to know why that woman killed. I responded back that he was a great player on the field, but he wasn’t a good person off the field. Don’t get me wrong, there are some good guys in the NFL. For every good family man in the NFL, you can find 20 guys who break the law, cheat on their wives, or better yet even beat their wives.

These guys are truly out of touch with what life would be like to just make $30,000.00 a year. Most of the guys that make all that money blow it all. I saw a story last year that reported that 70% of all professional athletes declare bankruptcy after they retire. The accusation of Michael Irvin raping a woman in Florida got me started on this rant. Do these guys not realize that women view them as a target simply because they have money? If they were real family men they would not have these secret affairs. The bottom line is this, some players are outstanding on the field, but they are lousy people off the field.

5 running backs to avoid this year in fantasy football

2010-02-05T05:58:00.000-08:00

5 running backs to avoid this year in fantasy football
1. Clinton Portis. This guy was overlooked last year for a reason. I kept hearing a lot of talk about how he could really help a team. I kept saying to myself, he is getting to old. Age and injuries have caught up to him. His production is no longer “fantasy football worthy.”

2. Ronnie Brown- He was on my fantasy football team 2 years ago when he went out half way through the season. This guy is talented; however injuries have caught up with him. He has had 2 surgeries in the last 3 years. The odds do not favor him at all. When he is healthy he can be a game changing back. I do believe that his glory days are gone.

3. Ladainian Tomlinson- He still has some gas in the tank, but he is not the every down back that can carry the workload. Age has started to creep up on him. When running backs hit the age of 30 or close to it, their production goes down. You will not find a classier guy in the league. He can still be effective, if he is used right. His fantasy value is not really in demand.

4. Willis McGhee- He lost his job to the new sheriff in town, Ray Rice. He had a great O-line blocking for him. He saw plenty of action around the goaline. The same thing happened to Lindale White last year, and we all saw how productive he was this year. He was nonexistent. He will have little to no fantasy value this year.

5. Thomas Jones- I can’t believe what I am saying! He had one of the best years of his career. I am just saying all the signs are there. Take heed. Rookie Shonn Greene really pushed him the last weeks of the season. He will still have good fantasy value, but he will not be sought after like last year. He would be a great pick after round 7 of the draft. There are too many other talented young running backs to go after. However there is a HUGH risk in selecting a rookie or 2nd year back and expecting production. Last year I took a chance on Chris Johnson and his ability won me a championship, but there was risk, due to the fact that he was a 2nd year back. Second year backs are always a gamble. Thomas Jones will have some fantasy football value, but his demand will slip a little.

DeSsean Jackson, a fantasy football star?

2010-02-03T07:01:00.000-08:00

Is this guy going to be the next solid wide out in fantasy football?

He had 62 catches for 1156 yards, averaging 18.6 yards per catch, and 9 touchdowns. Those are some good fantasy numbers. I made a critical mistake, I drafted Roy Williams in the 4th round, the guy who drafted behind me grabbed him. He proved his fantasy worth last year.

This is what he has working for him. He has a stable Quarterback throwing him the ball. He is not the only threat on the team. They have Brian Westbrook, LeSsean McCoy, and a promising young wide out in Jeremy Maclin. That is a pretty good supporting cast.

I expect his draft stock for fantasy football to rise over the offseason.

Another prediction is Austin Collie, should become the next Wes Welker in the next few years. If he is able to produce the same kind of numbers next year, he could be a fantasy football steal!
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Andre Johnson, the #1 WR in fantasy football

2010-02-03T04:26:00.000-08:00

Andre Johnson once again had an outstanding year in fantasy football. I had planned on selecting him in the 2nd round, but by then he was long gone.

He finished the season with 101 receptions for 1569 yards and 9 touchdowns. He is a ball hog in fantasy football. Just the kind of player you want, one that is targeted. His touchdown total was not as high as Randy Moss(13 TD), Larry Fitzgerald(13 TD),or Miles Austin(11 TD).

He was 3rd in receptions behind Steve Smith & Wes Welker. His average yards per reception was not that great, but he has a nose for the ball. He is the #1 target on the Texans.

I know most people say that Larry Fitzgerald or Randy Moss is a better choice, because they will score more touchdowns, which means your team will score more fantasy points. Larry Fitzgerld has lost his starting QB(kurt warner) to retirement. Randy Moss played like he was on the back side of his career, the last few weeks of the season. There is not a more dominant Wide Out in fantasy football. He should be the First Wide taken in fantasy league drafts.

How defensive have the Colts & the Saints been in postseason?

2010-02-02T10:29:00.001-08:00

In my last blog we concluded that this year’s super bowl would be an offensive showdown. We look at the regular season stats and really studied how both teams proved they were really strong offensively. Now let’s take a closer look at how defensive they have been in the post season. Remember that only 12 teams made the playoffs.

Let’s look at the Saints defense through the postseason.
• The saints ranked 9th in total team defense, giving up 42 points, and averaging 417 yards per game.
• They were penalized 8 times for 54 yards.
• They have caused a league high 9 fumbles.
• They were 7th against the run, giving up 5.2 yards per carry, giving up 5 touchdowns, & giving up 133 yards per game.
• They were ranked 10th against the pass, giving up an average of 284 yards per game, but only giving up 1 touchdown.
• The longest pass play was a 30 yard pass.
• They have sacked to Quarterback 1 time.
• They were tied with the colts for 2nd place for interceptions with 3.
Let’s look at the colt’s defense through the postseason.
• The colts ranked 5th total team defense, giving up 20 point, and averaging 329 yards per game.
• They were penalized 13 times for 110 yards.
• They caused 3 fumbles.
• They were 4th against the run, giving up 3.6 yards per carry, giving up 0 touchdowns, & giving up 86.5 yards per game.
• They were ranked 7th against the pass, giving up an average of 242.5 yards per game, & 2 touchdowns.
• The longest pass play was an 80 yard touchdown.
• They sacked the Quarterback 1 time.
• They were tied with the saints for 2nd place for interceptions with 3.
This looks pretty even. I think it will be a game just like any other; it will come down to whoever turns the ball over the least. It will no doubt be a great game.

Jay Novacek's wife found dead

2010-02-01T16:07:00.000-08:00

The wife of former cowboy Jeay Novachek was found dead this morning at 9:30. LeAnne Novacek, 45, a possible suicide" at a residence in Burleson.

The body was found in the bedroom of the residence, according to the police report. Jay Novacek, 47, played six seasons for the Cowboys from 1990 to 1996. The five-time Pro Bowler, who ranks ninth in team history with 3,576 career receiving yards on 339 catches. After a back injury forced him to miss the 1996 season, Novacek retired in 1997. He and his wife continued to live in the area.

How offensive have the Colts & the Saints been in postseason?

2010-02-01T12:04:00.000-08:00

If you are not dominating your fantasy football league, it's obvious......you need to get into the end zone. www.fantasyendzone.com

In my last blog we concluded that this year’s super bowl would be an offensive showdown. We look at the regular season stats and really studied how both teams proved they were really strong offensively. Now let’s take a closer look at how they have done in the post season. Remember that only 12 teams made the playoffs.
• The saints have ranked 7th in total yards, averaging 333.5 per game & 5.6 yards per play.
• They were penalized 15 times for a total of 132 yards.(2nd most of any playoff team)
• They have fumbled 3 times.
• They ranked 7th in passing, averaging 218 yards per game, while scoring a league high 6 touchdowns.
• Their longest pass play was a 44 yard touchdown.
• Their rushing attack was 7th, averaging 4.2 yards per carry, while scoring 3 touchdowns.
• They had 1 fumble.
• Their O-line was ranked 2nd overall.
• Their offense scored league high 10 touchdowns.

Now let’s look at the Colts postseason offensive stats.
• They ranked 4th in total yards, averaging 368 per game & 5.4 yards per play.
• They were penalized 5 times for a total of 30 yards.(that was a league best)
• They have fumbled twice.
• They ranked 3rd in passing, averaging 296.5 yards per game & scored 5 touchdowns.
• Their longest pass play was for 46 yards.
• Their rushing attack was ranked 9th, averaging 2.9 & recorded 0 touchdowns.
• They had 1 fumble.
• Their O-line was ranked 9th overall.
• Their offense scored 5 touchdowns during the postseason.

It looks to me like New Orleans might have more impressive offensive numbers. Check out tomorrow’s blog and we will take a closer look at how the defenses have played in the postseason. I have to say that the numbers favor the Saints. Good luck to both teams.

This game should be an offensive showdown!

2010-01-31T08:05:00.000-08:00

If you are not dominating your fantasy league, it is pretty obvious…you need to get into the end zone. Fantasyendzone.com Yes we know that the fantasy football seasons is over, but we love just talking football. Here are some interesting things to ponder.

I would say that most people feel like this will be a great offensive Super Bowl. In one corner we have the challenger hailing from Purdue, he has played outstanding football for years now, DREW BREES!!!!!!In the other corner, we have a recent Super Bowl winner, a four time league MVP, hailing from New Orleans, PEYTON MANNING!!!!
We have all heard it said, “Defense wins championships”. We took an in depth look at the team defense on my last blog. Today we will look closer at the team offenses. We will really see if this game should be an offensive showdown, like most are predicting.

First let’s take a closer look at the Saints offense.
• The saints ranked 1st in total team offense, averaging 31.9 points per game.
• The saints ranked 6th in rushing, averaging 4.5 yards per carry, and scored 21 touchdowns on the ground
• The saints O-line ranked 4th.
• The saints ranked 4th in passing offense, averaging 8.3 yards per catch, and catching 34 touchdowns through the air.

Second let’s take a closer look at the Colts offense.
• The colts ranked 9th in total team offense, averaging 26 points per game.
• The colts ranked 32nd in rushing, averaging 3.5 yards per carry, and scored 16 touchdowns on the ground.
• The colts O-line ranked 1st.
• The colts ranked 2nd in passing offense, averaging 7.7 yards per catch, and catching 34 touchdowns through the air.

This one really has all the looks of an offensive showdown. My next few blogs will take a look at how the defenses and offenses have looked in the post season.

Go Saints

2010-01-28T14:22:00.000-08:00

Go marching in

Gob saints

2010-01-28T14:17:00.000-08:00

let's go saints

Defense wins championships?

2010-01-28T12:48:00.000-08:00

Hello football fans this is fantyendzone.com. If you’re not winning at fantasy football, you need to get into the end zone, the fantasyendzone.com

Let’s talk a little today about defenses. You always hear that defenses win championships. Is that really the case this year? This regular season the New Orleans Saints ranked 25th in total defense while the Colts ranked 18th. 25th is hardly dominant, while 18th is just middle of the road.
Against the run the New Orleans Saints ranked 21st giving up an average of 4.5 yards per carry & averaged giving up 122 yards a game. They gave up 19 Touchdowns on the ground. That is nothing to write home about. While the Colts ranked 24th giving up 4.3 and averaged giving up 126.5 yards per game. They gave up 10 touchdowns on the ground. Both defenses gave up some huge yards.

Let’s look at the pass defense. The New Orleans Saints ranked 26th giving up 6.9 yards per pass. They averaged giving up 235.6 yards of passing per game. They also gave up 15 touchdowns through the air, while intercepting 26 passes, which was the 3rd most in the league. I know this is not a stat that Colts fans did not want to hear. Saints fans are licking their chops after hearing that stat. The Colts were 14th against the pass giving up 6.2 & averaged just giving up 212.7 per game. They gave up 19 touchdowns through the air, and intercepted the ball 16 times.

The New Orleans Saints as a team sacked opposing Quarterbacks 35 times which ranked the 13th in the league. While the Colts sacked the opposing quarterbacks 34 times, ranking them 16th. That makes them pretty even. The New Orleans Saints averaged just giving up 21.3 points per game. While the Colts averaged just giving up 19.2 points per game.

During the post season the Colts have been 5th in total defense, while the Saints have been 9th in total defense. The Colts have been penalized for 110 yards in the post season, while the Saints have been penalized 54 yards.

Does this all matter? No it all comes down to who plays the better game on Super Bowl Sunday. Who said the defense wins championships? It should be a great game.

Is the Saint Defense good enough to give Manning trouble?

2010-01-27T15:35:00.000-08:00

I have not followed the saints closely throughout the season. I am personally a bears & titans fan. The saints however caught my eye earlier and often with their play throughout the season.

The defense was overshadowed by the offense. The offense was always putting up HUGH numbers. The Colts, as we all know are more than capable of putting up some big numbers. The defense of the saints has been big at times, but they did give up 28 points to the Vikings. They gave up 310 yards through the air, and 122 yards and 3 touchdowns on the ground. The Vikings have one of the best running attacks in the game.

However the defense did come up with some key turnovers. They will not only need those turnovers, but they must also turn those turnovers into some points. Turnovers in this game are going to be Hugh.

Will Tim Tebow do well in the NFL

2010-01-26T09:40:00.000-08:00

Many people would call Tim Tebow, the greatest college football player ever. I don't know if I could argue with that. Will he make in the NFL?

He is as athletic as they come. I was listening to talk radio this morning and they said all the reports they were hearing was saying that he did not want to consider playing another position besides Quarterback.

He does have a strong arm. I knew another former NFL QB who was as big as most Defensive Ends. He played the Game pretty well. His name was Steve Mcnair. He could make the transition with the right coaching. I wish him luck.

Tim Tebow and controversy

2010-01-26T08:59:00.000-08:00

There is reported story that Tim Tebow could be involved in a controversial commercial ad during the upcoming Super Bowl.

It has been reported that his mom was pregnant with him while on a mission trip to another country. Word has it that doctors had advised her to abort Tim, due to the fact that the pregnancy was a risk, due to the countries conditions.

His mom ignored the advice, and deliverd a baby boy that was named, "Tim Tebow". He has been a heisman trohy, and could possibly be drafted in the NFL.

Reports have indicated that CBS has yet to sign off on this commercial. If approved it could be a very controversial commerical, possibly the most controversial in the history of the super bowl.

So the question is will the Super Bowl ad with Tim Tebow run? We will see in about two weeks.

Super Bowl fever is in New Orleans.

2010-01-26T05:49:00.000-08:00

The city of New Orleans deserves Super Bowl fever. There is so much to talk about after last sundays game. The game winning kick by Garrett Hartley was by far the biggest game winning field goal in sainst history. The victory has left plenty of fans, player, and coaches sleepless in New Orleans.

Now that the reality has set in, it is time to get ready for the colts. Let's look at the similarities of the two teams.

1. They both have good Quarterbacks. Peyton Manning has done more with less this season. If you give him time in the pocket, he will make things happen. Drew Brees can also hurt you with his arm. He has an arsenal of weapons at his dispoal.

2. Both teams have an effective running game. However the Colts run game looked pretty good against the powerful Jets defense.

3. The colts Wide Outs are guys who fly under the radar. Beside Reggie Wayne, they don't have a big name reciever. That is not to say they are not good. The saints Wide Outs really compliment each other well. The one guy who has been the most dangerous for the Colts has been Dallas Clark. Jermey Shockey is a good Tight End, but he is no Dallas Clark.

4. I think this game will be won in the trenches. One of the trenches is the O-line. Which team gives their Quarterback enough time to throw the ball.

Tune in later today & we'll look at the defenses.

Go Saints

2010-01-26T05:36:00.000-08:00

Most people in Tennessee are pulling for the Colts, because of Peyton Manning. He is not a Tennessee boy. He is from New Orleans. Give me a break.

http://scoretouchdown.blogspot.com/2010/01/running-backs-who-will-be-hot-in-2010.html

2010-01-26T04:30:00.001-08:00

I selected Chris Johnson with the 3rd overall pick in our draft. I get to see Johnson play on a weekly basis and felt he was a steal at #3.

He became the 6th player in the history of the National Football League, to rush for 2000 yards. He had 11 straight games, in which he rushed for 100 yards per game. He became the 1st player in league history to rush for 2000 yards and also gain 500 yards receiving. The titans have an outstanding offensive line that only gets better from year to year. The titans also have some young talent to surround him by over the next few years. Players like Javon Ringer(he will the compliment back up RB) Kenny Britt came on at different times this season, and also Jarrod Cook. I hear that the organization is really big on this guy, because he has the speed of a Wide Out and good blocking skills.

He became the first player in the history of the game to rush for 2000 yards and gain 500 receiving. He can do it all. The titan’s offensive line just gets better year after year. Their game plan is to run the football and play solid defense. I am not saying that Johnson will be the next Marshall Faulk, but he has the talent, and also he plays on team with an outstanding offensive line. It is hard to expect a repeat of last year’s numbers. I do expect Chris Johnson to really climb up draft boards come fantasy season. I think that Adrian Peterson is a very talented player along with Maurice Jones Drew, but the time has come for Johnson to become the best back in the game. This past season proved that he is the best back in the game. He can hit the holes with speed or catch the ball out of the backfield. Write it down, Chris Johnson will be the number one pick in 90% of fantasy league drafts this season. He should be the #1 pick on fantasy boards in 2010. Chuck Mitchell is a fantasy football weekend warrior. He has found an audience for a fantasy football blog.

running backs who will be hot in 2010 fantasy

2010-01-26T04:28:00.001-08:00

Running backs are always the much needed backbone of any good fantasy team. Here are a few running backs that will be watched by drooling fantasy leaugers.

1. Chris Johnson- This guy had the biggest breakout year of any 2nd year back in probably 30 years. It takes talent and a good offensive line to rush for 2000 yards. He also caught the ball enough to give him 500 yds receiving. He will probably be the 1st pick. Write it down.

2. Adrian Peterson- He did not dissapoint this year. He was solid and reliable. Although I do have some concern, because he is like most backs, a "contact" running back. He has talent around him with Brett Farve,Sidney Rice, & Percey Harvin. All of these guys helps Peterson to be a better back.

3.Shonne Greene- This guy has got the "it" factor. He has been a very productive back this year. The amazing thing is that opposing defenses know that he will get the ball, but he still finds ways to get his yards.

4. Jamal Charles- If the chiefs can build a good o-line to block for him, he can be a productive back. They have some weapons around him, but they need to build a wall for him to run behind.

Running backs to avoid this year

2010-01-26T03:52:00.000-08:00

1. Ronnie Brown- He has had a good run, but injuries have caught up to him over the last few years. After multiple surgeries, he should be expected to lose some of his step.2. Willis McGahee- There is a new sheriff in town, and that sheriff’s name is Ray Rice. After the monster year he had, I feel like he will be the featured back come next season.3. Joseph Addai- He has showed some signs of physical wear and tear over the past couple of seasons. I think the colts are expecting the rookie Donald Brown to play a more significant role next season.4. Reggie Bush- He has not lived up to the hype when he was drafted. Don’t get me wrong, he is an effective running back, when used right. The saints have used him perfectly. Throwing to him out of the backfield. He is a great running back when he has the outside, but he is not an every down back. Rumor has it that the saints may not show interests in resigning him this offseason.5. Marshawn Lynch- This guy looked like he had it all during his rookie year. I think the lack of talent around him has caught up with him. We will see if Chan Gaily can turn this sinking ship around. So much for them hiring a big name coach. I guess that was all hype.Be very careful when selecting your running backs for you fantasy teams this summer. The selections at the running back position can make or break you. Don’t get caught up in the thinking that you must select two running backs in the first two rounds. If you follow that line of thinking, you will find yourself overpaying for an average running back. Stay tuned for the blog entitled “what should you look for when selecting your running backs”.

Watch out for Chris

2010-01-26T03:34:00.000-08:00

I selected Chris Johnson with the 3rd overall pick in our draft. I get to see Johnson play on a weekly basis and felt he was a steal at #3.He became the 6th player in the history of the National Football League, to rush for 2000 yards. He had 11 straight games, in which he rushed for 100 yards per game. He became the 1st player in league history to rush for 2000 yards and also gain 500 yards receiving. The titans have an outstanding offensive line that only gets better from year to year. The titans also have some young talent to surround him by over the next few years. Players like Javon Ringer(he will the compliment back up RB) Kenny Britt came on at different times this season, and also Jarrod Cook. I hear that the organization is really big on this guy, because he has the speed of a Wide Out and good blocking skills. He became the first player in the history of the game to rush for 2000 yards and gain 500 receiving. He can do it all. The titan’s offensive line just gets better year after year. Their game plan is to run the football and play solid defense. I am not saying that Johnson will be the next Marshall Faulk, but he has the talent, and also he plays on team with an outstanding offensive line. It is hard to expect a repeat of last year’s numbers. I do expect Chris Johnson to really climb up draft boards come fantasy season. I think that Adrian Peterson is a very talented player along with Maurice Jones Drew, but the time has come for Johnson to become the best back in the game. This past season proved that he is the best back in the game. He can hit the holes with speed or catch the ball out of the backfield. Write it down, Chris Johnson will be the number one pick in 90% of fantasy league drafts this season. He should be the #1 pick on fantasy boards in 2010.

The saints are for real New Orleans!!!!!

2010-01-26T02:56:00.000-08:00

The New Orleans Saints are the real deal. They are no longer just a good football team. They are a championship team with business at hand. They were able to pull out a victory yesterday, and they really did not play that well. Most of that was due to the fact that they were facing the best defense in the NFL. They played some pretty good defense as well. They forced multiple turnovers , and anytime you can do that you increase your chances of winning. This team just seems to be primed to run for a championship. I hope they take down the colts. The fans of New Orleans SO deserve. They have truly endured some difficult seasons. I wish them the best of luck. AS FOR THE TEAM, THEY DON’T NEED LUCK.