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Saturday September 29, 2007
The Players
Week 4 Fantasy Football report by Gridiron Guru.
-GAME OF THE WEEK-
*****
I Don't Care (3-0) vs. Upbeat Tempo (2-1)
-This was supposed to be headlined by the L.J vs.L.T match-up, instead it'll be a battle of the rookie backs (Marshawn Lynch vs. Adrian Peterson). At 3-0, IDC traded the struggling Johnson in exchange for running back, Travis Henry who will get the start here. Tempo elected to remain patient with it's star back by holding on to Tomlinson despite receiving numerous offers for him this week. WR Andre Johnson remains out due to injury, so Chris Chambers could get the start opposite Tory Holt. This is a rematch of last year's very close Fantasy bowl won by IDC. 2 players (Carson Palmer & Steve Smith) were a part of that championship win.
Prediction: I Don't Care 99-74.
****
FU vs. Gieslers
- Both teams come in at 2-1 with a chance to move into a tie for first in the East division. Gieslers will likely be without running back Ahman Green who is out this week with an injury, leaving Frank Gore as the only usable option currently on the roster. After a forgetable 2006 season, FU has rebounded so far this season as one of the league's surprise teams. Though the schedule has been pretty favorable, as the team's opponents so far have a combined record of 1-8. This might be the first real test against a team with a winning record. The match-up to watch is Gore vs. Shawn Alexander in the San Francisco/Seattle game.
***
Boozemeisters vs. Sammy's Boyz
-In a bold move, Meisters traded away star receiver Plaxico Buress this week to obtain the rights to receivers Santonio Holmes (who will get the start this week) and an old team favorite, Marques Colston who's on bye. This move is expected to provide some much-needed depth to the receiving corps. The Boyz look to build off last week's first win and try to move to .500 on the season with a win here. The Boyz have yet to really jell as a unit as star players like Willie Parker & Reggie Wayne have struggled to find the end zone much, despite putting up good yardage. LaMont Jordan & QB John Kitna continue to prove their value on a weekly basis and continue to post solid numbers.
**
Juggernauts vs. ThunderPumpers
-Pumpers sit atop the division after two straight division wins as WR Randy Moss continues to carry this team. No team may be affected more by the bye-week with three regulars unavailable this week, so an opportunity to win a third straight may be a challenge. The news got worse when both RB Rudi Johnson and WR Hines Ward also were lost for the week with injuries, leaving few options from the bench. For the Juggernauts injuries have also played a role, as WR Anquan Boldin & RB Steven Jackson are both expected out for this week. But the trade for Plaxico Buress and the pick up of WR Kevin Curtis could turn things around for a team that has struggled to develop positive momentum all season. This could be the week where the karma finally changes and the team gets back on track though. RB Brandon Jacobs is also expected back next week, which should add a good wrinkle to the running game while Jackson is out.
**
Brew Crew vs. Team Dysfunction
-Both teams are in major need of a win this week if either hopes to keep pace with the rest of the division. Brew Crew has gone 0-8 against teams with winning records and 8-0 against non-winning teams going back to the beginning of last season, which is an interesting statistic. That bodes well this week, as Team Dysfunction sits at 0-3 and lacking at the running back position. Crew traded for RB Larry Johnson who will make his debut this week in hopes of producing more TDs that were lacking with Travis Henry. L.J (who was benched and in the dog house of his previous owner) figures to be a better fit on a team that will likely be more patient with him and not ask him to carry the running game all by himself. Team Dysfunction has been just that. The team needs a big game from WR Terrell Owens & QB Peyton Manning to avoid a league worst 3-15 life-time record.
-BOLD MOVE OF THE WEEK-
Team Dysfunction starting Jamal Lewis vs. Baltimore.
| | Posted by JSM80 at 3:43 AM - | |
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Saturday September 22, 2007
The Players
Week 3 Fantasy Football report by Gridiron Guru.
- This week's match-ups in the Guru's fantasy football league features 3 first time head-to-head meetings with only 2 match-ups with any previous history (Brew Crew/Boozemeisters & Team Dysfunction/FU). Despite this lack of history many of these games should be closely contested, at least on paper.
- The big story of the week in our league obviously surrounds the block buster deal that un folded between the Juggernauts (received Steven Jackson & Vince Young) & Team Dysfunction (received Peyton Manning). These two 0-2 teams clearly needed a jolt and it will be interesting to follow the production of these players going foward. And in case any one is wondering these two clubs face in week 10. That should be a good one!
Storylines:
Game of the Week****
I Don't Care (2-0) vs. Gieslers (2-0)
-This week's marque match-up is between 2 of the 3 undefeated teams. Both these clubs are coming off high-scoring wins, so this should be a shootout. The two starting QBs (Palmer & Hasselbeck) will be on the same field Sunday, so which ever one performs better could decide the outcome. In a bold move, IDC may sit stud running back, Larry Johnson after a less-than impressive start, in favor of Warrick Dunn. A definite gamble. Prediction: Gieslers 104-88.
Brew Crew vs. Boozemeisters***
-Crew leads the all-time series 2-1, winning both meetings last year. The East is 2-0 against the West head-to-head so far this season, which also bodes well. I think this game will be closer than expected, especially if receiver, Plaxico Buress is able to play for BM. Boozemeisters needs a strong showing from QB Philip Rivers in order to pull off the upset win here.
Sammy's Boyz vs. Juggernauts **
-Both teams are 0-2, which is why this game has added importance. Both teams have playoff caliber talent, especially in the weaker Western Conference, but the loser here will have a tougher road ahead. The acquisition of Steven Jackson gives Juggernauts the potential spark at running back this club sorely needed. New starting QB, Vince Young will also debut for this team on Monday night, trying to fill the large shoes of Peyton Manning who was traded this week. On the other side, the Boyz may have a QB controversay of their own brewing, as John Kitna gets the start over Eli Manning for the second straight week. Willie Parker also goes up against the team that had him last year during his break out season.
Upbeat Tempo vs. ThunderPumpers**
-Tempo is 6-0 lifetime in September and will look to continue that streak this week. However, injuries may be a factor and open the doors for an upset. The loss of WR Andre Johnson could be a blow, look for Chris Chambers to get the nod as the replacement for this week. Pumpers quietly put together a good showing last week due mainly to the (re)emergence of WR Randy Moss. The key here is which underachieving QB (Brees or McNabb) will break out of their slump first.
FU vs. Team Dysfunction*
-These were the league's two worst clubs last season, but FU is showing signs of life with the team's first 100 pt game in almost a year coming last week. The chance for a 2-1 start is good as Team Dysfunction searchs for a long-term replacement for the departed Steven Jackson. Still, there is some level excitement in ownership over the acquisition of star QB Peyton Manning, which moves former starter, Marc Bulger to the bench. Bulger could soon be on the trade block as Team D looks for an identity at running back.
Rumblings:
- Hot names floating around as potential trade bait include: Andre Johnson, who could be next week's hot commodity if he returns from injury. Also Maurice Jones Drew, Julius Jones, Bulger, & Anquan Boldin are believed to be on the block or soon to be.
- It looks like WR Ronald Curry will make his first start of the season for Brew Crew this week over the struggling Larry Fitzgerald.
- Santonio Holmes has beaten out Boldin for the starting nod this week and will start opposite Colston for the Juggernauts in week 3. Thomas Jones will also make his debut in the starting lineup, moving Reggie Bush to the bench for the time being.
- It appears Laurence Maroney has held off RB Carnell Williams for at least another week and remains a starter for Boozemeisters. But it bares watching, especially if Maroney fails to score on a soft Bill's defense.
Bold Move of the Week:
IDC benching Larry Johnson for Marshawn Lynch.
This week's NFL picks:
Guru: Raiders, Seahawks, Rams, Bears, Falcons.
End Zone Adam: Browns, Bengals, Bucs, Cowboys, Panthers.
| | Posted by JSM80 at 2:00 AM - | |
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Monday September 3, 2007
The East looks like a beast, but the West will be wild!
Grading our league's fantasy draft:
(For obvious reasons I have excluded my team from these rankings.)
-
| Pos | |
|---|
| QB | Matt Hasselbeck, SEA | | QB | Ben Roethlisberger, PIT | | RB | Frank Gore, SF | | RB | Deuce McAllister, NO | | RB | Ahman Green, HOU | | RB | Fred Taylor, JAC | | WR | Marvin Harrison, IND | | WR | Chad Johnson, CIN | | WR | Terry Glenn, DAL | | WR | Mark Clayton, BAL | | TE | Antonio Gates, SD | | TE | Dallas Clark, IND | | PK | Stephen Gostkowski, NE | | PK | Ryan Longwell, MIN | | Def | Jaguars, Team Defense, JAC | | Def |
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-The wide receiver tandem of Harrison & Johnson a long with Frank Gore provides this team with a lethal combination. Add Antonio Gates at tight end and this team becomes an instant contender and the favorite in our East division. Hasselbeck won't have to carry this team, which is a good thing. He passed up Addai & Larry Johnson with the 3rd pick, which is a not-so-good-thing. But if Gore can stay healthy, it won't matter. That will be the key for this new team.
Question: Will Frank Gore stay healthy a full season to justify his top 3 selection?
Grade: A-
record: 8-5 (Div. Champ or wild card)
2.
| Pos | |
|---|
| QB | Tony Romo, DAL | | QB | Alex D. Smith, SF | | RB | Joseph Addai, IND | | RB | Travis Henry, DEN | | RB | Thomas Jones, NYJ | | RB | Ladell Betts, WAS | | WR | Larry Fitzgerald, ARI | | WR | Javon Walker, DEN | | WR | Deion Branch, SEA | | WR | Santonio Holmes, PIT | | TE | Jeremy Shockey, NYG | | TE | Heath Miller, PIT | | PK | Jeff Wilkins, STL | | PK | Neil Rackers, ARI | | Def | Steelers, Team Defense, PIT | | Def |
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-I had Addai as the 3rd best player on my draft board so for him to drop to the eight spot was tremendous value. Henry & Walker are ideal #2's at their positions who will play like #1's on some weeks, if Denver can score a lot of points. Tony Romo at quarter back is also good value. This is a top three team in terms of overall depth and should contend in what should be a very competitive and high scoring division.
Question: If Romo struggles or gets injured will Alex Smith be an effective starter?
Grade: B+
record: 8-5 (wild card)
3.
| Pos | |
|---|
| QB | Drew Brees, NO | | QB | Jay Cutler, DEN | | RB | LaDainian Tomlinson, SD | | RB | Adrian Peterson(r), MIN | | RB | DeAngelo Williams, CAR | | RB | Jerious Norwood, ATL | | WR | Torry Holt, STL | | WR | Andre Johnson, HOU | | WR | Chris Chambers, MIA | | WR | D.J. Hackett, SEA | | TE | L.J. Smith, PHI | | TE | Randy McMichael, STL | | PK | Josh Scobee, JAC | | PK | Rian Lindell, BUF | | Def | Vikings, Team Defense, MIN | | Def | Broncos, Team Defense, DEN |
-The Brees/Tomlinson combo will be steller all season and the wide outs are also rock solid if Holt can prove healthy. But the tight ends may lack consistent production all season. The Viking's defense should be very good, but they were a reach in the sixth round as the 1st defense selected. Cutler will be a very good backup QB who could be good trade bait later in the season. The rest of the bench is average. This team will be among the favorites in the West division because of Brees & L.T.
Question: Can Adrian Peterson produce enough to compliment L.T. at running back?
Grade: B+
record: 9-4 (Div. Champ or wild card)
4.
| Pos | |
|---|
| QB | Marc Bulger, STL | | QB | Vince Young, TEN | | RB | Steven Jackson, STL | | RB | Jamal Lewis, CLE | | RB | Brandon Jackson(r), GB | | RB | Michael Pittman, TB | | WR | Terrell Owens, DAL | | WR | Anquan Boldin, ARI | | WR | Braylon Edwards, CLE | | WR | Calvin Johnson(r), DET | | TE | Alge Crumpler, ATL | | TE | Greg Olsen(r), CHI | | PK | Josh Brown, SEA | | PK | Jason Elam, DEN | | Def | Eagles, Team Defense, PHI | | Def | Colts, Team Defense, IND |
-Could be the "surprise team" in our league if this team can stay in tact. A solid draft that has good depth at both quarter back and wide receiver. Jamal Lewis was a slight reach with MLD and Thomas Jones still on the board, as was Crumpler as the 2nd tight end taken. The Bulger-Jackson hook up should be very effective and it is the only one in our league. Owens & Boldin will be a strong 1-2 punch at WR. This team had a much improved draft from 2005. The only other concern is the bye week issues in weeks 8 & 9.
Question: Will Vince Young remain the back up or will this team have to play "musical chairs" with the position all season?
Grade: B
record: 6-7 (possible wild card)
5.
| Pos | |
|---|
| QB | Carson Palmer, CIN | | QB | Chad Pennington, NYJ | | RB | Larry Johnson, KC | | RB | Cedric Benson, CHI | | RB | Marshawn Lynch(r), BUF | | RB | Warrick Dunn, ATL | | WR | Steve Smith, CAR | | WR | Donald Driver, GB | | WR | Jerricho Cotchery, NYJ | | WR | Bernard Berrian, CHI | | TE | Jason Witten, DAL | | TE | Daniel Graham, DEN | | PK | Adam Vinatieri, IND | | PK | Jay Feely, MIA | | Def | Ravens, Team Defense, BAL | | Def | Giants, Team Defense, NYG |
-As the defending champion, this team once again has a potent starting line-up. However, the drop off is rather significant with the bench players. Pennington is a weak backup if Palmer goes down and the tight ends are rather ordinary, at best. The kicker/defense combo of Vinatieri & the Raven's D may be the league's best though and could make the difference in close games. Cedric Benson is a nice compliment to the always reliable L.J.
Question: Can this team repeat if Palmer gets injured, and without a reliable back up?
Grade: B
record: 7-6 (wild card)
6.
| Pos | |
|---|
| QB | Eli Manning, NYG | | QB | Jon Kitna, DET | | RB | Willie Parker, PIT | | RB | Willis McGahee, BAL | | RB | Chester Taylor, MIN | | RB | LaMont Jordan, OAK | | WR | Reggie Wayne, IND | | WR | Darrell Jackson, SF | | WR | Vincent Jackson, SD | | WR | Wes Welker, NE | | TE | Tony Gonzalez, KC | | TE | Desmond Clark, CHI | | PK | Nate Kaeding, SD | | PK | Joe Nedney, SF | | Def | Bears, Team Defense, CHI | | Def | Chiefs, Team Defense, KC |
-For being a first time player, I thought this team had a pretty solid draft for the most part. The depth is very good at wide receiver as both V. Jackson & Wes Welker have sneaky upside. Eli Manning needs to step up and provide more consistent production. If that happens, this team could go from being a sleeper to an elite squad. Kitna is a good choice as back up insurance for Manning. Tony Gonzalez at tight end isn't what he used to be, but he was good value for where he went in the draft. This team should challenge for a wild card, and maybe more, depending on Manning.
Question: Will Willis McGahee be consistent enough as the #2 back? Or will Parker have to carry all the load?
Grade: B
record: 7-6 ( possible wild card)
7.
| Pos | |
|---|
| QB | Tom Brady, NE | | QB | Jake Delhomme, CAR | | RB | Shaun Alexander, SEA | | RB | Ronnie Brown, MIA | | RB | Marion Barber, DAL | | RB | Tatum Bell, DET | | WR | Lee Evans, BUF | | WR | TJ Houshmandzadeh, CIN | | WR | Laveranues Coles, NYJ | | WR | Joey Galloway, TB | | TE | Todd Heap, BAL | | TE | Tony Scheffler, DEN | | PK | Matt Stover, BAL | | PK | Mike Nugent, NYJ | | Def | Dolphins, Team Defense, MIA | | Def | Packers, Team Defense, GB |
-On paper, this team is fairly dull and a little conservative, but that doesn't necessarily translate to a bad draft. Housh & Evans are solid starters at WR. Tom Brady should have his best season at QB too. The questions surround the running game. If Alexander returns to his old form, this team will contend in a tough division, otherwise it may be a struggle, because Brown is not a strong #2 and Barber may eventually take over that spot at some point. There is decent depth on the bench and Delhomme is a good backup at QB. This team will go as far as Alexander takes it, because the upside here is limited otherwise.
Question: Can Alexander return to his old dominance & lead this team back to the playoffs in the east.
Grade: C+
record: 5-8
8.
| Pos | |
|---|
| QB | Philip Rivers, SD | | QB | Matt Leinart, ARI | | RB | Brian Westbrook, PHI | | RB | Laurence Maroney, NE | | RB | Carnell Williams, TB | | RB | Kevin Jones, DET | | WR | Roy Williams, DET | | WR | Plaxico Burress, NYG | | WR | Matt Jones, JAC | | WR | Mike Furrey, DET | | TE | Ben Watson, NE | | TE | Bo Scaife, TEN | | PK | Robbie Gould, CHI | | PK | John Kasay, CAR | | Def | Chargers, Team Defense, SD | | Def | Seahawks, Team Defense, SEA |
-Considering this team picked last, the starting line-up is pretty decent. If Maroney and Westbrook can stay healthy, they make a good combination. Maroney has a lot of upside, but will he get the goal line carries? Rivers & Leinart are both capable starters at QB, so the depth there is very good. The bench remains a big concern, as it might be the thinnest in the league, especially at RB & WR where the drop off is big. A trade might be needed down the road in order to upgrade those positions on the bench. If healthy, though this team will be in a lot of games against its division.
Question: Can Watson be an every week starter at tight end & can this team stay healthy at RB?
Grade: C+
record: 6-7 (possible wild card)
9.
| Pos | |
|---|
| QB | Donovan McNabb, PHI | | QB | Brett Favre, GB | | RB | Rudi Johnson, CIN | | RB | Clinton Portis, WAS | | RB | Edgerrin James, ARI | | RB | De'Shaun Foster, CAR | | WR | Randy Moss, NE | | WR | Santana Moss, WAS | | WR | Hines Ward, PIT | | WR | Robert Meachem(r), NO | | TE | Chris Cooley, WAS | | TE | Owen Daniels, HOU | | PK | Shayne Graham, CIN | | PK | Jason Hanson, DET | | Def | Patriots, Team Defense, NE | | Def | Buccaneers, Team Defense, TB |
- This team's first year in our league got off to a shaky start by not having attended the live draft, which resulted in a roster that wasn't able to adapt to the flow of the draft, because of the absent owner. It wasn't crippling, but it was a minor set-back. McNabb was good upside pick at QB. Rudi Johnson was the safe pick at RB and will be a reliable starter, but Portis was a risk in the early 2nd round. The real issue is at receiver, where the two Mosses are both all-or-nothing type players. Ward should start every week because this team has no go-to #1 player at that position, which will hurt. I really like Cooley at tight end and Daniels is a good back up. The tight ends will have to be key contributors on this roster to compensate for the lack of receiver production.
Question: Will injuries to McNabb, Portis or Moss prevent this team from contending? Can any receiver emerge as a #1?
Grade: C
record: 4-9
My team: (Un ranked)
| Pos | |
|---|
| QB | Peyton Manning, IND | | QB | Jason Campbell, WAS | | RB | Reggie Bush, NO | | RB | Brandon Jacobs, NYG | | RB | Maurice Jones-Drew, JAC | | RB | Julius Jones, DAL | | WR | Marques Colston, NO | | WR | Reggie Brown, PHI | | WR | Donte Stallworth, NE | | WR | Devery Henderson, NO | | TE | Vernon Davis, SF | | TE | Kellen Winslow, CLE | | PK | David Akers, PHI | | PK | Olindo Mare, NO | | Def | Cowboys, Team Defense, DAL | | Def | Panthers, Team Defense, CAR |
- More than in past years, I went for upside over established veterans, with the notable exception being at QB where I got both. This team has a lot of young and exciting talent with Bush, Jacobs, Colston & Davis. The surprise was MJD falling to me in the sixth round. That was very good value, as I had him going in the early third. Winslow was also good value as my second TE. Some will say that I lack a proven #2 receiver, but I think Reggie Brown has top 12 potential and is a bit under-valued. My kickers look average, but I think one will emerge and it wasn't a high priority with me. Campbell has sneaky potential as a QB, but with Manning on board, he won't start more than once. At the very least, this will be a fun team to watch. But I smell playoffs. Look out, Upbeat Tempo! Question: Can this team thrive without a work horse-type back on the roster?
| | Posted by JSM80 at 9:26 PM - | |
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