Sports Blog

GOLD

Antonio Gates, SD, TE, VS. Miami

Forecast: 8 catches, 113 yards, 2 Tds (25 points)
Yes, I know if you own him you are starting him anyway, but I think he is for a huge game against TE friendly Miami. Miami has already been torched by Tony Gonzalez and Dallas Clark and now they have to deal with Gates. Even better for Gates is that LT might not play again meaning Rivers is going to throw the ball a lot. Expect a huge game from Gates.

Tim Hightower, ARI, RB, VS. Indianapolis
Forecast: 17 carries, 96 rushing yards, 3 catches, 21 yards, 1 TD (19 points)
The Colts run defense has been horrible of late, that bodes well for Hightower who has been surprisingly solid so far. Whether it’s been running or receiving he has made an impact. I expect solid number against this weak defense.

Matt Forte, CHI, RB, @ Seattle
Forecast: 23 carries, 103 yards, 3 catches, 22 yards, 1 TD (21 points)
Forte has struggled in the first two games this season and has disappointed some owners. Well this week he should go off. Did you see what Frank Gore did to this defense? Well I expect something similar from the talented Forte.

Brandon Jacobs, NYG, RB, @ Tampa Bay
Forecast: 22 carries, 115 rushing yards, 1 catch, 8 yards, 2 Tds (24 points)
Like Forte, I see a struggling player getting right against a weaker opponent. Jacobs has not been over 20 carries in any of the first to games, well I see that changing this week. With more opportunities he will go off this week.

Brent Celek, PHI, TE, VS. Kansas City
Forecast: 6 catches, 76 yards, 1 TD (15 points)
With McNabb out and Kevin Kolb as QB, I see another big performance from Celek. Kolb looked for him a lot last week and Celek ended with 8 catches and over 100 yards. I see another big game coming against the Chiefs

Mario Manningham, NYG, WR, @ Tampa Bay
Forecast: 6 catches, 96 yards, 1 TD (16 points)
Tampa Bay have been giving up huge plays in the passing game so its only right that Mario goes off again this week after coming up huge against Dallas. He has been the Giants big play receiver so far this season and I don’t see it changing against Tampa.

Felix Jones, DAL, RB, VS. Carolina
Forecast: 17 carries, 98 yards, 2 catches, 17 yards, 1 TD (17 points)
With Marion Barber being out for the game, Jones should get more opportunities to run wild this week. He is a threat to go all the way on every touch. He should have a couple big plays in this game so start him with confidence.

Byron Leftwich, TB, QB, VS. New York Giants
Forecast: 305 passing yards, 3 Tds, 2 Int, 10 rushing yards (21 points)
Leftwich has had to throw a ton in the first two weeks and it doesn’t look it’s going to change. The Giants should take a early lead forcing Tampa to pass all day. I could see Leftwich throwing for around 300 yards and a couple TDs. But be careful he could have some turnovers also.

COLD
Willie Parker, PIT, RB, @ Cincinnati
Forecast:15 carries, 38 rushing yards, 0 Tds (3 points)
The Steelers have struggled to run the ball and there has been talk that Parker has lost a step. Against a solid defense I don’t see him improving this week. It might be time to give up on Parker for this season if Rashard Mendenhall has a good game this week.

Adrian Peterson, MIN, RB, VS. San Francisco
Forecast: 24 carries, 47 rushing yards, 1 catch, 8 yards, 1 TD (11 points)
I know your thinking I’m crazy right now but I think the 49ers will keep Peterson in check this week. The last time they played they held him to his worst game ever 3 yards on 14 carries. Now there defense is better and Peterson has not been practicing because of a bad back. I don’t think he will have a huge game this week but your probably starting him anyway.

Darren McFadden, OAK, RB, VS. Denver
Forecast: 14 carries, 43 rushing yards, 2 catches, 15 yards, 0 TD (6 points)
Last week I thought Bush would get the goal-line carries but it was McFadden. The Denver defense has been solid so far this season and I think it will be hard for McFadden to duplicate last week against the Chiefs.

Hines Ward, PIT, WR, @ Cincinnati
Forecast: 4 catches, 41 yards, 0 TD (6 points)
Last year in this game he broke the jaw of Keith Rivers on a blind side hit that is now illegal. This week he has talked about doing it again if he gets the opportunity. I think he is going to have a huge target on his back. Besides that he looks like he has lost a step this season.

Brandon Marshall, DEN, WR, @ Oakland
Forecast: 3 catches, 37 yards, 0 Tds (4 points)
Two words “Nnamdi Asomugha.” he should be shadowed on Marshall all day making it tough for him. Even worse he still hasn’t made a strong connection with Kyle Orton. I guess missing practice will do that.

SCORING BENCHMARKS
QBs: 12+ fantasy points
RBs: 12+ fantasy points
WRs: 10+ fantasy points
TEs: 8+ fantasy points
*Scoring system:
4 PTs/Pass TD
1 PT/25 pass yards
6 PTs/Rush-Rec TD
1 PT/Reception
1 PT/10 Rush yards
1 PT/20 Rec yards
-2 PT/INT or FL

GOLD
Michael Bush, OAK, RB, @ Kansas City                                                                LOSS
Forecast: 15 carries, 65 rushing yards, 2 catches, 15 yards, 1 TD (14 points)
Actual: 9 carries, 35 rushing yards, 1 catch, 17 yards, 0 Tds (4.3 points)
Santana Moss, WAS, WR, Vs. St. Louis                                                                  LOSS
Forecast: 7 catches, 95 yards, 1 TD (17 points)
Actual: 3 catches, 35 yards, 1 Fumble Lost, 0 TD (2.75 points)
Ben Roethlisberger, PIT, QB, @ Chicago                                                               WIN
Forecast: 301 passing yards, 2 TDs, 2 TO, 10 rushing yards (17 points)
Actual: 221 passing yards, 1 TD, 1 Int, 6 rushing yards, 1 rushing TD (17.5)
Steve Smith, CAR, WR, @ Atlanta                                                                             WIN
Forecast: 8 catches, 120 yards, 1 TD (20 points)
Actual: 8 catches, 131 yards, 0 TD (14.5 points)
Leon Washington, NYJ, RB, Vs. New England                                                    LOSS
Forecast: 15 carries, 75 rushing yards, 5 catches, 40 yards, 1 TD (20 points)
Actual: 14 carries, 58 rushing yards, 2 catches, 18 yards, 1 Fumble Lost (6.8 points)
Bernard Berrian, MIN, WR, @ Detroit                                                                  LOSS
Forecast: 5 catches, 113 yards, 1 TD (16 points)
Actual: 6 catches, 46 yards, 0 TD (8.3 points)
Vernon Davis, SF, TE, Vs. Seattle                                                                            LOSS
Forecast: 6 catches, 55 yards (8 points)
Actual: 2 catches, 32 yards (3.6 points)
Philip Rivers, SD, QB, Vs. Baltimore                                                                        WIN
Forecast: 265 passing yards, 3 passing TDs, 1 Int (20 points)
Actual: 436 passing yards, 2 passing Tds, 2 Int, 10 rushing yards (22.4 points)
                      ___________
Last Week: 3- 5 (37.5%)
Season: 8- 8 (50%)

COLD
Mike Bell, NO, RB, @ Philadelphia                                                                  LOSS
Forecast: 12 carries, 43 rushing yards, 1 catch, 5 yards, 0 TDs (5 points)
Actual: 17 carries, 86 rushing yards, 1 catch, 9 yards, 1 TD (16 points)
Roy Williams, DAL, WR, Vs. New York Giants                                              WIN
Forecast: 3 catches, 46 yards, 0 TDs (5 points)
Actual: 1 catch, 18 yards, 0 TD (1.8 points)
DeSean Jackson, PHI, WR, Vs. New Orleans                                                 LOSS
Forecast: 3 catches, 22 yards, 1 carry, 14 yards (5 points)
Actual: 4 catches, 101 yards, 3 carries, 15 yards, 1 TD (16.5 points)
Julius Jones, SEA, RB, @ San Francisco                                                          WIN
Forecast: 20 carries, 49 yards, 2 catches, 10 yards, 0 TDs (6 points)
Actual: 8 carries, 11 yards, 3 catches, -3 yards, 1 TD (9.8 points)
Tin Hightower, ARI, RB, @ Jacksonville                                                        LOSS
Forecast: 12 carries, 44 yards, 3 catches, 15 yards, 0 TDs (7 points)
Actual: 15 carries, 72 yards, 3 catches, 12 yards, 1 TD (16.7 points)
____________
Last Week: 2- 3 (40%)
Season: 6- 4 (60%)

Image Source: Getty Images

Football is finally back for the NFL and with it came plenty of excitement. There was a full slate of exciting games with some big performances from some big time players. Drew Brees went crazy, throwing six touchdowns in a high scoring 45 - 27 game. He had a chance to tie the NFL record at seven late in the game, but the team figured the Lions had suffered enough and just ran out the clock. It looks like another long season for the Lions, who went 0-16 last year. That record got them the number one pick in the draft, Matthew Stafford who threw three picks in his NFL debut. In Cleveland, Adrian Peterson stole the show in Brett Favre’s first game as a Viking. Shut down for most of the first half, AP exploded in the second for 155 yards and two touchdowns, that gave him 180 yards and three TD’s on the day. Brett Favre didn’t have a bad day either, it just wasn’t to spectacular. He threw for over 100 yards and a TD.

Another rookie making his debut was Mark Sanchez, and it was a very impressive one. Sanchez threw for over 270 yards with a touchdown and a interception in a 24-7 win over the Texans. Sanchez looked like a seasoned vet eluding the rush and constantly finding receivers on third downs. He only made one mistake throwing a interception that was returned for a touchdown, but other than that he really impressed me. Two other interesting results where the Broncos winning on a tipped pass that went for 87 yards with seconds left. After just giving up what looked like a game winning touchdown to the Bengals the Broncos needed a miracle. And that is exactly what they got. A ball that was thrown into coverage was tipped in the air right to Brandon Stokley who saw nothing but green in front of him. He took it in for the touchdown and everyone was shocked at what just happened. The other surprising result was the 49ers taking down the high powered Cardinals 20 - 16. The Niners defense harassed Kurt Warner all day and even picked him twice. It was a disappointing start for the Cards who where trying to ride the momentum form last season. For the 49ers this was a good win and it looks like they are buying into the new coach.

Source Images: AP Photo

Fantasy Studs:

• Lendale White came back from a rough week to run for 106 yards and 2 touchdowns.
• The Cowboys Defense filled up the stat sheet with 7 sacks, a fumble recovery and an interception.
• Michael Turner still ran for 120-yards, despite losing a fumble.
• Donovan McNabb didn’t get benched this week, throwing for 4 touchdowns and 260-yards.
• Despite only running for 74-yards, DeAngelo Williams still had 4 touchdowns.
• Larry Fitzgerald hauled in 2 touchdown passes on Sunday.
• The Steelers Defense had 3 fumble recoveries,  5 sacks and 2 interceptions.
• Brian Westbrook did it all, catching 2 touchdown passes and rushing for another 2 with 110 yards.
• Bernard Berrian finished with 122-yards, including a 99-yard touchdown reception.
• Adrian Peterson racked up 131-yards and a touchdown.
• Aaron Rodgers threw for 3 touchdowns and 298-yards.
• Tony Romo’s pinky looked fine, throwing for 331-yards and 3 touchdowns.
• Houston’s Steve Slaton rushed for 2 touchdowns and 130-yards.
• The Titans’ Chris Johnson ran for 130-yards and 2 touchdowns.

Fantasy Duds: 

• Ryan Grant finished with only 39-yards.
• Matt Cassel was sacked five times, lost a fumble twice and threw 2 interceptions.
• Laveranues Coles caught only 2 passes for 2 yards.
• Peyton Manning had only 126-yards passing and 2 touchdowns.

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Fantasy Studs:

• Peyton Manning passes for 254 yards and 2 touchdowns, including a 2-point conversion.
• The Pittsburgh Steelers Defense racked up 7 sacks and 2 interceptions.
• Donovan McNabb led the Eagles with 349 yards and 2 touchdown passes.
• In the first start of his career, Tim Hightower rushed for 109 yards and a touchdown.
• Antonio Bryant caught 8 passes for 115 yards and a touchdown.
• Kurt Warner had 342 yards in the air and 2 touchdowns.
• Chris Johnson of the Titans had 89 yards on the ground, 72 receiving and a touchdown.
• Adrian Peterson tallied up 139 yards and a touchdown.
• The Giants’ Brandon Jacobs had 117 yards and touchdown.
• Owen Daniels caught 11 passes for 133 yards.

Fantasy Duds:

• Ben Roethlisberger left the game early Monday Night, finishing with only a rushing touchdown.
• Joseph Addai finished with only 42 total yards.
• Stephen Jackson managed only 17 yards on the ground for the Rams.
• Santana Moss caught only 2 passes for 14 yards.

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Check out and see who made an impact this week in the NFL for your fantasy football teams:

Fantasy Studs:

• Denver’s Brandon Marshall had 18 catches for 166 yards and a touchdown.
• Adrian Peterson ran all over Indianapolis, gaining 160 yards.
• Anquan Boldin caught 6 balls for 140 yards and 3 touchdowns, including a 79 yard score.
• Jay Cutler passed for 350 yards and four touchdowns.
• Arizona’s Kurt Warner showed why Matt Leinart is on the bench with 361 yards and 3 touchdowns.
• Aaron Rodgers had his first 3 touchdown game of his career and passed for 328 yards.
• Greg Jennings had 167 yards receiving.
• San Diego’s Philip Rivers had 377 yards and 3 touchdowns in a heart breaker to Denver.
• Calvin Johnson had 2 touchdowns and 129 yards for Detroit.
• Santana Moss had 164 yards receiving which including a game winning 67-yard touchdown reception.
• Rookie Darren McFadden ran all over the Chiefs, with 164 yards and a touchdown.

Fantasy Duds:

• LaDanian Tomlinson had only 40 all purpose yards for the Chargers.
• The Chiefs’ Larry Johnson ran for a dismal 22 yards.
• Indy’s Marvin Harrison managed only 1 catch for 16 yards.
• Randy Moss finished the day with only 2 catches and 22 yards.
• Jeremy Shockey lost a fumble and finished with only 2 catches.

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Tell us what you’d say!

What would you say? Write us your caption and post them in our comments!

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This week in news and sports blogs around the Net:

• Top 7 - Sports-Related Full House Episodes - Joe Sports Fan
• 28 Easy Ways to Fix Baseball - The Sports Hernia
• Kobe Bryant can’t pinky swear for a while - The Big Lead
• Former NFL QB Josh Booty, brother of USC’s John David Booty, tased by cops - Deadspin
• Tecmo Bowl Replay of the Giants‘ final Super Bowl drive - Deuce of Davenport

YouTube - Watch 

And in Smarter Sports we talked about:

• Adrian Peterson Does it One Last Time at the Pro Bowl
• Chris Berman is at it Again
• Devean George Has a Bigger Impact Off the Court

No one really pays any attention to the Pro Bowl.

And to be quite honest, I didn’t either. I fell asleep after Kelly Rowland sang the national anthem. But I did give a valiant effort to try to watch the year’s last football event. But after looking at the final score and Adrian Peterson’s stats, I kind of wished I had tuned in for a bit longer.

Peterson and the NFC came back to beat the AFC 42-30, with Peterson contributing two second half touchdowns and 129 yards rushing and walking away with the MVP trophy.

Peterson became only the second rookie to win the MVP award since Marshall Faulk did in 1995 when he ran for 18o yards.

Not a bad way to cap off one of the best rookie seasons in NFL history. Now the countdown begins for next year and whether or not Peterson can continue with his magic or follow many other rookies of the past into a sophomore slump.

Source: Sports Illustrated

Tom Brady is at is again, but Adrian Peterson was shutdown and held to only three rushing yards. Here are the players that made an impact this weekend.

• Tony Romo passed for 302 yards and two touchdowns, including the game-winner to Jason Witten with under a minute in the game.
• Jason Witten hauled in 15 passes for 138 yards, including the touchdown.
• Marion Barber finished the day with three touchdowns for the ‘Boys.
• Randy Moss caught 7 passes for 135 yards and two touchdowns.
• Tom Brady did it again with four touchdown passes and 399 yards.
• The Colts Defense had a great day with 3 interceptions, 2 fumble recoveries, 4 sacks, a safety and a blocked punt.
• Peyton Manning matched Brady with four touchdowns of his own and 246 yards.
• Jay Cutler had a great day with 4 scores and 244 yards.
• Ryan Grant ran for 156 yards and a touchdown in a win for the Packers.
• Wide receiver Lee Evans had 2 touchdowns for the Bills in a win over the Dolphins.
• LaDainian Tomlinson rushed for 146 yards and two touchdowns, including the game-winner in overtime over the Titans.
• The Vikings Defense racked up 2 sacks, 3 fumble recoveries and 2 interceptions, including one for a touchdown.
• Eagles running back Brian Westbrook had 116 yards rushing, 38 yards rushing and touchdown.

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Here are those who made a difference this weekend. For once, there won’t be Patriots player on this list, only because they play tonight.

• Tony Romo helped put the Cowboys above the rest in the NFC by defeating the Packers with 309 yards and 4 touchdowns.
• Terrell Owens chipped in 7 catches for 156 yards and a touchdown.
• Adrian Peterson didn’t show any signs of rust after missing a few games, rushing for 116 yards and 2 touchdowns.
• Andre Johnson of the Texans caught 9 passes for 116 yards and a touchdown.
• Stephen Jackson had a good overall game with 96 yards on the ground with a touchdown and 71 yards receiving.
• Looks like that hamstring didn’t bother Braylon Edwards at all, catching 7 passes for 149 yards and a touchdown.
• LaDainian Tomlinson ran for 177 yards and 2 touchdowns.
• Kevin Curtis caught 6 passes for 111 yards and a touchdown for the Eagles in a losing effort.
• Despite having no touchdown grabs, Joey Galloway hauled in 7 passes for 159 yards.
• Hines Ward had 11 catches for 90 yards and 2 touchdowns.
• Falcons receiver Roddy White had 10 catches for 146 yards and a touchdown.
• The San Diego Chargers Defense had 3 interceptions and 8 sacks, including 3 from Shawne Merriman.
• Eagles running back Brian Westbrook did it all against the Seahawks, running for 93 yards and a touchdown, returning a punt for 64 yards and 46 yards receiving.
• Peyton Manning passed for 4 touchdowns and connected with Reggie Wayne for 2 of those who also finished with 158 yards receiving.
• Tony Gonzalez finished with 10 catches and 140 yards for the Chiefs.

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