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

It appears former USC star and current New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez is already on pace to break some NFL records.  According to a New York Times blog, Reebok has confirmed the No. 5 overall pick and his No. 6 jersey is the current top seller among all rookies, ahead of first overall pick Matthew Stafford (also a quarterback, drafted by the Detroit Lions).

It points out the obvious (New York has a bigger fan base) and gives the obligatory mention to Brett Favre.  It also mentions the sales are on pace to outsell last years hottest seller, Darren McFadden of the Oakland Raiders.

Then it got me thinking…where are the best places to buy cheap football equipment and jerseys?  I took a look over at Smarter.com’s NFL’s shop and, after overcoming a bout with sticker shock, I found my way to today’s deal of the day.

Over at the Fansedge.com, they have some great deals like Tom Brady’s Reebok Super Bowl XLII New England Patriots Jersey for only $34.99 (originally $89.99).

Their spring savings are up to 70 percent off and include such awesome items as a two-pair of Atlanta Falcons panties for $17.99. After all, what girl doesn’t want a Falcons logo stitched onto her special place?

Image Source: NYJetsFan.com

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for Mark Sanchez jerseys.
Discounts on NFL gear.

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.

NFL Shop  NFL Jerseys

Photo Source.

This week in news and sports blogs around the Net:

• Darren McFadden should be able to support all his children, signs contract with Raiders - Fox Sports
• Top 7: Baseball “What if” Stories - Joe Sports Fan
• Evander Holyfield’s house is in foreclosure - Larry Brown Sports
• Packers running back puts burglar on IR - Deadspin
• Michael Irvin wants you to visit his “new house!” - Sports by Brooks
• Get your New York Yankees news for the week - The Yankees Chick
• UNC’s Ty Lawson Arrested for DUI - The Big Lead
  
• Nothing like a good ol’ baseball brawl: Devil Rays vs. Red Sox - Fox Sports, YouTube

YouTube - Watch 

And in the Smarter Sports Blog we talked about:

•  “The strike was apparently hard on Eva”
• Denver Broncos Release Travis Henry for Lack of Commitment
• Ray Allen is Nostradamus, Predicted Kobe’s Demands
• Yankees News: Joba Not So Great in Yankee Starter Debut
• Stanley Cup News: Detroit Red Wings Win the Cup
• Smarter’s Dad’s & Grad’s Gift Guide
  

Photo Source.

When I read that headline this morning, I didn’t take it too seriously at first. I mean how could I? The Oakland Raiders haven’t had a winning season in how long and Terrell Owens loves to win. But he, as we all know, loves money too.

But diving deeper into the possibility, a offense with Darren McFadden, Jamarcus Russell and Owens sounds pretty enticing. And why is this rumor coming up now? Well, it’s just a theory by Cam Inman, but with Owens’ contract expiring after this season and since the Dallas Cowboys didn’t throw a contract extension at him this offseason (at least not yet), then why not go to the Raiders who are looking for star receiver. Sure, they picked up Javon Walker, but the guy isn’t a Terrell Owens and with his recent injuries, he’s not as reliable as the sculpted Owens.

It’s doubtful, yet still a possibility, that Owens will end up in a silver different uniform. I actually would hope he does go to Oakland and away from the Cowboys. I’m a big Philadelphia Eagles fan and nothing would make me more happy than to see him on a losing team and NOT competing against the Eagles. The Raiders are going to need a lot more than a loud mouthed receiver to bring them out of the cellar.

Source: Contra Coasta Times

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This week in news and sports blogs around the Net:

•  Afraid of a beat down? Wear this - Deuce of Davenport
• Darren McFadden is the 2009 NCAA Football Xbox 360 cover boy - Loser with Socks
• Pat Riley wants to reimburse Miami Heat Fans - Larry Brown Sports
• Top 7: Classic Board Games - Joe Sports Fan
• Chad Johnson Punched Marvin Lewis in 2005 Bengal Playoff Game - Sports by Brooks
• Golfer Tripp Isenhour charged with intentionally killing a protected hawk - Yahoo Golf Experts Blog
• Al Horford’s ad cracks me up - Awful Announcing

YouTube - Watch 

And in Smarter Sports we talked about:

• An Amazing Catch that would Make Willie Mays Proud
• Brett Favre is Reportedy Ready to Retire
• The Reason Why I Don’t Ski
• David Beckham Leaves a $900 Tip

This week in news and sports blogs around the Net:

• Looking for a job? Kazakhstan wants you! - The Meaningful Collateral
• Let the NFL free agency period begin! Updates from Fox Sports - Fox Sports
• A perfect world. What would happen if Madden and Grand Theft Auto joined to be make a video game - You Been Blinded
• Top 7: Random 2008 Spring Training Invitees - Joe Sports Fan
• NFL Combine: The Lost Stories - The Sports Hernia
• Bobby Knight is headed to ESPN - ESPN

And in Smarter Sports we talked about:

• Darren McFadden Baby Rumors Swirl at the NFL Combine
• Spurs Score Only 5 Points, Atlanta Hawks are Doomed
• Newscaster Gets Harassed, Brings the Pain
• 2008 Predictions on Why Carl Pavano Will Miss this Season

Darren McFadden might not be the only one jumping up and down after he ran a 4.27 second 40-meter dash at the NFL Combine.

A certain young lady or ladies may have been cheering a bit louder than others.

Apparently McFadden told a team that he is expecting two children, while also a rumor of him battling another paternity suit has started to circulate.

Why can’t these guys just try to stay out of any trouble. Don’t they know that there are some women out there that are just vultures looking to lock up any athlete with pro aspirations. Let’s just hope isn’t the case with McFadden.

I can’t help but visualize any of these women screaming, “SHOW ME THE MONEY!” while he was sprinting.

Source: AJC.com

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This week in news and sports blogs around the Net:

• This Ohio State fan expresses his love for the Buckeyes on his lawn - 100% Injury Rate
• Top 7 Fictional Athletes Fall from Grace - Joe Sports Fan
• Michael Strahan would date Jessica Simpson - Larry Brown Sports
• Nebraska’s new football coach Bo Pelini is a looker - Deadspin
• ESPN is now hiring for a Senior Manager of Integrity. Huh? - Awful Announcing

And in Smarter Sports we talked about:

• Kevin Youkilis to endorse SlumpBusters
• Jessica Simpson and Tony Romo Run for the Border
• LSU tops Ohio State in the BCS title game
• Video: Man Lays Underneath a Moving Train
• Man on ATV Gets More than Expected
• Arkansas’ Darren McFadden Handcuffed Following Bar Fight
  

Why is it that when talented athletes are either in their prime or about to go pro and they have to get mixed up in some kind of trouble.

That was almost the case with Arkansas’ Darren McFadden when he was briefly detained following a bar fight in Little Rock. The running back and Heisman trophy runner-up was involved in the fight, but didn’t get arrested.

His brother was involved in an altercation and received a bloody nose. McFadden was overly agitated and angry and police officers had to detain the player to help calm him down.

Good thing cause if McFadden had really started to cause some trouble before he declared himself for the draft, he might have had the “character issues” or “troublemaker” labels attached to his name and could have had his stock drop. Actually, his stock probably wouldn’t have dropped, but we do want him to get that big paycheck to help him pay for some better wheels than these.

Source: Fox Sports