Sports Blog

For all of you who play fantasy football, let the countdown officially begin. We are down to (for most people) just three weeks of the regular season and the pressure to win is greater than ever. Whether you have already clinched a playoff berth, find yourself on the edge, or have long since given up hope, now is the time to kick it into high gear. You might feel that there is no way you can pick up a quality player this late into the season but you could not be more wrong. Are you a Michael Turner or Julius Jones owner scrambling for a replacement? No problem. Are you a Matt Ryan or Joe Flacco owner getting tired of poor production? There are alternatives. Are you like the majority of owners who have become frustrated by inconsistent wide receiver play? Let me help you.

There isn’t exactly a dearth of talent on the waiver wire but smart owners (especially in shallow, 10-team leagues) can pick up players right now that can produce this week and beyond and help get them into the playoffs (or at least make your team respectable if you are already out. No one likes a tanker!).

One word of caution before we proceed — I am not suggesting you start any of these players over bona fide studs like Aaron Rodgers, Chris Johnson or Reggie Wayne (all first in fantasy points at their position). What I am saying is that if you find yourself in a bind and need to pick up a player to replace someone who is injured or simply not producing, the following three guys are available and ready to contribute.

QB Vince Young, Tennessee Titans (Owned in8.1 percentof ESPN leagues): I know, I know. I just suggested that Young is a viable pickup in fantasy football but hear me out; it isn’t as crazy as it sounds. Very quietly Young has posted three consecutive games of at least 12 fantasy points and has a favorable match-up against the Houston Texans, a team which has allowed at least 12 fantasy points to quarterbacks in four out of the last five weeks.

RB Justin Forsett, Seattle Seahawks (Owned in 22.6 percent of ESPN leagues): I also like Jason Snelling of the Atlanta Falcons, but with Michael “The Burner” Turner still having a chance to suit up on Sunday I will take the little known Forsett instead. Forsett, the backup for the injured Julius Jones, is slated to start and should get the bulk of the work out of the backfield. I realize he is going up against the vaunted Minnesota Vikings defensive line, but Forsett is also a good pass catcher and has extra value if you are playing in a PPR league.

WR Devery Henderson, New Orleans Saints (Owned in53.1 percentof ESPN leagues): A good buy low option if he is already owned in your league, Henderson has had at least 70 yards receiving in three of his last four games. The even better news is that he is going against the team that has given up the third most points to opposing wide receivers all season — the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Other wide receivers I would buy low on are Kevin Walter (Texans are without Owen Daniels and playing against the worst pass defense in terms of fantasy points allowed) and Jeremy Maclin, who should see more opportunities now that Brian Westbrook is out.

Image Source: SB Nation

GOLD

Jerome Harrison, CLE, RB, @ Buffalo
Forecast: 22 carries, 84 yards, 5 catches, 24 yards, 1 TD (20 points)
Injuries in the Browns backfield have left Harrison as the last man standing and this has been good for the both of them. Thrown into the starting lineup against a tough Bengals D he preformed well going for over 100 yards rushing. Harrisons best asset is that he is a good receiver witch will help when the Browns are down.

Glen Coffee, SF, RB, VS. Atlanta
Forecast: 25 carries, 77 yards, 4 catches, 26 yards, 1 TD (18 points)
Gore will be out again leaving the 49er running game to the very capable Coffee. The Falcons have not been that strong stopping the run so I can see Coffee having another solid day. Even better I see him getting in the End Zone this week

David Garrard, JAX, QB, @ Seattle
Forecast: 265 passing yards, 2 TD, 1 Int, 20 rushing yards (18 points
Garrard has been very solid at QB and this week he is going against a weak defense. He can beat teams on the ground and in the air and he has been pretty good at not turning the ball over. He should have another solid game right here.

Tashard Choice, DAL, RB, @Kansas City
Forecast: 17 carries, 77 yards, 5 catches, 44 yards, 1 TD (22 points)
If Barber is limited or not playing then these numbers could be even bigger. Choice has been solid when given the opportunity to play and going against a weak defense, he will be the prime Choice in the Dallas backfield.

Nate Washington, TEN, WR, VS. Indianapolis
Forecast: 6 catches, 89 yards, 1 TD (16 points)
Washington has scored in three straight weeks and has become the Titians #1 receiver. I see them having to throw the ball a lot in this one to keep up with the Colts offense.

John Carlson, SEA, TE, VS. Jacksonville
Forecast: 6 catches, 50 yards, 1 TD (14 points)
The return of Matt Hasselbeck should help Carlson greatly. I see him getting back to being one of the better TE options in fantasy football. Going against Jacksonville should be just what the doctor ordered.

Knowshon Moreno, DEN, RB, VS. New England
Forecast: 18 carries, 83 yards, 4 catches, 20 yards (13 points)
Knowshon has scored in two straight games and is fast becoming the main option in the Denver backfield. He doesn’t have a great match-up this week but I still see him having a good game.

Braylon Edwards, NYJ, WR, @ Miami
Forecast: 4 catches, 60 yards, 1 TD (13 points)
I know this is a big reach but I could see the Jets throwing to Edwards right away. The Dolphins have been bad against the deep ball and that is just Braylon’s specialty. Look for them to go deep at least a couple times in this game.

COLD
Tony Gonzalez, ATL, TE, @ San Francisco
Forecast: 4 catches, 34 yards, 0 TD ( 6 points)
The 49ers have been very good against opposing TE’s this season. They have very athletic LB’s that can cover. Look for him to have lower numbers this week.

Steve Smith, NYG, WR, VS. Oakland
Forecast: 3 catches, 34 yards, 0 TD (4 points)
With Eli doubtful for the game and going against one of the best corners in the league it will be hard for Smith to keep up his excellent play this week.

Joseph Addai, IND, RB, @ Tennessee
Forecast: 12 carries, 37 yards, 4 catches, 21 yards, 0 TD (8 points)
Addai had a good week last week but I don’t see it happening again this week. He is in almost a 50-50 split with Donald Brown making big weeks more and more rare. Now he has to go up against the Titians tough running defense.

Thomas Jones, NYJ, RB, @ Miami
Forecast: 16 carries, 45 yards, 1 catch, 4 yards, 0 TD (5 points)
Another player in a time share going against a tough running defense, I don’t see a big game from Jones this week. Without that TD run last week he really didn’t do anything.

Michael Turner, ATL, RB, @ San Francisco
Forecast: 25 carries, 59 yards, 1 catch, 6 yards, 0 TD (6 points)
Follow the trend? Three straight weeks owners should lower their expectations going against the tough 49er defense. This week is even worse because Turner is no threat in the passing game.

Week 4 Results
GOLD
Glen Coffee, SF, RB, VS. St. Louis                                                                           WIN
Forecast: 25 carries, 99 rushing yards, 3 catches, 15 yards, 1 TD (18 points)
Actual: 24 carries, 74 rushing yards, 4 catches, 32 yards, 0 TD (12.9 points)
Pierre Garcon, IND, WR, VS. Seattle                                                                    LOSS
Forecast: 5 catches, 74 yards, 1 TD
Actual: 3 catches, 71 yards, 0 TD (6.5 points)
Terrell Owens, BUF, WR, @ Miami                                                                       LOSS
Forecast: 7 catches, 113 yards, 1 TD (18 points)
Actual: 3 catches, 60 yards, 0 TD (6 points)
Carson Palmer, CIN, QB, @ Cleveland                                                                   WIN
Forecast: 276 passing yards, 2 TD, 0 Int (19 points)
Actual: 230 passing yards, 2 TD,1 Int, 20 rushing yards (17.2 points)
Cedric Benson, CIN, RB, @ Cleveland                                                                LOSS
Forecast: 23 carries, 103 rushing yards, 2 catches, 10 yards, 1 TD (18 points)
Actual: 18 carries, 74 rushing yards, 1 catch, 12 yards, 0 TD (9 points)
Vernon Davis, SF, TE, VS. St. Louis                                                                   WIN
Forecast: 6 catches, 74 yards, 1 TD ( 15 points)
Actual: 3 catches, 43 yards, 1 TD (11 points)
Devin Hester, CHI, WR, VS. Detroit                                                                    INJ
Forecast: 6 catches, 96 yards, 1 TD
Actual: 1 catch, 2 yards, (INJURED)
Eli Manning, NYG, QB, @ Kansas City                                                               WIN
Forecast: 301 passing yards, 2 TD, 0 Int, 10 rushing yards (21 points)
Actual: 292 passing yards, 3 TD, 1 Int, 1 lost Fum (19. 6 points)
______________________
Week 4: 4-3-1injured (57%)
Season: 16-15 (55%)
COLD
Knowshon Moreno, DEN, RB, VS. Dallas                                                               LOSS
Forecast: 18 carries, 44 rushing yards, 2 catches, 7 yards, 0 TD (6 points)
Actual: 14 carries, 65 yards, 2 catches, 11 yards, 1 TD, 1 lost FUM (12 points)
Steven Jackson, STL, RB, @ San Francisco                                                               WIN
Forecast: 20 carries, 47 yards, 4 catches, 20 yards, 0 TD (9 points)
Actual: 23 carries, 79 yards, 3 catches, 6 yards, 0 TD (11 points)
Marques Colston, NO, WR, VS. New York Jets                                                    WIN
Forecast: 3 catches, 44 yards, 0 TD (5 points)
Actual: 2 catches, 33 yards, 0 TD (3.5 points)
Brett Favre, MIN, QB, VS. Green Bay                                                                        LOSS
Forecast: 252 passing yards, 1 TD, 2 Int (10 points)
Actual: 271 passing yards, 3 TD, 0 Int (22.8 points)
John Carlson, SEA, TE, @ Indianapolis                                                               WIN
Forecast: 3 catches, 42 yards, 0 TD (5 points)
Actual: 5 catches, 39 yards, 0 TD (6.9 points)
___________________
Week 4: 3-2 (60%)
Season: 12-8 (60%)

source image: Getty

The NFL season is upon us, so its time to see where teams stack up in their divisions. Today I will preview the AFC and tomorrow the NFC. It should be a great season but here is how I see it playing out:

AFC EAST:

1. New England Patriots
The Patriots were the class of the league till Tom Brady went down in game one last year. Well Brady’s back and he still has his weapons like Randy Moss and Wes Welker. They should resume their high scoring ways and be the top of the division. On the other side of the ball though, their defense is not as good as years past. This might cause for some exciting shootouts during the season, but in the end I see them having enough offense to win the division.

2. New York Jets
The Jets have got a new coach and new QB, I think that could make the deference this year. They still have a ton of talent on both sides of the ball, but I think their defense will be improved with new coach Rex Ryan. They still have to worry about starting a rookie (Mark Sanchez) at QB, but they have a strong enough defense and running game to coupe with that. I see them as this years Ravens.

3. Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins went from worst to first in the division last year, this year they will take a step back. Last year they benefited from the Pats losing Brady and the Jets fading at the end but this year teams are going to be ready for them, especially for the Wildcat offense that teams had trouble tons stopping. A tougher division puts the Dolphins back in their place this year.

4. Buffalo Bills
From worst to worst! Yes the Bills got T.O. in the off-season, but I don’t think it will be enough to make a move in a division that will be better this year. Add missing Marshawn Lynch for three games, plus the recent firing of the Offensive Coordinator and I see a bad season coming.

AFC NORTH:

1. Pittsburgh Steelers
The defending champs will be right there again. This team has all the pieces in place to repeat just can they stay health. Another thing they need to worry about is their O-line that was horrible last year in blocking for the run game or protecting Big Ben. This could catch up to them this year if they don’t improve.

2. Cincinnati Bengals
I see the Bengals making a come back this year, that is if Carson Palmer can stay healthy. The Bengals defense was very under rated and they improved it in the off-season through the draft and free agency. If their offense could get back to where it was, then I see them as a surprise team this year. Again, the key lies with Palmer.

3. Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens will always have a solid defense as long as Ray Lewis and they will again this season. On offense Joe Flaco had a great season as a rookie leading them to the playoffs and even winning a couple games. Can he do it again? I going to say he struggles a little bit this season, but the ravens should still be good with their defense either way.

4. Cleveland Browns
The Browns might be improved this season but it won’t be enough to move up in the division. They still haven’t decided who the QB will be to start the season. That’s not good for a team that needs direction.

AFC SOUTH:

1. Indianapolis Colts
The Colts made it through a slow first half to start rolling at the end of the season. Then that had to play the Chargers a team that has had their number in recent years to end their season. Healthy this year, I see them taking back the division lead. It’s going to be a tough division but the Colts are still the class.

2. Houston Texans
It seems like this team has been picked as a sleeper for a couple years now only to disappoint. They have shown glimpse of the team they could be and this year I think they finally put it together. Their offense will be solid, but can their defense step it up?

3. Tennessee Titans
Surprising many to being the top team in the AFC, this team does it with a strong defense and a solid running game. They will try to use that again, but I see teams being ready for them this season. Their lack of passing offense might hurt them more this year.

4. Jacksonville Jaguars
A few years ago the Jaguars were right there with the Colts competing for the division title, now injuries have forced them to an after though. I think they will still have a solid team and might surprise, but in a tough division it will be hard for them to move up.

AFC WEST:

1. San Diego Chargers
The Chargers are by far the class of the AFC West this season. They have a ton of talent on both sides of the ball, and now the will have Shawn Merriman back to rep havoc on QB’s. Getting of to a good start will be key this season as they started off slow the past two years. If they do start fast they could end up with the best record and home field advantage in the playoffs.

2. Denver Broncos
The Broncos have talent to compete, but a lose of their QB and a disgruntled WR has this year looking very bleak. There is talk that players are already feuding with the new coach witch can’t be good to start the season.

3. Oakland Raiders
The Raiders will be the Raiders this season, which is not very good. They have talent but no leadership to lead them. I don’t see the Raiders being good until Al Davis gives up the team. With that being said the could be in some games because of a solid defense but how far they grow on offense will be as far as this team goes.

4. Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs are going to be in a rebuilding year this season. Even worse their starting QB Matt Cassell hurt his knee and will be out for some time. It doesn’t look pretty for the up coming season.

Image Source: AP

Every year a starting RB gets hurt leaving a back up to take over the load. Some backs thrive in the situation and actually earn a split when the starter comes back. Even in a less than 50% split these back ups can be valuable in fantasy. Remember it’s the NFL someone is bound to get hurt during the year. How you react to the injury could save your season. Here are my Top 20 backup RB rankings based on regular opportunity. The first 10 are universally owned, so unless you haven’t drafted you probably can’t get them. If an injury happened to the starter I would want anyone of these players from 11 on. Some of the rookies have lots of potential but its unknown how much playing time they will get.

Co-Starters:

1. Jonathan Stewart, RB, Carolina Panthers
Being injured during the preseason has lowered the hype of the upcoming season, but don’t be fooled he will still get plenty of meaning full carries. Carolina loves to run the ball and I see a big year for Stewart this year.

2. Reggie Bush, RB, New Orleans Saints
Every year I expect big things out of Bush and then disappointed by an injury or something. He is productive when healthy, but the question is can he stay healthy? In PPR leagues he is still a great player. This is the year that will say if he is a bust or not.

3. LenDale White, RB, Tennessee Titans
White came to camp lighter and ready to go. It’s a good sign cause he is in a perfect situation to succeed this season. With an almost 50-50 split with Chris Johnson he should be the one getting more goal line carries.

4. Leon Washington, RB, New York Jets
Thomas Jones is getting older and is less explosive. That sets up perfect for Washington to get more touches. He is a threat to score when ever he touches the ball so its about time he gets the ball more.

The rest of the top 20:

Playmakers:

5. Darren Sproles, RB, San Diego Chargers
6. Chester Taylor, RB, Minnesota Vikings
7. Jerious Norwood, RB, Atlanta Falcons
8. Ahmad Bradshaw, RB, New York Giants
9. Felix Jones, RB, Dallas Cowboys
10. Darren McFadden, RB, Oakland Raiders

Solid-Backups:

11. Fred Jackson, RB, Buffalo Bills
12. Ricky Williams, RB, Miami Dolphins
13. Ladell Betts, RB, Washington Redskins
14. Willis McGahee, RB, Baltimore Ravens

Unproven but talented

15. LeSean McCoy, RB, Philadelphia Eagles
16. Donald Brown, RB, Indianapolis Colts
17. Glen Coffee, RB, San Francisco 49ers
18. Beanie Wells, RB, Arizona Cardinals
19. Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Pittsburgh Steelers
20. Knowshon Moreno, RB, Denver Broncos

Image Source: AP

Football is finally here as the preseason kicked off with TO’s new team, Buffalo Billls, took on the Tennessee Titans. The starters didn’t play very long, but for what they did play they looked pretty good. LenDale White looked especially good, as he came into camp a lot lighter for the season. I think with him and Chris Johnson the Titans are going to have a very potent running game this season. TO also had a few catches in his debut for Buffalo. Its going to be a fun season to watch and I’m just glad that its finally here.

In golf, Tiger Woods was back at it again at the Bridgestone Invitational, dominating the field for his 70th career win. This was his 16th win in 30 World Golf Championship events for Woods and his 5th win this season. All is good for Woods but I have a feeling that he will be very disappointed if he doesn’t get a major win this season, 0-3 this season. He will get his chance this week at the PGA Championship at Hazeltine in Chaska, Minn. I think that Woods will finally get his major win there, although I have said that going into every major this season because of him winning a tournament a week before each. The pressure will be on Woods, but I have a feeling that he can handle it. We will see if he breaks through this week.

In UFC 101, Anderson Silva proved he is one of the best by dominating and even embarrassing former light heavyweight champ Forrest Griffin. Silva was so confident in his skills that he even dropped his hands in front of Forrest then knocked him out as he lunged to hit him. Forrest was so embarrassed by this domination that he ran out the ring and into the locker room after the ref ended the fight. The only question is, who can beat this guy? After Saturday’s performance I’m not sure anyone can right now. I’ll be very interested to see who he will fight next, after Dan Henderson who is already his next fight. I think he is going to stay at light heavyweight so there is plenty of talent there to fight. B.J. Penn also looked good in his fight choking out Kenny Florian.

Image Source: Getty Images, Sherdog.com

I don’t know whether to be happy or upset.

And by that I mean, there was a fight involving an NFL player and during the altercation, he used a weapon. I know, what should I be happy about right?

Well, when LenDale White of the Tennessee Titans was involved in a traffic altercation this month in Denver, he happened to beat the other motorist with…a belt. Yes, I belt. And the reason why I’m a bit is because in today’s trigger happy society, athletes are so quick to unholster a gun. So in White’s case, I’m commending the NFL running back for feeling so overpowered, that he took the time to undress and use necessary force.

So thank you and shame on you Lendale White. Now leave your belt on from now on.

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Fantasy Studs:

• Peyton Manning tossed 3 touchdowns and 277-yards.
• Philip Rivers tossed 3 touchdowns of his own and 217-yards.
• Antonio Bryant went off for 200-yards and 2 touchdowns on 9 catches.
• Brandon Marshall caught 11 passes for 91-yards and 2 touchdowns.
• Brian Westbrook did it again, rushing for 131-yards, a touchdown and catching a TD for 72-yards.
• The Panthers’ Jonathan Stewart had 2 touchdowns on 115-yards.
• Titans’ rookie Chris Johnson ran 19 times for 136-yards and a touchdown.
• Wes Welker caught 12 passes for 134-yards.
• Roddy White caught 10 passes for the Falcons and 164-yards.
• DeAngelo Williams had 186-yards rushing and 2 touchdowns.

Fantasy Duds:  

• Jamal Lewis had only 10 total yards for the Browns.
• Antonio Gates didn’t have any catches or stats on Sunday.
• Tony Romo had three costly interceptions in Dallas’ loss.
• Willie Parker managed only 25-yards rushing.

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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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If you’ve been paying attention the past 72 hours to all the Vince Young drama and hoopla, then you know it’s been quite the circus.

First there was him crying on the sidelines, refusing to go back into Sunday’s game after his second interception and then there was Monday night where he “disappeared” for a few hours, only to find out he was at a friend’s house.

I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt, and Monday’s episode could have been a misunderstanding. Maybe he wasn’t going to do anything with the gun he had in his glove box. He was really at a friend’s house chillin’ and watching a game.

But Vince Young’s mommy wants you to know something. Her baby is hurting. Inside and out. He has feelings and well, when you boo little Vincy, Vincy gets hurt and Vincy doesn’t want to play anymore.

Right now according to Young’s mother, Vince needs to do whatever it is that is going to make him happy. And apparently earning millions in the NFL and being the face of a franchise doesn’t make him happy. Why? Because he can’t take the criticism. There is rumors again swirling around Young about retiring.

I don’t know what the fans could be doing to Young to make him feel this unhappy. Or even the critics. I think Young has about 13 million reasons to just suck it up and not let the boos get to him. It’s the NFL. It comes with the territory.

And if that isn’t enough to cheer him up, maybe another shirtless night on the town with 5 of his closest guy friends will make him smile.

Source: Fox Sports

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