Sports Blog

Every Friday of the NFL season I will give my picks of players that have a good match-up and you can expect a good game (GOLD) or players that are facing a bad match-up and need to lower your expectations (COLD). Here are my picks for week one. The scoring system and benchmarks are down at the bottom:

GOLD

Leon Washington, NYJ, RB
@ Houston
Forecast: 10 carries, 60 yards, 5 catches, 40 yards, 1 TD (19 points)
Houston’s defense is not exactly top notch and the Jets are breaking in a rookie QB. I see Washington getting his share of productive touches. Jets Coach Rex Ryan has already said that Leon will touch the ball more this season and with his skill all-around I see him starting the season off in a big way. This could be the start of a great season for Leon.

Josh Morgan, SF, WR
@ Arizona
Forecast: 5 catches, 65 yards, 1 TD (14 points)
Morgan is the number 1 receiving option in San Fran because of Michael Crabtree’s holdout. Even if Crab’s was there, there is talk that he would still be the top option. Last season Arizona gave up the most TD’s to wideouts and didn’t look to good in preseason. Yes, the 49ers want to run the ball but if the Cards score they will have no choice but to pass.

Robert Meacham, NO, WR
Vs. Detroit
Forecast: 3 catches, 105 yards, 1 TD (14 points)
A great offense going against a bad defense, I see some big plays being made. And If you want big plays in the Saints passing game this year, I think its going to be Meacham. He averaged almost 30 yards a catch in preseason and I see him carrying that over to game one.

Cedric Benson, CIN, RB
Vs. Denver
Forecast: 26 carries, 110 yards, 1 catch, 7 yards, 1 TD (18 points)
Benson ended the season on a high note. Can he carry it over? I think he will for at least week one. The Broncos defense was horrible against the run last year and they did little to improve it. I see Cincinnati pounding the ball with Benson for over 100 yards easy and throw in a TD and that’s a GOLD fantasy day.

Anthony Fasano, MIA, TE
@ Atlanta
Forecast: 5 catches, 56 yards, 1 TD (13 points)
Fasano is probably the top passing option in the Dolphins offense and has got some chemistry with QB Chad Pennington. Atlanta is not that good at defending TE’s so I see him having a better than average game and even getting into the end zone.

Julius Jones, SEA, RB
Vs. St. Louis
Forecast: 23 carries, 103 yards, 2 catches, 21 yards (13 points)
Yes the Rams have a new defensive minded coach and their defense should be a little improved, but Seattle will have plenty of time to run when they are ahead early. Jones is #1 on the depth chart right now so he will get his chances.

Joe Flacco, BAL, QB
Vs. Kansas City
Forecast: 205 passing yards, 17 rushing, 2 TD passes, 0 Int (17 points)
Flacco has a great match-up to start the season. A team in rebuilding on both sides of the ball, I see him having a solid game for around 200 yards and a couple TD’s.

Shaun Hill, SF, QB
@ Arizona
Forecast: 230 passing yards, 15 rushing yards, 2 TD passes, 1 Int (16 points)
Yes the 49ers want to run the ball but they might have to throw to stay in the game. Hill is capable of going over 200 yards easy against a so-so defense. I see him throwing a couple TD’s too.

COLD

Jamal Lewis, CLE, RB
Vs. Minnesota
Forecast: 23 carries, 43 yards, 1 catch, 4 yards, 0 TDs (5 points)
The Viking defense is to strong against the run for the aging Lewis to have a good game. Even worse, there was talk that he might be cut before the season, showing the lack confidence that the coaches have in him. Sit him in this one. It might be time to give up on him completely if James Davis comes to play.

Dwayne Bowe, KC, WR
@ Baltimore
Forecast: 4 catches, 43 yards 0 TDs (6 points)
KC will be down big in this one so they will throw the ball, but without Matt Cassell and Bowe being the only option in the passing game to worry about, I don’t see a good game. All the coverage’s will be geared toward Bowe so find another option at WR this week.

Terrell Owens, BUF, WR
@ New England
Forecast: 5 catches, 55 yards, 0 TDs (7 points)
T.O’s first game as a Bill will be one to forget. They already fired the OC before the season and going up against the Pats on Monday night I don’t see their offense clicking. T.O. will see better games than week one but your probably starting him anyway.

Eli Manning, NYG, QB
Vs. Washington
Forecast: 180 passing yards, 1 TD, 1 Int (9 points)
Washington already has a good secondary and now that the front 7 is upgraded a see a defensive struggle to start the season. The Giants are going to try to run the ball a ton because of the lack of experience of the receivers. That will limit Eli’s opportunities to make plays.

Clinton Portis, WAS, RB
@ New York Giants
Forecast: 20 carries, 57 yards, 2 catches, 12 yards, 0 Tds (7 points)
A good defense got better in the off-season. The Giants upgraded their front 7 also and there will be little room for Portis to run in this game. It’s going to be a close defensive battle and I don’t see many offensive players doing good this season.

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

Source image: AP

These are guys that might not have as good a season as most people think. It could be because they went to a new team, injuries, change of coach, or just expectations that are just two high. Take caution when drafting these players because they could disappoint you during the season. I’m not saying don’t take these players at all, just don’t take them as high. Lower your expectations for these players.

Matt Cassel, QB, Chiefs:
Don’t expect the New England Patriots Matt Cassel just yet. He will eventually be good, but just not this seasons. Remember this: despite having arguably the best offensive line in the league around him, Cassel took the most sacks of any signal-caller last season (47). And despite having a great receiver in Randy Moss, Cassel struggled to complete passes in the red zone. With that being said the Chiefs don’t have nearly the same O-line and offensive weapons that the Patriots do, so expect some struggling early. Worse the Chiefs traded away Tony Gonzalez, who was their most reliable target. Look else where when your taking a QB to build your team around this year.

Eli Manning, QB, Giants:
Eli Manning has name value and is a good real life QB. His fantasy value though should not be as high. With his name and team that he plays for, he will for sure be drafted as a starter. But realistically he is not that good of a fantasy QB this year. Look at the weapons he’s lost in the passing game. Plaxico and Amani Toomer are both gone leaving a somewhat young and unproven receiver corps. I think you could find a better QB situation than that.

Kurt Warner, QB, Cardinals:
I have Warner here purely on the fact that he is older and a huge injury risk. Last season was the first time he played a full 16 games since 2001. Can he do it again, we’ll have to find out. If you take him early you run the risk of getting nothing out of the pick, like Brady last year. But if he does stay health, he could easily be the number 1 fantasy QB. If you’re a gambler take him, if not don’t and look for a safer pick.

Brian Westbrook, RB, Eagles:
Westbrook is one of the best duel-threats in the league when he is health. It’s just staying health, that’s the problem. He always seems like he is always playing with an injury or is a game time decision. Don’t get me wrong this guy can win a week by himself, I just think he is an injury risk. He will also have to deal with LeSean McCoy taking carries and possibly even Micheal Vick. Lower your expectations a little bit on him this year, but take him if he is their in the 2nd round.

Ronnie Brown, RB, Dolphins:
All most half of his touchdowns last season came in one game against the Patriots. He also has to deal with Ricky Williams taking his carries. In my opinion, he shouldn’t be drafted in the top 30.

Terrell Owens, WR, Bills:
I’m not saying I would stay completely away from him this year, just not as high as his name will get him drafted. Owens will be working with arguably the least-talented quarterback of his career, Trent Edwards. He’s also now 35-years-old and bound to decline sometime soon and he’s going to have to play a lot of cold-weather games. That is something that is not going to help his many dropped passes. He could have a solid year, but just not what everyone is thinking and where you would have to draft him. Look for a less expensive option.

Antonio Bryant, WR, Bucs:
He had very good numbers in 2008 but he has never been very consistent in his career. He also has to deal with a new coach and uncertainty at QB. I wouldn’t take Bryant this year cause he has bust written all over him.

Image Source: AP

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This week in sports blogs and news:

• Michael Strahan puts a tracking device on girlfriend’s car - SportsByBrooks
• Terrell Owens to the Niners? - Inside Bay Area
  
• Brian Bosworth busted for DUI - TMZ
• AHL player suspended for slashing official - Fox Sports
• Jim Edmonds is hosting a pole dancing party - Larry Brown Sports
• Mushin Muhammad’s house for sale on eBay - Deadspin
• KC Royals are off to a sizzlin’ 2009 start - The Sports Hernia

This week on the Smarter Sports Blog we covered:

• “I see me!!!”
• Hockey Video: A Different Kind of Hockey Brawl
• Usain Bolt Can Run Faster Than His Honda Accord
• Deuce McAllister and Bankruptcy, Owes Nissan $7 Million
• So Long: Terrell Owens to be Cut by the Dallas Cowboys

The Terrell Owens era in Dallas is apparently now over.

Reports are saying the perennial headache is going to be cut from the Dallas Cowboys. Something that didn’t seem to be a reality when owner Jerry Jones hinted Owens wasn’t going anywhere.

Looks like someone had a change of heart.

Owens has been a cancer for every team he’s played for and has had a feud of some sorts with every quarterback he’s had, including Tony Romo last season, when he claimed Romo didn’t look his way enough.

I have a funny feeling he’ll end up in Oakland. Al Davis has a thing for overpaying talented receivers to cause a locker room ruckus. It wouldn’t hurt either, they’re already at the bottom anyways. Owens might as well get paid.

Somewhere, I picture Jeff Garcia and Donovan McNabb eating popcorn and watching Sportscenter, saying “I told you so.”

Source.

This week in sports blogs and news:

• The Philadelphia Phillies are headed to the World Series! - Sports Illustrated
• Top 7: Bad Sports Decisions - Joe Sports Fan
• What is Terrell Owens wearing? - Shutdown Corner
• Brett Favre’s Green Bay home is up for sale - The Sports Hernia
• Jim Zorn likes road kill - Sports by Brooks
• Reggie Bush runs as fast as Usain Bolt? - Larry Brown Sports

This week on the Smarter Sports Blog we covered:

• “Pay Attention Phelps!!!” 
• Fantasy Football: Week 6 Fantasy Stats
• Football Videos: Clip of 9-Year-Old Ben Wilson
• Basketball Video: Devin Harris Gets Schooled
• Tony Romo Wants to Play Sunday, Avoiding Jessica Simpson
  

NFL Shop  San Diego Chargers Gear

Fantasy Studs:

• Andre Johnson went nuts for 178-yards receiving and a touchdown.
• Thomas Jones rushed for 2 touchdowns and 65-yards, including one more touchdown reception.
• Correll Buckhalter filled in nicely for the injured Brian Westbrook, rushing for 93-yards and a touchdown and receiving for 85-yards.
• Steve Breaston had 8 receptions for 102-yards and a touchdown.
• Peyton Manning finally had a great game, tossing for 3 touchdowns and 271-yards.
• Reggie Wayne caught 8 balls for 118-yards and a touchdown.
• Bernard Berrian took in 8 passes for 131-yards, including an 86-yard touchdown reception.
• Aaron Rodgers passes for 2 touchdowns and another on the ground.
• Clinton Portis rushed for 129-yards and 2 touchdowns in a losing effort.
• Drew Brees erupts for 320-yards and 3 touchdowns for the Saints.
• Marion Barber rushed for 45-yards and received 128 yards with a touchdown for the Cowboys.
• Tony Romo passed for 3 touchdowns and 321-yards.
• The Jags’ Maurice Jones-Drew ran for 125-yards and 2 touchdowns.
• Philip Rivers passed for 306-yards and 3 touchdowns.

NFL Shop  Dallas Cowboys Gear

Fantasy Duds:

• Joseph Addai left the game early for the Colts, with only 3-yards.
• Roy Williams caught only two balls for 23-yards.
• Michael Turner only racked up 54-yards on Sunday.
• Edgerrin James rushed for 23-yards.
• Terrell Owens caught only four passes for 36-yards.

Photo Source.

Photo Source.

This week in sports blogs and news:

• Terrell Owens doesn’t like Keyshawn “Sheshawn” Johnson - Deadspin
• Tony Romo and Jessica Simpson spotted selecting engagement rings - SportsByBrooks
• Helio Castroneves forgot to pay $5 million in taxes to U.S. - IndyStar
• Anquan Boldin’s viscious hit to the helmet - Larry Brown Sports
• Top 7: Division Series Moments - Joe Sports Fan
• New New York Rangers beat writer is loved by the fans - The Sports Hernia
• Beat the crap out of G.I. Joes with this Kimbo Slice Doll - Yahoo Sports
• Two George Mason Final Four rings for sale - The Big Lead
  

This week on the Smarter Sports Blog we covered:

• “Times Were Tough on the Spice Girls”
• Fantasy Football: Week 4 Fantasy Stats
• Let’s Rejoice! Ricky Williams Says No to Drugs!
• Globe Apologizes for Photo of Kevin O’Connell’s “Secret”
• Former Bronco Travis Henry Busted in Cocaine Deal
  

This week in sports blogs and news:

• Buy Mike Alstott’s 69 Camaro on eBay - Sports by Brooks
  
• Mariners want to beat up Ichiro - Larry Brown Sports
  
• Top 7: Baseball Numbers - Joe Sports Fan
• Chris Cooley’s mom didn’t appreciate his photo of “himself” - Deadspin
• We’ll Miss You Matt - The Sports Hernia
• Lil’ Wayne is Blogging for ESPN - The Big Lead

This week on the Smarter Sports Blog we covered:

• “Keep Your Eye on the Ball”
• Fantasy Football: Week 3 Fantasy Stats
• Cool Football Player: T.O. to Release Fitness Book, Drinks
  
• They Said What!? - Kosuke Fukudome
• Phillie Phanatic Causes Bomb Scare
  

 Terrell Owens Jerseys  Dallas Cowboys Gear  NFL Shop

It looks like Terrell Owens has to have his hand in a little of everything.

We always knew that Owens was into working out (who can forget him doing sit-ups in his driveway). Well, now Owens wants to share his workout secrets with you! Yes you! OK, it’s not that exciting.

T.O. has released a new fitness book titled “T.O.’s Finding Fitness” and has signed an endorsement deal with a new energy drink. The book is supposed to help the average person “unlock your potential” and prove that “everyone is capable of finding their ideal body.”

Maybe T.O. should write a self-help book about how to deal with temper tantrums and NFL quarterbacks.

Source: Sports By Brooks