J.D. Salinger died yesterday. I'm not that well read and don't pretend to be, but I always did love "The Catcher in the Rye". Pretty sure the phrase teen angst was created by those who were discussing the immortal Holden Caulfield, and of course, without teen angst, we would never have been priviledged to know about wizard angst at all. Anyway, the Five this week is dedicated to the recluse author, as I have identified five favorite Salinger quips below. To make this even a bit more fun, I've connected each of them to a figure in today's world of sports. Enjoy.
“I'm the most terrific liar you ever saw in your life.”
“Mothers are all slightly insane.”
“Its really hard to be roommates with people if your suitcases are much better than theirs.”
“It was a very stupid thing to do, I'll admit, but I hardly didn't even know I was doing it.”
"Some people you shouldn't kid, even if they deserve it. "
Cheers,
TFAM
Friday, January 29, 2010
Thursday, January 28, 2010
22 Days...
...till pitchers and catchers report. Fantasy baseball is my game, much moreso than football. I'll be ramping up the baseball coverage within days. For starters, here is Keith Law's list of his top 100 prospects. You'll need this info for keeper leagues. The list isn't an end all by any means. I use a lot of different opinions to come up with my own fantasy rankings, but this is a start. Keep in mind three things when reading Law...he isn't a fantasy writer, he values defense highly in his rankings, and he loves OBP more than defense.
You'll need ESPN insider for the link, BTW. If you don't have it, get it. There is a ton of useful fantasy info. on ESPN. Plus, you get the mag with your subscription.
Cheers,
TFAM
You'll need ESPN insider for the link, BTW. If you don't have it, get it. There is a ton of useful fantasy info. on ESPN. Plus, you get the mag with your subscription.
Cheers,
TFAM
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Farmers Insurance Open
Never heard of it before? Me either, I thought. Then I noticed the venue was Torrey Pines, and realized that the FIO is the former Buick Invitational. You know, the tournament Tiger and Phil have owned through the years (they have eight of the last 11 wins here). Obviously, there is no Tiger this week, and Phil is actually the only top 10 player in the world rankings, making him the clear favorite in my book.
The trick is to find others besides Phil to have on your side this week. There aren't a lot of guys with great histories here. I was initially excited about Ryan Moore based on the way he has started the year, then I saw that he's been cut in three of his four starts here. Ernie Els, Robert Allenby, Lucas Glover and Hunter Mahan are all in the field this week to add to Phil's star power. Bubba Watston has two top tens here in four tries and finishes T2 last week, but he just looked really shaky once he actually found the top of the leaderboard at the Hope, I don't love him here. Nick Watney is the defending champ and has another top 10 to boot. I just can't pick him in my league because I used him in Hawaii. Brandt Snedeker is intriguing. He has a third place finish here in three starts and posted a T9 in the 2008 US Open held on the South Course (the FIO splits between the North and South).
However, my three top choices begin with John Rollins. Rollins has a second and a T4 in the last four years here and has two top-15s in two starts this season. I also really like the way Charles Howell III is playing. He has a fifth and 26th in two starts this year, and has had a nice seven year run at this venue, never missing a cut with three top 10s. However, my top choice this week is Luke Donald. Donald crapped the bed in Hawaii, missing the cut at the Sony, but he did go 74-68 there, meaning he pulled it together before the trunk slam. The main reason I like Donald here though is history. He's teed it up here six times, posted four top-10s and never finished lower than 24th. That seems like a pretty good bet this week...if you aren't taking Phil, that is.
Cheers,
TFAM
The trick is to find others besides Phil to have on your side this week. There aren't a lot of guys with great histories here. I was initially excited about Ryan Moore based on the way he has started the year, then I saw that he's been cut in three of his four starts here. Ernie Els, Robert Allenby, Lucas Glover and Hunter Mahan are all in the field this week to add to Phil's star power. Bubba Watston has two top tens here in four tries and finishes T2 last week, but he just looked really shaky once he actually found the top of the leaderboard at the Hope, I don't love him here. Nick Watney is the defending champ and has another top 10 to boot. I just can't pick him in my league because I used him in Hawaii. Brandt Snedeker is intriguing. He has a third place finish here in three starts and posted a T9 in the 2008 US Open held on the South Course (the FIO splits between the North and South).
However, my three top choices begin with John Rollins. Rollins has a second and a T4 in the last four years here and has two top-15s in two starts this season. I also really like the way Charles Howell III is playing. He has a fifth and 26th in two starts this year, and has had a nice seven year run at this venue, never missing a cut with three top 10s. However, my top choice this week is Luke Donald. Donald crapped the bed in Hawaii, missing the cut at the Sony, but he did go 74-68 there, meaning he pulled it together before the trunk slam. The main reason I like Donald here though is history. He's teed it up here six times, posted four top-10s and never finished lower than 24th. That seems like a pretty good bet this week...if you aren't taking Phil, that is.
Cheers,
TFAM
Monday, January 25, 2010
As Seen on TV
I'm slowly awakening from my Viking fan-four Super Bowls-Brett Favre-Denny Green-Adrian Peterson-Gary Anderson-Darrin Nelson-Brad Childress depression induced coma this morning. At least I'm aware enough to put my best foot forward on the column. As always, here are my out of the boxscore thoughts about this weekend's action, through a fantasy lens.
No pick yet on the Super Bowl, but let's just say that neither of the participants are going to be mistaken for the '85 Bears, '92 Cowboys or '98 Broncos. These teams are flawed.
Mark Sanchez has a good future. He played very well through the playoffs, and the Jets are set at that position (and many others, BTW, the 2010-11 AFC Champion Jets bandwagon line starts behind me...and Rex Ryan) for years to come. Still, this is going to be a physical, pounding type of squad, which isn't usually so fantasy friendly to quarterbacks.
Shonn Greene=mancrush
How about those Colts WRs? Garcon and Collie both look like they can be major factors next year. Anthony Gonzalez has to start at #4 on the depth chart.
I think Peyton Manning is the best quarterback of all-time.
Devery Henderson or Robert Meachem? Henderson has certainly offered a nice rebuttal over the last few weeks to Meachem's midseason run.
I think Brett Favre is done, for good. He proved himself, yet again, and knows better than anyone else that a Super Bowl is a long shot even if he returns to that great team.
Dustin Keller, where were you all regular season?
Darrelle Revis is human.
Jerricho Cotchery is so underrated. He made a bunch of tough, big plays in that game yesterday. Sanchez wanted no part of Edwards on third down.
Adrian Peterson, what can you say? It will be interesting to see if the Vikes bring back Chester as Adrian melts down mentally insurance.
Cheers,
TFAM
No pick yet on the Super Bowl, but let's just say that neither of the participants are going to be mistaken for the '85 Bears, '92 Cowboys or '98 Broncos. These teams are flawed.
Mark Sanchez has a good future. He played very well through the playoffs, and the Jets are set at that position (and many others, BTW, the 2010-11 AFC Champion Jets bandwagon line starts behind me...and Rex Ryan) for years to come. Still, this is going to be a physical, pounding type of squad, which isn't usually so fantasy friendly to quarterbacks.
Shonn Greene=mancrush
How about those Colts WRs? Garcon and Collie both look like they can be major factors next year. Anthony Gonzalez has to start at #4 on the depth chart.
I think Peyton Manning is the best quarterback of all-time.
Devery Henderson or Robert Meachem? Henderson has certainly offered a nice rebuttal over the last few weeks to Meachem's midseason run.
I think Brett Favre is done, for good. He proved himself, yet again, and knows better than anyone else that a Super Bowl is a long shot even if he returns to that great team.
Dustin Keller, where were you all regular season?
Darrelle Revis is human.
Jerricho Cotchery is so underrated. He made a bunch of tough, big plays in that game yesterday. Sanchez wanted no part of Edwards on third down.
Adrian Peterson, what can you say? It will be interesting to see if the Vikes bring back Chester as Adrian melts down mentally insurance.
Cheers,
TFAM
Friday, January 22, 2010
Friday Five
Last week, I wrote about the greatest Divisional playff game in my lifetime, this week, I'm focusing on the best Championship game of my lifetime (that I remember watching). We go back to 1981 again (though the game was played in January '82), not for the wind chill game in Cincinnati, but for "The Catch" in San Francisco.
Oh, you wanted the real play, it's right here.
I'm stunned when I watch the play again. Montana threw it with three huge guys in his face, and Clark made an underrated grab in the end zone, seemingly stabbing the ball out of the air.
There were a couple of underrated moments of this game as well. First, the Cowboys still had 50 or so seconds and all they needed was a field goal, to win. I wouldn't seem as confident with that scenario in today's NFL with Favre, Manning or Brees getting the ball last (I'll take my chances with the Sanchize). They got to the 49ers 45 with 38 seconds left! Alomst seems like a lock today, unless you have Suisham kicking it. The last Cowboys drive can be seen at the end of this clip, starting at about 7:00.
The second underrated part of this game is that my neighbor had bet me five bucks before the playoffs that Cincinnati would win the Bowl. He said I could pick one team. I took the 49ers, and you wonder why I'm a fantasy addict...thanks Jerry.
The 49ers went on to beat....yep, Cincinnati (on a huge goal line stand) in the Super Bowl, and I got about 12 packs of football cards as a result.
Cheers,
TFAM
Oh, you wanted the real play, it's right here.
I'm stunned when I watch the play again. Montana threw it with three huge guys in his face, and Clark made an underrated grab in the end zone, seemingly stabbing the ball out of the air.
There were a couple of underrated moments of this game as well. First, the Cowboys still had 50 or so seconds and all they needed was a field goal, to win. I wouldn't seem as confident with that scenario in today's NFL with Favre, Manning or Brees getting the ball last (I'll take my chances with the Sanchize). They got to the 49ers 45 with 38 seconds left! Alomst seems like a lock today, unless you have Suisham kicking it. The last Cowboys drive can be seen at the end of this clip, starting at about 7:00.
The second underrated part of this game is that my neighbor had bet me five bucks before the playoffs that Cincinnati would win the Bowl. He said I could pick one team. I took the 49ers, and you wonder why I'm a fantasy addict...thanks Jerry.
The 49ers went on to beat....yep, Cincinnati (on a huge goal line stand) in the Super Bowl, and I got about 12 packs of football cards as a result.
Cheers,
TFAM
Super Bowl
The great thing about the NFL playoffs is the one and done scenario that exists. We may not always get the best teams in the conference title games, but we'll get the ones who played the best last week. That's how playoffs are supposed to work, no?
My original pick for the Super Bowl (at the beginning of the playoffs) was Saints-Chargers. Now that Norv, Phil, Rex, Darelle and Shonn have turned that one to mush, let's try again. Both of these games are coin flips to be honest. I don't have a real strong feeling either way, so I'm going with my gut. One thing my gut has been telling me all year is that the Colts are not a Super Bowl team. One player/coach does not win the Lombardi trophy by himself, no matter if he is the greatest of all time. I think the Jets strengths play toward the Colts weaknesses (rush offense, pressure defense, special teams), and I think they are in the game with five minutes to go. Give me the Jets, if they can take out the Chargers, I'm sold. 20-16 Jets.
In the NFC, it's another toss up. I'm a Viking fan and my gut tells me we have a great shot to win this game. I like their prsuure up front, and I like AP's chances of being the difference in the game. We should know right away if the Vikings can win. If their defense can get off the field with less than 17 points allowed in the first half, that will be a victory, and a sign of good things to come. 31-30 Vikings.
The sheer stupidity of picking against the two home favorites in the title games likely leads me to 0-2, but I really like the underdogs, especially if you are getting points. My gut tells me so.
Cheers,
TFAM
My original pick for the Super Bowl (at the beginning of the playoffs) was Saints-Chargers. Now that Norv, Phil, Rex, Darelle and Shonn have turned that one to mush, let's try again. Both of these games are coin flips to be honest. I don't have a real strong feeling either way, so I'm going with my gut. One thing my gut has been telling me all year is that the Colts are not a Super Bowl team. One player/coach does not win the Lombardi trophy by himself, no matter if he is the greatest of all time. I think the Jets strengths play toward the Colts weaknesses (rush offense, pressure defense, special teams), and I think they are in the game with five minutes to go. Give me the Jets, if they can take out the Chargers, I'm sold. 20-16 Jets.
In the NFC, it's another toss up. I'm a Viking fan and my gut tells me we have a great shot to win this game. I like their prsuure up front, and I like AP's chances of being the difference in the game. We should know right away if the Vikings can win. If their defense can get off the field with less than 17 points allowed in the first half, that will be a victory, and a sign of good things to come. 31-30 Vikings.
The sheer stupidity of picking against the two home favorites in the title games likely leads me to 0-2, but I really like the underdogs, especially if you are getting points. My gut tells me so.
Cheers,
TFAM
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Bob Hope Classic
Tough golf tourney to call this week. The problem with the Hope is twofold. One, it's so early in the year, and a lot of the guys just skip Hawaii altogether. So, we have no read on how they are playing. The second problem is that the Hope uses a rotation of, I believe, four different courses during the five round tournament. So, it's difficult to gauge which players will play well on all of the courses. The confusion deepens when we take into account the relatively easy difficulty level of the courses (done to cater to the amateurs, this is Pro-Am week on tour), just about anyone could play well. Still, there are a few with a good history here.
Chad Campbell, Tim Clark, Charley Hoffman, Justin Leonard, Justin Rose, John Senden, Scott Verplank and Mike Weir all have two top tens here in the last five years. Campbell, Hoffman, and Leonard have wins during that span, and Weir has won the tourney as well and comes in as the highest ranked golfer in the field. Pat Perez is the defending champ, and has two starts under his belt already in 2010.
My picks are Campbell, Clark and Rose (who I believe is the most talented golfer in the field). Campbell played well in Hawaii last week, but I like Clark the most, who has a fifth and a second here in three starts. Clark played last week (25th) which makes me feel slightly better.
Good luck,
TFAM
Chad Campbell, Tim Clark, Charley Hoffman, Justin Leonard, Justin Rose, John Senden, Scott Verplank and Mike Weir all have two top tens here in the last five years. Campbell, Hoffman, and Leonard have wins during that span, and Weir has won the tourney as well and comes in as the highest ranked golfer in the field. Pat Perez is the defending champ, and has two starts under his belt already in 2010.
My picks are Campbell, Clark and Rose (who I believe is the most talented golfer in the field). Campbell played well in Hawaii last week, but I like Clark the most, who has a fifth and a second here in three starts. Clark played last week (25th) which makes me feel slightly better.
Good luck,
TFAM
Fantasy Winter Olympics?
I'm not sure if I have the time and energy for this but, thanks to Matt, I thought I'd pass along some rules for a fantasy winter olympics league. Sounds like the team speedskaters would be good selections....
Cheers,
TFAM
Cheers,
TFAM
Monday, January 18, 2010
As Seen on TV
Stunning result in San Diego yesterday. I'm with Mike Lombardi, I can't believe the Chargers weren't able to make some big plays down the field. Credit the Jets defense, but the Chargers are going to regret this one for a while. With that offense, they would have gladly given the Jets 17 and taken their chances.
As for the fantasy scene, we got a glimpse at the future of the running back position for eight different teams this weekend. Let's break them down one by one...
New Orleans
How about Reggie Bush? Where has that power running been? Bush made himself some money and may be back in New Orleans next season. With Lynell Hamilton now stealing touchdowns, this is going to be a backfield to avoid again in 2010. Too many cooks in the kitchen.
Arizona
I would expect both Hightower and Wells to be back ans splitting work again next year. However, Wells has proven enough to get an expanded role in year two. Plus, if Warner retires, the role of the running game becomes key. I like Wells a lot for 2010.
Baltimore
Ray Rice is a beast. Wouldn't surprise me if the team let go of McGahee and allowed Rice to be the workhorse in 2010. He could be the top scorer in fantasy if he got the goal line looks.
Indy
I'm still not sold on Donald Brown. His first round status is only going to carry him so far. He needs to produce. I actually like what I see out of Mike Hart more than Brown. Addai is still the guy here for me.
Dallas
Barber is obviously going to cede a large chuck of the PT to Felix, but, like I have been writing, I still think Barber can be a 10-12 TD guy. When it comes to committee backfields, I try and avoid the yardage guys as much as possible. I'll take the touchdown guy evry time. Plus, Barber will be cheaper than Felix next year. Finally, I'd still like to see Choice moved so he can show his talents more regularily.
Minnesota
When are we going to see AP break off another big one? Chester is a free agent when the season ends, BTW.
New York Jets
It wasn't surprising to see Shonn Greene play well these last two weeks. To me, the surprise was that the Jets gave him that much of an opportunity with everything on the line Most teams wouldn't switch it up that late in the season. Anyway, clearly Greene is the guy you want in this backfield next year. Jones will probably play a Willis McGahee type role in New York next season.
San Diego
Have we seen the last of LT? Most people don't think he'll be back in San Diego. What next? I doubt the team would make Sproles a feature back. I fully expect the Chargers to go out and get a guy in the off-season, be it in the draft (Dwyer?) or free agency.
Cheers,
TFAM
As for the fantasy scene, we got a glimpse at the future of the running back position for eight different teams this weekend. Let's break them down one by one...
New Orleans
How about Reggie Bush? Where has that power running been? Bush made himself some money and may be back in New Orleans next season. With Lynell Hamilton now stealing touchdowns, this is going to be a backfield to avoid again in 2010. Too many cooks in the kitchen.
Arizona
I would expect both Hightower and Wells to be back ans splitting work again next year. However, Wells has proven enough to get an expanded role in year two. Plus, if Warner retires, the role of the running game becomes key. I like Wells a lot for 2010.
Baltimore
Ray Rice is a beast. Wouldn't surprise me if the team let go of McGahee and allowed Rice to be the workhorse in 2010. He could be the top scorer in fantasy if he got the goal line looks.
Indy
I'm still not sold on Donald Brown. His first round status is only going to carry him so far. He needs to produce. I actually like what I see out of Mike Hart more than Brown. Addai is still the guy here for me.
Dallas
Barber is obviously going to cede a large chuck of the PT to Felix, but, like I have been writing, I still think Barber can be a 10-12 TD guy. When it comes to committee backfields, I try and avoid the yardage guys as much as possible. I'll take the touchdown guy evry time. Plus, Barber will be cheaper than Felix next year. Finally, I'd still like to see Choice moved so he can show his talents more regularily.
Minnesota
When are we going to see AP break off another big one? Chester is a free agent when the season ends, BTW.
New York Jets
It wasn't surprising to see Shonn Greene play well these last two weeks. To me, the surprise was that the Jets gave him that much of an opportunity with everything on the line Most teams wouldn't switch it up that late in the season. Anyway, clearly Greene is the guy you want in this backfield next year. Jones will probably play a Willis McGahee type role in New York next season.
San Diego
Have we seen the last of LT? Most people don't think he'll be back in San Diego. What next? I doubt the team would make Sproles a feature back. I fully expect the Chargers to go out and get a guy in the off-season, be it in the draft (Dwyer?) or free agency.
Cheers,
TFAM
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Felix and 500
I think the key to the Cowboys-Vikes game today will be Felix Jones. I know Barber isn't going to gash us (yes, I'm wearing my purple Cris Carter jersey today), but Felix makes me nervous with Jasper Brinkley playing middle linebacker. If Minnesota slows down Jones, they'll win the game. I expect slowing the pass rush to be an issue for both teams, making the running game significant. Whoever runs better wins.
Speaking of Jones, the Cowboys backfield will be an interesting storyline to follow this off-season. Will they bring back all three guys? With Jones and Barber being almost perfect compliments for each other I wonder if they'll try to get a second round draft pick for Tashard Choice. I could see him as a starter in Detroit, Seattle, New England, Houston, Washington, Chicago, Tampa, and Green Bay. I believe Choice is more talented than any back on any of those rosters.
The second game today won't be as close, I don't think. Phil Rivers has applied for a patent for the playground game 500, and I expect we'll see it a lot today with the Jets corners. The Chargers WRs are too big and talented to stop in this one, and Rivers is so goo at giving them a chance to make a play. Once the Jets get down 10 points, it will be almost impossible for them to come back with their passing game.
Cheers,
TFAM
Speaking of Jones, the Cowboys backfield will be an interesting storyline to follow this off-season. Will they bring back all three guys? With Jones and Barber being almost perfect compliments for each other I wonder if they'll try to get a second round draft pick for Tashard Choice. I could see him as a starter in Detroit, Seattle, New England, Houston, Washington, Chicago, Tampa, and Green Bay. I believe Choice is more talented than any back on any of those rosters.
The second game today won't be as close, I don't think. Phil Rivers has applied for a patent for the playground game 500, and I expect we'll see it a lot today with the Jets corners. The Chargers WRs are too big and talented to stop in this one, and Rivers is so goo at giving them a chance to make a play. Once the Jets get down 10 points, it will be almost impossible for them to come back with their passing game.
Cheers,
TFAM
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Saints Will March
I like the Saints today, a lot. I just think their home field advantage will be a big factor in helping the defense put pressure on Warner, which is a must if you are going to slow down the Cardinals. Also, how is that defense going to slow down New Orleans?
I really like this game from a fantasy perspective, obviously. It will be interesting to see how the Saints use Reggie Bush. If he is going to be a part of their future, you'll see a lot of him today. If he doesn't make much of an impact in the playoffs, I think his days there are numbered.
Finally, I really am hoping we aren't about to watch the last game played by Kurt Warner.
Cheers,
TFAM
I really like this game from a fantasy perspective, obviously. It will be interesting to see how the Saints use Reggie Bush. If he is going to be a part of their future, you'll see a lot of him today. If he doesn't make much of an impact in the playoffs, I think his days there are numbered.
Finally, I really am hoping we aren't about to watch the last game played by Kurt Warner.
Cheers,
TFAM
Friday, January 15, 2010
Friday Five
On the eve of the greatest football weekend of the year, I thought I would dedicate the Five to my favorite football game of all time, the 1981 AFC divisional playoff game between the Chargers and Dolphins iin the Orange Bowl.
Check out this clip of a drive by the Chargers. I noticed a bunch of things, like Kellen Winslow dunking on the goal post, but most of all I was struck by how much the 1981 Chargers played like a 2009 team. They spread it out and threw it around, even using a version of a WR bubble screen. I knew about Air Coryell, I loved the Chargers when I was young, but I had forgotten just how good that passing game was.
Speaking of Winslow, you can see the footage of him being carried off the field at the end of the game as he is suffering from cramps at the end of this clip. I had almost forgotten he blocked the FG too.
That game was also famous for two more things. The invention of the hook and ladder (or, hook and lateral), nice work Shula. Also, Rolf Benirschke kicked the game winner in that one, which was his second greatest moment ever, right behind his entertaining turn as host of Wheel of Fortune for six months in 1989. This is high comedy.
Finally, what is forgotten about this Chargers team was that the next week they had to travel to Cincinnati to play in the coldest game in NFL history. Fifty-nine below zero wind chill with a Super Bowl on the line. Incredible.
Cheers,
TFAM
Check out this clip of a drive by the Chargers. I noticed a bunch of things, like Kellen Winslow dunking on the goal post, but most of all I was struck by how much the 1981 Chargers played like a 2009 team. They spread it out and threw it around, even using a version of a WR bubble screen. I knew about Air Coryell, I loved the Chargers when I was young, but I had forgotten just how good that passing game was.
Speaking of Winslow, you can see the footage of him being carried off the field at the end of the game as he is suffering from cramps at the end of this clip. I had almost forgotten he blocked the FG too.
That game was also famous for two more things. The invention of the hook and ladder (or, hook and lateral), nice work Shula. Also, Rolf Benirschke kicked the game winner in that one, which was his second greatest moment ever, right behind his entertaining turn as host of Wheel of Fortune for six months in 1989. This is high comedy.
Finally, what is forgotten about this Chargers team was that the next week they had to travel to Cincinnati to play in the coldest game in NFL history. Fifty-nine below zero wind chill with a Super Bowl on the line. Incredible.
Cheers,
TFAM
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
NBA Trade Deadline
With the NBA trade deadline little more than a month away (February 19), I figure its time to get back into the fantasy hoops swing of things. Speaking of the deadline, you're not going to find another opportunity for the remainder of the season where you'll be able to predict with any accuracy who may be in for a rise or fall in fantasy worthiness. Below is a list of guys who may be in for a serious change in value sometime on the next month or so.
Andrew Bynum--If the Lakers deal him for Bosh, you want him on your squad, without question. Bynum would average 15 boards a game playing 35-40 minutes alongside Bargnani, who is among the worst rebounding bigs in the league. He could easily go 20-14 with a couple blocks in Toronto.
Troy Murphy--On the flip side of things, it is highly likely that Murphy is going to move at the deadline, and it is even more likely that the move is going to drain his fantasy value. Indiana is among the most friendly fantasy destinations, much more so than, say, Cleveland.
Chris Bosh--Count me among those that would want to deal Bosh now if I knew he was going to be moved to LA. Competing with Kobe for points and with Gasol and Odom for boards doesn't get me too excited.
Tracy McGrady--I'm not sure how many minutes he'll get, but his expiring deal is reportedly in play, and T-Mac is available in a ton of leagues.
Paul Milsap--Boozer is a free agent at the end of the season, and it's possible the Jazz could move him now. If he goes, Milsap becomes, well, Carlos Boozer.
Other teams/players/situations that bear watching...Kings (Kevin Martin), Wizards (Jamison, Butler), and Nets, where everyone but Lopez is likely available. Could be fantasy gold to be had for someone in the Nets lineup.
Cheers,
TFAM
Andrew Bynum--If the Lakers deal him for Bosh, you want him on your squad, without question. Bynum would average 15 boards a game playing 35-40 minutes alongside Bargnani, who is among the worst rebounding bigs in the league. He could easily go 20-14 with a couple blocks in Toronto.
Troy Murphy--On the flip side of things, it is highly likely that Murphy is going to move at the deadline, and it is even more likely that the move is going to drain his fantasy value. Indiana is among the most friendly fantasy destinations, much more so than, say, Cleveland.
Chris Bosh--Count me among those that would want to deal Bosh now if I knew he was going to be moved to LA. Competing with Kobe for points and with Gasol and Odom for boards doesn't get me too excited.
Tracy McGrady--I'm not sure how many minutes he'll get, but his expiring deal is reportedly in play, and T-Mac is available in a ton of leagues.
Paul Milsap--Boozer is a free agent at the end of the season, and it's possible the Jazz could move him now. If he goes, Milsap becomes, well, Carlos Boozer.
Other teams/players/situations that bear watching...Kings (Kevin Martin), Wizards (Jamison, Butler), and Nets, where everyone but Lopez is likely available. Could be fantasy gold to be had for someone in the Nets lineup.
Cheers,
TFAM
Sony Open
I'm picking Zach Johnson this week. I like that he played last week (albeit, not that well), I like that he won last year on this course, and I like that the course sets up well for him (not too long, rewards driving accuracy).
Other players I like? Sabbatini played well last week and has a good history here. Kevin Na plays well here, same with Charles Howell III. Vijay and Ernie have won on this course before, so those are some high profile guys. I still like Stricker and O'Hair (who I am now convinced is going to have a huge season. I think O'Hair ends up top 5 on the money list), and a lot of people like David Toms this week for many of the same reasons I like Johnson. Yep, I just said that.
Finally, here is a good website to get all of the history info. you'll need for your weekly picks in fantasy golf.
Cheers,
TFAM
Other players I like? Sabbatini played well last week and has a good history here. Kevin Na plays well here, same with Charles Howell III. Vijay and Ernie have won on this course before, so those are some high profile guys. I still like Stricker and O'Hair (who I am now convinced is going to have a huge season. I think O'Hair ends up top 5 on the money list), and a lot of people like David Toms this week for many of the same reasons I like Johnson. Yep, I just said that.
Finally, here is a good website to get all of the history info. you'll need for your weekly picks in fantasy golf.
Cheers,
TFAM
Monday, January 11, 2010
As Seen on TV
Nice effort by the best defense in the NFC last night. Let's just say the Saints are licking their chops waiting for the Cards to arrive Saturday, and that the rest of the NFC is disappointed that the Packers were sent...packing. Brees would have carved them up too.
I've got New Orleans next week, big. Cards won't have the home field, and their defense is clearly not going to hold up. Saints aren't going to spot them 14 like the Pack did.
As much as the Packers defense stinks, how good is Aaron Rodgers for fantasy purposes?
I felt pretty good about my decision to dump Jermichael Finley for Vernon Davis after Week 1 in the dynasty league all season. Now, I'm having regrets. I wish I would have kept Finley and dumped a WR. That guy is a sure bet top five TE next year.
Speaking of Rodgers, is there anyone left who would pick Brady over him next season?
Please Kurt Warner, the Demolition Ninja Bombers are begging you for one more season.
Demolition Ninja Bombers comes from the funny children's chapter book "No More Dead Dogs" by Gordon Korman. It's a top ten choice for children's lit. Definately comes after "Stargirl" and "Harry Potter" though.
Interesting to see Ray Rice punch in a goal line score. All Rice owners next year are already breathing a little easier.
I'll say it. The Pats future is murky at best. Moss is eroding, and this time it's for real. Brady has some good (if not great) football left, but there aren't a lot of outstanding players on that team anymore. The lines are average, there is no running game, the secondary is not good, and their best WR is hurt.
My early thoughts for next week? Saints and Chargers win comfortably, Vikes-Cowboys and Colts-Ravens are going to be dogfights.
Cheers,
TFAM
I've got New Orleans next week, big. Cards won't have the home field, and their defense is clearly not going to hold up. Saints aren't going to spot them 14 like the Pack did.
As much as the Packers defense stinks, how good is Aaron Rodgers for fantasy purposes?
I felt pretty good about my decision to dump Jermichael Finley for Vernon Davis after Week 1 in the dynasty league all season. Now, I'm having regrets. I wish I would have kept Finley and dumped a WR. That guy is a sure bet top five TE next year.
Speaking of Rodgers, is there anyone left who would pick Brady over him next season?
Please Kurt Warner, the Demolition Ninja Bombers are begging you for one more season.
Demolition Ninja Bombers comes from the funny children's chapter book "No More Dead Dogs" by Gordon Korman. It's a top ten choice for children's lit. Definately comes after "Stargirl" and "Harry Potter" though.
Interesting to see Ray Rice punch in a goal line score. All Rice owners next year are already breathing a little easier.
I'll say it. The Pats future is murky at best. Moss is eroding, and this time it's for real. Brady has some good (if not great) football left, but there aren't a lot of outstanding players on that team anymore. The lines are average, there is no running game, the secondary is not good, and their best WR is hurt.
My early thoughts for next week? Saints and Chargers win comfortably, Vikes-Cowboys and Colts-Ravens are going to be dogfights.
Cheers,
TFAM
Sunday, January 10, 2010
As Seen on TV--Sunday Edition
Here are a few quick thoughts about Saturday's Wild Card games.
Felix Jones is as advertised. The guy can play, funny that he is going to wind up being better than his college teammate, Darren McFadden. Anyway, the strangest thing about the game was the absence of Marion Barber. Apparently he was nursing a bit of a knee injury, and once the game basically started, it was clear to all that a repeat of last week (i.e. a blowout) was in the works, and the Cowboys just didn't need him. I was especially surprised that Choice got the goal line work, but, if Barber was banged up, I guess that made sense. If you want to know how this effects next season's backfield, I'd bet Jones is going to get 75 percent of the work between the 20s and Barber will be the vulture.
Brian Westbrook is finished. If the Eagles give him zero carries in a playoff game, that tells us all we need to know. I'd feel a little bit better if LeSean McCoy would show us something. We've been waiting for weeks.
Donovan McNabb was horrible again. Granted, it is very hard to play the position when Demarcus Ware starts every snap in your backfield (that was a tremendous Bryant McKinnie impersonation from Jason Peters last night, btw. Guess who gets Ware next week? McKinnie!). Still, doesn't it seem like every season ends with McNabb playing poorly and people wondering if he'll be back in Philly?
Shonn Greene's performance isn't that surprising. I saw enough of him at Iowa (and some this year) to tell me he is a player. Thomas Jones has one year left on his deal.
Has Darrelle Revis moved to the point where he is altering draft boards next year? You may want to think about who plays against the Jets in weeks 14-16 when you are drafting.
Where do we rank Carson Palmer next year? Outside of the top 20? I assume the Bengals will be trying to upgrade at WR this offseason.
Cheers,
TFAM
Felix Jones is as advertised. The guy can play, funny that he is going to wind up being better than his college teammate, Darren McFadden. Anyway, the strangest thing about the game was the absence of Marion Barber. Apparently he was nursing a bit of a knee injury, and once the game basically started, it was clear to all that a repeat of last week (i.e. a blowout) was in the works, and the Cowboys just didn't need him. I was especially surprised that Choice got the goal line work, but, if Barber was banged up, I guess that made sense. If you want to know how this effects next season's backfield, I'd bet Jones is going to get 75 percent of the work between the 20s and Barber will be the vulture.
Brian Westbrook is finished. If the Eagles give him zero carries in a playoff game, that tells us all we need to know. I'd feel a little bit better if LeSean McCoy would show us something. We've been waiting for weeks.
Donovan McNabb was horrible again. Granted, it is very hard to play the position when Demarcus Ware starts every snap in your backfield (that was a tremendous Bryant McKinnie impersonation from Jason Peters last night, btw. Guess who gets Ware next week? McKinnie!). Still, doesn't it seem like every season ends with McNabb playing poorly and people wondering if he'll be back in Philly?
Shonn Greene's performance isn't that surprising. I saw enough of him at Iowa (and some this year) to tell me he is a player. Thomas Jones has one year left on his deal.
Has Darrelle Revis moved to the point where he is altering draft boards next year? You may want to think about who plays against the Jets in weeks 14-16 when you are drafting.
Where do we rank Carson Palmer next year? Outside of the top 20? I assume the Bengals will be trying to upgrade at WR this offseason.
Cheers,
TFAM
Friday, January 8, 2010
Tiger: When and why
No Friday Five this week, for the sole reason that I cannot get this Mac I'm working on to cut and paste links correctly. Long story, but Macs have issues too, even though this likely is user error.
Anyway, more news out of the golf world (insert imaginary link here) as Butch Harmon says he thinks Tiger returns in March. Stupid Butch Harmon, he beat be to the scoop. I'm now officially a Hank Haney guy.
Anyway, as I teased earlier in the week, I've got my own thoughts on when Tiger will return and why. First of all, he is coming back, and anyone who says he might not play again is insane. Tiger wants one thing more than women, and that's history. Harmon is right, he's going to be back in March. Allow me to explain why.
Tiger is playing Augusta. I'll get to why he's playing Augusta in a minute, but I think we can all agree that he isn't going to make the Masters his re-entry to the Tour. Not a chance he wants to deal with that circus. So, he's going to play in Florida in March. He usually plays Bay Hill and the WGC-CA Championship.
Why am I so certain he's playing Augusta? Yes, he'd love to win another major, but the Masters happens every year, it's more than that. The truth lies in the other three majors of 2009. Want to take a guess where the US Open is being contested this year? Pebble Beach. Last time Tiger played an Open at Pebble the women and children went into hiding for weeks. The result, Tiger (-12) wins by fifteen shots. Pretty safe to say he'll be the heavy favorite there, right?
Moving along, in an unlikely twist of fate, the Open Championship in July will be played at....St. Andrews! Want to know what occurred on that course the last two times it hosted the Open? Tiger (-19) won by eight in 2000 and went wire-to-wire to win by five (Tiger -14) in 2005.
So, what does Tiger want more than the hostess at I Hop? History. If we agree that he is an overwhelming favorite to win at Pebble and St. Andrews, where no one has even challenged him in three major starts, we have to admit that this is probably his best chance ever to win the slam. He likely won't, but he has to play Augusta to give himself a chance.
For those wondering, the PGA Championship is at Whistling Straits, where Tiger went T24 (-2). That one doesn't work in his favor. Still, look out if he wins at Augusta. It will set in motion an amazing summer story.
Who's with me?
Cheers,
TFAM
Anyway, more news out of the golf world (insert imaginary link here) as Butch Harmon says he thinks Tiger returns in March. Stupid Butch Harmon, he beat be to the scoop. I'm now officially a Hank Haney guy.
Anyway, as I teased earlier in the week, I've got my own thoughts on when Tiger will return and why. First of all, he is coming back, and anyone who says he might not play again is insane. Tiger wants one thing more than women, and that's history. Harmon is right, he's going to be back in March. Allow me to explain why.
Tiger is playing Augusta. I'll get to why he's playing Augusta in a minute, but I think we can all agree that he isn't going to make the Masters his re-entry to the Tour. Not a chance he wants to deal with that circus. So, he's going to play in Florida in March. He usually plays Bay Hill and the WGC-CA Championship.
Why am I so certain he's playing Augusta? Yes, he'd love to win another major, but the Masters happens every year, it's more than that. The truth lies in the other three majors of 2009. Want to take a guess where the US Open is being contested this year? Pebble Beach. Last time Tiger played an Open at Pebble the women and children went into hiding for weeks. The result, Tiger (-12) wins by fifteen shots. Pretty safe to say he'll be the heavy favorite there, right?
Moving along, in an unlikely twist of fate, the Open Championship in July will be played at....St. Andrews! Want to know what occurred on that course the last two times it hosted the Open? Tiger (-19) won by eight in 2000 and went wire-to-wire to win by five (Tiger -14) in 2005.
So, what does Tiger want more than the hostess at I Hop? History. If we agree that he is an overwhelming favorite to win at Pebble and St. Andrews, where no one has even challenged him in three major starts, we have to admit that this is probably his best chance ever to win the slam. He likely won't, but he has to play Augusta to give himself a chance.
For those wondering, the PGA Championship is at Whistling Straits, where Tiger went T24 (-2). That one doesn't work in his favor. Still, look out if he wins at Augusta. It will set in motion an amazing summer story.
Who's with me?
Cheers,
TFAM
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Pay it Forward
Love the concept that Brad introduced me to the other night at the Mill. We're both married, and our wives are both, we'll say tepid, when it comes to our fantasy exploits (hey, when you're talking fantasy exploits and wives are getting upset it could be worse than football, right?). Anyway, he talked about a large fantasy windfall of his a couple years back where he won several hundred dollars and then casually mentioned that he bought his wife a nice camera with some of his winnings. Brilliant, I thought. Haley Joel Osment-like, even. Better yet, Brad's wife has a picture of the day blog. Indeed, she loves to blog and posts a picture every day that was taken with the camera he bought her. How many years of fantasy goodness did that buy him without so much as a peep of her displeasure? Five? Ten? Certainly some. When the spell that camera cast wears out what do you think Brad will do next? Yep, continue to pay it forward.
Brilliant.
Finally I'm happy that my wife doesn't read the blog.
Cheers,
TFAM
Brilliant.
Finally I'm happy that my wife doesn't read the blog.
Cheers,
TFAM
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Winning Fantasy Golf
I promise I'm not going to write about golf all the time now that fantasy football has, for the most part, ended. I still have NBA, NHL, a lot of MLB and (my friend Swan pointed out) NFL Draft to keep me busy in the coming weeks and months. Still, since the season starts tomorrow, I wanted to point out three simple rules to winning at fantasy golf.
History--What has each player done on the course for that week. Some players clearly play better on different courses. You want to pick guys with good results in their histroy at the course. Geoff Ogilvy won at this week's SBS Championship last year, so he is certainly worthy of consideration again in 2010.
Confidence--How is the player currently playing? I was going to pick Kenny Perry this week, then remembered that he can be a really streaky guy. That doesn't mean I shouldn't pick him this week, but in my league, where we can only use each guy once, why not save him for when I know he's hot?
Talent--Obviously we can't forget about talent. Tiger (we'll get to him within a week, I promise), Phil, Paddy, Ernie...they are all obviously uber-talented. These guys require a look every week regardless of venue.
This week, BTW, my pick is Nick Watney. Like I said, I was leaning Perry or Stephen Ames, but Watney finished fifth at Kapalua in 2008, and he drives it big, which is necessary on that course. I think Stricker and O'Hair are great picks too, I just want to wait to use those two studs.
Cheers,
TFAM
History--What has each player done on the course for that week. Some players clearly play better on different courses. You want to pick guys with good results in their histroy at the course. Geoff Ogilvy won at this week's SBS Championship last year, so he is certainly worthy of consideration again in 2010.
Confidence--How is the player currently playing? I was going to pick Kenny Perry this week, then remembered that he can be a really streaky guy. That doesn't mean I shouldn't pick him this week, but in my league, where we can only use each guy once, why not save him for when I know he's hot?
Talent--Obviously we can't forget about talent. Tiger (we'll get to him within a week, I promise), Phil, Paddy, Ernie...they are all obviously uber-talented. These guys require a look every week regardless of venue.
This week, BTW, my pick is Nick Watney. Like I said, I was leaning Perry or Stephen Ames, but Watney finished fifth at Kapalua in 2008, and he drives it big, which is necessary on that course. I think Stricker and O'Hair are great picks too, I just want to wait to use those two studs.
Cheers,
TFAM
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Fantasy Golf
Not sure how any of you are into fantasy golf, but I thought I'd take some time to do a short post on the golf league that I am running this year. I actually got the idea from my buddy Matt, who plays in a similar league with his buddies. It is very simple.
The league will begin Thursday with the season's first event, the SBS Championship in Hawaii, and end with the TOUR Championship in September. The weeks that have more than one tournament we will be using the tournament with the highest purse. That way we play the Open Championship at St. Andrews rather than the Reno-Tahoe Open in Reno. Yep, I thought that was the way to go.
Each week I will send out a spreadsheet on Monday with all the players, picks, etc. All my fellow owners have to do is email me back with the name of their ONE golfer for the week. Each owner's pick for the week will earn them the amount of prize money that that player earns for the week. We can only pick one golfer each week, and we MAY ONLY PICK EACH PLAYER ONCE during the season. All I have to do is enter the name of each owner's pick and tally up the prize money that they win. See, it's pretty simple.
My pick for this week? I considered Stricker, the top ranked player in the field, and Ogilvy, the defending champ, but I think I'm down to Kenny Perry and Stephen Ames. Both have played resonably well at Kapalua and I want to save Stricker and Sean O'Hair for the bigger money events later.
Questions on fantasy golf? Let me know.
Cheers,
TFAM
The league will begin Thursday with the season's first event, the SBS Championship in Hawaii, and end with the TOUR Championship in September. The weeks that have more than one tournament we will be using the tournament with the highest purse. That way we play the Open Championship at St. Andrews rather than the Reno-Tahoe Open in Reno. Yep, I thought that was the way to go.
Each week I will send out a spreadsheet on Monday with all the players, picks, etc. All my fellow owners have to do is email me back with the name of their ONE golfer for the week. Each owner's pick for the week will earn them the amount of prize money that that player earns for the week. We can only pick one golfer each week, and we MAY ONLY PICK EACH PLAYER ONCE during the season. All I have to do is enter the name of each owner's pick and tally up the prize money that they win. See, it's pretty simple.
My pick for this week? I considered Stricker, the top ranked player in the field, and Ogilvy, the defending champ, but I think I'm down to Kenny Perry and Stephen Ames. Both have played resonably well at Kapalua and I want to save Stricker and Sean O'Hair for the bigger money events later.
Questions on fantasy golf? Let me know.
Cheers,
TFAM
Monday, January 4, 2010
Playoff Fantasy Rankings
If you missed the blog detailing the rules for the kind of fantasy playoff league I prefer, you can find it here.
The playoff fantasy rankings have arrived. With apologies to Brad Childress, here is the stream of conciousness that went into these rankings. The first consideration is how many games you are going to get from a player. Therefore, I used my mythical playoff bracket (I'll get to that in a minute) to predict how many games each team will play. The second consideration is the likelihood of those predictions coming true. For example, I give the Chargers about a 90 percent chance of playing at least two games, and a 50 percent chance of playing three. While I think the Bengals beat the Jets, that is more of a 55 percent call, so I can't be that confident Palmer gets more than one game, even though I still have them winning. In short, I want all my players to get at least two games, anything above that is gravy and, if you've been watching the playoffs the last few years, very difficult to predict. So these rankings take the likelihood of two games heavily into consideration. The third influence on these rankings is pure fantasy worthiness. Ray Rice is obviously going to be ranked higher than Sammy Morris, even though I have the Pats winning that game.
So, here is my playoff bracket, followed by my rankings. Obviously, if you believe the playoff matchups will turn out differently, you should reflect those changes in your own rankings.
Round One
Bengals over Jets
Cowboys over Eagles
Patriots over Ravens
Packers over Cardinals
Round Two
Colts over Bengals
Chargers over Patriots
Vikings over Cowboys
Saints over Packers
Round Three
Chargers over Colts
Saints over Vikings
Super Bowl
Chargers over Saints
Quarterback
Phil Rivers
Drew Brees
Peyton Manning
Aaron Rodgers
Brett Favre
Tony Romo
Tom Brady
Kurt Warner
Donovan McNabb
Carson Palmer
Joe Flacco
Mark Sanchez
Running Back
Adrian Peterson
LaDainian Tomlinson
Ryan Grant
Joseph Addai
Mike Bell (only gets the nod over Pierre due to health)
Marion Barber
Cedric Benson
Pierre Thomas
Reggie Bush
Darren Sproles
Ray Rice
Thomas Jones
Felix Jones
Willis McGahee
Donald Brown
Brian Westbrook
Chester Taylor
Beanie Wells
Tim Hightower
Kevin Faulk
Leonard Weaver
Sammy Morris (The Pats backfield is a crapshoot, Maroney was inactive Week 17).
Fred Taylor
Laurence Maroney
Wide Receiver
Vincent Jackson
Reggie Wayne
Marques Colston
Sidney Rice
Miles Austin
Malcom Floyd
Greg Jennings
Randy Moss
Percy Harvin
Donald Driver
Larry Fitzgerald
DeSean Jackson
Robert Meachem
Pierre Garcon
Julian Edelman
Chad Ochocinco (injury and Revis concerns)
Derrick Mason
Devery Henderson
Bernard Berrian
Roy Williams
Austin Collie
Patrick Crayton
James Jones
Anquan Boldin (injury concerns)
Laveranues Coles
Jerricho Cotchery
Braylon Edwards
Legedu Naanee
Jeremy Maclin
Steve Breaston
Jason Avant
Brad Smith
Tight End
Antonio Gates
Dallas Clark
Visanthe Shiancoe
Jason Witten
Jermichael Finley
Brent Celek
Jeremy Shockey
Todd Heap
Ben Watson
David Thomas
Donald Lee
Dustin Keller
Kicker
Nate Kaeding
Garrett Hartley
Ryan Longwell
Mason Crosby
Shayne Graham
Sean Suisham
Stephen Gostkowski
David Akers
Neil Rackers
Billy Cundiff
Jay Feely
Vinatieri/Stover (Stover played Week 17, Vinatieri Week 16, I can't find anything right now about two weeks down the road. If you use team kicker, bump up the colts right ahead of Crosby. If not, I can't justify picking a guy who may give me a goose egg).
Defense/ST
Chargers
Saints
Colts
Vikings
Cowboys
Packers
Bengals
Eagles
Patriots
Jets
Ravens
Cardinals
Cheers,
TFAM
The playoff fantasy rankings have arrived. With apologies to Brad Childress, here is the stream of conciousness that went into these rankings. The first consideration is how many games you are going to get from a player. Therefore, I used my mythical playoff bracket (I'll get to that in a minute) to predict how many games each team will play. The second consideration is the likelihood of those predictions coming true. For example, I give the Chargers about a 90 percent chance of playing at least two games, and a 50 percent chance of playing three. While I think the Bengals beat the Jets, that is more of a 55 percent call, so I can't be that confident Palmer gets more than one game, even though I still have them winning. In short, I want all my players to get at least two games, anything above that is gravy and, if you've been watching the playoffs the last few years, very difficult to predict. So these rankings take the likelihood of two games heavily into consideration. The third influence on these rankings is pure fantasy worthiness. Ray Rice is obviously going to be ranked higher than Sammy Morris, even though I have the Pats winning that game.
So, here is my playoff bracket, followed by my rankings. Obviously, if you believe the playoff matchups will turn out differently, you should reflect those changes in your own rankings.
Round One
Bengals over Jets
Cowboys over Eagles
Patriots over Ravens
Packers over Cardinals
Round Two
Colts over Bengals
Chargers over Patriots
Vikings over Cowboys
Saints over Packers
Round Three
Chargers over Colts
Saints over Vikings
Super Bowl
Chargers over Saints
Quarterback
Phil Rivers
Drew Brees
Peyton Manning
Aaron Rodgers
Brett Favre
Tony Romo
Tom Brady
Kurt Warner
Donovan McNabb
Carson Palmer
Joe Flacco
Mark Sanchez
Running Back
Adrian Peterson
LaDainian Tomlinson
Ryan Grant
Joseph Addai
Mike Bell (only gets the nod over Pierre due to health)
Marion Barber
Cedric Benson
Pierre Thomas
Reggie Bush
Darren Sproles
Ray Rice
Thomas Jones
Felix Jones
Willis McGahee
Donald Brown
Brian Westbrook
Chester Taylor
Beanie Wells
Tim Hightower
Kevin Faulk
Leonard Weaver
Sammy Morris (The Pats backfield is a crapshoot, Maroney was inactive Week 17).
Fred Taylor
Laurence Maroney
Wide Receiver
Vincent Jackson
Reggie Wayne
Marques Colston
Sidney Rice
Miles Austin
Malcom Floyd
Greg Jennings
Randy Moss
Percy Harvin
Donald Driver
Larry Fitzgerald
DeSean Jackson
Robert Meachem
Pierre Garcon
Julian Edelman
Chad Ochocinco (injury and Revis concerns)
Derrick Mason
Devery Henderson
Bernard Berrian
Roy Williams
Austin Collie
Patrick Crayton
James Jones
Anquan Boldin (injury concerns)
Laveranues Coles
Jerricho Cotchery
Braylon Edwards
Legedu Naanee
Jeremy Maclin
Steve Breaston
Jason Avant
Brad Smith
Tight End
Antonio Gates
Dallas Clark
Visanthe Shiancoe
Jason Witten
Jermichael Finley
Brent Celek
Jeremy Shockey
Todd Heap
Ben Watson
David Thomas
Donald Lee
Dustin Keller
Kicker
Nate Kaeding
Garrett Hartley
Ryan Longwell
Mason Crosby
Shayne Graham
Sean Suisham
Stephen Gostkowski
David Akers
Neil Rackers
Billy Cundiff
Jay Feely
Vinatieri/Stover (Stover played Week 17, Vinatieri Week 16, I can't find anything right now about two weeks down the road. If you use team kicker, bump up the colts right ahead of Crosby. If not, I can't justify picking a guy who may give me a goose egg).
Defense/ST
Chargers
Saints
Colts
Vikings
Cowboys
Packers
Bengals
Eagles
Patriots
Jets
Ravens
Cardinals
Cheers,
TFAM
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Sunday Hunch
It is possible, albeit unlikley, that there could be four wild card games next week that are rematches from today's action. Texans-Pats, Jets-Bengals, Pack-Cards, and Eagles-Cowboys could all happen again next week. How weird would that be?
Anyway a few Sunday morning thoughts in the Hunch.
I have a hunch that, and I forgot about him in pickups this week, Jabar Gaffney has a big day for Denver. Royal and Marshall are out.
Apparently Bradshaw is in for the Giants. I still wouldn't play him.
Being that A. Seattle is AWFUL, and B. The Titans have nothing to play for, I fully expect Tennessee to go after 233 rushing with Chris Johnson today. I don't think he gets to Dickerson, but he is going to have a monster game.
I think the Vikings win today and the Cardinals rest their key players this afternoon.
I think Mike Tolbert will produce like a fantasy starter today. Meaning he outscores Sproles.
Cheers,
TFAM
Anyway a few Sunday morning thoughts in the Hunch.
I have a hunch that, and I forgot about him in pickups this week, Jabar Gaffney has a big day for Denver. Royal and Marshall are out.
Apparently Bradshaw is in for the Giants. I still wouldn't play him.
Being that A. Seattle is AWFUL, and B. The Titans have nothing to play for, I fully expect Tennessee to go after 233 rushing with Chris Johnson today. I don't think he gets to Dickerson, but he is going to have a monster game.
I think the Vikings win today and the Cardinals rest their key players this afternoon.
I think Mike Tolbert will produce like a fantasy starter today. Meaning he outscores Sproles.
Cheers,
TFAM
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Just Thinkin' About Tomorrow
Hola, and welcome to week 17, in other words, the week where I ease my foot off the pedal of my gambling addiction for one week and just enjoy the football. There are a few games worth watching. I'm really interested in the Vikings, of course, and also the Cowboys-Eagles game tomorrow afternoon.
Here is what else I will be watching for tomorrow as the regular season comes to an end.
I wish I could put one of those little countdown clocks on the blog that counts down the minutes until Gary Kubiak is fired on Monday. I don't really wish that much harm on Kubiak, just enough to reciprocate the damage he inflicted on my fantasy season.
I believe it's Danny Ware who'll be starting in the Giants backfield tomorrow in Minnesota. It will be nice to get a look at him, at least.
I'm looking for a little something from Alex Smith. They are playing the Rams, and he should be able to show us what kind of player we can expect him to be next year. There are a lot of 49ers with significant fantasy potential if they get above averge play at QB.
I really want to see Devin Aromashodu play again this week. Let's just say I'm very intrigued.
I wonder if Brian Westbrook will be back with Philly next year.
I wonder who wins the battle of the breakout WRs. DeSean or Miles?
I'll also be watching Chris Johnson, who needs 75 yards to break Marshall Faulk's record for yards from scrimmage in a season. He is also just 128 from 200 rushing, and, dare I say it, 233 away from immortality.
Cheers,
TFAM
Here is what else I will be watching for tomorrow as the regular season comes to an end.
I wish I could put one of those little countdown clocks on the blog that counts down the minutes until Gary Kubiak is fired on Monday. I don't really wish that much harm on Kubiak, just enough to reciprocate the damage he inflicted on my fantasy season.
I believe it's Danny Ware who'll be starting in the Giants backfield tomorrow in Minnesota. It will be nice to get a look at him, at least.
I'm looking for a little something from Alex Smith. They are playing the Rams, and he should be able to show us what kind of player we can expect him to be next year. There are a lot of 49ers with significant fantasy potential if they get above averge play at QB.
I really want to see Devin Aromashodu play again this week. Let's just say I'm very intrigued.
I wonder if Brian Westbrook will be back with Philly next year.
I wonder who wins the battle of the breakout WRs. DeSean or Miles?
I'll also be watching Chris Johnson, who needs 75 yards to break Marshall Faulk's record for yards from scrimmage in a season. He is also just 128 from 200 rushing, and, dare I say it, 233 away from immortality.
Cheers,
TFAM
Friday Five--Saturday Edition
Hi all...two blog entires today. I'll be back later with the NFL Saturday column. First, however, are my five reverse New Year's resolutions. Hopefully, I can avoid accomplishing all these things in 2010.
I would like to avoid driving, at all, in South Dakota.
I would like to avoid spending any time in the Washington Wizards locker room.
I will not be gaining 100 pounds, or doing a cannonball into a frozen lake.
I will try to avoid setting my crotch on fire, at all costs.
I will not fake getting hit by a baseball in this fashion.
Cheers,
TFAM
I would like to avoid driving, at all, in South Dakota.
I would like to avoid spending any time in the Washington Wizards locker room.
I will not be gaining 100 pounds, or doing a cannonball into a frozen lake.
I will try to avoid setting my crotch on fire, at all costs.
I will not fake getting hit by a baseball in this fashion.
Cheers,
TFAM
Friday, January 1, 2010
Playing Catch Up
Happy New Year all. Hope you have at least one resoultion that relates to fantasy sports. Maybe you should participate in a fantasy golf league. Shoot me a note if you are or want to (you can play in mine if you want). We're going to be talking some golf soon.
I'm playing catch up on the blog because I missed two consecutive days for the first time since conception in September. Sign of things to come? Am I going to mail it in Vince Carter style? Not a chance. Lots of blog entries over the next week including playoff fantasy football, the start of the fantasy golf season, New Year's musings and the Five at some point. This morning though? A quick look at shaping your roster for Week 17 in the NFL.
The trouble with Week 17 is that no one has any idea who's going to play and who isn't and we won't know before the games kick off. It's a total crap shoot this week. The Colts, Saints, and Chargers already have nothing to play for. On top of that, Cincinnati, Arizona, New England, and Green Bay are all relatively locked in to their playoff spot. So, seven teams are complete wild cards this week. Then we have the Rams and Lions who mailed it in weeks ago, are playing witrh quarterbacks who weren't good in college, and have every incentive to lose this week with the top draft pick on the line. That's nine teams who are full of unstable fantasy guys. Good times!
Anyway, here are a few guys who are likely in line for big weeks, and could be had on the waiver wire.
Justin Forsett, RB, Seahawks
Julius is likely out, and Forsett has been good when he is the lone guy.
Matt Tolbert, RB, Chargers
Yep, I think he gets more action than Sproles, who is just as valuable to the Chargers playoff hopes as LT.
Fred Jackson, RB, Bills
Did you see the way the Jets ran through the Colts second stringers? I know Jackson probably isn't available, but I really like him this week.
Sammy Morris, RB, Patriots
Maroney is a dog, a fumbling dog no less (I think Kubiak's head would ahve exploded by now if Maroney was a Texan), and Morris stepped up last week. Fred Taylor is a wild card here though.
Devin Aromashodu, WR, Bears
Watch out for this guy. He has the size and supporting cast (Cutler) to be a factor into next season. This week, it's the Lions.
Finally, here are some guys who I would NOT feel comfortable playing this week, due to the aforementioned situation with teams resting guys.
Peyton Manning
Philip Rivers
Carson Palmer
Kurt Warner
Drew Brees
LaDainian Tomlinson
Darren Sproles
Joseph Addai
Cedric Benson
Reggie Wayne
Dallas Clark
Larry Fitzgerald
Anquan Boldin
Vincent Jackson
Antonio Gates
Marques Colston
Chad Ochocinco
Again, these are guys I would not have in my lineup under all but one circumstance. If the Vikings lose to the Giants in the early game Sunday, the door is potentially open for the Cardinals to earn a first round bye. If that happens, all members of the Cards passing game are starters.
Cheers,
TFAM
I'm playing catch up on the blog because I missed two consecutive days for the first time since conception in September. Sign of things to come? Am I going to mail it in Vince Carter style? Not a chance. Lots of blog entries over the next week including playoff fantasy football, the start of the fantasy golf season, New Year's musings and the Five at some point. This morning though? A quick look at shaping your roster for Week 17 in the NFL.
The trouble with Week 17 is that no one has any idea who's going to play and who isn't and we won't know before the games kick off. It's a total crap shoot this week. The Colts, Saints, and Chargers already have nothing to play for. On top of that, Cincinnati, Arizona, New England, and Green Bay are all relatively locked in to their playoff spot. So, seven teams are complete wild cards this week. Then we have the Rams and Lions who mailed it in weeks ago, are playing witrh quarterbacks who weren't good in college, and have every incentive to lose this week with the top draft pick on the line. That's nine teams who are full of unstable fantasy guys. Good times!
Anyway, here are a few guys who are likely in line for big weeks, and could be had on the waiver wire.
Justin Forsett, RB, Seahawks
Julius is likely out, and Forsett has been good when he is the lone guy.
Matt Tolbert, RB, Chargers
Yep, I think he gets more action than Sproles, who is just as valuable to the Chargers playoff hopes as LT.
Fred Jackson, RB, Bills
Did you see the way the Jets ran through the Colts second stringers? I know Jackson probably isn't available, but I really like him this week.
Sammy Morris, RB, Patriots
Maroney is a dog, a fumbling dog no less (I think Kubiak's head would ahve exploded by now if Maroney was a Texan), and Morris stepped up last week. Fred Taylor is a wild card here though.
Devin Aromashodu, WR, Bears
Watch out for this guy. He has the size and supporting cast (Cutler) to be a factor into next season. This week, it's the Lions.
Finally, here are some guys who I would NOT feel comfortable playing this week, due to the aforementioned situation with teams resting guys.
Peyton Manning
Philip Rivers
Carson Palmer
Kurt Warner
Drew Brees
LaDainian Tomlinson
Darren Sproles
Joseph Addai
Cedric Benson
Reggie Wayne
Dallas Clark
Larry Fitzgerald
Anquan Boldin
Vincent Jackson
Antonio Gates
Marques Colston
Chad Ochocinco
Again, these are guys I would not have in my lineup under all but one circumstance. If the Vikings lose to the Giants in the early game Sunday, the door is potentially open for the Cardinals to earn a first round bye. If that happens, all members of the Cards passing game are starters.
Cheers,
TFAM
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