Let's start by talking about the Caps HUGE (understatement) win last night against the Florida Panthers. The Caps came in trailing the Panthers by 4 points in the standings with 2 games to play. A loss would have meant a division crown for the first time in Florida's history and would have placed an unbelievable amount of pressure on the Caps as they head to NY to tackle one of the best teams in the league in their season finale on Saturday. Fortunately, the Caps dug deep and finally played a big game like it was, well, a big game. Time and time again this season, DC has entered big matchups (last week against the Sabres...) and tanked. This time, they showed up and demonstrated why they could be a real playoff contender this year. For Caps fans, this season has been a trial... so much talent... so many expectations... and not nearly the results. After 3 straight years of cruising into the playoffs and competing for the best record in the NHL, the Caps are came down the stretch clinging to their post season life by a thread. Last night was the first time in a very long time that they rose to the occasion and took care of business. Could this be a blessing in disguise? All the seasons of 100+ points and runaway division titles have yielded only 2 trips passed the first round. Perhaps having to fight for a playoff spot and really appreciating the fact that they are in will spark a greater desire to succeed this spring. So what now? Saturday, they travel to NY and will play another very meaningful regular season game. A win and a regulation Florida loss would bring a 5th straight division crown to DC (not to mention the 3rd seed as opposed to the 8th seed). A loss will lock them into the 8th playoff spot and force them to hit the road for playoffs facing the same opponent that they will tomorrow... the New York Rangers. Over the past 4 seasons, the Caps have faced the Rangers in the playoffs twice, each time holding a home ice advantage. They won both of the series including a runaway series win last year. It's obvious that the Rangers would love to exact revenge for their early playoff exits with a statement series win against the Caps and would have 4 home games to get it done. There is something to be said for facing an opponent that you've seen in the playoffs before, but would a 3rd Ranger defeat be too much to ask from a team that has struggled to perform consistently this season? The Caps MUST approach tomorrow's game as their first playoff game. If Florida manages to earn at least a point in their matchup with Carolina tomorrow, the Caps will be set to play 3 games in a row at Madison Square Garden. This means that Saturday could very realistically be a dress rehearsal for the playoffs. If the Panthers manage to continue their slide and lose to the Canes, the Caps will be playing for home ice in round one. A quick glance at the team's home and road records shows what a big advantage this could be for DC. While the playoff berth is locked in, this game could have as much of an impact on the Caps future as their win on Thursday night. I, for one, am looking forward to a playoff preview... Let's just hope the Caps are as excited and ready to play as all of us are to watch them.
And for the Orioles? What can we say about the Orioles? 1997 probably says enough... That was the last time the Orioles finished a season with more than 81 wins. At this point, the Baltimore faithful don't even need a playoff berth to get excited... Simply winning more games than they lose would be a huge victory for the team and a fan base that has been worn this by a decade and a half of wasted hope. The O's managed to begin the 2012 season with a win on Friday thanks in most part t o a stellar day by Nick Markakis. Markakis is returning for abdominal surgery that had many of wondering what to expect from the left fielder. I think it's safe to say that Nick put our minds at ease. I know the season is only a game old, but any spark of hope is worth holding on to. We all watched in 2010 when Buck Showalter took the helm and lead the team to their strongest finish in years. That was followed up by a poor showing in 2011, punctuated by injuries and some of the worst pitching that Baltimore has put on the field. Maybe 2012 is the year that the pitching turns the corner and the team plays an entire season like that 2010 finish. The lineup is deep and the defense is solid... but the question mark is standing on the pitching rubber and in the bullpen. Here's to hoping the young arms rise to the occasion and finally give us something to cheer for once the memory of opening day fades and the hot Maryland summer arrives.
Friday, April 6, 2012
Friday, October 14, 2011
Miss you Sid...
Yea, I said it. I miss Sidney Crosby. Not because I like the guy (I think he's a whiny lil' son of a beach umbrella) but because I love what he brings to the Capitals-Penguins rivalry. Since Crosby's 2010/11 campaign was cut short after sustaining a concussion in the Winter Classic (against the Caps), the match-up has lost a bit of it's gusto. Don't get me wrong here. I still turned on the TV last night and enjoy the Caps overtime win in the new Igloo, but I missed the dynamic of Crosby and Ovechkin skating on the same rink. Remember the playoffs a few short years ago? Crosby and Ovechkin dueled, each notching a hat trick in the game. Performances like that don't just happen... you have to be motivated. These guys fuel one another, pure and simple. So, while I do not (and never will) like Crosby, I can't help but like what Crosby brings out in Ovechkin and the Capitals. Here's to hoping that Crosby makes a full recovery and is back on the ice for the Caps next showdown with the Pens... The Great 8 is missing his kryptonite.
Thursday, October 13, 2011
STUDS & DUDS: week 6...
Week 6 of the NFL season is upon us. So much has gone down so far, from the upstart undefeated Lions and Nightmare Eagles, to the Colts minus Manning, we've seen it all. Fantasy Football has been kind to many (where you at Calvin Johnson owners?) and far less to others (I know somebody out the spent their first pick on Payton). We are now in the heart of the season, time to grind it out... to hit the waiver wire harder than a Mike Tyson hook to plug those bye week holes. It won't be easy, but this is where your leagues are won and lost... make or break, win or lose. So, here you go.
STUDS:
Donovan McNabb: Your QB on a bye? This guy is a viable option this week (really). He's coming off the Vikings first win of the season and he gets to face the NFL's 27th ranked pass defense. I don't know how much McNabb has left in the tank but I have to think there's enough in there for at least a decent fantasy day.
PREDICTION: 16 points
Miles Austin: Heee's back. Fresh off of the Cowboy's bye week and healthy once again. All you need to do is check the numbers. The icing on the Austin cake is the match-up. The Patriots are horrible against the pass and I'm sure Tony Romo will relish having his number one target back on the field.
PREDICTION: 18 points
Mark Sanchez: If he can't get the job done against the 31st worst pass defense in the league, the Jets really are doomed. Luckily for the NY, I don't think this is the case. Mark isn't a prolific passer (and never has been) but I think facing the Dolphins will make him look more like Tom Brady than Kyle Orton.
PREDICTION: 21 points
DeAngelo Williams: Williams has been quiet this year, too quiet. I'm not sure if it stems from Cam Newton stealing some would-be RB carries or if he just hasn't been performing. I think it changes this week and here's why... Carolina wants to build a rushing attack to help Cam Newton manage the game. Right now it's pass, pass, pass and they have one win to show for it. On top of that, the pass game has been money in between the 20's but stalls badly in the redzone. A solid run game would help to balance the redzone attack. I'm looking for DeAngello to be the guy to get that done this week.
PREDICTION: 16 points
Ryan Torain: So I missed the boat week 4 with my Tim Hightower pick (my bad) but It wasn't a miss on the position, just the player. After a monster week against the Rams and a bye to get plenty of rest and reps, he's ready to face an Eagles team that can stop the run about as well as I can stop watching if Eva Mendes is getting naked (uuuuuum...). While I think Vick is going to have a HUGE game (above), I also believe it's going to be a shootout going both ways. If you own Hightower, all might not be lost (he has played a large role in the receiving game at home) but I think he will be more of a passing down back instead a traditional RB... I guess we'll see.
PREDICTION: 15 points
DUDS:
Arian Foster: Since making his return from injury, Foster has been outstanding. That ride comes to and end this week. The Texans are coming into Baltimore for an afternoon game. M&T Bank will be going nuts and the Ravens will be ready to play. They rank 2nd in the NFL against the run and it hasn't been because of weak competition (Titans, Steelers, Jets all LOVE to run the football). Teams with arguably more talented front lines have managed a pitiful 72 yards per game on the ground and, even with Foster firing on all cylinders, I don't think he will fare any better.
PREDICTION: 11 points
Redskins Defense/ST: The skins are a surprise this year ranking in the top 10 in both passing and rushing defense. That's where the praise stops. Remember last time Vick played the Skins? I'm sure they wish they could forget. Vick and the Eagles are under a ton of pressure to win this week (it could mean the season for them) and I think that will be more than enough motivation for Vick to do what Vick does (and no, I don't mean dog fighting...)
PREDICTION: 2 points
Steve Smith: I just don't know how Atlanta will have any strategy to win the game that doesn't include shutting Super Steve down. I'm not sure if they will succeed of not, but it's enough to make me double think starting him if I have other solid options. ESPN has him projected in the 18 point range. These numbers look great but I expect much, much less.
PREDICTION: 9 points
Eli Manning: On paper, this match-up might not look too bad. The Giants are 9th in the league in passing yards and the Bills are in the bottom 3rd in pass defense. Here's where it starts to get tricky. In the last 3 games, the Bills have been interception machines and are currently leading the league with 12 picks so far this season. Eli has served up 5 picks so far and with the G-men near the bottom of the league in rushing yards, Eli will have no choice but to throw, throw, throw in order to keep up with the Bills potent offensive attack. Not a good recipe for little brother now, is it?
PREDICTION: 13 points
Sam Bradford: Were you actually thinking of starting this guy? I'll be honest, I liked the potential for Bradford to have a breakout year (and for St. Louis for that matter) but sadly, it hasn't happened. With several decent QB's on a bye this week, please don't look to Bradford to fill in for you. The Packers are going to pee in this guy's fruit loops.
PREDICTION: 7
There it is. As always, if you have some different opinions be sure to let me and everybody else hear them via the comment box or FB. Good luck this week boys and girls.
STUDS:
Donovan McNabb: Your QB on a bye? This guy is a viable option this week (really). He's coming off the Vikings first win of the season and he gets to face the NFL's 27th ranked pass defense. I don't know how much McNabb has left in the tank but I have to think there's enough in there for at least a decent fantasy day.
PREDICTION: 16 points
Miles Austin: Heee's back. Fresh off of the Cowboy's bye week and healthy once again. All you need to do is check the numbers. The icing on the Austin cake is the match-up. The Patriots are horrible against the pass and I'm sure Tony Romo will relish having his number one target back on the field.
PREDICTION: 18 points
Mark Sanchez: If he can't get the job done against the 31st worst pass defense in the league, the Jets really are doomed. Luckily for the NY, I don't think this is the case. Mark isn't a prolific passer (and never has been) but I think facing the Dolphins will make him look more like Tom Brady than Kyle Orton.
PREDICTION: 21 points
DeAngelo Williams: Williams has been quiet this year, too quiet. I'm not sure if it stems from Cam Newton stealing some would-be RB carries or if he just hasn't been performing. I think it changes this week and here's why... Carolina wants to build a rushing attack to help Cam Newton manage the game. Right now it's pass, pass, pass and they have one win to show for it. On top of that, the pass game has been money in between the 20's but stalls badly in the redzone. A solid run game would help to balance the redzone attack. I'm looking for DeAngello to be the guy to get that done this week.
PREDICTION: 16 points
Ryan Torain: So I missed the boat week 4 with my Tim Hightower pick (my bad) but It wasn't a miss on the position, just the player. After a monster week against the Rams and a bye to get plenty of rest and reps, he's ready to face an Eagles team that can stop the run about as well as I can stop watching if Eva Mendes is getting naked (uuuuuum...). While I think Vick is going to have a HUGE game (above), I also believe it's going to be a shootout going both ways. If you own Hightower, all might not be lost (he has played a large role in the receiving game at home) but I think he will be more of a passing down back instead a traditional RB... I guess we'll see.
PREDICTION: 15 points
DUDS:
Arian Foster: Since making his return from injury, Foster has been outstanding. That ride comes to and end this week. The Texans are coming into Baltimore for an afternoon game. M&T Bank will be going nuts and the Ravens will be ready to play. They rank 2nd in the NFL against the run and it hasn't been because of weak competition (Titans, Steelers, Jets all LOVE to run the football). Teams with arguably more talented front lines have managed a pitiful 72 yards per game on the ground and, even with Foster firing on all cylinders, I don't think he will fare any better.
PREDICTION: 11 points
Redskins Defense/ST: The skins are a surprise this year ranking in the top 10 in both passing and rushing defense. That's where the praise stops. Remember last time Vick played the Skins? I'm sure they wish they could forget. Vick and the Eagles are under a ton of pressure to win this week (it could mean the season for them) and I think that will be more than enough motivation for Vick to do what Vick does (and no, I don't mean dog fighting...)
PREDICTION: 2 points
Steve Smith: I just don't know how Atlanta will have any strategy to win the game that doesn't include shutting Super Steve down. I'm not sure if they will succeed of not, but it's enough to make me double think starting him if I have other solid options. ESPN has him projected in the 18 point range. These numbers look great but I expect much, much less.
PREDICTION: 9 points
Eli Manning: On paper, this match-up might not look too bad. The Giants are 9th in the league in passing yards and the Bills are in the bottom 3rd in pass defense. Here's where it starts to get tricky. In the last 3 games, the Bills have been interception machines and are currently leading the league with 12 picks so far this season. Eli has served up 5 picks so far and with the G-men near the bottom of the league in rushing yards, Eli will have no choice but to throw, throw, throw in order to keep up with the Bills potent offensive attack. Not a good recipe for little brother now, is it?
PREDICTION: 13 points
Sam Bradford: Were you actually thinking of starting this guy? I'll be honest, I liked the potential for Bradford to have a breakout year (and for St. Louis for that matter) but sadly, it hasn't happened. With several decent QB's on a bye this week, please don't look to Bradford to fill in for you. The Packers are going to pee in this guy's fruit loops.
PREDICTION: 7
There it is. As always, if you have some different opinions be sure to let me and everybody else hear them via the comment box or FB. Good luck this week boys and girls.
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Am I missing the Te-boat?
Let me start by saying that I like the guy. He's got the balls to stand up for what he believes in and I really do respect that in anyone, and especially in a public figure. Now that the disclaimer is out of the way... what the hell are the Denver Broncos thinking and, more importantly, what the hell is the city of Denver thinking? Let's break this down into 3 reasons that Tebow mania blows my mind.
1. Tebow was an outstanding COLLEGE football player and nobody with half a brain will dispute that. Now, LET IT GO! College is college. Look at the starting QB's in the NFL today: Joe Flacco played in the FCS (D1AA) at Delaware! There's like 13 people that go to Delaware. He's only been to the playoffs every year of his career. Big Ben? Oh right, he played at Miami... of OHIO. How many people knew his name before he put on the black and yellow? Phillip Rivers played his college ball at NC State (that's a football hotbed... not). Aaron Rodgers had to play a year in Jr. College before Cal would even consider him. What am I trying to say here? College careers have little to no impact on pro potential.
2. Ok, so just because he won a couple titles at Florida doesn't mean he has any shot at being a good pro QB (go play tight end jackass). Like the guy or hate him, he hasn't created the problem... the Denver Broncos' inept front office did. They drafted this guy in the 1st round! Tom Brady was drafted in the 6th round! Drew Brees? 2nd round. Matt Hasselbeck... 6th round. The Broncos set themselves up when they spent their top pick on Tebow. They told the fans and the world that they believed he could be their starter in spite of just about every expert in the world saying the guy would be a bust.
3. Time for the fans to get theirs. The fanatic Tebow lovers who see this guy as an ambassador need to wake the hell up. Tim Tebow might be a great guy with great beliefs, but the Broncos are not paying him to talk about God or be a role model for your 10 year old. If he was capable of stepping on the field and making a positive impact, don't you think he would have started week 1? John Fox has forgotten more about football than most of you will ever know. He didn't miss the Te-boat. He was right not to play him and all of the fans holding up signs, renting billboards and booing their starting QB (Kyle Orton) at every home game should quit pretending they give a damn about what is best for that team.
So, to sum it up, college careers (or lack there of) mean very little in the NFL, the Broncos screwed themselves by drafting this guy way too high, and the fanatic Te-boaters obviously put more stock in what this guy does off the field than on it. Now that I'm done ranting, I hope Tebow goes out and kills it (no, really... I do) because that will mean just about everybody that get's paid to talk football was wrong... and that would make for some comical interviews. That said, I don't think there is anyway in hell (or heaven for that matter) that this guy leads the Broncos to more than 2 or 3 wins this season. So there you go Timmy... go make me eat my words.
1. Tebow was an outstanding COLLEGE football player and nobody with half a brain will dispute that. Now, LET IT GO! College is college. Look at the starting QB's in the NFL today: Joe Flacco played in the FCS (D1AA) at Delaware! There's like 13 people that go to Delaware. He's only been to the playoffs every year of his career. Big Ben? Oh right, he played at Miami... of OHIO. How many people knew his name before he put on the black and yellow? Phillip Rivers played his college ball at NC State (that's a football hotbed... not). Aaron Rodgers had to play a year in Jr. College before Cal would even consider him. What am I trying to say here? College careers have little to no impact on pro potential.
2. Ok, so just because he won a couple titles at Florida doesn't mean he has any shot at being a good pro QB (go play tight end jackass). Like the guy or hate him, he hasn't created the problem... the Denver Broncos' inept front office did. They drafted this guy in the 1st round! Tom Brady was drafted in the 6th round! Drew Brees? 2nd round. Matt Hasselbeck... 6th round. The Broncos set themselves up when they spent their top pick on Tebow. They told the fans and the world that they believed he could be their starter in spite of just about every expert in the world saying the guy would be a bust.
3. Time for the fans to get theirs. The fanatic Tebow lovers who see this guy as an ambassador need to wake the hell up. Tim Tebow might be a great guy with great beliefs, but the Broncos are not paying him to talk about God or be a role model for your 10 year old. If he was capable of stepping on the field and making a positive impact, don't you think he would have started week 1? John Fox has forgotten more about football than most of you will ever know. He didn't miss the Te-boat. He was right not to play him and all of the fans holding up signs, renting billboards and booing their starting QB (Kyle Orton) at every home game should quit pretending they give a damn about what is best for that team.
So, to sum it up, college careers (or lack there of) mean very little in the NFL, the Broncos screwed themselves by drafting this guy way too high, and the fanatic Te-boaters obviously put more stock in what this guy does off the field than on it. Now that I'm done ranting, I hope Tebow goes out and kills it (no, really... I do) because that will mean just about everybody that get's paid to talk football was wrong... and that would make for some comical interviews. That said, I don't think there is anyway in hell (or heaven for that matter) that this guy leads the Broncos to more than 2 or 3 wins this season. So there you go Timmy... go make me eat my words.
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Ravens in review...
The New York Jets arrived in Baltimore last week with a 2-1 record and a lot riding on the outcome of their showdown with our Ravens. This came as no surprise to most casual football fans since both teams have been to the playoffs the last 2 seasons and the Jets to the AFC Championship game both times. What fans didn't expect to see when they circled this prime time match-up on their calendars was the Jets coming into the game ranked next to last in rushing defense with a turnover +/- of zero. Many "experts" crowned the Jets as the AFC Champions long before the first pass was thrown this season (want to rethink that now?). Fast forward and the Jets are now 2-2 after being completely dominated defensively by a Baltimore team that has now resoundingly beaten 2 of the early AFC favorites (Steelers, Jets). Mark Sanchez looked like the very average QB that he is and, while Flacco didn't wow, the Ravens offensive line looked they were blocking a high school team. The handful of times that the Jets defense managed to get after Joe Cool, he looked more like Michael Vick or Big Ben than his normal cement-legged self. While I hope the offense can become more consistent as the year progresses, you don't beat great or even good defensive teams with your offense, you beat them with your defense. Think about it. Does it make more sense to attack a team's strength (trying to score a ton of points on offense) or their weakness (totally shutting down their offense)? Not a tough decision. Too many teams get so fixated on scoring that they force the issue against a good defense and wind up looking a lot like the Jets did Sunday night. I don't think the Jets are a bad team, but I do think they have their work cut out for them in a division that now features 3 teams (welcome back to the league Buffalo) that have the talent to play into January. The Ravens emerged looking like the favorites in the AFC North if not the AFC as a whole and there isn't an offense in the league that wants to line up opposite them right now.
Fantasy week 4 wrap...
Well, since I didn't have any players on my list playing in the Monday Night Football game, I'm going to go ahead and sum it all up. Here we go...
Cam Newton (23/31): Is it possible to be too right? I know I wasn't going out on too much of a limb here, but still... If for some unknown reason this guy is still available in your league, you miiiight want to snatch him up. I don't think the 20+ point performances are going anywhere anytime soon.
Michael Vick (25/29): This pick was a toss up. I think it's safe to say as long as Vick stays on the field, he's going to put up big numbers. The problem through the first few weeks has been one of durability, not skill. I think the Andy Reed is going to put some work in on the O line this week. Only time will tell if it helps.
Tim Hightower (19/2): Ryan Torrain stole the show. What else is there to really say? I wasn't wrong about the position, just the player. It will be interesting to see what the Skins do with the backfield in the weeks to come but for now, I'm guessing Hightower has lost the starting job.
Chris Johnson (18/10): Johnson was a touchdown away from putting up what most would call "a big week". He ran for over 100 yards for the first time this year and the sky is the limit moving forward for this guy. I told you so.
Matt Ryan (19/17): Ryan's stock is rising. As the Falcons improve week to week, I think his numbers will continue to be starter worthy. Slow start, but pleeenty of upside here, folks.
Tony Romo (10/19): Romo had a decent week fantasy wise, but it could have been so much better. He threw 3 picks in the second half and it remains to be seen how much confidence he has going forward. On the upside, he has a buy week ahead to straighten things out and a healthy Miles Austin should be waiting for him on the other side.
Jets Defense (1/21): Even though the Jets allowed a less than stellar 34 points, most of that cam against their offense... While the Jets managed to rack up point on defense as well. This led to a confusing "when will the defense be back on the field so we can score" type of game.
Arian Foster (9/22): I guess he's back. I didn't want to be too optimistic until he came back and played a full game (hamstring injuries and incredibly nagging) but after 60 minutes of 2010 style Foster, I think all his owners get breathe again.
Patriots Defense (-1/-2): Yea, they just don't have it this year. They are lacking a pay maker on defense and have few threats in the return game. I don't see much upside for these guys anytime soon.
Mark Ingram (8/5): For about a week, it looked like Ingram might be set to really take hold of the backfield in NO. Now... not so much. Sproles is ranked 10th in the league and doesn't show any signs of slowing down. Ingram might have value later on this season if Sproles starts to slow down but this is a gamble at best.
Cam Newton (23/31): Is it possible to be too right? I know I wasn't going out on too much of a limb here, but still... If for some unknown reason this guy is still available in your league, you miiiight want to snatch him up. I don't think the 20+ point performances are going anywhere anytime soon.
Michael Vick (25/29): This pick was a toss up. I think it's safe to say as long as Vick stays on the field, he's going to put up big numbers. The problem through the first few weeks has been one of durability, not skill. I think the Andy Reed is going to put some work in on the O line this week. Only time will tell if it helps.
Tim Hightower (19/2): Ryan Torrain stole the show. What else is there to really say? I wasn't wrong about the position, just the player. It will be interesting to see what the Skins do with the backfield in the weeks to come but for now, I'm guessing Hightower has lost the starting job.
Chris Johnson (18/10): Johnson was a touchdown away from putting up what most would call "a big week". He ran for over 100 yards for the first time this year and the sky is the limit moving forward for this guy. I told you so.
Matt Ryan (19/17): Ryan's stock is rising. As the Falcons improve week to week, I think his numbers will continue to be starter worthy. Slow start, but pleeenty of upside here, folks.
Tony Romo (10/19): Romo had a decent week fantasy wise, but it could have been so much better. He threw 3 picks in the second half and it remains to be seen how much confidence he has going forward. On the upside, he has a buy week ahead to straighten things out and a healthy Miles Austin should be waiting for him on the other side.
Jets Defense (1/21): Even though the Jets allowed a less than stellar 34 points, most of that cam against their offense... While the Jets managed to rack up point on defense as well. This led to a confusing "when will the defense be back on the field so we can score" type of game.
Arian Foster (9/22): I guess he's back. I didn't want to be too optimistic until he came back and played a full game (hamstring injuries and incredibly nagging) but after 60 minutes of 2010 style Foster, I think all his owners get breathe again.
Patriots Defense (-1/-2): Yea, they just don't have it this year. They are lacking a pay maker on defense and have few threats in the return game. I don't see much upside for these guys anytime soon.
Mark Ingram (8/5): For about a week, it looked like Ingram might be set to really take hold of the backfield in NO. Now... not so much. Sproles is ranked 10th in the league and doesn't show any signs of slowing down. Ingram might have value later on this season if Sproles starts to slow down but this is a gamble at best.
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Week 4 STUDS & DUDS...
It's time for week 4 NFL action. We've learned a lot these first 3 weeks, but there is a ton that we still don't know. There are some big name players that have failed to make an impact (Johnson, Foster, Manning...) and there are, as always, some young guys coming out of nowhere with huge weeks (welcome to the league Torrie Smith). Predicting all this madness is, well, madness, but here is my best attempt to steer your fantasy team (as long as your team isn't called the good ship lolly-pop or anything to do with black and yellow) in the right direction with 5 guys I think will impress and 5 guys that are going to make you throw you smart phone across the room. Without any further...
STUDS:
Cam Newton: I haven't been on high on this guy and I thought the hype was a bit overplayed, but I can't ignore numbers and if you're smart, you won't either. This guy is the real deal (outside of the redzone...) and he is facing a Bears defense ranked 26th is passing defense. Cam is going to be able to throw as long as his line gives him time.
PREDICTION: 23 points
Michael Vick: Vick has a ton to prove this week and he normally welcomes the spotlight. With all the negative talk and after completing only 1 of his first 3 games, look for Vick to come out swinging with both his arm and his legs. The Eagles are at home (the fans will NOT be happy with a 1-3 record) and the 49ers defensive numbers are skewed (their 2 wins have come against the Seahawks and Bengals). I'm guessing Vick hangs tough this week and torches the unproven 49ers D.
PREDICTION: 25 points
Tim Hightower: I like the Skins to bounce back this week after a prime time fist fight with Dallas that went to the cards at the ends. The Rams ranks last in the league in run defense. That's really all you need to know. The Rams rank last in run defense (I said it again). So start Timmy and don't worry about Helu. He may see some spot work but I'm guessing Hightower breaks off a big play early and locks in the lions share of the touches for the game.
PREDICTION: 19 points
Chris Johnson: I know, I know... I picked this guy last week and he tanked. Before you tar and feather me, please remember that Johnson held out for virtually the entire preseason. He has big time talent and I don't think that has changed. On top of that, he is facing the Browns who rank 3rd against the pass and 28th against the run. This translates into a bad day for Hasselbeck and a good day for Johnson. Numbers don't lie and I think the stars will align for CJ to finally put his critics to rest.
PREDICTION: 18 points
Matt Ryan: Ryan has been extremely sub-par so far this season. Whether it has been his fault or the blame lies with the entire offense remains to be seen. The first 3 games aside, this kid can play ball. The Seahawks ranks 10th in the league against the pass and I'm trying to think of a good reason to start Ryan... I just have a good feeling about the guy. The talent didn't go anywhere and a loss to Seattle would all but spell the end for the Falcons to return to the playoffs. I'm looking for a strong effort from the entire offense to keep that from happening.
PREDICTION: 19 points
DUDS:
Tony Romo: "The legend of Tony Romo..."? I don't buy the load of sh*t that ESPN continues to sell when it comes to Romo being anything but a middle of the road QB. Sorry to be critical but the guy has had his chances and blown them. I love the Lions D this season (especially against the pass... 4th in the league) and Romo's ribs didn't heal in 2 weeks. The Lions are going to get after him and force at least 2 turnovers.
PREDICTION: 10 points
Jets Defense: Yea, I'm a Ravens fan... so what? The mighty Rex Ryan run defense is second to last in the league and Ray Rice is ranked 8th in rushing yards, not to mention he's averaging about 5 catches a game. i don't think this will end up being the smash mouth style game most expect and when it opens up, the Jets are in trouble.
PREDICTION: 1 point
Arian Foster: Is his hammy healed up? Nobody really knows for sure. I'm going to sit on this guy one more week before he's a starter. If you bet the farm on this guy at the beginning of the year, I'm sorry. I hope it works out for you but, until he comes back and puts up a couple 100+ yard games, he will be a flash in the pan living on of last year's glory.
PREDICTION: 9 points
Patriots Defense: All you need know is Darren McFadden... The Pats just aren't that good on defense and the Raiders have a hot hand. I'm betting this a hiiiiiiigh scoring game and no matter who comes out on top, the defensive fantasy points are going to be uglier than the Raider's fans.
PREDICTION: -1
Mark Ingram: As bad as the Jags are, their run defense has really been a bright spot. I'm not saying Jacksonville is going to even come close to stopping the Saints offensive machine, I'm just saying it's going to be through the air and not on the ground.
PREDICTION: 8 points
There you go. There's a ton to like this week and my STUDS list could have been much longer. I said it last week and I'm saying it again... Look at starting 3 wide receivers. WR's have been coming up huge this season (bigger than most of the RB's). Start looking at the QB that's throwing to them and not the name of the receiver. Good QB's have the ability to turn anybody into a factor WR and that has never been more apparent than this season. Good luck to everybody and stay tuned for more NFL stuff later today and tomorrow.
STUDS:
Cam Newton: I haven't been on high on this guy and I thought the hype was a bit overplayed, but I can't ignore numbers and if you're smart, you won't either. This guy is the real deal (outside of the redzone...) and he is facing a Bears defense ranked 26th is passing defense. Cam is going to be able to throw as long as his line gives him time.
PREDICTION: 23 points
Michael Vick: Vick has a ton to prove this week and he normally welcomes the spotlight. With all the negative talk and after completing only 1 of his first 3 games, look for Vick to come out swinging with both his arm and his legs. The Eagles are at home (the fans will NOT be happy with a 1-3 record) and the 49ers defensive numbers are skewed (their 2 wins have come against the Seahawks and Bengals). I'm guessing Vick hangs tough this week and torches the unproven 49ers D.
PREDICTION: 25 points
Tim Hightower: I like the Skins to bounce back this week after a prime time fist fight with Dallas that went to the cards at the ends. The Rams ranks last in the league in run defense. That's really all you need to know. The Rams rank last in run defense (I said it again). So start Timmy and don't worry about Helu. He may see some spot work but I'm guessing Hightower breaks off a big play early and locks in the lions share of the touches for the game.
PREDICTION: 19 points
Chris Johnson: I know, I know... I picked this guy last week and he tanked. Before you tar and feather me, please remember that Johnson held out for virtually the entire preseason. He has big time talent and I don't think that has changed. On top of that, he is facing the Browns who rank 3rd against the pass and 28th against the run. This translates into a bad day for Hasselbeck and a good day for Johnson. Numbers don't lie and I think the stars will align for CJ to finally put his critics to rest.
PREDICTION: 18 points
Matt Ryan: Ryan has been extremely sub-par so far this season. Whether it has been his fault or the blame lies with the entire offense remains to be seen. The first 3 games aside, this kid can play ball. The Seahawks ranks 10th in the league against the pass and I'm trying to think of a good reason to start Ryan... I just have a good feeling about the guy. The talent didn't go anywhere and a loss to Seattle would all but spell the end for the Falcons to return to the playoffs. I'm looking for a strong effort from the entire offense to keep that from happening.
PREDICTION: 19 points
DUDS:
Tony Romo: "The legend of Tony Romo..."? I don't buy the load of sh*t that ESPN continues to sell when it comes to Romo being anything but a middle of the road QB. Sorry to be critical but the guy has had his chances and blown them. I love the Lions D this season (especially against the pass... 4th in the league) and Romo's ribs didn't heal in 2 weeks. The Lions are going to get after him and force at least 2 turnovers.
PREDICTION: 10 points
Jets Defense: Yea, I'm a Ravens fan... so what? The mighty Rex Ryan run defense is second to last in the league and Ray Rice is ranked 8th in rushing yards, not to mention he's averaging about 5 catches a game. i don't think this will end up being the smash mouth style game most expect and when it opens up, the Jets are in trouble.
PREDICTION: 1 point
Arian Foster: Is his hammy healed up? Nobody really knows for sure. I'm going to sit on this guy one more week before he's a starter. If you bet the farm on this guy at the beginning of the year, I'm sorry. I hope it works out for you but, until he comes back and puts up a couple 100+ yard games, he will be a flash in the pan living on of last year's glory.
PREDICTION: 9 points
Patriots Defense: All you need know is Darren McFadden... The Pats just aren't that good on defense and the Raiders have a hot hand. I'm betting this a hiiiiiiigh scoring game and no matter who comes out on top, the defensive fantasy points are going to be uglier than the Raider's fans.
PREDICTION: -1
Mark Ingram: As bad as the Jags are, their run defense has really been a bright spot. I'm not saying Jacksonville is going to even come close to stopping the Saints offensive machine, I'm just saying it's going to be through the air and not on the ground.
PREDICTION: 8 points
There you go. There's a ton to like this week and my STUDS list could have been much longer. I said it last week and I'm saying it again... Look at starting 3 wide receivers. WR's have been coming up huge this season (bigger than most of the RB's). Start looking at the QB that's throwing to them and not the name of the receiver. Good QB's have the ability to turn anybody into a factor WR and that has never been more apparent than this season. Good luck to everybody and stay tuned for more NFL stuff later today and tomorrow.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)