We finally got to see Eagles WR Terrell Owens in action last night and he picked up right where he left off last year, catching 5 balls for 131 yards and a touchdown. QB Donovan McNabb threw for 256 yards and 3 touchdowns. Any suggestions that the poor off-field chemistry between these two would affect their play on the field have been put to rest for now.
For those of you reluctant to draft Owens, this obviously raises Owens draft value. The only issue to worry about now is whether or not Owens future behavior will eventually earn him a suspension. I think its worth the risk. Owens has the potential to put up huge fantasy numbers. It looks like, for now, all of the preseason turmoil has been left behind.
Saturday, August 27, 2005
Friday, August 26, 2005
Fantasy Football League - Fred Taylor
Jacksonville Jaguars RB Fred Taylor looked pretty good in his first game back since last year. He carried the ball four times for 18 yards and had two catches for 8 yards. Jacksonville lost to Atlanta 23 to 7.
A lot of people will probably stay away from Fred Taylor this year because of his history of injuries. Thats why he could be a solid mid-round steal. Taylor is one of the best RB's in the game when he is healthy. Just make sure to have a backup plan if Taylor goes down. LaBrandon Toefield is currently Taylor's backup and it wouldn't hurt to have him sitting on your bence if you draft Taylor.
A lot of people will probably stay away from Fred Taylor this year because of his history of injuries. Thats why he could be a solid mid-round steal. Taylor is one of the best RB's in the game when he is healthy. Just make sure to have a backup plan if Taylor goes down. LaBrandon Toefield is currently Taylor's backup and it wouldn't hurt to have him sitting on your bence if you draft Taylor.
Fantasy Football League - Question of the Day? Peyton Manning
Should Peyton Manning be the top pick in your NFL fantasy draft?
My answer would be no. I was lucky enough to get Manning at the beginning of the third round of my draft last year. Don't get me wrong, he's a lot of fun to have on your team. But if you are drafting in the top 3 or 4 spots and you take Manning, then you are going to end up with a very mediocre set of running backs. On the other hand, if you take a running back with one of the top 3 or 4 picks, then you can still get a very good QB in the 4th or 5th round (Trent Green, Drew Brees). Also, its unlikely that Manning will put up 49 touchdowns again this year.
If you can get Manning late in the first round, I would say go ahead and do it. You can pick him there and still get a quality running back in the second round. I would try to stay away from him though if you have one of the top 3 or 4 picks in the draft.
My answer would be no. I was lucky enough to get Manning at the beginning of the third round of my draft last year. Don't get me wrong, he's a lot of fun to have on your team. But if you are drafting in the top 3 or 4 spots and you take Manning, then you are going to end up with a very mediocre set of running backs. On the other hand, if you take a running back with one of the top 3 or 4 picks, then you can still get a very good QB in the 4th or 5th round (Trent Green, Drew Brees). Also, its unlikely that Manning will put up 49 touchdowns again this year.
If you can get Manning late in the first round, I would say go ahead and do it. You can pick him there and still get a quality running back in the second round. I would try to stay away from him though if you have one of the top 3 or 4 picks in the draft.
Thursday, August 25, 2005
Fantasy Football League - Todd Heap
Baltimore Ravens TE Todd Heap is expected to be ready for the final preseason game of the year against the Redskins. Heap has been recovering from offseason ankle and shoulder surgeries.
The Ravens paid big money this offseason to keep Todd Heap on the team. Expect them to look to him often. Heap finished the season strong last year and if he stays healthy he will be one of the leagues top tight ends.
The Ravens paid big money this offseason to keep Todd Heap on the team. Expect them to look to him often. Heap finished the season strong last year and if he stays healthy he will be one of the leagues top tight ends.
Fantasy Football League - Panthers WR's
Carolina Panthers WR Keary Colbert seems to have won the starting job as the Panther's #2 wideout over Rod Gardner. Colbert has had a solid preseason and should fill the role well.
Steve Smith has also received high marks this preseason and seems to have returned to form after a year on the injury list. He gets overlooked, but 2 years ago he had 88 catches for 1110 yards and 7 TDs. I would expect him to at least repeat that production this year and I wouldn't hesitate to start him every week in your fantasy football lineup.
Steve Smith has also received high marks this preseason and seems to have returned to form after a year on the injury list. He gets overlooked, but 2 years ago he had 88 catches for 1110 yards and 7 TDs. I would expect him to at least repeat that production this year and I wouldn't hesitate to start him every week in your fantasy football lineup.
Wednesday, August 24, 2005
Fantasy Football League - Cleveland RB's
Cleveland Browns RB Lee Suggs has been sidelined with a high ankle sprain and will miss an unspecified amount of time. Suggs was currently listed as the #1 back and had been competing with Reuben Droughns and William Green for the starting job.
It looks like Reuben Droughns and William Green are going to be competing for the starting job in Cleveland until Suggs gets healthy. Green started the game last week and had 7 carries for 29 yards. Droughns took over later in the game and carried the ball 8 times for 30 yards.
This situation looks like a fantasy nightmare so far. It appears that all three of these guys are going to be fantasy bench warmers until things become more clear. Droughns was great for the Broncos last year but he'll have to prove himself all over again in Cleveland. This is certainly a wait and see situation. If you have room on your bench, you might pick up Droughns, but other than that, I would stay away from all of Cleveland's RBs.
It looks like Reuben Droughns and William Green are going to be competing for the starting job in Cleveland until Suggs gets healthy. Green started the game last week and had 7 carries for 29 yards. Droughns took over later in the game and carried the ball 8 times for 30 yards.
This situation looks like a fantasy nightmare so far. It appears that all three of these guys are going to be fantasy bench warmers until things become more clear. Droughns was great for the Broncos last year but he'll have to prove himself all over again in Cleveland. This is certainly a wait and see situation. If you have room on your bench, you might pick up Droughns, but other than that, I would stay away from all of Cleveland's RBs.
Fantasy Football League - Eagles RB's
Philadelphia Eagle's RB Correll Buckhalter underwent season-ending knee surgery and will miss the entire season. The Eagles were planning to use Buckhalter and Westbrook as a 1-2 punch. This will be the second consecutive missed year due to a knee injury for Buckhalter.
This opens the door for rookie Ryan Moats to backup Westbrook during the season. Expect Westbrook to get more touches in the absence of Buckhalter. This development probably raises Westbrook's fantasy value, assuming that the increased workload doesn't lead to injury problems.
This opens the door for rookie Ryan Moats to backup Westbrook during the season. Expect Westbrook to get more touches in the absence of Buckhalter. This development probably raises Westbrook's fantasy value, assuming that the increased workload doesn't lead to injury problems.
Tuesday, August 23, 2005
Fantasy Football League - Vikings RB's
Vikings Running Back Michael Bennett is listed as doubtful for the season opener on September 11 with a sore neck. This opens the door for Mewelde Moore to start the season as the #1 back. Moore has looked more impressive thus far in the preseason than Bennett, rushing for an average of 7.8 yards per carry. It remains to be seen whether or not Moore will continue to start for the Vikings when Bennett is healthy.
Fantasy Football League - Antonio Gates
San Diego Chargers Tight End Antonio Gates agreed a six-year contract today after initially signing a one-year tender. Unfortunately, it looks like he will miss the first game. It seems unfortunate that the negotiations couldn't get done sooner, but at least Gates will be available for all but one game. I would put him right behind Tony Gonzalez on my tight end rankings.
TE rankings
1. Tony Gonzalez
2. Antonio Gates
3. Jason Whitten
4. Alge Crumpler
5. Todd Heap
TE rankings
1. Tony Gonzalez
2. Antonio Gates
3. Jason Whitten
4. Alge Crumpler
5. Todd Heap
Fantasy Football League - Question of the Day? Lions WR's
Which Detroit Lions WR will emerge as a fantasy force this season?
Lions QB Joey Harrington has looked sharp this preseason, completing 14 of his 15 passes. With his healthy stable of talented WR's, he should be able to put up fantastic numbers. But which of the WR's will become his go-to-guy?
Charles Rogers is finally healthy after a couple of injury bugged years. He looked good the other day, catching a 29 yard touchdown pass from Jeff Garcia.
But I think that Roy Williams will emerge as an elite WR this season. He had flashes of brilliance last year, but an injury slowed him down midseason. He has good heighth and should catch a lot of touchdown passes.
Keep an eye on talented rookie Mike Williams. As the season progresses, he could also emerge as a significant threat. But I wouldn't expect him to fully blosssom this season.
Lions QB Joey Harrington has looked sharp this preseason, completing 14 of his 15 passes. With his healthy stable of talented WR's, he should be able to put up fantastic numbers. But which of the WR's will become his go-to-guy?
Charles Rogers is finally healthy after a couple of injury bugged years. He looked good the other day, catching a 29 yard touchdown pass from Jeff Garcia.
But I think that Roy Williams will emerge as an elite WR this season. He had flashes of brilliance last year, but an injury slowed him down midseason. He has good heighth and should catch a lot of touchdown passes.
Keep an eye on talented rookie Mike Williams. As the season progresses, he could also emerge as a significant threat. But I wouldn't expect him to fully blosssom this season.
Monday, August 22, 2005
Fantasy Football League - RB's Getting Healthy
Jaguars RB Fred Taylor and Panthers RB Stephen Davis seem to be getting healthier as the season moves forward. Taylor is expected to play in Jacksonville's next preseason game, while Davis was on the practice field Monday for the first time.
The fantasy value of these players remains to be seen. Davis is likely to start the season behind DeShaun Foster on the depth chart, while Fred Taylor has a decent chance being the starter for week one.
The fantasy value of these players remains to be seen. Davis is likely to start the season behind DeShaun Foster on the depth chart, while Fred Taylor has a decent chance being the starter for week one.
Sunday, August 21, 2005
Fantasy Football League - Mock Draft Results
This is a recent mock draft completed a couple of days ago. I try to use mock drafts to practice and experiment. Its always interesting what you learn. This is a team drafted from the 8th position in a 10 player league.
Round Player
1 Willis McGahee (RB, BUF)
2 Randy Moss (WR, OAK)
3 LaMont Jordan (RB, OAK)
4 Trent Green (QB, KC)
5 Derrick Mason (WR, BAL)
6 Todd Heap (TE, BAL)
7 Baltimore (D, BAL)
8 Drew Brees (QB, SD)
9 David Givens (WR, NE)
10 Mike Vanderjagt (K, IND)
I like this team because it has good balance overall. The weakest position is probably #2 receiver because Derrick Mason is on a new team and no one knows yet how well he will perform. I would need to keep my eyes open during the season to try and add more depth at #2 receiver. I think all of the other positions are pretty solid.
Round Player
1 Willis McGahee (RB, BUF)
2 Randy Moss (WR, OAK)
3 LaMont Jordan (RB, OAK)
4 Trent Green (QB, KC)
5 Derrick Mason (WR, BAL)
6 Todd Heap (TE, BAL)
7 Baltimore (D, BAL)
8 Drew Brees (QB, SD)
9 David Givens (WR, NE)
10 Mike Vanderjagt (K, IND)
I like this team because it has good balance overall. The weakest position is probably #2 receiver because Derrick Mason is on a new team and no one knows yet how well he will perform. I would need to keep my eyes open during the season to try and add more depth at #2 receiver. I think all of the other positions are pretty solid.
Fantasy Football League - Question of the Day?
Which Denver running back will rush for the most yards this season?
For those of you who watched the Denver Broncos game on Saturday, you are probably even more confused about which running back will emerge as the dominate rusher this season. Take a look at these stats.
1. Mike Anderson (currently listed as the starter) - 5 rushes for 39 yards and one receiving TD.
2. Tatum Bell - 11 rushes for 62 yards and 1 rushing TD
3. Ron Dayne - 18 rushes for 87 yards
All three running backs looked great. I think Mike Anderson currently has the edge because of his blocking ability. Tatum Bell failed to pick up a blitz during the game which left the backup QB exposed at one point.
So which RB will emerge this season? Its impossible to say for sure, but I think it will be Mike Anderson. He's a strong rusher, a solid pass blocker, and he already has proven that he can rush for over 1000 yards in a season. Tatum Bell will get carries, and he is very explosive, but I think that Mike Anderson will carry the bulk of the load this year for Denver.
For those of you who watched the Denver Broncos game on Saturday, you are probably even more confused about which running back will emerge as the dominate rusher this season. Take a look at these stats.
1. Mike Anderson (currently listed as the starter) - 5 rushes for 39 yards and one receiving TD.
2. Tatum Bell - 11 rushes for 62 yards and 1 rushing TD
3. Ron Dayne - 18 rushes for 87 yards
All three running backs looked great. I think Mike Anderson currently has the edge because of his blocking ability. Tatum Bell failed to pick up a blitz during the game which left the backup QB exposed at one point.
So which RB will emerge this season? Its impossible to say for sure, but I think it will be Mike Anderson. He's a strong rusher, a solid pass blocker, and he already has proven that he can rush for over 1000 yards in a season. Tatum Bell will get carries, and he is very explosive, but I think that Mike Anderson will carry the bulk of the load this year for Denver.
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