Brandon Jacobs is scheduled to receive 20 to 25 carries a game this year for the New York Giants. At 265 pounds and 4.4 speed, Jacobs has the talent to become an elite fantasy football stud running back this year. The Giants have always produced good rushing yardage with Tiki Barber carrying the ball. If the O-line continues to open holes, Jacobs could produce Larry Johnson type numbers with his skill set.
Jacobs is a legitimate second round pick in your fantasy football draft. If you see him hanging there in the third, consider him a steal.
Saturday, August 25, 2007
Travis Henry Expected to Be Healthy Week 1
Those of you itching to draft Travis Henry and watch what he does with the Denver O-line can breath a sigh of relief. Henry sprained a knee in last week in a preseason game against the Dallas Cowboys, but expected to be ready in time to start in your fantasy football lineup in week 1.
Henry has been steadily moving up many fantasy draft boards and is a legitimate late 1st round pick at running back. Denver has not had a one-back system for years and has always been frustrating for fantasy owners. Although the O-line is dominant, Denver has been known to switch running backs from week to week.
Coach Mike Shanahan has been hinting that Travis Henry will receive the majority of carries at RB this year. If that is true, then look for Henry to improve greatly upon the solid fantasy football season he had last year for the Titans.
Henry has been steadily moving up many fantasy draft boards and is a legitimate late 1st round pick at running back. Denver has not had a one-back system for years and has always been frustrating for fantasy owners. Although the O-line is dominant, Denver has been known to switch running backs from week to week.
Coach Mike Shanahan has been hinting that Travis Henry will receive the majority of carries at RB this year. If that is true, then look for Henry to improve greatly upon the solid fantasy football season he had last year for the Titans.
Friday, August 24, 2007
FF Sleeper - Wes Welker
New England Patriots WR Wes Welker has a great opportunity to accomplish what Brandon Stokely did for the Indianapolis Colts 2 years ago as a WR3............1000 yards receiving. The speedy Welker had a great breakout season last year with the Dolphins catching 67 footballs for 687 yards and a touchdown.
This year he will have the field wide open with Randy Moss and Donte Stallworth covering the ends. Look for Welker to open up frequently in the middle. Welker may not be an every week fantasy football starter, but he is a great player to have on the bench and may prove to be a consistent weekly threat with Tom Brady throwing to him.
This year he will have the field wide open with Randy Moss and Donte Stallworth covering the ends. Look for Welker to open up frequently in the middle. Welker may not be an every week fantasy football starter, but he is a great player to have on the bench and may prove to be a consistent weekly threat with Tom Brady throwing to him.
FF Today Risky Running Backs
FF Today has updated a great running back rankings page that denotes RB's who pose a potential fantasy football risk. The list is as follows:
I agree that Portis, Dunn, and Jones are risks due to injuries. This also makes their backups potentially very valuable..........although still risky.
Portis is expected to share more carries this year with Ladell Betts and Warrick Dunn will continue to lose ground to the explosive Jerious Norwood.
Kevin Jones is sharing a backfield with ex-Broncos speedster Tatum Bell and the big back T.J. Duckett.
If I were to bet on a backup with the highest upside, I would look at Falcons RB Jerious Norwood.....although the absence of Michael Vick may have a huge overall effect on the Falcons offense.
Ladell Betts had a good season last year and is probably the surest bet out of these backups.
- Larry Johnson
- Clinton Portis
- Warrick Dunn
- Kevin Jones
I agree that Portis, Dunn, and Jones are risks due to injuries. This also makes their backups potentially very valuable..........although still risky.
Portis is expected to share more carries this year with Ladell Betts and Warrick Dunn will continue to lose ground to the explosive Jerious Norwood.
Kevin Jones is sharing a backfield with ex-Broncos speedster Tatum Bell and the big back T.J. Duckett.
If I were to bet on a backup with the highest upside, I would look at Falcons RB Jerious Norwood.....although the absence of Michael Vick may have a huge overall effect on the Falcons offense.
Ladell Betts had a good season last year and is probably the surest bet out of these backups.
Preseason Injury Report: Donald Driver Injures Foot
Last nights preseason games included one potentially significant injury, as the Green Bay Packers WR Donald Driver was carted off the field before half time with a foot injury. There is no word yet on the severity of the injury.
Driver is coming off a great year last year with 92 catches for 1,295 yards and 8 touchdowns. This injury warrants some caution before drafting him high until more is known about the injury.
Driver is coming off a great year last year with 92 catches for 1,295 yards and 8 touchdowns. This injury warrants some caution before drafting him high until more is known about the injury.
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Mock Fantasy Draft Results - 5 Thoughts
I know I've been writing a lot about mock draft fantasy results, but this time of the season its a great way to practice and prepare yourself for your upcoming live draft. Here are a few thoughts based upon some of the mock fantasy draft results that I have seen.
- Great Wide Receivers are still available in the third round.
- Running Backs once again seem to be dominating the first 20 picks.
- If you want an elite quarterback, don't wait until the 5th round.....its too risky.
- Randy Moss will most likely be a great 5th round value pick.........possibly worth the risk.
- Peyton Manning may be available in the second round.....a super value.
2007 Fantasy Football Mock Draft Results 12 Team League
Presenting the first 60 fantasy football draft picks from a recent fantasy football mock draft for your study and enjoyment.
| Pick | Player |
|---|---|
| 60 | Rivers, Philip (QB, SD) |
| 59 | Burress, Plaxico (WR,RB/WR, NYG) |
| 58 | Moss, Santana (WR,RB/WR, WAS) |
| 57 | Chambers, Chris (WR,RB/WR, MIA) |
| 56 | Hasselbeck, Matt (QB, SEA) |
| 55 | Brown, Reggie (WR,RB/WR, PHI) |
| 54 | Peterson, Adrian (RB,RB/WR, MIN) |
| 53 | Edwards, Braylon (WR,RB/WR, CLE) |
| 52 | Johnson, Calvin (WR,RB/WR, DET) |
| 51 | Romo, Tony (QB, DAL) |
| 50 | Moss, Randy (WR,RB/WR, NE) |
| 49 | Gonzalez, Tony (TE, KC) |
| 48 | Johnson, Andre (WR,RB/WR, HOU) |
| 47 | Boldin, Anquan (WR,RB/WR, ARI) |
| 46 | Norwood, Jerious (RB,RB/WR, ATL) |
| 45 | Lynch, Marshawn (RB,RB/WR, BUF) |
| 44 | Williams, Carnell (RB,RB/WR, TB) |
| 43 | Evans, Lee (WR,RB/WR, BUF) |
| 42 | Portis, Clinton (RB,RB/WR, WAS) |
| 41 | Walker, Javon (WR,RB/WR, DEN) |
| 40 | Ward, Hines (WR,RB/WR, PIT) |
| 39 | Bulger, Marc (QB, STL) |
| 38 | McAllister, Deuce (RB,RB/WR, NO) |
| 37 | Houshmandzadeh, T.J. (WR,RB/WR, CIN) |
| 36 | Williams, Roy (WR,RB/WR, DET) |
| 35 | Fitzgerald, Larry (WR,RB/WR, ARI) |
| 34 | Driver, Donald (WR,RB/WR, GB) |
| 33 | Colston, Marques (WR,RB/WR, NO) |
| 32 | Gates, Antonio (TE, SD) |
| 31 | McNabb, Donovan (QB, PHI) |
| 30 | Owens, Terrell (WR,RB/WR, DAL) |
| 29 | Brady, Tom (QB, NE) |
| 28 | Brees, Drew (QB, NO) |
| 27 | Smith, Steve (WR,RB/WR, CAR) |
| 26 | Palmer, Carson (QB, CIN) |
| 25 | Wayne, Reggie (WR,RB/WR, IND) |
| 24 | Barber, Marion (RB,RB/WR, DAL) |
| 23 | Holt, Torry (WR,RB/WR, STL) |
| 22 | Johnson, Chad (WR,RB/WR, CIN) |
| 21 | Harrison, Marvin (WR,RB/WR, IND) |
| 20 | Jones, Thomas (RB,RB/WR, NYJ) |
| 19 | Jacobs, Brandon (RB,RB/WR, NYG) |
| 18 | James, Edgerrin (RB,RB/WR, ARI) |
| 17 | Jones-Drew, Maurice (RB,RB/WR, JAC) |
| 16 | Brown, Ronnie (RB,RB/WR, MIA) |
| 15 | Henry, Travis (RB,RB/WR, DEN) |
| 14 | McGahee, Willis (RB,RB/WR, BAL) |
| 13 | Benson, Cedric (RB,RB/WR, CHI) |
| 12 | Parker, Willie (RB,RB/WR, PIT) |
| 11 | Manning, Peyton (QB, IND) |
| 10 | Bush, Reggie (RB,RB/WR, NO) |
| 9 | Maroney, Laurence (RB,RB/WR, NE) |
| 8 | Westbrook, Brian (RB,RB/WR, PHI) |
| 7 | Addai, Joseph (RB,RB/WR, IND) |
| 6 | Johnson, Rudi (RB,RB/WR, CIN) |
| 5 | Alexander, Shaun (RB,RB/WR, SEA) |
| 4 | Johnson, Larry (RB,RB/WR, KC) |
| 3 | Gore, Frank (RB,RB/WR, SF) |
| 2 | Jackson, Steven (RB,RB/WR, STL) |
| 1 | Tomlinson, LaDainian (RB,RB/WR, SD) |
Top Tier Fantasy Football WR
This year the top tier of fantasy football receivers looks a bit more crowded. In years past you could isolate it to 2 or 3 sure things wide receivers. This year, some are arguing for 5 or 6 top tier fantasy wide receivers.
Here are the candidates:
In the early rounds of your fantasy football draft, it is always better to go with a sure thing. Save the risk taking for the later rounds. Drafting a top tier wide receiver in the first or second rounds gives you a solid advantage at that position and great fantasy scoring that you can rely on all year long.
Here are the candidates:
- Steve Smith, Carolina Panthers
- Marvin Harrison, Indianapolis Colts
- Torry Holt, St. Louis Rams
- Chad Johnson, Cincinnati Bengals
- Terrell Owens, Dallas Cowboys
- Reggie Wayne, Indianapolis Colts
In the early rounds of your fantasy football draft, it is always better to go with a sure thing. Save the risk taking for the later rounds. Drafting a top tier wide receiver in the first or second rounds gives you a solid advantage at that position and great fantasy scoring that you can rely on all year long.
2007 Fantasy Football Running Back Rankings 11-20
Continuing my 2007 fantasy football running back rankings........here are 11-20.
11 Laurence Maroney - Patriots
12 Ronnie Brown - Dolphins
13 Travis Henry - Broncos
14 Maurice Jones-Drew - Jaguars
15 Willis McGahee - Ravens
16 Deuce McAllister - Saints
17 Cedric Benson - Bears
18 Thomas Jones - Jets
19 Clinton Portis - Redskins
20 Edgerrin James - Cardinals
11 Laurence Maroney - Patriots
12 Ronnie Brown - Dolphins
13 Travis Henry - Broncos
14 Maurice Jones-Drew - Jaguars
15 Willis McGahee - Ravens
16 Deuce McAllister - Saints
17 Cedric Benson - Bears
18 Thomas Jones - Jets
19 Clinton Portis - Redskins
20 Edgerrin James - Cardinals
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Is Daunte Culpepper a Good Fantasy Football Draft Pick?
With the Oakland Raiders QB JaMarcus Russell still unsigned, it is pretty certain that Daunte Culpepper will be the starting quarterback this year...probably for most of the season. We all know that Culpepper was once rated right next to Peyton Manning for fantasy football starting quarterbacks. But last year he struggled with the Miami Dolphins, partly due to a lack of mobility. Culpepper clearly had not fully recovered from his knee injury.
This year marks another fresh start for Culpepper. However, it most likely won't result in better statistics for Culpepper. Oakland's offensive line is a mess, and they lost talent when Randy Moss was traded to the New England Patriots. Keep Culpepper in mind as a deep sleeper, but don't expect much out of him in Oakland. The team is simply not good enough to perform.
This year marks another fresh start for Culpepper. However, it most likely won't result in better statistics for Culpepper. Oakland's offensive line is a mess, and they lost talent when Randy Moss was traded to the New England Patriots. Keep Culpepper in mind as a deep sleeper, but don't expect much out of him in Oakland. The team is simply not good enough to perform.
Chris Brown to Start at RB for the Tennessee Titans?
Rotoworld is reporting that Chris Brown is likely to be named the starting running back for the Tennessee Titans.
Chris Brown had respectable fantasy football numbers a couple of years ago for the Titans. If he does start, he could be a great player to have deep on your bench. However, those of you planning on drafting LenDale White may want to show some caution.
If Chris Brown is still around in the late rounds of your fantasy football draft, don't feel bad taking a chance on him.
Chris Brown had respectable fantasy football numbers a couple of years ago for the Titans. If he does start, he could be a great player to have deep on your bench. However, those of you planning on drafting LenDale White may want to show some caution.
If Chris Brown is still around in the late rounds of your fantasy football draft, don't feel bad taking a chance on him.
Top 5 Running Backs I'm Afraid to Pick
I am a fantasy player who likes to avoid risk. Especially in the early rounds. This year there are a lot of fantasy football running backs who are either unproven or are playing for a new team. Some of these player will have great seasons, but others will be busts. Here are the top 5 running backs that I'm afraid to pick in my 2007 fantasy football draft.
- Jamal Lewis, Cle, RB
- Thomas Jones, NYJ, RB
- Brandon Jacobs, NYG RB
- Willis McGahee, Bal, RB
- Ahman Green, Hou, RB
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
5 Keys to Winning Your Fantasy Football League
What is the key to winning your fantasy football league? Here are 5 keys that have served me well through the years.
- Luck - There is no way around this one. You can be the most well-researched, savvy, hard-working fantasy football player in the world.........but if your first 2 picks go down for the season in week 1, you probably won't win your fantasy football league.
- Know your players - If you don't know who is out there, you'll have no chance of filling your team with the best possible fantasy football players. Read as many articles as you can and scan the player rankings on Yahoo. Get to know a players stats.
- Know your key players backups - Handcuffing your most important players with their backups on your bench can literally save your fantasy football season. I learned this a few years back when I kept Larry Johnson on my bench all season to go with a 1st round pick of Priest Holmes. LJ filled right in and kept me going.
- Be quick on the Waiver Wire - Hesitating to pick up a good player on the waiver wire is your loss and someone else's gain. Go with your instincts......some of the top ranked players each year in fantasy football come from the waiver wire.
- Don't get too cute with your lineup - You drafted great players in the first 3 rounds........be sure to use them. Trying to guess which bench player will have the better week based on matchups can frequently blow up in your face. Don't try to get too fancy. Just because Carnell Williams is facing the Colts defense, doesn't mean that you should sit LT that week.
Sporting news live fantasy football mock drafts
For those of you in 12 team leagues, here are the recent results from the first 5 rounds of a mock draft I recently participated in on Sporting News, a good site for mock drafts.
| Pick | Overall | Player |
|---|---|---|
| 12 | 60 | Brown, Reggie (WR,RB/WR, PHI) |
| 11 | 59 | Williams, DeAngelo (RB,RB/WR, CAR) |
| 10 | 58 | Jones, Julius (RB,RB/WR, DAL) |
| 9 | 57 | Gonzalez, Tony (TE, KC) |
| 8 | 56 | Jackson, Darrell (WR,RB/WR, SF) |
| 7 | 55 | Johnson, Calvin (WR,RB/WR, DET) |
| 6 | 54 | Williams, Carnell (RB,RB/WR, TB) |
| 5 | 53 | Lewis, Jamal (RB,RB/WR, CLE) |
| 4 | 52 | McNabb, Donovan (QB, PHI) |
| 3 | 51 | Branch, Deion (WR,RB/WR, SEA) |
| 2 | 50 | Ward, Hines (WR,RB/WR, PIT) |
| 1 | 49 | Green, Ahman (RB,RB/WR, HOU) |
| Pick | Overall | Player |
|---|---|---|
| 12 | 48 | Moss, Randy (WR,RB/WR, NE) |
| 11 | 47 | Burress, Plaxico (WR,RB/WR, NYG) |
| 10 | 46 | Bulger, Marc (QB, STL) |
| 9 | 45 | Gates, Antonio (TE, SD) |
| 8 | 44 | Lynch, Marshawn (RB,RB/WR, BUF) |
| 7 | 43 | Peterson, Adrian (RB,RB/WR, MIN) |
| 6 | 42 | Johnson, Andre (WR,RB/WR, HOU) |
| 5 | 41 | Driver, Donald (WR,RB/WR, GB) |
| 4 | 40 | Brady, Tom (QB, NE) |
| 3 | 39 | Colston, Marques (WR,RB/WR, NO) |
| 2 | 38 | Norwood, Jerious (RB,RB/WR, ATL) |
| 1 | 37 | Brees, Drew (QB, NO) |
| Pick | Overall | Player |
|---|---|---|
| 12 | 36 | Boldin, Anquan (WR,RB/WR, ARI) |
| 11 | 35 | Barber, Marion (RB,RB/WR, DAL) |
| 10 | 34 | Houshmandzadeh, T.J. (WR,RB/WR, CIN) |
| 9 | 33 | Evans, Lee (WR,RB/WR, BUF) |
| 8 | 32 | Walker, Javon (WR,RB/WR, DEN) |
| 7 | 31 | McAllister, Deuce (RB,RB/WR, NO) |
| 6 | 30 | Williams, Roy (WR,RB/WR, DET) |
| 5 | 29 | Fitzgerald, Larry (WR,RB/WR, ARI) |
| 4 | 28 | Jones, Thomas (RB,RB/WR, NYJ) |
| 3 | 27 | Portis, Clinton (RB,RB/WR, WAS) |
| 2 | 26 | Jacobs, Brandon (RB,RB/WR, NYG) |
| 1 | 25 | Palmer, Carson (QB, CIN) |
| Pick | Overall | Player |
|---|---|---|
| 12 | 24 | Owens, Terrell (WR,RB/WR, DAL) |
| 11 | 23 | James, Edgerrin (RB,RB/WR, ARI) |
| 10 | 22 | Wayne, Reggie (WR,RB/WR, IND) |
| 9 | 21 | Holt, Torry (WR,RB/WR, STL) |
| 8 | 20 | Johnson, Chad (WR,RB/WR, CIN) |
| 7 | 19 | Benson, Cedric (RB,RB/WR, CHI) |
| 6 | 18 | Harrison, Marvin (WR,RB/WR, IND) |
| 5 | 17 | Henry, Travis (RB,RB/WR, DEN) |
| 4 | 16 | Jones-Drew, Maurice (RB,RB/WR, JAC) |
| 3 | 15 | Brown, Ronnie (RB,RB/WR, MIA) |
| 2 | 14 | Smith, Steve (WR,RB/WR, CAR) |
| 1 | 13 | McGahee, Willis (RB,RB/WR, BAL) |
| Pick | Overall | Player |
|---|---|---|
| 12 | 12 | Maroney, Laurence (RB,RB/WR, NE) |
| 11 | 11 | Manning, Peyton (QB, IND) |
| 10 | 10 | Bush, Reggie (RB,RB/WR, NO) |
| 9 | 9 | Parker, Willie (RB,RB/WR, PIT) |
| 8 | 8 | Westbrook, Brian (RB,RB/WR, PHI) |
| 7 | 7 | Alexander, Shaun (RB,RB/WR, SEA) |
| 6 | 6 | Johnson, Rudi (RB,RB/WR, CIN) |
| 5 | 5 | Gore, Frank (RB,RB/WR, SF) |
| 4 | 4 | Addai, Joseph (RB,RB/WR, IND) |
| 3 | 3 | Johnson, Larry (RB,RB/WR, KC) |
| 2 | 2 | Jackson, Steven (RB,RB/WR, STL) |
| 1 | 1 | Tomlinson, LaDainian (RB,RB/WR, SD) |
Yahoo Fantasy Football 2007 Running Back Rankings Preseason
Every major site has a slightly different take on the proper fantasy football rankings for each position. Here is a highlight from Yahoo Fantasy Football's 2007 preseason running back rankings. This is based on yahoo preseason projections.
2007 fantasy football yahoo preseason ranks running back
2007 fantasy football yahoo preseason ranks running back
Player
- LaDainian Tomlinson (SD - RB)
- Steven Jackson (StL - RB)
- Larry Johnson (KC - RB)
- Joseph Addai (Ind - RB)
- Shaun Alexander (Sea - RB)
- Frank Gore (SF - RB)
- Rudi Johnson (Cin - RB)
- Laurence Maroney (NE - RB)
- Brian Westbrook (Phi - RB)
- Willie Parker (Pit - RB)
Fantasy Football Leagues that are Free
If you are new to fantasy football and you haven't joined a league yet, here is a useful list of the best fantasy football leagues that are free.
If you have a favorite that isn't on this list. Leave a comment.....give a shout out.
- ESPN Fantasy Football
- Fox Fantasy Football
- NFL.com Fantasy Football
- AOL Sports Fantasy Football
If you have a favorite that isn't on this list. Leave a comment.....give a shout out.
Free Fantasy Football Cheat Sheets
Looking for free fantasy football cheatsheets. Here is a tip. Sign up for a free account. Once you are signed up, start or join a league. When you get to your main league page, click the "players" button at the top. From their you can sort every available player from each position by Yahoo fantasy football's projections for the year. Print off a page or two from each position and you have an excellent and free fantasy football cheetsheet to use for your draft.
Enjoy!
Enjoy!
LJ Signs - Fantasy Football Players Sigh in Relief
Larry Johnson, super-stud running back for the Kansas City Chiefs, signed a 5 year extension for 45 million dollars according to Espn fantasy football.
This ends a 25-day holdout and puts one of fantasy's greatest scorers back on the field. For those of you with high picks who were hesitant to draft Larry Johnson........draft away. Expect at least 1,500 yards if LJ has a down year.
This ends a 25-day holdout and puts one of fantasy's greatest scorers back on the field. For those of you with high picks who were hesitant to draft Larry Johnson........draft away. Expect at least 1,500 yards if LJ has a down year.
Should you draft Carson Palmer in the 2nd round?
After Peyton Manning, the QB position in fantasy football becomes slightly less clear. It looks like Carson Palmer is poised to take over the #2 spot this year now that he has had plenty of time to recover from a knee injury.
ESPN fantasy football projects Palmer at around 4000 yards and 30 touchdowns.
These are great numbers, but when you can get a Drew Brees, Tom Brady, Donovan McNabb, or Marc Bulger a round or 2 later, is Palmer worthy of a projected round 2 choice.
I would argue that you are better off waiting on QB until the 4th round. Spend your 2nd and 3rd round choices on a more rare commodity like a #2 RB or a #1 WR. You'll get more value out of your picks without loosing much at the QB spot. Remember, its a fantasy football team. You need all of your players to do well.
ESPN fantasy football projects Palmer at around 4000 yards and 30 touchdowns.
These are great numbers, but when you can get a Drew Brees, Tom Brady, Donovan McNabb, or Marc Bulger a round or 2 later, is Palmer worthy of a projected round 2 choice.
I would argue that you are better off waiting on QB until the 4th round. Spend your 2nd and 3rd round choices on a more rare commodity like a #2 RB or a #1 WR. You'll get more value out of your picks without loosing much at the QB spot. Remember, its a fantasy football team. You need all of your players to do well.
Fantasy Football Draft Strategy By Position - 1st Pick
Each position in a fantasy football draft requires a tailored strategy in order to maximize the most value out of the draft position. This series will take a look at each pick in the draft and suggest a pick strategy to follow. First up......the first pick. Here is a suggested board.
Obviously a running back is going to be the first pick in the draft (LaDainian Tomlinson) nearly every year. The second pick in this position can be used on an elite WR like a Torry Holt or possibly a Marvin Harrison. By waiting until the 3rd round to pick your second RB, you get a receiver upgrade without losing much talent at that second RB position. You can still get an elite quarterback in the 4th round like a Mark Bulger or Drew Brees and then get an early jump on a consistent tight end like Cooley. Most of the mid-round WR's have very similar stats so you can get a respectable guy in the 6th round. After that, go fishing for running backs. Try to find a gem that could pay off big later in the season. The Green Bay Packers Brandon Jackson may fit in that category. Late rounds are all about finding hidden talent, and a good late round draft can sometimes win you a fantasy football trophy.
- Running Back
- Wide Receiver
- Running Back
- Quarterback
- Tight End
- Wide Receiver
- Running Back
- Running Back
- Wide Receiver
- Wide Receiver
Obviously a running back is going to be the first pick in the draft (LaDainian Tomlinson) nearly every year. The second pick in this position can be used on an elite WR like a Torry Holt or possibly a Marvin Harrison. By waiting until the 3rd round to pick your second RB, you get a receiver upgrade without losing much talent at that second RB position. You can still get an elite quarterback in the 4th round like a Mark Bulger or Drew Brees and then get an early jump on a consistent tight end like Cooley. Most of the mid-round WR's have very similar stats so you can get a respectable guy in the 6th round. After that, go fishing for running backs. Try to find a gem that could pay off big later in the season. The Green Bay Packers Brandon Jackson may fit in that category. Late rounds are all about finding hidden talent, and a good late round draft can sometimes win you a fantasy football trophy.
Will Cadillac Williams Return to Rookie Form?
Ken Daube at ESPN fantasy football is predicting that Cadillac Williams has a good chance of returning to his rookie form. Here are his predictions:
300 carries, 1,140 yards rushing, six touchdowns, 25 catches and 145 yards receiving
He argues that RB's usually see a decline in yards per carry in their second year, and then bounce back in their third year. He also thinks that Jeff Garcia will significantly improve the QB play for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
I think that Daube makes a solid case, however, I'm not usually one to take fantasy football risks by a players potential to improve. I wouldn't take Cadillac before the 5th round, but most likely he'll be gone by then. I would rather spend my hard earned early round picks on proven players and then take chances later in the draft.
Espn currently has Carnell Williams ranked as the 29th overall pick in the fantasy football draft and the 21st RB.
300 carries, 1,140 yards rushing, six touchdowns, 25 catches and 145 yards receiving
He argues that RB's usually see a decline in yards per carry in their second year, and then bounce back in their third year. He also thinks that Jeff Garcia will significantly improve the QB play for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
I think that Daube makes a solid case, however, I'm not usually one to take fantasy football risks by a players potential to improve. I wouldn't take Cadillac before the 5th round, but most likely he'll be gone by then. I would rather spend my hard earned early round picks on proven players and then take chances later in the draft.
Espn currently has Carnell Williams ranked as the 29th overall pick in the fantasy football draft and the 21st RB.
Monday, August 20, 2007
Frank Gore is Practicing and Will be Ready for Week 1
Rotoworld is reporting that San Francisco 49ers RB Frank Gore is participating in individual practice drills and is scheduled to be ready for a week 1 game against the Arizona Cardinals.
This is reassuring news for all of you Frank Gore lovers (I am one of them). Gore should be ready to continue running all over the Arizona Cardinals in week one. After his stunning statistical performance in the NFL last year, Frank Gore has shot up fantasy football draft boards this year and is consistently ranked in the top 5.
This is reassuring news for all of you Frank Gore lovers (I am one of them). Gore should be ready to continue running all over the Arizona Cardinals in week one. After his stunning statistical performance in the NFL last year, Frank Gore has shot up fantasy football draft boards this year and is consistently ranked in the top 5.
Trent Green Will Start at QB for the Dolphins
No surprise here. Trent Green has officially been named the starting quarterback for the Miami Dolphins. Trent is not the fantasy football force that he used to be, but he is solid.
Look for a consistent Trent Green to help elevate the numbers of WR Chris Chambers, who had a down year last year with Daunte Culpepper and Joey Harrington splitting QB duties.
Look for a consistent Trent Green to help elevate the numbers of WR Chris Chambers, who had a down year last year with Daunte Culpepper and Joey Harrington splitting QB duties.
Best Way to Conduct a Live Draft?
How do you conduct your live draft? Are you new-school, using a fancy draft tool on ESPN fantasy football or Yahoo fantasy football? Or do you kick it old-school and use a magnetic fantasy football draft board. Do you keep track of your draft online, or do you write the picks in by hand or use a fantasy football draft spreadsheet?
I find that the best drafts are conducted live with paper notes in hand around a big table. The online tools are fantastic, but they do take some of the fun and character out of the event. My opinion, make an effort to get your league together in person at least once a year for the draft and save the computers for the season. It makes for a better league and an all-around better experience.
I find that the best drafts are conducted live with paper notes in hand around a big table. The online tools are fantastic, but they do take some of the fun and character out of the event. My opinion, make an effort to get your league together in person at least once a year for the draft and save the computers for the season. It makes for a better league and an all-around better experience.
Laurence Maroney is Ready to Rumble
It looks like Laurence Maroney is ready for contact. The Boston Globe is reporting that Maroney is no longer wearing his no-contact jersey and is ready to take some hits. If he can stay healthy, look for Maroney to build upon his solid rookie season for the New England Patriots and put up some big fantasy football points.
2007 Fantasy Football Mock Draft Results
A fantasy football mock draft can be a great way to prepare for your upcoming draft. It exposes you to a wide range of draft possibilities, and can help prepare you for dealing with unexpected results in your own draft. This type of experience can be invaluable.
Check out a few results from some fantasy football mock drafts conducted from the #2 spot in a 10 person league. Each section shows 1 separately drafted team.
Check out a few results from some fantasy football mock drafts conducted from the #2 spot in a 10 person league. Each section shows 1 separately drafted team.
| Round | Player | Overall Pick | Fantasy Source Rnk |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Steven Jackson (RB, STL) | 2 | 3 |
| 2 | Carson Palmer (QB, CIN) | 19 | 28 |
| 3 | Antonio Gates (TE, SD) | 22 | 25 |
| 4 | Anquan Boldin (WR, ARI) | 39 | 43 |
| 5 | T.J. Houshmandzadeh (WR, CIN) | 42 | 41 |
| 6 | Chester Taylor (RB, MIN) | 59 | 52 |
| 7 | Marshawn Lynch (RB, BUF) | 62 | 2686 |
| 8 | Ahman Green (RB, HOU) | 79 | 46 |
| 9 | Tatum Bell (RB, DET) | 82 | 70 |
| 10 | Jerry Porter (WR, OAK) | 99 | 87 |
| Round | Player | Overall Pick | Fantasy Source Rnk |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Steven Jackson (RB, STL) | 2 | 3 |
| 2 | Steve Smith (WR, CAR) | 19 | 16 |
| 3 | Antonio Gates (TE, SD) | 22 | 25 |
| 4 | Deuce McAllister (RB, NO) | 39 | 29 |
| 5 | Tom Brady (QB, NE) | 42 | 49 |
| 6 | Chris Chambers (WR, MIA) | 59 | 54 |
| 7 | DeAngelo Williams (RB, CAR) | 62 | 50 |
| 8 | Tatum Bell (RB, DET) | 79 | 70 |
| 9 | Jerry Porter (WR, OAK) | 82 | 87 |
| 10 | Kevin Jones (RB, DET) | 99 | 53 |
| Round | Player | Overall Pick | Fantasy Source Rnk |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Steven Jackson (RB, STL) | 2 | 3 |
| 2 | Steve Smith (WR, CAR) | 19 | 16 |
| 3 | Antonio Gates (TE, SD) | 22 | 25 |
| 4 | Deuce McAllister (RB, NO) | 39 | 29 |
| 5 | Marc Bulger (QB, STL) | 42 | 51 |
| 6 | Tatum Bell (RB, DET) | 59 | 70 |
| 7 | Laveranues Coles (WR, NYJ) | 62 | 68 |
| 8 | LaMont Jordan (RB, OAK) | 79 | 42 |
| 9 | Jerry Porter (WR, OAK) | 82 | 87 |
| 10 | LenDale White (RB, TEN) | 99 | 91 |
| Round | Player | Overall Pick | Fantasy Source Rnk |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Steven Jackson (RB, STL) | 2 | 3 |
| 2 | Chad Johnson (WR, CIN) | 19 | 14 |
| 3 | Antonio Gates (TE, SD) | 22 | 26 |
| 4 | Brandon Jacobs (RB, NYG) | 39 | 28 |
| 5 | Marc Bulger (QB, STL) | 42 | 42 |
| 6 | Chester Taylor (RB, MIN) | 59 | 77 |
| 7 | Laveranues Coles (WR, NYJ) | 62 | 72 |
| 8 | LaMont Jordan (RB, OAK) | 79 | 60 |
| 9 | Brandon Jackson (RB, GB) | 82 | 62 |
| 10 | Joey Galloway (WR, TB) | 99 | 84 |
| Round | Player | Overall Pick | Fantasy Source Rnk |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Steven Jackson (RB, STL) | 2 | 3 |
| 2 | Marvin Harrison (WR, IND) | 19 | 19 |
| 3 | Carson Palmer (QB, CIN) | 22 | 30 |
| 4 | T.J. Houshmandzadeh (WR, CIN) | 39 | 40 |
| 5 | Jamal Lewis (RB, CLE) | 42 | 58 |
| 6 | Carnell Williams (RB, TB) | 59 | 46 |
| 7 | Todd Heap (TE, BAL) | 62 | 59 |
| 8 | Laveranues Coles (WR, NYJ) | 79 | 72 |
| 9 | Ahman Green (RB, HOU) | 82 | 57 |
| 10 | Chester Taylor (RB, MIN) | 99 | 77 |
Running Back Sleeper Alert - Brandon Jackson
It looks as though 2nd round pick Brandon Jackson will be the week 1 starter at RB for the Green Bay Packers. Vetran RB Vernand Morency is still sidelined with a knee injury.
The Packers offense can still be explosive and a energetic young rookie like Jackson could make some fantasy noise. Keep him in mind when you are looking for a running back in the 8th or 9th round.
The Packers offense can still be explosive and a energetic young rookie like Jackson could make some fantasy noise. Keep him in mind when you are looking for a running back in the 8th or 9th round.
Maurice Jones-Drew - Saved by the Pass?
Jacksonville Jaguars RB Maurice Jones-Drew caught a noteworthy 2 passes for 47 yards in the Jags preseason game against Tampa Bay. Granted, one of the large pass plays was on a missed tackle, but that is fairly commonplace with Jones-Drew's elusiveness.
If you are in a league that counts receptions for RB's, then Jones-Drew could provide some scoring power with his receptions, even if he does lose touches to Fred Taylor in the running game. I hesitate to put him in the second round, but feel free to pull the trigger on him in the third round of your draft.
If you are in a league that counts receptions for RB's, then Jones-Drew could provide some scoring power with his receptions, even if he does lose touches to Fred Taylor in the running game. I hesitate to put him in the second round, but feel free to pull the trigger on him in the third round of your draft.
Sunday, August 19, 2007
Fantasy Football Breakout - Adrian Peterson
Rookie Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson has looked explosive thus far in the preseason. Last week against the New York Jets, Peterson ran for 70 yards and a touchdown on 8 carries. Its dangerous to put too much weight on the preseason, but sometimes these games can be a sign of things to come.
If Peterson can stay healthy in the NFL, he has the tools to be a fantasy football stud. Don't get excited and draft Peterson too early, but I'd feel pretty good if I had him sitting on my bench.
If Peterson can stay healthy in the NFL, he has the tools to be a fantasy football stud. Don't get excited and draft Peterson too early, but I'd feel pretty good if I had him sitting on my bench.
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