Looking at RB Free Agency
For a team that needs a RB, you have a pretty deep market. Green Bay is one of those teams. Former Bengals RB Cedric Benson is going to (90%) sign with the Packers. Benson and Starks will have a solid running game with guys like Brandon Saine and Alex Green behind them.
Other RBs including Ryan Grant, Cadillac Williams, Ryan Torain, and Joseph Addai are still available. These guys will either be picked up in the next couple weeks or sometime in the season. Do not count these guys out. They will all find home, absoulutley no doubt.
Cedric Benson
By: Alex Strouf
________________________________________________SD-GB Game Log
1st 7:38: GB LB Desmond Bishop leaves- hurt right leg
1st 7:26: SD Philip Rivers to Antonio Gates for TD
1st 7:25: SD Nate Kaeding Extra Point made
1st 7:22: GB KR Diondre Borel fumble; Chargers recover
1st 6:32: GB CB Tramon Williams INT
1st 5:34: SD RB Michael Hayes fumble; GB LB AJ Hawk recovers
1st 4:32: SD CB Antoine Cason INT; Block in the back penalty, making it 1st & 20
1st 2:09: GB PR Shaky Smithson muffs punt; Packers recover.
END OF FIRST QUARTER: 7-0 CHARGERS
2nd 7:33: K Nick Novak FG missed; hits the right pole.
2nd 3:03: QB Jarrett Lee to WR Vincent Brown for the TD; K Nick Novak extra point good. 14-0 SD
2nd :33: GB QB Graham Harrell to WR Randall Cobb for the TD. K Mason Crosby extra point is good. 14-7 SD.
END OF SECOND QUARTER: 14-7 CHARGERS
Update: 3rd string QBs coming in, 3rd quarter begins.
3rd 10:34: GB CB Anthony Levine INT
3rd 5:05: GB CB Davon House shaken up on a punt.
END OF THIRD QUARTER: 14-7 CHARGERS
Update: GB QB Graham Harrell still in the game, Packers in the RZ.
4th 11:21: GB RB Marc Tyler runs it in.
4th 11:21: Two point conversion dropped by WR Jarret Boykin. 14-13 Chargers
4th 1:56: SD RB Curtis Brinkley goes over the GB D-Line for the score. K Kaeding makes the extra point. 21-13 SD.
4th 0:21: Former GB, now SD LB Ricky Elmore forces fumble, SD recovers.
END OF GAME. FINAL SCORE: 21-13 CHARGERS.
San Diego Chargers: 1-0
Green Bay Packers: 0-1
1st 7:26: SD Philip Rivers to Antonio Gates for TD
1st 7:25: SD Nate Kaeding Extra Point made
1st 7:22: GB KR Diondre Borel fumble; Chargers recover
1st 6:32: GB CB Tramon Williams INT
1st 5:34: SD RB Michael Hayes fumble; GB LB AJ Hawk recovers
1st 4:32: SD CB Antoine Cason INT; Block in the back penalty, making it 1st & 20
1st 2:09: GB PR Shaky Smithson muffs punt; Packers recover.
END OF FIRST QUARTER: 7-0 CHARGERS
2nd 7:33: K Nick Novak FG missed; hits the right pole.
2nd 3:03: QB Jarrett Lee to WR Vincent Brown for the TD; K Nick Novak extra point good. 14-0 SD
2nd :33: GB QB Graham Harrell to WR Randall Cobb for the TD. K Mason Crosby extra point is good. 14-7 SD.
END OF SECOND QUARTER: 14-7 CHARGERS
Update: 3rd string QBs coming in, 3rd quarter begins.
3rd 10:34: GB CB Anthony Levine INT
3rd 5:05: GB CB Davon House shaken up on a punt.
END OF THIRD QUARTER: 14-7 CHARGERS
Update: GB QB Graham Harrell still in the game, Packers in the RZ.
4th 11:21: GB RB Marc Tyler runs it in.
4th 11:21: Two point conversion dropped by WR Jarret Boykin. 14-13 Chargers
4th 1:56: SD RB Curtis Brinkley goes over the GB D-Line for the score. K Kaeding makes the extra point. 21-13 SD.
4th 0:21: Former GB, now SD LB Ricky Elmore forces fumble, SD recovers.
END OF GAME. FINAL SCORE: 21-13 CHARGERS.
San Diego Chargers: 1-0
Green Bay Packers: 0-1
SD QB Philip Rivers and GB QB Aaron Rodgers
By: Alex Strouf
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Brandon Weeden named starter
Rookie QB Brandon Weeden of the Cleveland Browns was named the starter for week 1 come regular season. Backup Colt McCoy told NFL.com "I haven't taken any snaps with the first group. I thought coming in it would be a competition ." Brandon Weeden is turning 29 in October, obviously the Browns are taking that seriously.
Colt McCoy (12) and Brandon Weeden (3)
By: Alex Strouf
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T.O. signs with Seattle
VH1 reality star Terrell Owens signed a one-year, $925K deal with the Seattle Seahawks today, months after being released from the Allen Wranglers, a AFL team. This is T.O's first year in the NFL since 2010.
T.O.
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8 Divisions in 8 Days: NFC West
1. St. Louis Rams - Is Sam Bradford the right QB for the team? He has the weapons, but, is the former first overall pick elite enough to lead this team. WR Danny Amendola is back, at the number one spot. Former Giant and Eagle receiver Steve Smith is going to play along with Austin Pettis going into his third year. TE Lance Kendricks had a big impact during his rookie year. RB Steven Jackson is still working on an contract extension. This offseason the Rams aquired what looks like will be their starting center, former Packer Scott Wells. The Rams added former Titans all-pro CB Cortland Finnegan. I believe the Rams are good enough to go 6-10.
Fantasy Favorite: RB Steven Jackson should go third round.
2. Arizona Cardinals - Kevin Kolb is the starting QB for camp. WR Larry Fitzgerald is my number two WR on my bigboard. Rookie WR Michael Floyd is my best rookie reciever. I think he will take pressure away from Fitz, and Floyd plays great 1-on-1 coverage. On the defensive side of things, Saftey Adrian Wilson leads the defense. KR/CB Patrick Peterson is going into his second year. He lead the league in return touchdowns and broke the rookie record for return TDs. I think the Cardinals can get second in this division no problem, 9-7.
Fantasy Favorites: WRs Larry Fitzgerald (1st-2nd) and Michael Floyd (May not even get drafted. If he doesn't, he could be a giant addition after week 4ish)
3. Seattle Seahawks - QBs Matt Flynn, Russel Wilson, and Tavaris Jackson will be competing for the first-second-third string job. It looks like it will be Flynn-Jackson-Wilson but, it will be a competition, no doubt. RB Marshawn Lynch may be punished for his DUI. Skittles are getting him drunk, I guess. WRs Sydney Rice, Golden Tate, and Antonio Bryant (signed yestereday) may be accompanied by veteran Braylon Edwards, who was worked out by Seattle today. TEs Kellen Winslow and Zach Miller will share time. CB Marcus Trufant will lead the defense with FS Earl Thomas. The Hawks have QB trouble, which means, that won't be good. I think Seattle will go 7-9.
Fantasy Favorite: Skittle, skittle. RB Marshawn Lynch is my #12 RB, and he is good. 4th round?
4. San Francisco 49ers - QB Alex Smith was resigned after Peyton Manning was; to the Broncos. RB Frank Gore will be backed up by LaMichael James, rookie out of Oregon and Super Bowl champ Brandon Jacobs. James is fast, a Heisman runner-up. New WRs Randy Moss and Mario Manningham will play next to Michael Crabtree and Ted Ginn Jr. trying to help the receiving game. TE Vernon Davis is my number seven TE. He is so aggresive which is a huge skill being a tight end. DT Justin Smith, LBs Aldon Smith and Patrick Willis lead the defense. Willis is one of the best LBs in the league, no fighting it. It is a fact. The 49ers win the division again, 12-4.
Fantasy Favorite: TE Vernon Davis. Alex Smith throws to him in the red zone A LOT. He could go whenever TEs start going, every league is different.
Marshawn Lynch
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8 Divisions in 8 Days: AFC West
1. Kansas City Chiefs - QB Matt Cassell will be going into his third year as the starter. RB Jamaal Charles was out last year with a knee injury and coming back this year with a sidekick, former Browns RB Peyton Hillis. WRs Dwayne Bowe and Steve Breaston are back as number one and number two. TE Kevin Boss will most likely start at tight end. I like Boss for his height (6'6) and his ability to break tackles with not being a big dude (255lbs). First round draft choice NT Dontari Poe was inked and all rookie from KC are signed. Poe is a 6'5 350 pound guy out of Memphis. He's big and very aggressive. With CB Brandon Flowers ability to jump and interfere with passes, Poe will really need to pressure the opposing QB with LB Tamba Hali, who is one of the best at his position. If that happens, the Chiefs defense will be very impressive. I think the Chiefs have the potential for a 8-8 season.
Fantasy Favorite: WR Dwayne Bowe has been great for me the last 3 years. That is Cassel's favorite target and this guys athletisism is the key. Grab him around the 8th round if possible.Fantasy Flunk: The Chiefs RB situation is one to stay away from. Two good backs that will both get playing time. The only way I would play one of them, is if I had both of them, which won't happen.
2. Oakland Raiders - Veteran QB Carson Palmer is going into his 11th season, only his first full one as a Raider. He has some pretty solid targets both behind him and across from him. WR Jacoby Ford had a breakout season in the return game. He's short, he is only 5'9 and that's why the main guys at WR are Darrius Heyward-Bey (6'2) and Denarius Moore (6'0). DHB didn't have a strong season until close to the end of it. Moore had some long TDs throughout the year. RB Darren McFadden is coming off of a season ending injury last year and will be backed up by my Fantasy Sleeper: second-year man Taiwan Jones. He's going to get carries and this kid is fast. He ran a 4.33 and a 4.28 dash time in the combine of 2011. He's not big either, 6'0,195lbs. The offensive line has a really big problem going into training camp. Them Raiders only have 2 capable centers, who are both new additions. Defensively veteran Richard Seymour will still be the starter at DT. He is the only consistant name you hear out of that Raiders d. Don't be surprised if you hear new ones. I have the Raiders going 8-8 for the second year in a row.
Fantasy Favorite: WR Denarius Moore will be a late pick. 10th round maybe, so look for him if you need a receiver late.3. San Diego Chargers - QB Philip Rivers isn't a great QB. If the Chargers want to be playoff contenders, Rivers is going to need to play at a high level. RB Ryan Mathews is my #4 RB on my bigboard. This kid is going into his fourth season, no more Mike Tolbert, it's time to go. Former Saints WR Robert Meachem will be looking at the number one or two spot. Malcom Floyd will be playing opposite of Meachem. Floyd had 5 TDs and averaged 19.9 YPC last year. TE Antonio Gates is #3 on my bigboard. If he stays healthy, he's Rivers favorite target. The Chargers defense is always very good, even if the names aren't big. LBs Takeo Spikes and Shaun Phillips lead this defense, and are the key. They stop the run game likes nobody's business. I think the Chargers will make the playoffs and win the division at 10-6.
Fantasy Favorites: RB Ryan Mathews should be selected late first round, if you can, take him. TE Antonio Gates is always good (before he gets hurt year after year) so snag him if you can in a middle round. 4. Denver Broncos - Who's Peyton Manning? WRs Demaryius Thomas and Eric Decker will lead this team in receiving and it's really a toss-up between them. TE Jacob Tamme will be used in the red-zone when Peyton needs his TE. Where did Tamme play the last four years? Oh yeah!; the Colts. The Manning-Tamme combo will be interesting to watch. On the defensive side of things, Elvis Dumervil is lining up at DE for the eighth year. 2011 Defensive Rookie of the Year Von Miller will be lining up at LB again, and is this dude fun to watch. Miller's not very big, he's only 237 lbs, but, he's 6'3, so he's pretty mobile. CB Champ Bailey is back for his 15th season in blue & orange. Broncos go 10-6 and get second in the division. I still think they will get a playoff spot.
Fantasy Favorites: QB Peyton Manning is back, and I expect a big comeback year. WRs Thomas and Decker, you can't go wrong with either, they'll both be third or fourth round picks. What do you think?
1. Chargers
2. Broncos
3. Raiders
4. Chiefs
2. Oakland Raiders - Veteran QB Carson Palmer is going into his 11th season, only his first full one as a Raider. He has some pretty solid targets both behind him and across from him. WR Jacoby Ford had a breakout season in the return game. He's short, he is only 5'9 and that's why the main guys at WR are Darrius Heyward-Bey (6'2) and Denarius Moore (6'0). DHB didn't have a strong season until close to the end of it. Moore had some long TDs throughout the year. RB Darren McFadden is coming off of a season ending injury last year and will be backed up by my Fantasy Sleeper: second-year man Taiwan Jones. He's going to get carries and this kid is fast. He ran a 4.33 and a 4.28 dash time in the combine of 2011. He's not big either, 6'0,195lbs. The offensive line has a really big problem going into training camp. Them Raiders only have 2 capable centers, who are both new additions. Defensively veteran Richard Seymour will still be the starter at DT. He is the only consistant name you hear out of that Raiders d. Don't be surprised if you hear new ones. I have the Raiders going 8-8 for the second year in a row.
Fantasy Favorite: WR Denarius Moore will be a late pick. 10th round maybe, so look for him if you need a receiver late.3. San Diego Chargers - QB Philip Rivers isn't a great QB. If the Chargers want to be playoff contenders, Rivers is going to need to play at a high level. RB Ryan Mathews is my #4 RB on my bigboard. This kid is going into his fourth season, no more Mike Tolbert, it's time to go. Former Saints WR Robert Meachem will be looking at the number one or two spot. Malcom Floyd will be playing opposite of Meachem. Floyd had 5 TDs and averaged 19.9 YPC last year. TE Antonio Gates is #3 on my bigboard. If he stays healthy, he's Rivers favorite target. The Chargers defense is always very good, even if the names aren't big. LBs Takeo Spikes and Shaun Phillips lead this defense, and are the key. They stop the run game likes nobody's business. I think the Chargers will make the playoffs and win the division at 10-6.
Fantasy Favorites: RB Ryan Mathews should be selected late first round, if you can, take him. TE Antonio Gates is always good (before he gets hurt year after year) so snag him if you can in a middle round. 4. Denver Broncos - Who's Peyton Manning? WRs Demaryius Thomas and Eric Decker will lead this team in receiving and it's really a toss-up between them. TE Jacob Tamme will be used in the red-zone when Peyton needs his TE. Where did Tamme play the last four years? Oh yeah!; the Colts. The Manning-Tamme combo will be interesting to watch. On the defensive side of things, Elvis Dumervil is lining up at DE for the eighth year. 2011 Defensive Rookie of the Year Von Miller will be lining up at LB again, and is this dude fun to watch. Miller's not very big, he's only 237 lbs, but, he's 6'3, so he's pretty mobile. CB Champ Bailey is back for his 15th season in blue & orange. Broncos go 10-6 and get second in the division. I still think they will get a playoff spot.
Fantasy Favorites: QB Peyton Manning is back, and I expect a big comeback year. WRs Thomas and Decker, you can't go wrong with either, they'll both be third or fourth round picks. What do you think?
1. Chargers
2. Broncos
3. Raiders
4. Chiefs
Peyton Manning
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8 Divisions in 8 Days: NFC North
1. Minnesota Vikings - Second year QB Christain Ponder is coming back as the starter. Is he the answer? Percy Harvin and Michael Jenkins are the big names at WR. RB Adrian Peterson is getting into to legal trouble while Toby Gerhart is waiting for playing time. TE John Carlson will be the man there. First round draft pick OT Matt Kalil will get the start there. Defensive veterans DE Jared Allen and CB Antoine Winfield will both be back as starters. The Vikings are improving, but not dramatically being in the hardest division in the NFL. I have the Vikings going 6-10.
Fantasy Favorite: RB Toby Gerhart (Very late. 12th round?)
2. Chicago Bears - A good team missing the playoffs last year. QB Jay Cutler and RB Matt Forte were both injured by the end of the year. Forte is my #7 RB on my big board. Former Raiders RB Michael Bush will back-up Forte. WR Brandon Marshall should make a huge impact from the moment he steps on the field. Marshall is a tall, high-jumping receiver. He will get a lot of looks, but, he is known to drop. TE Matt Spaeth will possibly be getting the start, but, there will be competition. Defensively the Bears are very good. LBs Brian Urlacher and Lance Briggs will be back, and tough for other teams. Bears will go 9-7.
Fantasy Favorite: WR Brandon Marshall is bound to have a breakout year. Last time Cutler and Marshall were together was in Denver, and Marshall had one of his best seasons ever.
3. Detroit Lions - All I did was shake my head at the Lions this offseason. Cliff Avril, Mikel Leshoure, the ex-Lion Berry. So much legal trouble, DUIs, domestic abuse. Ridiculous. Something to watch is the Stafford-Johnson Jr combo. Best combo in the NFL in my opinion. The Lions have a big chance to win the division, as long as they are as strong defensively as they are offensively. DE Cliff Avril is good, but, he's been arrested twice this offseason, so the consequences could be big. DT Ndaumakong Suh is the best at his position. DT Corey Williams will also see the field a lot, next to Suh. LB Justin Durant, I love his chances of being a big playmaker. Durant just needs to be an oppurtunist and he could be playing in the last Pro Bowl. At DB is where the shortage for the Lions is. CB Chris Houston is going into his 7th season. We shall see. The Lions could be going any where from 9-7 to 12-4.
Fantasy Favorites: QB Matthew Stafford will be the 5th or 6th QB selected, and that is a great snag late. WR Calvin Johnson Jr. was the top scorer on my team last year. He will be selected in the first round. Probably early, so grab him if you can.
4. Green Bay Packers - The 15-1 season last year, the Super Win the year before. Led by the best player in the NFL according to his peers, QB Aaron Rodgers (#1 QB on my bigboard). The reigning MVP is a great player and has great targets. WRs Greg Jennings (#4 WR on my bigboard), Jordy Nelson, Randall Cobb, and TE Jermichael Finley (#6 TE on my bigboard). RB James Starks is finally getting the oppurtunity to run the ball alone. Ryan Grant is gone (free agency). That will be interesting. The last 5 years the Packers weren't remembered for their running game. This team is stacked with studs. Defensively LBs, Clay Matthews, Desmond Bishop, AJ Hawk, and first round draft pick out of USC Nick Perry will lineup. Nick Perry needs to work, and this defense will be unstoppable. The only spot with trouble is FS. Talks about Charles Woodson moving to free safety are swirling. Second year guy M.D. Jennings could make the move from SS to FS. There is 3 rookie S on the Packers roster. Tramon Williams and Sam Shields are there at CB as well. It will be interesting to see how this plays out. I don't talk about kickers/punters much, but K Mason Crosby is great, as well is P Tim Masthay. Mashthay punts a 40-50 yard average. Unbelieveable. I've got the Super Bowl XLV champs going 14-2.Fantasy Favorites: QB Aaron Rodgers is going to be a top 3 pick in 80% of leagues. RB James Starks could be a late season sleeper. I'd grab him in the 10th/11th round. WR Jordy Nelson may not have as good of a year as last, but, he really could see the endzone quite a lot. He'd be a 6th or 7th round pick.
Fantasy Favorite: RB Toby Gerhart (Very late. 12th round?)
2. Chicago Bears - A good team missing the playoffs last year. QB Jay Cutler and RB Matt Forte were both injured by the end of the year. Forte is my #7 RB on my big board. Former Raiders RB Michael Bush will back-up Forte. WR Brandon Marshall should make a huge impact from the moment he steps on the field. Marshall is a tall, high-jumping receiver. He will get a lot of looks, but, he is known to drop. TE Matt Spaeth will possibly be getting the start, but, there will be competition. Defensively the Bears are very good. LBs Brian Urlacher and Lance Briggs will be back, and tough for other teams. Bears will go 9-7.
Fantasy Favorite: WR Brandon Marshall is bound to have a breakout year. Last time Cutler and Marshall were together was in Denver, and Marshall had one of his best seasons ever.
3. Detroit Lions - All I did was shake my head at the Lions this offseason. Cliff Avril, Mikel Leshoure, the ex-Lion Berry. So much legal trouble, DUIs, domestic abuse. Ridiculous. Something to watch is the Stafford-Johnson Jr combo. Best combo in the NFL in my opinion. The Lions have a big chance to win the division, as long as they are as strong defensively as they are offensively. DE Cliff Avril is good, but, he's been arrested twice this offseason, so the consequences could be big. DT Ndaumakong Suh is the best at his position. DT Corey Williams will also see the field a lot, next to Suh. LB Justin Durant, I love his chances of being a big playmaker. Durant just needs to be an oppurtunist and he could be playing in the last Pro Bowl. At DB is where the shortage for the Lions is. CB Chris Houston is going into his 7th season. We shall see. The Lions could be going any where from 9-7 to 12-4.
Fantasy Favorites: QB Matthew Stafford will be the 5th or 6th QB selected, and that is a great snag late. WR Calvin Johnson Jr. was the top scorer on my team last year. He will be selected in the first round. Probably early, so grab him if you can.
4. Green Bay Packers - The 15-1 season last year, the Super Win the year before. Led by the best player in the NFL according to his peers, QB Aaron Rodgers (#1 QB on my bigboard). The reigning MVP is a great player and has great targets. WRs Greg Jennings (#4 WR on my bigboard), Jordy Nelson, Randall Cobb, and TE Jermichael Finley (#6 TE on my bigboard). RB James Starks is finally getting the oppurtunity to run the ball alone. Ryan Grant is gone (free agency). That will be interesting. The last 5 years the Packers weren't remembered for their running game. This team is stacked with studs. Defensively LBs, Clay Matthews, Desmond Bishop, AJ Hawk, and first round draft pick out of USC Nick Perry will lineup. Nick Perry needs to work, and this defense will be unstoppable. The only spot with trouble is FS. Talks about Charles Woodson moving to free safety are swirling. Second year guy M.D. Jennings could make the move from SS to FS. There is 3 rookie S on the Packers roster. Tramon Williams and Sam Shields are there at CB as well. It will be interesting to see how this plays out. I don't talk about kickers/punters much, but K Mason Crosby is great, as well is P Tim Masthay. Mashthay punts a 40-50 yard average. Unbelieveable. I've got the Super Bowl XLV champs going 14-2.Fantasy Favorites: QB Aaron Rodgers is going to be a top 3 pick in 80% of leagues. RB James Starks could be a late season sleeper. I'd grab him in the 10th/11th round. WR Jordy Nelson may not have as good of a year as last, but, he really could see the endzone quite a lot. He'd be a 6th or 7th round pick.
Jay Cutler (Left) and Brandon Marshall (Right)
Calvin Johnson Jr. and Matthew Stafford (Right)
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| Jordy Nelson (Left) and Aaron Rodgers (Right) |
By: Alex Strouf
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8 Divisions in 8 Days: AFC South
What to expect out of the AFC South this year.
1. Indianapolis Colts - The Colts have a very young offense. They have new starters at QB, RB, C, and TE. Andrew Luck is the new starting quarterback, after being the first overall pick and signing a deal this past week. Will the connection between the receivers and Luck be there in his rookie year? Possibly. It depends on what Luck wants to do. The Colts are building the offense around him by drafting his TE Coby Fleener out of Stanford as well. I think the Colts will go 5-11 in 2012.
Fantasy Favorite: TE Coby Fleener late in the draft, RB Donald Brown in a middle round if he is there.
2. Jacksonville Jaguars - QB Blaine Gabbert is young, and now has a couple new targets.The Jags added Lee Evans and drafted Justin Blackmon in April. He also has Maurice Jones-Drew in the backfield which is a great thing as a young quarterback. On the defensive side of the ball Jacksonville lost Aaron Kampman and Marcus Stroud. Although the Jaguars have 13 defensive rookies currently on their roster for the start of training camp. Let the competition begin! I have Jacksonville going anywhere from 4-12 to 8-8 right now, depending on the defensive situation.
Fantasy Favorite: RB MJD late in the first round. This will be his year to really prove what he's all about.
3. Tennesee Titans - There is a little competition at quarterback down south. Jake Locker going into his second year or veteran Matt Hasselbeck. Running back Chris Johnson is expected to have a giant year, which I agree with. WR Kenny Britt was just picked up for a DUI early Friday morning. Rookie Kendall Wright and Nate Washington will pick up whatever slack Britt will be leaving, whether that's a lot or not so much. I think the Titans are ready for the playoffs on the offensive side of the ball. On the defensive, not so much. Will Weatherspoon is the only potential Pro-Bowler. I think the Titans will be going 8-8 this year.
Fantasy Favorite: WR: Kendall Wright. I think Wright will have a giant rookie season. He will be one of the two best rookie WRs, no doubt.
4. Houston Texans - This is the year of the Texans. If Andre Johnson is healthy, he is the last piece to the puzzle. The throwing game with Matt Schaub. The running game with Arian Foster and Ben Tate. The receiving game with Andre Johnson, Kevin Waltor and Jacoby Jones. The rushing game with JJ Watt and Brian Cushing. The secondary game with Jonathon Joseph and Danieal Manning. The Texan will win 10+ games for sure, if Schaub and Johnson are healthy.
1. Indianapolis Colts - The Colts have a very young offense. They have new starters at QB, RB, C, and TE. Andrew Luck is the new starting quarterback, after being the first overall pick and signing a deal this past week. Will the connection between the receivers and Luck be there in his rookie year? Possibly. It depends on what Luck wants to do. The Colts are building the offense around him by drafting his TE Coby Fleener out of Stanford as well. I think the Colts will go 5-11 in 2012.
Fantasy Favorite: TE Coby Fleener late in the draft, RB Donald Brown in a middle round if he is there.
2. Jacksonville Jaguars - QB Blaine Gabbert is young, and now has a couple new targets.The Jags added Lee Evans and drafted Justin Blackmon in April. He also has Maurice Jones-Drew in the backfield which is a great thing as a young quarterback. On the defensive side of the ball Jacksonville lost Aaron Kampman and Marcus Stroud. Although the Jaguars have 13 defensive rookies currently on their roster for the start of training camp. Let the competition begin! I have Jacksonville going anywhere from 4-12 to 8-8 right now, depending on the defensive situation.
Fantasy Favorite: RB MJD late in the first round. This will be his year to really prove what he's all about.
3. Tennesee Titans - There is a little competition at quarterback down south. Jake Locker going into his second year or veteran Matt Hasselbeck. Running back Chris Johnson is expected to have a giant year, which I agree with. WR Kenny Britt was just picked up for a DUI early Friday morning. Rookie Kendall Wright and Nate Washington will pick up whatever slack Britt will be leaving, whether that's a lot or not so much. I think the Titans are ready for the playoffs on the offensive side of the ball. On the defensive, not so much. Will Weatherspoon is the only potential Pro-Bowler. I think the Titans will be going 8-8 this year.
Fantasy Favorite: WR: Kendall Wright. I think Wright will have a giant rookie season. He will be one of the two best rookie WRs, no doubt.
4. Houston Texans - This is the year of the Texans. If Andre Johnson is healthy, he is the last piece to the puzzle. The throwing game with Matt Schaub. The running game with Arian Foster and Ben Tate. The receiving game with Andre Johnson, Kevin Waltor and Jacoby Jones. The rushing game with JJ Watt and Brian Cushing. The secondary game with Jonathon Joseph and Danieal Manning. The Texan will win 10+ games for sure, if Schaub and Johnson are healthy.
Fantasy Favorite: RB Arian Foster will be the first pick is 99% of leagues. QB Matt Schaub is a great steal late if you need a quarterback.
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| Colts QB Andrew Luck signing contract |
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8 Divisions in 8 Days: AFC North
1. Cleveland Browns - They have rookies in QB Brandon Weeden, RB Trent Richardson and two in WRs Greg Little and Josh Gordon. The O-Line is very talented with Joe Thomas there. Weeden still has to be signed. On defense there is 13 rookies in the DL and LBs alone. I don't believe the Browns will get to the playoffs this year. 4-12.
Fantasy Favorites: RB Trent Richardson (Middle 2nd) WR Greg Little (12th round? SLEEPER).2. Cincinnati Bengals - QB Andy Dalton and WR A.J. Green both had great rookie years last year. Green is my #9 WR. The Bengals have a new RB in Ben Jarvus Green-Ellis. This Bengals offense will look good with TE Jermaine Graham there as well. On defense, LBs Rey Maualuga and Manny Lawson will headline the middle men. The DL is headlined by Carlos Dunlap and Pat Sims, both looking for playing time. Both men are coming off injuries in 2011. The DBs are lead by Adam Jones, Terence Newman and rookie Dre Kirkpatrick. Not a great defense, but some men might make a name for themselves. 8-8.
Fantasy Favorite: WR A.J. Green (Late 2nd - early 3rd round if lucky).3. Pittsburgh Steelers - Big Ben will start at QB, same old, same old. RBs Rashard Mendenhall and Isaac Redman will battle for playing time. WRs Antonio Brown and Emmanuel Sanders could get more looks then the 2 year running leading receiver for the black and yellow Mike Wallace. TE Heath Miller will start there for the 8th year. Defensively Pittsburgh is always so good. SS Troy Polamalu is probably the best at his posistion. Ike Taylor headlines the CBs. Lawerence Timmons, LaMarr Woodley, and James Harrison are 3 of the best in the NFL today. Casey Hampton headlines the DL. The Steelers don't want to be embaressed in the playoffs again. The could potentially go 13-3, but, Pittsburgh is known for choking in big games. 10-6.
Fantasy Favorites: Pittsburgh D and WR Antonio Brown (7th-8th round).
4. Baltimore Ravens - The big dogs. QB Joe Flacco is my #9 QB and RB Ray Rice is my #2 RB. WR Torrey Smith has a huge oppurtunity with Lee Evans gone. Defensively I love SS Ed Reed (if his contract gets done), LBs Ray Lewis, Terrell Suggs (reigning DPOTY), and rookie Courtney Upshaw, and NT Haloti Ngata. I think the Ravens win the divsion with a record of 13-3.
Fantasy Favorites: RB Ray Rice (Early 1st round), WR Torrey Smith (8th round at latest), and Ravens D.
Fantasy Favorites: RB Trent Richardson (Middle 2nd) WR Greg Little (12th round? SLEEPER).2. Cincinnati Bengals - QB Andy Dalton and WR A.J. Green both had great rookie years last year. Green is my #9 WR. The Bengals have a new RB in Ben Jarvus Green-Ellis. This Bengals offense will look good with TE Jermaine Graham there as well. On defense, LBs Rey Maualuga and Manny Lawson will headline the middle men. The DL is headlined by Carlos Dunlap and Pat Sims, both looking for playing time. Both men are coming off injuries in 2011. The DBs are lead by Adam Jones, Terence Newman and rookie Dre Kirkpatrick. Not a great defense, but some men might make a name for themselves. 8-8.
Fantasy Favorite: WR A.J. Green (Late 2nd - early 3rd round if lucky).3. Pittsburgh Steelers - Big Ben will start at QB, same old, same old. RBs Rashard Mendenhall and Isaac Redman will battle for playing time. WRs Antonio Brown and Emmanuel Sanders could get more looks then the 2 year running leading receiver for the black and yellow Mike Wallace. TE Heath Miller will start there for the 8th year. Defensively Pittsburgh is always so good. SS Troy Polamalu is probably the best at his posistion. Ike Taylor headlines the CBs. Lawerence Timmons, LaMarr Woodley, and James Harrison are 3 of the best in the NFL today. Casey Hampton headlines the DL. The Steelers don't want to be embaressed in the playoffs again. The could potentially go 13-3, but, Pittsburgh is known for choking in big games. 10-6.
Fantasy Favorites: Pittsburgh D and WR Antonio Brown (7th-8th round).
4. Baltimore Ravens - The big dogs. QB Joe Flacco is my #9 QB and RB Ray Rice is my #2 RB. WR Torrey Smith has a huge oppurtunity with Lee Evans gone. Defensively I love SS Ed Reed (if his contract gets done), LBs Ray Lewis, Terrell Suggs (reigning DPOTY), and rookie Courtney Upshaw, and NT Haloti Ngata. I think the Ravens win the divsion with a record of 13-3.
Fantasy Favorites: RB Ray Rice (Early 1st round), WR Torrey Smith (8th round at latest), and Ravens D.
WR Torrey Smith
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8 Divisions in 8 Days: NFC South
1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - They got two solid running backs behind an okay quarterback. Josh Freeman is a playoff quarterback. Just not a Super Bowl quarterback. I do hope he proves me wrong, he's very underated. Vincent Jackson and Dallas Clark are new targets there. On the defensive side, Adrian Clayborn is really going to need to play a big role on the line. He is going into his second year, but, needs to be a reliable big man. Erik Legrand needs to be a leader in the locker room. That's his role. Bucs will go 8-8 with a pretty tough schedule.
Fantasy Favorite(s): QB Josh Freeman would be a great backup or a potential switch-up. Grab two okay QBs and switch between them. Also, WR Vincent Jackson will be Freeman's favorite target.
2. Carolina Panthers - Cam Newton is the running game. DeAngelo Williams is not bad, but, not great. Steve Smith is the recieving game. With the chemistry flowing, the Panthers should have a good defensive game. The defensive game, same story. Beason and Gamble have held it down for years, and now they are getting some help from young guys. Panthers may see a wild card with a 9-7 record.
Fantasy Favorite: Cam Newton will fall into the second round if you are lucky. Snag him if he does.
3. Atlanta Falcons - Matt Ryan has 4 nice targets. Roddy White, Julio Jones, Tony Gonzalez, and Michael Turner in the backfield. The offensive line gives Matty Ice some nice time. The defense is very good. Asante Samuel is a new addition to the defense. Veteran LB Lofa Tatupu was signed in March. He may not play much, but that is a nice addition. I think the Falcons might be looking at a playoff birth. 10+ wins in 2012.
Fantasy Favorite: WR Julio Jones is going into his second year, and it will be a big one. Julio is a fifth round pick. He could be a great number two receiver.
4. New Orleans Saint - Sean Payton is suspended for the year. LB and defensive captain Jonathon Vilma is suspended for the year. DE Will Smith is suspended for 8 games. The defensive side of the ball is going to be very dependent on young guys and rookies. The offensive side lost a couple targets, but still has 4 very good running backs. They also have the highest payed player in the NFL at QB, Drew Brees. The Saints will win the division with at least 10 wins. Most likely more.
Fantasy Favorites: QB Drew Brees is gone in the first round. He will have a great year, which means his favorite target TE Jimmy Graham will also have a outstanding year.
Fantasy Flop: All 4 RBs.
Fantasy Favorite(s): QB Josh Freeman would be a great backup or a potential switch-up. Grab two okay QBs and switch between them. Also, WR Vincent Jackson will be Freeman's favorite target.
2. Carolina Panthers - Cam Newton is the running game. DeAngelo Williams is not bad, but, not great. Steve Smith is the recieving game. With the chemistry flowing, the Panthers should have a good defensive game. The defensive game, same story. Beason and Gamble have held it down for years, and now they are getting some help from young guys. Panthers may see a wild card with a 9-7 record.
Fantasy Favorite: Cam Newton will fall into the second round if you are lucky. Snag him if he does.
3. Atlanta Falcons - Matt Ryan has 4 nice targets. Roddy White, Julio Jones, Tony Gonzalez, and Michael Turner in the backfield. The offensive line gives Matty Ice some nice time. The defense is very good. Asante Samuel is a new addition to the defense. Veteran LB Lofa Tatupu was signed in March. He may not play much, but that is a nice addition. I think the Falcons might be looking at a playoff birth. 10+ wins in 2012.
Fantasy Favorite: WR Julio Jones is going into his second year, and it will be a big one. Julio is a fifth round pick. He could be a great number two receiver.
4. New Orleans Saint - Sean Payton is suspended for the year. LB and defensive captain Jonathon Vilma is suspended for the year. DE Will Smith is suspended for 8 games. The defensive side of the ball is going to be very dependent on young guys and rookies. The offensive side lost a couple targets, but still has 4 very good running backs. They also have the highest payed player in the NFL at QB, Drew Brees. The Saints will win the division with at least 10 wins. Most likely more.
Fantasy Favorites: QB Drew Brees is gone in the first round. He will have a great year, which means his favorite target TE Jimmy Graham will also have a outstanding year.
Fantasy Flop: All 4 RBs.
Cam Newton (Left) and Drew Brees
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Matt Forte & Ray Rice with new deals
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Training Camp Begins!
Aaron Rodgers - GBP QB
On Monday, Bears runningback Matt Forte and Ravens runningback Ray Rice got new smashing deals, beating the 4 P.M. deadline. Forte got a 4-year worth approximately $32M. Rice got a 5-year deal worth roughly $40M.
Matt Forte signing his new contract.
So, you need answer for your fantasy league. I got your back.
5 ROOKIES TO BREAKOUT IN 2012:
1. QB- Robert Griffin III - His speed is unbelieveable. The Redskins needed him, and now they have him. I would look for him in either a late round or an addition in the first couple weeks.
2. RB - Trent Richardson - Peyton Hillis is no longer in Cleveland, the field is all Trent's. I have him ranked as my number 10 runningback in my top 100. I would take him as a steal in the 3rd or 4th round if he falls that far, anyday.
3. WR - Michael Floyd - Playing on the opposite side of Larry Fitzgerald, the game's most consistant wide reciever, is an honor to anyone. Floyd will have a giant rookie year. A 4.42 40 isn't stunning, but, when it comes to 1-on-1 coverage, Michael Floyd will break it down for a first down all day. I would not draft him until a late round or just add him for a bye week.
4. WR - Kendall Wright - He's going to be the 3rd receiver behind Nate Washington and Kenny Britt, but Wright will get some grabs as the season progresses. Expect him to breakout just before their week 11 bye.
5 - TE - Coby Fleener - The Colts don't have Dallas Clark anymore so this kid has some pretty big shoes to fill. The reason I have Fleener on this list, is because rookie quarterback Andrew Luck and Coby Fleener went to Stanford together. The chemistry was there at the college level, and if it still is at the NFL level, Fleener will leave linebackers scrambling. I would pick up Fleener late in the draft for sure.
5 ROOKIES TO BREAKOUT IN 2012:
1. QB- Robert Griffin III - His speed is unbelieveable. The Redskins needed him, and now they have him. I would look for him in either a late round or an addition in the first couple weeks.
2. RB - Trent Richardson - Peyton Hillis is no longer in Cleveland, the field is all Trent's. I have him ranked as my number 10 runningback in my top 100. I would take him as a steal in the 3rd or 4th round if he falls that far, anyday.
3. WR - Michael Floyd - Playing on the opposite side of Larry Fitzgerald, the game's most consistant wide reciever, is an honor to anyone. Floyd will have a giant rookie year. A 4.42 40 isn't stunning, but, when it comes to 1-on-1 coverage, Michael Floyd will break it down for a first down all day. I would not draft him until a late round or just add him for a bye week.
4. WR - Kendall Wright - He's going to be the 3rd receiver behind Nate Washington and Kenny Britt, but Wright will get some grabs as the season progresses. Expect him to breakout just before their week 11 bye.
5 - TE - Coby Fleener - The Colts don't have Dallas Clark anymore so this kid has some pretty big shoes to fill. The reason I have Fleener on this list, is because rookie quarterback Andrew Luck and Coby Fleener went to Stanford together. The chemistry was there at the college level, and if it still is at the NFL level, Fleener will leave linebackers scrambling. I would pick up Fleener late in the draft for sure.
Tight End Coby Fleener
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TOP 100 OF 2012 - FANTASY FOOTBALL
Pos./Name Team Bye
- QB/A-Rod GB 10
- RB/Foster HOU 8
- RB/Rice BAL 8
- RB/McCoy PHI 7
- QB/Brees NO 6
- QB/Brady NE 9
- WR/C.Johnson DET 5
- RB/MJD JAC 6
- RB/Mathews SD 7
- WR/Fitz ARI 10
- RB/Chris J TEN 11
- QB/Stafford DET 5
- QB/Newton CAR 6
- WR/A.Johnson HOU 8
- TE/Gronk NE 9
- RB/Forte CHI 6
- RB/McFadden OAK 5
- WR/Jennings GB 10
- WR/White ATL 7
- RB/Bush MIA 7
- WR/Welker NE 9
- TE/Graham NO 6
- WR/Nicks NYG 11
- WR/Cruz NYG 11
- WR/Green CIN 8
- RB/ Richardson* CLE 10
- RB/Peterson MIN 11
- WR/Wallace PIT 4
- RB/Lynch SEA 11
- RB/Murray DAL 5
- WR/ Julio ATL 7
- RB/Charles KC 7
- RB/Jackson STL 9
- WR/Steve Smith CAR 6
- QB/P.Manning DEN 7
- WR/Thomas DEN 7
- WR/Marshall CHI 6
- QB/Vick PHI 7
- WR/Nelson GB 10
- RB/F.Jackson BUF 8
- RB/Turner ATL 7
- RB/Gore SF 9
- QB/Romo DAL 5
- RB/Bradshaw NYG 11
- WR/Bowe KC 7
- WR/Bryant DAL 5
- WR/Austin DAL 5
- RB/Sproles/Ingram NO 6
- WR/Maclin PHI 7
- QB/Rivers SD 7
- WR/Lloyd NE 9
- TE/Gates SD 7
- RB/Greene NYJ 9
- WR/Britt TEN 11
- RB/Martin* TB 5
- RB/BJGE CIN 8
- WR/V.Jackson MIA 7
- RB/Wells ARI 10
- RB/Helu WAS 10
- RB/McGhee DEN 7
- QB/E.Manning NYG 11
- RB/Best DET 5
- WR/Decker DEN 7
- QB/Ryan ATL 7
- WR/S.Johnson BUF 8
- RB/Stewart CAR 6
- TE/Hernandez NE 9
- TE/Witten DAL 5
- TE/Finley GB 10
- WR/Meachem SD 7
- QB/Roethlisberger PIT 4
- RB/Ridley NE 9
- WR/T.Smith BAL 8
- TE/Davis SF 9
- WR/D.Jackson PHI 7
- WR/Wayne IND 4
- RB/Williams CAR 6
- RB/Redman PIT 4
- QB/Griffin III* WAS 10
- WR/Garcon WAS 10
- RB/Starks GB 10
- WR/A.Brown PIT 4
- QB/Schaub HOU 8
- WR/D.Moore OAK 5
- RB/Spiller BUF 8
- RB/Ivory/Thomas NO 6
- RB/M.Bush CHI 6
- WR/Holmes NYJ 9
- WR/Boldin BAL 8
- RB/Hillis KC 7
- QB/Cutler CHI 6
- RB/Tate HOU 8
- RB/Wilson* NYG 11
- QB/Freeman TB 5
- WR/Heyward-Bey OAK 5
- WR/L.Moore NO 6
- RB/D.Brown IND 4
- RB/Gerhart MIN 11
- TE/Gonzalez ATL 7
- WR/Crabtree SF 9
* = Rookie
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