It's a little early to be making predictions for the '07 NFL Fantasy season, but here is my first crack at the top tens for each of the main skill positions.
Quarterback
1. Peyton Manning - Is there really any argument here? The man just produces.
2. Drew Brees - Number 9 turns any receiving core into an elite force. Whether Joe Horn's healthy or not, he will produce next year.
3. Carson Palmer - '06 was a dissapointment for both Palmer owners and Bengals fans, but if the offensive line stays in sync, this Quarterback will resume his old ways.
4. Michael Vick - Yeah, a suprise at number 4, but in most leagues his rushing yards are a nice added bonus.
5. Tom Brady - Brady had an up and down season this past year, but that hardly changes anything. He'll move up the charts if New England gets some better recievers (Reche Caldwell, I'm looking at you.)
6. Matt Leinhart - Yes, Matt "I dated Paris Hilton" Leinhart. With Wisenhunt and Grimm in Arizona, I expect the Cards to be an offensive powerhouse. Either that, or I'll start yelling "THEY WERE WHO WE THOUGHT THEY WERE."
7. Marc Bulger - If you cut out the last third of the season, Bulger was spectacular. Blame his crappy last few weeks on the o-line (or lack thereof). His long streak of touchdowns with no interceptions shows that he's still got it.
8. Vince Young - If you look at his stats for '06, he appears to be nothing more than an unpolished rookie. Look for this to change next season. Again, his standing is lifted by the rushing QB bonus.
9. Donovan McNabb - Mr. 'McNabbulous' would be higher in my top ten if he didn't have the scary off-season rehab situation. This is a high risk- high reward situation. If he comes back like he did in '06, you've got a great season. Otherwise, I have two words for you; Daunte Culpepper.
10. Ben Roethlisberger - Again, he would be higher if there weren't so many questions. Tomlin's impact will be a huge factor. Either way, he's fitting at number 10 because even without the questions, Big Ben was not a consistent fantasy dynamo.
Mid Round Flier Special: Jay Cutler. Denver's first round draft pick wasn't exceptional, but is the best raw talent of the '06 draft class quarterbacks. Give him a shot.
Running Back
1. LaDanian Tomlinson - Phillip Rivers can only improve, and with the young QB's up and down performances, LDT remained consistent in his full-blown awesomeness. It'll be hard to top '06, but if anyone can, Tomlinson is the man.
2. Larry Johnson - Kansas City was not itself in the playoffs. Herm Edwards will iron out the kinks, and everyone's favorite hair-tackler will be rushing for 100 yard games again.
3. Frank Gore - Perhaps it's a leap of faith to rank him number three, but I think Gore has conquered his fumblitis. Reminds me of another dynamic running back people started to doubt after a fumble prone season or two...his name rhymes with Smiki Smarber...
4. Steven Jackson - This guy does it all. With Orlando Pace healthy, Jackson is poised for a scoring spree.
5. Shaun Alexander - Remember him? Unhampered by the Madden curse, he'll go back to producing. He did show some signs of life towards the end of the season despite his age, so I'm saying he's a safe buy.
6. Rudi Johnson - His middle name must be consistency. 'Nuff said.
7. Willie Parker - Another Steeler I'd love to rank higher, but there are too many unanswered questions. Parker had a breakout season in '06 and definitely deserves to be in the top tier.
8. Brian Westbrook - A physical freak that continues to be a fantasy dream. Injury issues are a headache, and his fantasy fate depends on those of Garcia and McNabb, unfortunately.
9. Maurice Jones-Drew - The guy rushes better than Donald Trump insults people. Fragile Freddy is bound to take a back seat in the offense, leaving the UCLA grad room to run.
10. Brandon Jacobs - I get scared watching him on TV, I can't imagine what it would be like to try and tackle this behemoth. He's bound to drop a few pegs if NY brings another back into the mix.
Mid Round Flier Special - LaMont Jordan. Depending who is Quarterback in Oakland, Jordan can go back to the days when he had 80+ receptions in a season. Think Jamal Lewis-style bounce back year.
Wide Reciever
1. Marvin Harrison - Harrison is a fantasy owner's dream - No headaches, all production. Almost a guaranteed solid season.
2. Chad Johnson - Johnson produces when it counts - down the stretch and through the fantasy postseason.
3. Larry Fitzgerald - Hampered by health issues in '06, Fitz caught the eye of QB Leinhart. Their chemistry will be a beautiful thing.
4. Steve Smith - Normally he'd be #1 or #2, but there is still some doubt surrounding Panthers QB Delhomme. Plus, we all saw what happened to Smith's production when Weinke had to fill in...
5. Reggie Wayne - Either Harrison has a good game, Wayne has a good game, or both do. There aren't many exceptions.
6. Terrell Owens - He's been dropping alot of balls, but he's the best YAC guy in the league. Buyer beware.
7. Javon Walker - Walker fits in nicely with Shannahan's offense. Plus, his tendency to generate big plays is downright euphoric.
8. Roy Williams - He fizzled down the stretch, but as long as Millen doesn't screw up yet another draft, look for his production to increase.
9. Anquan Boldin - Boldin should actually be higher, but WR3 Bryant Johnson takes too many balls away from the Cards' #2.
10. T.J. Houshmanzadeh - The perfect complement to Johnson. Chris Henry takes away too many scores for him to be in the top 7.
Mid Round Flier Special - Donte Stallworth. The first few weeks of the Eagles '06 season, he and McNabb looked like the Dynamic Duo. Hopefully they will both avoid the injury bug next season.
Monday, January 29, 2007
Thursday, January 25, 2007
Conversely, Chris Henry is a Dumbshit
Bengals WR Chris Henry has outdone himself. The troubled player who has had his fair share of run-ins with the law continued the ongoing saga of illegality with his most recent arrest today. According to the Associated Press, Henry was sentenced to 90 days in jail for serving alcohol to three minors in his hotel room last spring.
At first I kind of passed over this story, but then thought. Why is Chris Henry partying with three minors when he could be hitting the town? Turns out, the three minors were girls of the ages 15, 16, 18.
I'm guessing the gals weren't over to watch a new episode of the O.C. Let's think...why would you want to give booze to underage girls?
Is Chris Henry lonely? Looking for some young love? Well, Chris, Here's a (legal) solution. I saw it while watching late night tv. It's called 1-800-SHO-GIRL.
That's right Chris, these girls are legal, and just a phone call away!
At first I kind of passed over this story, but then thought. Why is Chris Henry partying with three minors when he could be hitting the town? Turns out, the three minors were girls of the ages 15, 16, 18.
I'm guessing the gals weren't over to watch a new episode of the O.C. Let's think...why would you want to give booze to underage girls?
Is Chris Henry lonely? Looking for some young love? Well, Chris, Here's a (legal) solution. I saw it while watching late night tv. It's called 1-800-SHO-GIRL.
That's right Chris, these girls are legal, and just a phone call away!
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
Hank Baskett is the Future
I knew I liked Eagles Wide Receiver Hank Baskett, but I didn't have a precise reason until I read this:
"Who Knew? Undrafted rookie Hank Baskett (Eagles) had the longest touchdown catch (89 yards) and highest average reception (21.1 yards) of any NFL player." (http://www.benmaller.com/nfl_rumors_notes)
That's right. Of ANY NFL PLAYER. The best part about this is, if you're not a Birds fan, there's a good chance you know little of anything about this guy. Despite the fact he had the highest average reception this year, he is almost completely under the radar. Baskett is a big, physical reciever that could eventually be the biggest fear of secondaries across the league.
The Eagles are set in the recieving department, whether things work out with Donte Stallworth or not. In addition to Baskett, Reggie Brown looks great. But Hank Baskett, he's the one to watch.
"Who Knew? Undrafted rookie Hank Baskett (Eagles) had the longest touchdown catch (89 yards) and highest average reception (21.1 yards) of any NFL player." (http://www.benmaller.com/nfl_rumors_notes)
That's right. Of ANY NFL PLAYER. The best part about this is, if you're not a Birds fan, there's a good chance you know little of anything about this guy. Despite the fact he had the highest average reception this year, he is almost completely under the radar. Baskett is a big, physical reciever that could eventually be the biggest fear of secondaries across the league.
The Eagles are set in the recieving department, whether things work out with Donte Stallworth or not. In addition to Baskett, Reggie Brown looks great. But Hank Baskett, he's the one to watch.
Vick Stays
As reported by foxsports.com, Michael Vick is the uncontested starter at Quarterback for the Falcons in 2007:
"There are no plans to trade him or cut him. Michael is our quarterback and the leader of our team. We have a new head coach )Bobby Petrino) who is anxious to start working with him. Everyone has high expectations of him going into next season. Michael has those too," Kim Shreckengost, executive vice president of the Arthur M. Blank Group told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution." (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/6395878)
So much for Vick in black and silver. Man, I want someone to shake up the draft before it actually happens.
"There are no plans to trade him or cut him. Michael is our quarterback and the leader of our team. We have a new head coach )Bobby Petrino) who is anxious to start working with him. Everyone has high expectations of him going into next season. Michael has those too," Kim Shreckengost, executive vice president of the Arthur M. Blank Group told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution." (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/6395878)
So much for Vick in black and silver. Man, I want someone to shake up the draft before it actually happens.
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Good News - I Can Be a Head Coach in 13 years!
That's right, because the age standard has been lowered with the hiring of 31-year-old Lane Kiffin as the Raider's new head coach!
Kiffin, USC's former offensive coordinator, picked up the gig after co-worker Sarkisian decided to stay with the Trojans. The important thing is it shows Al Davis is trying every angle he can to get the respect of his players - the return of the disciplinarian didn't work (Sorry Art Shell), so he's bringing in the hip, cool, young guy on the rise. Kind of like the fresh-faced youth ministers who try to tell teenagers that "Jesus is Dope Fly, just like you kids!"
I haven't made my mind up on this one. At first it seems like an easy move to criticize, as Kiffin has only one year of experience as an assistant coach in the NFL, but given the lack of quality coaches when compared to the staggering number of vacancies, why not give somebody new a shot? It will be interesting to see where this goes.
Kiffin, USC's former offensive coordinator, picked up the gig after co-worker Sarkisian decided to stay with the Trojans. The important thing is it shows Al Davis is trying every angle he can to get the respect of his players - the return of the disciplinarian didn't work (Sorry Art Shell), so he's bringing in the hip, cool, young guy on the rise. Kind of like the fresh-faced youth ministers who try to tell teenagers that "Jesus is Dope Fly, just like you kids!"
I haven't made my mind up on this one. At first it seems like an easy move to criticize, as Kiffin has only one year of experience as an assistant coach in the NFL, but given the lack of quality coaches when compared to the staggering number of vacancies, why not give somebody new a shot? It will be interesting to see where this goes.
T.O. Continues to Put His Foot in His Mouth
Not even 24 hours after Bill Parcell's retirement, Terrell Owens reportedly insinuated that the former Dallas Cowboy's coach's retirement would be good for the team.
"I am just hoping his retirement brings promise to what the team has to offer," Owens said. "This past year was a big letdown. On paper we were as good as anybody we played against every week. The end result didn't show that. Our play was not indicative of what we could have done. What we should have done. Hopefully, the owner will hire a coach to take the team to the next level." (From foxsports.com)
Wow, is it just me, or could T.O. play Andy Bernard (Ed Helm's character) from The Office? Parcells is out, you are in. SHUT UP. It's only a matter of time that we hear Owens talking about how the Tuna "Schruted" the season.
Owen's constant need to be heard keeps hurting him professionally. He's one of the best YAC recievers in the league, but does two awful things to negate that: A) Drops the occasional pass, and B) Has to make a stirr about every little event. If he did one, he could probably get away with it. But seriously, Terrell, shut up if you don't want your career stunted.
"I am just hoping his retirement brings promise to what the team has to offer," Owens said. "This past year was a big letdown. On paper we were as good as anybody we played against every week. The end result didn't show that. Our play was not indicative of what we could have done. What we should have done. Hopefully, the owner will hire a coach to take the team to the next level." (From foxsports.com)
Wow, is it just me, or could T.O. play Andy Bernard (Ed Helm's character) from The Office? Parcells is out, you are in. SHUT UP. It's only a matter of time that we hear Owens talking about how the Tuna "Schruted" the season.
Owen's constant need to be heard keeps hurting him professionally. He's one of the best YAC recievers in the league, but does two awful things to negate that: A) Drops the occasional pass, and B) Has to make a stirr about every little event. If he did one, he could probably get away with it. But seriously, Terrell, shut up if you don't want your career stunted.
Monday, January 22, 2007
My Movie Pitch
Suddenly, the subgenre of Football-meets-prison movies has emerged upon the hollywood scene. Don't know what I'm walking about? Here's some refreshers:
So, it's not hard to argue that this type of movie has been done. Think about it though, in both cases the inmates were criminals turned into football players. Who has done a feature about football players who get locked up for criminal activity? That's right. No one. Until now.
Picture this: You take every Cincinatti Bengal who has been arrested in the past two seasons, and put them all in the same correctional facility. And film it. It'll be like Inside the NFL meets Oz! You've got big names here; LB Odell Thurman, WR Chris Henry, and most recently, CB Johnathan 'Dude, Where's my Car?' Joseph. Think of all the subplots! Who will make the best shiv? Will there be a shower rape love triangle?
The best part of this is, not only will it provide for entertainment, but it will show that Coach Marvin Lewis is serious about discipline and teamwork. Discipline, buying bitches with cigarrettes, and teamwork.
So, it's not hard to argue that this type of movie has been done. Think about it though, in both cases the inmates were criminals turned into football players. Who has done a feature about football players who get locked up for criminal activity? That's right. No one. Until now.
Picture this: You take every Cincinatti Bengal who has been arrested in the past two seasons, and put them all in the same correctional facility. And film it. It'll be like Inside the NFL meets Oz! You've got big names here; LB Odell Thurman, WR Chris Henry, and most recently, CB Johnathan 'Dude, Where's my Car?' Joseph. Think of all the subplots! Who will make the best shiv? Will there be a shower rape love triangle?
The best part of this is, not only will it provide for entertainment, but it will show that Coach Marvin Lewis is serious about discipline and teamwork. Discipline, buying bitches with cigarrettes, and teamwork.
Talk about Diversity in Coaching Crap Continues
Just when I thought it couldn't get worse.
Yes, yes, it is historic that this is the first Super Bowl in history in which both head coaches are African-American. Great strides, yadda yadda yadda.
But now with the Tomlin hire, the talk is perpetuated. Dan Rooney established the minority candidate rule in interviewing head coaches, and just happened to hire a black coach. Insert racial subplot here. But doesn't that take away from Tomlin's acheivement? The guy wasn't hired to be the first black coach in Steelers Franchise history. He was hired because he was a young coach on the rise, not unlike Cowher. STOP STRESSING THE COLOR OF HIS SKIN.
Ironically, the fact that the media keeps harping on this "evidence of progress in race relations" in sports is proof that we haven't come that far at all. We're still seperating black coaches from white coaches. We're looking for a quota to fill. As soon as we don't look at the coaches, the owners, and the players as races, and regard them as professionals, we are THEN working towards equality. Just SHUT UP with the racial subplots, PLEASE.
Yes, yes, it is historic that this is the first Super Bowl in history in which both head coaches are African-American. Great strides, yadda yadda yadda.
But now with the Tomlin hire, the talk is perpetuated. Dan Rooney established the minority candidate rule in interviewing head coaches, and just happened to hire a black coach. Insert racial subplot here. But doesn't that take away from Tomlin's acheivement? The guy wasn't hired to be the first black coach in Steelers Franchise history. He was hired because he was a young coach on the rise, not unlike Cowher. STOP STRESSING THE COLOR OF HIS SKIN.
Ironically, the fact that the media keeps harping on this "evidence of progress in race relations" in sports is proof that we haven't come that far at all. We're still seperating black coaches from white coaches. We're looking for a quota to fill. As soon as we don't look at the coaches, the owners, and the players as races, and regard them as professionals, we are THEN working towards equality. Just SHUT UP with the racial subplots, PLEASE.
Coverboy Peyton
I'm going to put this out there right now. Prediction:
Peyton Manning = Madden '08/ NFL '08 / Whatever The Hell They Want To Call it '08 Cover
Barring an absolutely disgusting performance in Superbowl XLI, I find this indispuatable.
Think about it. Not only does Peyton have the marketability they are looking for, but the only excuse he hasn't graced the cover of this video game dynasty is because he hasn't won when it counted. Now he has. Shaun Alexander didn't have to win the Superbowl to get the cover last year, and Peyton has gotten as far as he needs to to get it this year.
What about LaDanian Tomlinson, you ask? It's a safe prediction, but I don't think LDT is widely known enough to beat out Peyton. Yes, yes, I know he recently shattered the single-season scoring record and rushing TD record, but his quiet demeanor (which I love, I can't imagine how that guy can be so humble) hurts him. LDT isn't doing cell phone and credit card commercials. Peyton's already out there. He's been selling things for years. If it were anyone else against LDT, I might sway in the Supercharger's direction, but I just think it's Peyton's year.
Peyton Manning = Madden '08/ NFL '08 / Whatever The Hell They Want To Call it '08 Cover
Barring an absolutely disgusting performance in Superbowl XLI, I find this indispuatable.
Think about it. Not only does Peyton have the marketability they are looking for, but the only excuse he hasn't graced the cover of this video game dynasty is because he hasn't won when it counted. Now he has. Shaun Alexander didn't have to win the Superbowl to get the cover last year, and Peyton has gotten as far as he needs to to get it this year.
What about LaDanian Tomlinson, you ask? It's a safe prediction, but I don't think LDT is widely known enough to beat out Peyton. Yes, yes, I know he recently shattered the single-season scoring record and rushing TD record, but his quiet demeanor (which I love, I can't imagine how that guy can be so humble) hurts him. LDT isn't doing cell phone and credit card commercials. Peyton's already out there. He's been selling things for years. If it were anyone else against LDT, I might sway in the Supercharger's direction, but I just think it's Peyton's year.
Vick to Raiders?
I read Ben Maller's Rumors and Notes on almost a daily basis, not just because I like watching trade scenarios play out, but to toy with what sometimes seem like improbable scenarios. It was like christmas came early (or late), when I saw this little nugget:
"The Oakland Raiders are preparing to make a run at Falcons QB Michael Vick, according to NFL sources. The Raiders package would include receivers Randy Moss and Jerry Porter plus the No.1 overall pick in the 2007 draft for Vick and the Falcons first round pick (10th overall)."
Posted January 22, by Ben Maller (http://www.benmaller.com/nfl_rumors_notes)
Can you picture this?! Whether you think the whole 'Outlaw looking for success with the team of misfits' is cliche at this point or not, I can't help but love this scenario. Bottom line, the Falcons have two quarterbacks that want to start. The raiders have two quarterbacks that don't deserve to start. Vick leaves, Schaub starts for the falcons, throwing to two recievers who will (hopefully) have attitude adjustments in a new location. I know I'm not the only one that thinks Moss can play like he did in Minnesota.
On top of all this is the intriguing draft pick situation. I think it's pretty obvious that if the Raiders retain the first pick overall, they'll pick up LSU's JeMarcus Russell or ND's Brady Quinn. Boooorrrrinnngg. Let's give these youngsters a chance to develop, unlike the draft class of '06, who I like to call 'The Draft Class Baptized By Fire". If the raiders get the 10th pick overall there will be less pressure on picking a big name, and they could possibly add some depth at reciever. Also, once the falcons get Moss and Porter, their cheif need (recievers) will no longer be a problem, and they could possibly trade the first pick overall for multiple lower picks. I'm not a Falcons fan, but if they handle this right, they could really benefit.
Also, if the Raiders got Ricky Williams over there, commentators could call them the Doobie Brothers!
"The Oakland Raiders are preparing to make a run at Falcons QB Michael Vick, according to NFL sources. The Raiders package would include receivers Randy Moss and Jerry Porter plus the No.1 overall pick in the 2007 draft for Vick and the Falcons first round pick (10th overall)."
Posted January 22, by Ben Maller (http://www.benmaller.com/nfl_rumors_notes)
Can you picture this?! Whether you think the whole 'Outlaw looking for success with the team of misfits' is cliche at this point or not, I can't help but love this scenario. Bottom line, the Falcons have two quarterbacks that want to start. The raiders have two quarterbacks that don't deserve to start. Vick leaves, Schaub starts for the falcons, throwing to two recievers who will (hopefully) have attitude adjustments in a new location. I know I'm not the only one that thinks Moss can play like he did in Minnesota.
On top of all this is the intriguing draft pick situation. I think it's pretty obvious that if the Raiders retain the first pick overall, they'll pick up LSU's JeMarcus Russell or ND's Brady Quinn. Boooorrrrinnngg. Let's give these youngsters a chance to develop, unlike the draft class of '06, who I like to call 'The Draft Class Baptized By Fire". If the raiders get the 10th pick overall there will be less pressure on picking a big name, and they could possibly add some depth at reciever. Also, once the falcons get Moss and Porter, their cheif need (recievers) will no longer be a problem, and they could possibly trade the first pick overall for multiple lower picks. I'm not a Falcons fan, but if they handle this right, they could really benefit.
Also, if the Raiders got Ricky Williams over there, commentators could call them the Doobie Brothers!
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