Brady Loss Costs Big Dollars
Posted by Vern, Sep 10 2008, 09:39 PM
Note to all you Tom Brady owners - we feel your pain and we are grateful for it. With the loss of Brady, fantasy owners everywhere are scrambling for a new quarterback and a new plan.
The Brady loss shifts the balance of potential power in leagues all over the country - and that means - a shift in where the payouts will go.
Darren Rovell of CNBC writes that about $150 million in fantasy winnings could be lost - and that may be a low estimate.
READ IT HERE
Carson Palmer...Yuck
Posted by Vern, Sep 9 2008, 09:59 PM
Carson Palmer was a fantasy quarterback killer in week one. At least Brady had an excuse - he got hurt.
However, Tom Brady had better numbers (76 yrds, 0 TD, 0 INT ) than Palmer (99yrds, 0 TD, 1 INT) because he did not throw an interception. In most scoring formats, Brady got you more points.
Palmer was surrounded by doubt this season, after dropping off a bit over the last few years and the issues with the Cincy wideouts. However, Palmer ranked anywhere from 4-8 in most quarterback rankings, so he was expected to play like a stud.
The Ravens are tough, but come on now - things will get more difficult.
So I pose the questions - is this going to be what Palmer does or was it a fluke - a very bad fluke.
In 62 career games, only one other time did Palmer throw for less than 100-yards when attempting at least ten passes in a game. Palmer's worst performance came back on December 11, 2005 where he threw 13-27 for 93 yards, 1 TD, and 1 INT.
In 2007, Palmer played in all 16 games and threw for under 200-yards just four times and was blanked on touchdown passes just three times.
Palmer owners - pay attention - but don't worry yet. You drafted him fairly high, stick with him as things develop.
Shawne Merriman Done For Year
Posted by Vern, Sep 9 2008, 09:47 PM
Shawne Merriman has decided that he will opt for season ending knee surgery after just one game.
Merriman, against his doctor's wishes, decided to try to play with both a torn PCL and LCL and felt that he did not play at a high enough level to continue his season.
READ THE STORY HERE
Many viewed Merriman's attempt as heroic. I disagree.
San Diego is in a fight to get to the Super Bowl this season and when you have a player who is significantly injured - even a player as good as Merriman - you have to keep him out.
I do not blame Merriman. I blame the Chargers front office.
Risking your top defensive player further injury is not smart. Merriman, even in this day of non-guaranteed contracts, tried to give it a go but it just did not feel well.
Merriman's injury is a huge blow to the Chargers this season and it will be interesting to see if they can stay towards the top of the list for fantasy defenses.
Brady Done and I'm Loving It
Posted by Vern, Sep 8 2008, 08:43 PM
It is nothing more than jealousy. There is no way around it. I despise Tom Brady. His smug face. The hot model girlfriend (whom he is dating after dumping his hot movie star girlfriend and baby's momma). The TV commercials. The money. The fame. And all those Super Bowl rings.
I have no problem admitting it. I loath him and part of me was smiling a bit when he when down. You never hope injury on any player; however, part of me was glad that for once Brady has to enjoy a moment of discomfort.
Will Tom Brady suffer much? Nah. Nothing in his life will really change with the exception that he won't be on the field come Sunday. And he won't be helping any of you fantasy owners.
Truth be told - fantasy sports is all about business - so I would have taken him in a second. Although those that took him early are kicking themselves now - he was the best Quarterback by far and a huge impact talent.
Brady himself thinks that the Patriots will be fine - read that HERE
We will see about that. But I know one person (ME) will be loving this season minus Brady.
Start Em and Sit Em
Posted by Vern, Sep 4 2008, 04:03 PM
Starts for the Week:
Quarterbacks:
Kurt Warner - will put up huge numbers as the starter over the hapless 49ers
Donovan McNabb - the Rams defense will have to prove it against the Eagles, and even with Kevin Curtis out, I love McNabb this week - may have one of the best set of fantasy numbers this week.
Jon Kitna - love this start against Atlanta. Lions will be weak in running game until Rudi Johnson gets up to speed so they will be throwing a lot.
Running Backs:
Thomas Jones - at Miami with a very balanced offense (thank you Mr. Favre). Jones is a must start.
Brandon Jacobs - the Redskins are the worst team in the tough East and the Giants will look to grind it early.
Wideouts:
Marvin Harrison - the 'ole man is healthy and the Colts are showing off their new building in Indy. I like him this week for sure.
Torry Holt - many will over look the Rams but "Big Game" is feeling no ill effects of a sore knee from last year. Torry will be THE target for the Rams.
Sits of the Week:
Quarterbacks:
Matt Hasselbeck - back injuries and no wideouts. No thank you.
Jake Delhomee - he may be on this list a lot. Very overrated player and without the suspended Steve Smith on the road against SD.
Vince Young - he will be running for his life against the Jags. I like Justin Gage, but not a lot of targets for Vinny - put him on the bench.
Running Backs:
Chris Perry - just because Rudi is gone, doesn't mean you have to start him here. The Ravens are too tough.
Ryan Grant - tough Minnesota defense and Green Bay will want to "show off" Aaron Rogers. I like Grant, just not this week.
Wideouts:
Javon Walker - I have no confidence in the Oakland offense and Walker has been bothered by a bad hammy. Even against his old team in Denver, I don't like this one.
Nate Burleson - Seattle's only wideout target and the Bills know it. I don't like it at all.
Good luck everyone!
It's Official - Johnson No More
Posted by Vern, Sep 4 2008, 03:48 PM
Earlier in the week I had some items on the Bengals - the release of Rudi "Don't Take My Bags" Johnson and the injury concerns of Chad Johnson.
In a fun...errr...stupid item, reports had Chad Johnson legally changing his last name to Ocho Cinco.
The No Fun League does not have an issue with it because he did it legally - so he will be Chad Ocho Cinco on his jersey and on the official team roster.
READ THE STORY HERE
What Chad (I can't call him that) has to worry about is his injuries. Note to all fantasy owners, don't let this name business distract you from what could be a down year for number 85.
New Job for Tatum Bell?
Posted by Vern, Sep 3 2008, 03:19 PM
Tatum Bell, formerly of the Detroit Lions, may have a new position....although it is not on the football field. He may have a future as a baggage handler.
Pro Football Talk is reporting that Tatum Bell took two bags belonging to new Lions running back Rudi Johnson from the team facility. Video tape evidence concurred with the reports.
Rudi Johnson has responded to the incident by saying, "Underwear, socks, credit cards and money. He left my money clip with no money in it. He should’ve taken the clip, too. It’s quite stupid if you ask me.”
Johnson also said that he saw Bell take his bags on surveillance tapes at the team’s facility.
“All of this happened after he got released and came in and got some stuff out of his locker,” Johnson said. “That’s when he scooped the bags up, some real shyster, conniving stuff.”
Read the wild story HERE
Bell denies knowing that the bags belong to Johnson, saying that he thought they belonged to former teammate Victor DeGrate, who was released Saturday.
Bell said, “I didn’t have a clue. I wasn’t thinking or nothing at the time. I just grabbed the backpack and grabbed the other bag. It wasn’t in nobody’s locker or nothing like that. It was just sitting right there by the computers. . . . So I grabbed them and put them in the car.”
Read more from Bell HERE
Reports have the Houston Texans interested in Tatum Bell. Note to all of the Texan players, make sure your personal items are secure.
Johnson In - Bell is Out
Posted by Vern, Sep 2 2008, 06:03 PM
In an interesting turn of events, Rudi Johnson signed a one-year deal with the running starved Detroit Lions and to make room for the former Cincy standout, the Lions cut Tatum Bell.
Johnson was a fantasy stud for several years - going for over 1,400 yards in both 2005 and 2006. Last year the hammy acted up on him and he hurt fantasy fans everywhere. Sure, he was not the top back, but many owners had him as a first rounder for sure.
Johnson reported to Bengals camp in great shape, but again missed time with hamstring problems. He claims he will be healthy for the Lions opener, but he will have to work overtime to learn the Lions playbook.
The Lions moved from Mike Martz' complex pass-first offense to Jim Colleto's more balanced attack. Rookie Kevin Smith was set to share carries with Tatum Bell, but Bell was a bust. He managed to play in just five games - rushing for 182 yards and one TD after going for over 1,000 in 2006 with Denver.
Rudi will be a good fit to a balanced Lions squad - but it will take him a few weeks to get up to speed for sure.
Bell figured to be an average fantasy play this season, but now, with no home in sight - may never be heard from again.
Hang on to Rudi. Cut Bell if you have him, there is no need for him for a LONG time.
Rudi Johnson Out in Cincy
Posted by Vern, Aug 30 2008, 01:45 PM
ESPN is reporting that Rudi Johnson has been cut by the Bengals.
After the injury to Chad (Johnson) Ocho Cinco, reports had the Bengals shopping Rudi Johnson for wide receiver help. Obviously the Bengals demands were too high and they decided to cut the running back.
Johnson is in the fourth year of a five year, $20.7 million dollar deal.
He has been plagued by injuries, especially with his hamstrings. Johnson was apparently dedicated to returning to form this year as he reported in wonderful shape. However, the Bengals have gone a different direction.
Chris Perry is now the starter in Cincy - he missed all of 2007 with an injury. He has yet to score a NFL touchdown and had rushed for 337 yards on 73 carries in his career.
New Name But Will He Be Healthy?
Posted by Vern, Aug 30 2008, 01:39 PM
Chad Johnson of the Cincinnati Bengals has officially changed his name to Chad Ocho Cinco. That is right. I am not kidding around. It is not April - it is September - and Johnson....I mean Ocho Cinco is serious.
First reported by a radio station in Miami, and later confirmed by ESPN, the Bengals receiver changed his name to have some fun.
"It's something I don't think anyone has ever done before," Ocho Cinco told the team's Web site. "Have I ever had a reason for why I do what I do? I'm having fun."
Beyond the name change, Chad (I can't call him Ocho Cinco anymore) has been all over the news this off season. He has made Bengals fans, and fantasy owners wonder just what is going through that mow-hawked head of his.
He threatened a hold out and demanded a trade over concerns of his contract and the abilities of the Bengals offense. Much like the Rams did with Steven Jackson, the team did not budge and Chad reported - only to inform the team about an ankle injury. Chad had bone spurs removed and appeared to be on track for the season.
Then the big injury - he injured his left shoulder - it was dislocated and reports say that he has a torn labrum. Having that same injury before myself, I can say that he will not be the same.
I would be concerned if I was a Johnson owner, or counted on a ton from him this season. In my mind, of all the top-ten wideouts, Chad has declined the most.
Could this spill over? Yes
T.J. Houshmandzadeh will have a lot more double teams and pressure on him. Carson Palmer will have one less BIG TIME target to throw to. And with questions about the running game already, this could be a huge injury if he cannot live up to what he has done most of his career - over 1,300 yards and 8 TD's a season.
Time will tell if Ocho Cinco (ok, had to use it one more time) will be more than just a funny nickname this year.
on Who is Number Three at QB?