You are on the Clock…

Draft day is here and you have the first pick. What do you do? Well, if you are like every other fantasy nerd you might be yelling L.T. before I am done with this sentence. Or Maybe Adrian Peterson? I am going to make a case for NEITHER.

That’s right!! I am suggesting you go a different route. There is only one choice if you look at the pick with the highest value. No other player last year was within 100 points of this individual, no matter your leagues scoring system. Do you have a guess? It is no secret, that’s right……this guy!!

Tom Brady should be your #1 pick. In 2007, he threw for 4800 yds. and 50 TD’s while only throwing 8 ints. Those are numbers L.T. or Adrian Peterson will never come close to getting you. So even if he has a average year, Brady will again lead your league in fantasy point production. Is that not what you want from the #1 pick???

Let me know what you think. Who would you take if you had the #1 pick in your fantasy draft?

Drafting Rookies

If anyone hasn’t noticed, (then where the hell have you been?) Adrian Peterson, is “predicted” to be a fantasy sure thing this season. Just last year he was just an NFL rookie and probably wasn’t drafted until the later rounds in most leagues. So what value do we place on rookies? For starters, what are the teams needs? Do they need a RB/WR/QB, etc. to start right away? These rookies obviously have the most upfront value. Next, do they (rookies) have “upside”? This is a term used to describe a players potential. There are always “no-brainers”. Whether they pan out or not is a different story. Rookies have their place on your fantasy roster and are usually worth a late round selection. Here are a list of Rookies that may be this years’ Adrian Peterson.

1. Darren Mcfadden, Oakland- Could see the bulk of the carries and if “Big boy” Russell can complete some passes, Run DMC could be a top performer this season.

2.   Johnathan Stewart, Carolina - With Deshaun Foster gone to SF and DeAngelo Williams not looking like the every down back. Stewart will get his chances and probably most of the Goal line touches.

3.   Rashard Mendenhall, Pittsburgh – Same scenario here. Fast Willie Parker is coming off late season surgery and most likely will have to split time with Mendenhall. The knock on him is that he is fumble prone but is powerful and very quick. Don’t be surprised if RM is the starter before the season is over.

4.   Matt Ryan, Atlanta – Micheal Vick is out and so he is the man. They would not have drafted him and paid him all that money to ride the pine. The only sure fire starter on ths list is Ryan. He also, has some really good play makers around him. Roddy White is ready to explode. If Micheal Turner can give them some productivity out of the RB position then Ryan may be a big surprise this year.

5.   Chris Johnson, Tennessee - The fastest guy at the combine but a relative unknown, Johnson could be just what the doctor ordered in Tennessee. He will be the “lightning” to LenDale’s “thunder”. White will get the majority if not all the goal line carries; However, Johnson is a major homerun threat with huge upside. Chris could very well be the AP of this years’ class.

6.  Jamaal Charles, Kansas City - Charles is very explosive and shows an ability to change directions in an instant. With Grandmama a question mark at RB, after being a top fantasy back just a few years’ ago, Charles could see the field quite often. There are many unanswered questions in KC bu the RB position may be solid or years’ to come. Charles is a definite late round sleeper.

7.   Kevin Smith, Detroit - Nothing is certain in Motown. Especially at RB. I don’t even know who they have. Oh that’s right, Tatum Bell? Yeah, well this one is easy. Smith is going to play and play a lot. Look for Kevin to be a starter very soon, maybe by the end of preseason. Keep your eye on Smith because he could be a very good #2 RB or really good Flex player.

8.   James Hardy, Buffalo – A big receiver with tons of potential. Hardy is the first WR on the list but it is not for lack of talent. WR’s have a tougher time in their 1st year reading defenses and making adjustments. Hardy will give the Bills what they need, someone to help compliment Lee Evans and provide some size and strength in the red zone. Look for Hardy to be a top TD producer among all rookies.

9.   Earl Bennett, Chicago – Earl is going to surprise many defenses. With the Bears lack of any real WR threats, Bennett provides them with toughness and durability. Earl is an excellent route runner and has unbelievable hands. He will make the tough catch. Look for Bennett to contribute early and compete for the #2 or #3 WR position. Definetely an excellent late round potential sleeper.

10.   Felix Jones, Dallas – The “REV Run” to the before mentioned Run DMC at Arkansas, Felix may have as much upside as his ex teammate. Mr. Jones, Jerry that is, was in love with Felix and wanted him to be the guy next to the “human wrecking ball” in Marion Barber. While Barber will get most of the touches and all the goal line carries, Felix will see the field and has big play potential. He also has great hands so look for him on 3rd down situations and making an impact in the passing game.

Top 10 Running Backs

So as a part of this Blog is that pre-draft we are going to give you our opinion on the top fantasy players. I’ll discuss Running Backs in this post.

Let’s look at the top ten RB in this years draft.

10. Marion Barber

When Julius Jones took off for Seattle, it was thought that Barber would be the one and only feature back. Then the Draft happened and Dallas took Felix Jones. Even still, Barber will get most of the carries in Big-D for an offense that should put up some points. Look for him to get most of the goal line carries also. He is also a fair receiver out of the backfield.

9. Marshawn Lynch

Despite missing three games last year, Lynch had a 1,000 yard season and scored 7 TDs. This coming year is the crossroads for Lynch. I think that 2008 is when he will either break through as a elite fantasy running back or stay in the middle of the pack. With new coordinator Turk Schonert, look for Lynch to catch the ball out of the backfield and that should increase his value. I think that Lynch should step into the elite RB status in 2008.

8. Clinton Portis

Health is always and issue with Portis and it was a big concern last year and all he did was rush for 1262 yards and score 11 TDs. Portis added value to fantasy owners in leagues that reward for receptions with a career high 47 receptions. A comfortable Jason Campbell should continue to open running lanes for Porits. The 2008 campaign should bring much the same for Portis.

7. Larry Johnson

Larry was a disappointment for many fantasy owners last year. His numbers dropped because of injury to 559 yards rushing and 4 TDs. He in 100% but his QB situation stinks and the O-line is bad. Don’t fall in love at the draft if he is there for you in the middle of the first round. There will be other available there that are more proven. I really don’t like Johnson this year but because he has shown flashes in the past, he should be here in the top 10 one more year.

6. Frank Gore

The big question is will Mike Martz’s new offense open things up in the passing game to open running lanes for Gore? I think that Martz will help Gore in Fantasy Football. I’m not saying that the 49ers will be a better team because of it, just Gore’s fantasy value. Expect Gore to catch more balls at of the backfield and get a few TD receptions. If the 49ers can get Alex Smith consistent, then Gore owners will cash in on Sundays.

5. Steven Jackson

Coming off injury in 2007, Jackson should rebound to have a big year. With Bulger coming off of injured ribs, the offense should be better and be more productive than 2007. The Ram’s new offensive coordinator Al Saunders is planning to make Jackson the focal point in the 2008 offense. Jackson’s numbers should look something like, 1,750 total yards from scrimmage and 15 TDs. I like Stephen Jackson to have a rebound year.

4. Joseph Addai

Addai is going to continue to benefit from the great passing attack of the Colts. With the possible absence of Marvin Harrison from the Colts lineup, Addai could get more looks coming out of the backfield. The running lanes should still be wide open for Addai and expect another great fantasy year from #29. Expect over 1,200 yards rushing, 400 yards receiving and 16 total TDs.

#3 Brian Westbrook

Westbrook is the most underrated fantasy player. The Eagles make him the focus of their offense and all he does is deliver. His numbers from last year were gaudy, (1,333 yards rushing with 7 TDs and 771 yards receiving, 90 receptions and 5 TDs) with over 2,000 yards from scrimmage and 12 TDs. A healthy Donovan McNabb with something to prove, should only help Westbrook continue this pace. If you are in a point per reception league, I would take Westbrook #2 overall because of the way the Eagles use the short pass and an extension of the running game.

#2 Adrian Peterson

With the Purple Craze sweeping Minnesota, the question is “Can he do it again?” With two games over 200 yards and rushing for over 1,300 yards and 12 TDs, he proved he can do it. Now, what about 2008? One one hand he has no support from the QB, so defenses are going to stack the box against him. On the other hand, he is running behind the best O-line in the NFL. If the Vikings can get any kind of consistent QB play, watch out for Peterson. I think that “All Day” will continue putting up big numbers and could take over the top RB spot in fantasy next year.

1. LaDainian Tomlinson

2007 was a down year for Tomlinson. (over 1,400 yards rushing 15 TDs and 475 yards receiving with 3 TDs) That so-called “down year” was still better than any other back in the NFL last year. This guy can’t be stopped and if Philip Rivers can get a consistent passing attack, Tomlinson will have a monster year. Even if the Chargers have a so-so passing game, LT has proven that he can make things happen almost at will. LT is the king of the fantasy mountain until further notice. There just isn’t anyone like him in the NFL right now.

So let’s start this discussion.

Only a Few days until Training Camp…

Ok, so it has taken us some time getting this thing going but we have so much stuff to sort through. Be on the look out for all your upcoming draft “inside” information.

I do want to discuss a few topics:

• Brett Farve – Look I have my opinion about this whole situation, but the problem is reality has to set in. The NFL is a business and unlike any other business it is very personnal. The Players become like best friends to the fans, especially if you have them on your fantasy team. Here’s the deal, Brett will play but who knows where. I believe if he plays anywhere but Green Bay, then there is not much value there. The system worked in Green Bay – throw it and throw it a lot!! I might be wrong, especially if he does go to Minnesota, but I would stay away from Brett Farve this year and let this situation work its self out.
• Jeremy Shockey to the Saints – Well now, this has good things written all over it, BUT, can he stay healthy? This may be just what the doctor ordered for the Saints. With a healthy Duece and Reggie Bush, the backfield is very solid. Teams will not be able to double team Colston because of the threat of Shockey in the middle. The Saints will be a very difficult team to defend. Drew Brees will be a QB that may go under the radar in most drafts and end up having a pro bowl season. IF, the team and Jeremy Shockey in particular can stay healthy.
• Albert Haynesworth – The Defense of the Titans will once again rest on the productivity and health of Mr. Haynesworth. With another year under their belt the D/ Line is going to be much improved but without Albert playing or at least not playing with a lot of effort, the Titans are again a gamble on D/ST. With only a few days left until training camp, we will keep our eyes on this situation.

Until next time, good luck with your draft preparation.

It’s a New Year…

I can feel it in the air. Football season is just around the corner. Is there a better time of the year? I am sure my baseball loving blog partners would argue with me but that’s for another day. With the NFL season just weeks away, Fantasy Football takes center stage. For those of you who are addicted to this crazyness, we will attempt to offer insight and give you the added edge you need to win this years’ championship. I am relatively new to the blogging world, but I have many years’ of experience with Fantasy Football. This is going to be fun. Shoot us your questions. Draft advice, we will cover from top to bottom. Anything and everything Fantasy Football will be up for grabs. I look forward to this year and I can’t wait until Draft Day.

Up and running

I am collaborating with 5th Street and a new blogger to discuss one of our favorite past times, Fantasy Football. We will use this blog to try and give common sense advice you do not always find with the so-called experts. We will tailor our comments around the scoring in a standard Yahoo! league but sometimes our discussions and rankings may reflect the scoring in our league.

This week we will be discussing the top 10 RBs, QBs and WRs.