The Fantasy Football Guys » HeadBlade’s Beat

The Damn Mags and Pre-Season Rankings

Wednesday, June 30th, 2010

Mags stacked up on the back of my den crapper. So far I have bought every Fantasy Football mag I’ve come across. Seven so far, and I know that The Fantasy Index is coming soon. I’m hoping that the Index doesn’t fall into the same trap that the rest of these rags, er, mags have fallen into: Basing this year’s rankings on last year’s stats. Yeah, I know…it’s the most recent set of data that can be applied to this little endeavor of ours. At least the latest hard data. There are intangibles, of course: Coaching changes, player moves…retirements and suspensions, etc. But that info doesn’t seem to be factored in. Almost no imagination is used, it seems.

Here is my magazine stack of mediocrity:

Pro Football Weekly and Yahoo! Sports Fantasy Football Guide 2010
Fantasy League Football
Sporting News Fantasy Football
NFL.com Fantasy Football 2010 Preview
Fox Sports Fantasy Football (with scout.com)
ESPN Fantasy Football 2010
Lindy’s Sports Fantasy Football 2010

Most of these mags are filled with dreck, but the one exception is Lindy’s. While I questioned some of the rankings (no shock), I really enjoyed the article about how RBs are STILL the key to winning in Fantasy Football. The mock draft didn’t feature a QB pick until 2:10! If you are itching for a beach read, find this mag, and use the others for tp.

There are two QBs leading the way this year in the mags: Drew Brees and Aaron Rodgers. Turns out that AR had a great second half last year, and that helps him top more than a couple lists. Not mine. I’ll take some proven production, thank you…I’ll take Drew Brees as my top guy.

Drew Brees
Peyton Manning
Aaron Rodgers
Philip Rivers
Matt Schaub
Tom Brady
Matt Ryan
Tony Romo
Brett Favre
Joe Flacco
Kevin Kolb
Jay Cutler
Donovan McNabb
Eli Manning
Carson Palmer

There is no way in hell that CJ posts numbers like that again. So there is no way that I can make him my top guy. Again…proven consistency gets my nod for the top spot.

Adrian Peterson
Chris Johnson
MJD
Ray Rice
Michael Turner
Rashard Mendenhall
Cedric Benson
Steven Jackson
Frank Gore
DeAngelo Williams
Shonn Greene
Pierre Thomas
Ryan Grant
Jamaal Charles
Beanie Wells

Since Andre Johnson is ranked as the top WR in EVERY mag, I wanted to find a reason to push him to second. Couldn’t. He has the QB, he has the consistency, he has the intangibles.

Andre Johnson
Larry Fitzgerald
Roddy White
Randy Moss
Reggie Wayne
Miles Austin
Vincent Jackson
Calvin Johnson
Brandon Marshall
DeSean Jackson
Sidney Rice
Greg Jennings
Steve Smith (NYG)
Marques Colston
Michael Crabtree

Last year, Dallas Clark was ranked somewhere near the bottom of the top 10 for TEs. I had no idea why. He was a huge target in the top pass offense in the league…so I ranked him #1. All he did was have a record-breaking year: He is the only TE to catch 100 balls for 1000+ yds and have 10 TDs. So, of course, he’s ranked #1 this year on every list so far. But not mine.

Vernon Davis
Dallas Clark
Antonio Gates
Brent Celek
Jermichael Finley
Tony Gonzalez
Jason Witten
Zack Miller
Owen Daniels
Chris Cooley

All of these lists are obviously incomplete, and are subject to constant change. I will discuss my reasoning for some of the seemingly outlandish choices during our pre-season shows (the first of which will be July 15).

I look forward to your comments.

Posted in HeadBlade's Beat, Kevin's Korner | Discuss this article in the Forums

Week 13 Cuff ‘em Stuff ‘em.

Saturday, December 1st, 2007

Week 13 is upon us and that usually means this is the last week to secure a playoff spot, lose a playoff spot or clinch a first round bye. Possibly, you are amped to play the role of spoiler to keep your best bud sitting on the sideline with you during playoff time as you both burn all your preseason publications that didn’t contain the following words: THE FANTASY FOOTBALL GUYS. And to all the owners who picked up Ricky “weedeater” Williams last week and actually played him, put your own bud down and back away from the lighter. It’s time for Week 13’s CUFF ‘EM / STUFF ‘EM!

49ers at Panthers

Talk about your average, brutal-to-watch NFL game. Rumor is, DirecTV will shorten the SHORT CUTS for this game to under five minutes due to lack of redeemable content. Watch at your own risk!

CUFF ‘EM :

DeShaun Foster- rushed for -5 last week on a bum toe. He has to do better against San Francisco (right?)

Frank Gore + new play caller = 2006 Gore

STUFF ‘EM :

All players not mentioned in the CUFF ‘EM cat! If you even have Alex Smith or any Carolina QB, enjoy your Cool Ranch Doritos during your fantasy playoffs.

Jags at Colts

Should be the game of the week. The Jags play the Colts better than most and Peyton has been Eli-like recently. The odds of PM doing what Brees did a few weeks back against the “man in the suit’s” D is unlikely especially with Harrison rumored to be out once again in week 13.

CUFF ‘EM :

Joseph Addai- Only had 10 carries last week but had a touchdown. Addai is golden for at least another score this week and probably more than 10 carries. The Jags D plays the run solid but the Colts will most likely rely on the running game more as the passing game continues to struggle.

STUFF ‘EM :

Peyton Manning- Last four games: 6 TDs, 9 INTS. 3 of those 3 TDs came against the Falcons.

Jags RBs- Indy has the third overall scoring defense.

Bills at Redskins

Tough game for both teams following the Taylor tragedy. Look for a lackluster second half for the ‘Skins, especially if they fall behind in the first half. Bills are fantasy poison at the moment with Lynch out. Try them with a fruity, red wine that compliments the Italian Caprino goat cheese.

CUFF ‘EM :

Portis- seemed the most hurt about the Taylor death so he should play his heart out this game. He was the 2^nd leading rusher in the NFL behind Grant before the Thursday night game over the last 4 weeks.

Cooley- Should generate mucho points against the suspect Bill’s D.

STUFF ‘EM :

Evans- Lee takes home “Bust of the Year” honors. After his one catch brilliance last week, you simply can’t trust the guy.

Texans at Titans

Anyone else think Young is the new Vick minus the dog kennels? In his last four games, Young has a passing rating of 64.5 along with two TDs against seven picks. Yawn.

CUFF ‘EM :

Johnson- Had a nice comeback game a few weeks back but came back to Earth last week. Due to his potential, you simply have to plug him in there. Monitor his status with him being held out of several practices this week with the bum knee.

STUFF ‘EM:

Young- The guy simply hasn’t warranted a Fantasy roster spot with his terrible 2007 stat line. Avoid like the plague!

Falcons at Rams

Should be a high-scoring affair considering the circumstances. The Falcons will rely on Dunn to produce and if he doesn’t, the Falcons won’t score as many points as the total number of catches that Joe Horn has as a Falcon (18). Bulger looks to be out which shouldn’t surprise anyone anymore this season & beyond. This guy makes Westbrook seem like the bionic woman. Holt will still produce as he feasts on Falcons this time of year.

CUFF ‘EM :

Dunn- Not sure how a guy this old gets on a “play ‘em” list this late in the season but he has managed to do it! Dunn isn’t setting the world on fire but has made the Norwood argument moot and that’s saying something. Dunn could pop the century mark and have at least one touchdown.

Holt- No special introduction is needed here. You know what he brings to the table. In his last two games vs. the Falcons, Holt has scorched them for 20 catches, 282 yards and three touchdowns. ‘Nuff said!

Jackson- SJax is on course to reclaim his spot among top fantasy backs going into 2008 fantasy drafts. He should have his best game of the year this week.

STUFF ‘EM :

Atlanta’Â‘s WRs. Just too much risk involved to wager your playoff life on marginal talent.

Seahawks at Eagles

This looked like a solid game looking ahead during the preseason. Seattle has a very strong D and the Eagles will have only Westbrook to counteract that. Mcnabb won’t amount to squat if he gets in. God has taken time off again this year as Alexander gets older.

CUFF ‘EM :

Hasselbeck- Alexander is back this week which should help the passing game as if it needs help against the Eagles pass defense. Last time Hasselbeck played these Eagles, his team only won 42-0.

Branch- Hackett is out again which means more passes for Branch. Combo of Branch and Hasselbeck will be a top 5 QB/WR combo.

STUFF ‘EM :

Alexander- I Really think we have seen the last of the Alexander the great Age and injuries have made Shaun look slower than Terrell Davis’ brain waves on the NFL Network. He will be sharing the load with Morris anyway. Bench him!

Lions at Vikings

Something doesn’t have to give. Detroit is fairly strong against the run, only allowing 8 TDs throughout the year and only 96 yards per game. Minnesota is 1^st against the run but 32^nd against the pass. Look for strong passing digits for Detroit and above average running totals for the Vikes. Playoff implications loom.

CUFF ‘EM :

Roy Williams- Face it. The guy’s due. Williams figured to have a monster season and it frankly hasn’t transpired. Against such a weak pass defense, look for Williams to eclipse the century mark and add at least one touchdown, possibly two.

STUFF ‘EM :

Adrian Peterson- This pick might be controversial to some but after coming off a near season-ender of an injury and Taylor’s recent great running, I just don’t see Childress rushing the kid back. He will be the #1 back selected next year and there is no good reason to risk his career here.

CHARGERS at CHIEFS

Brodie is out. Can’t plug him in as your starting QB now. Might as well chalk this week up as a loss.

Look for a complete blowout here. The Bolts need to establish consistency going into the playoffs. Rivers looked like he took the first step towards that last week.

CUFF ‘EM :

Chambers- Gates has been on fire of late and we all know that the Chiefs will focus on LT. Look for Chambers to get plenty of red zone looks with the lack of focus on him. If there was a time for his first HUGE game with the Bolts, this is it.

STUFF ‘EM :

Kolby Smith- If you are having to resort to this kid, your team is probably already out of playoff contention anyway. I just don’t see the repeat performance. Especially against the Chargers.

JETS at DOLPHINS

Bet you had this game marked on your calendar. I have a funny feeling just like the next guy will, who sits alongside Larry Craig in a bathroom stall. Jets will give the ‘Phins an early Christmas present this year.

A victory. Isn’t giving better than receiving?

CUFF ‘EM :

Jones- Was Jones overachieving in Chi-town? It seems likely after his dismal 2007 season. If there was a game to show past greatness, this is it. If the guy bombs, stay away from the guy the rest of the year!

STUFF ‘EM :

The entire Dolphins team. That is unless Chatman is healthier than last week. If so, he is a solid play at the flex spot.

BROWNS at CARDNIALS

The Browns give up around 30 points per game and score around 30 points per game. See no reason why this should change. Look for more scoring here than the guys in rehab when Lindsay Lohan visits.

CUFF ‘EM :

WOW! Too easy here guys. Anderson, Edwards, Winslow, Warner, Edge, Boldin and Fitz all will have HUGE games. The kickers might even outshine some of the NFL superstars this weekend with all the scoring opportunities out in the desert.

STUFF ‘EM :

Not applicable to this game due to such pitiful defenses.

BRONCOS at RAIDERS

This should be an easy one for the Broncos but they have made Elway more proud this year that he owns an AFL team. Raiders don’t have much here to write home about, but Fargas should light up the mile high sky.

CUFF ‘EM :

Marshall- Can you remember the last below- average game Marshall had? Neither can I. The guy will be an elite WR next season. He will light up the Oakland defense and not look back.

STUFF ‘EM :

Henry and Young- Both should play but can you predict which one will produce? Henry will most likely split carries due to his recent injury. If you have a better play and can avoid the potential risk, plug in another option.

BUCS at SAINTS

Saints got the win the last time they met. They can’t afford to lose again or their playoff chances will be gone with the brees, er, breeze.

TIP: try to find someone to play in place of Bush if you have the pieces. He cannot be trusted right now. The Bucs surrender only 14.9 points per game.

CUFF ‘EM :

Graham- Saints will take the game but Graham will rip the Saints a new one on the defensive side. The guy’s for real folks.

STUFF ‘EM :

Bush- Kid could have his best day but I’m not counting on it. Tampa will seal up Bush tighter than jars of Peter Pan peanut butter on grocery shelves. Bush’s performance this year actually tastes worst than those contaminated jars.

GIANTS at BEARS

Oh, Eli! You looked so confident throwing four TDs last week. Have the wildcard spot locked up but I just know you will find a way to give it away like those touchdowns.

You’re right! Tiki was full of it. You are good for the team.

CUFF ‘EM :

Olsen- Been quiet of late. See him scoring at least 10 points here.

STUFF ‘EM :

Manning- Seriously, you would consider playing him after last week?

BENGALS at STEELERS

Boy, oh boy! Fast Willie is going to have a day for the ages. It won’t be an Adrian Peterson 296 yards type of day, but he might sniff three touchdowns. Carson Palmer might throw more picks than Parker’s touchdown total.

CUFF ‘EM :

Parker- The guy will shine. 2^nd best running performance of the year behind Peterson’s record effort. Steelers will not need to pass.

STUFF ‘EM :

Palmer- Steelers have the best defense in the league this year…if you haven’t heard.

Palmer isn’t exactly lighting the world on fire. No reason to see otherwise here.

PATRIOTS at RAVENS

This one could get hairy for the lossless Pats. I wouldn’t bet money on the Pats blowing the perfect season this week but I said that last week vs. the Eagles. Moss might go Lorena Bobbitt on Brady if he is held in check for the 2^nd week in a row.

CUFF ‘EM :

Stallworth- The Ravens are smart. They will allow someone other than Welker or Moss to beat them. Stallworth is that man and he will beat the Ravens. Brady is just too dominant for the Raven’s to clamp down on the entire passing attack.

STUFF ‘EM :

Moss- Ravens will be on Moss like panties not on Britney.

Posted in HeadBlade's Beat | Discuss this article in the Forums

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The Damn Mags and Pre-Season Rankings

Week 13 Cuff ‘em Stuff ‘em.

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