Trading for a Crock...ett

It literally takes half of a football team to bring down the beast that is Crockett Gillmore. Unfortunately, with the season playing out like it did some have been clamoring to move pieces around for better prospects. One of those pieces could legitimately be Gillmore. I'm just not sure if I'm ready to trade him.

If there is one thing we learned this season it was that this team has a huge problem with depth. Where you may ask? Everywhere! The main place there wasn't a huge drop off was the tight end position thanks to Maxx Williams, Nick Boyle and Dan "that wasn't pass interference dude" Brown actually showing the hell up throughout the season. However, I'm going to tell you all to pump your brakes on moving Gillmore.

To back up the "let's keep Crockett" campaign we gotta talk about the backups. You know, to prove his value to the team. Now while I agree that Maxx Williams FINALLY showed up towards the end of the season, I was hoping for more. There seemed to be more clutch drops than catches early on and he was quite injury prone. Yes he played in 14 games but had a late start due to missing some serious time in the preseason. Plus the dude only grabbed 1 TD. When we drafted him I expected him to be like Todd Heap, so far I have been disappointed. He looked to be very athletic in his Minnesota days and could clearly jump over any linebacker in his path. Speaking of hurdling defenders, the early surprise of the season was Flacco's fellow Blue Hen Nick Boyle. I need to see him compete in a season where he isn't on PEDs before I claim that he is as good as he looked during this season. Until then, I can't remain Boyle Loyal. When he was suspended we turned to Dan Brown, who most people remember for his phantom offensive pass interference call. He was drafted as a wide receiver (as I have talked about before) and seems small to be a tight end. His hands were strong nevertheless but other than Boyle I'm not confident in any of their abilities in blocking.

Let's take a look back in history. Remember the Patriots, before Aaron Hernandez started killing EVERYONE (please not me buddy I have a family) and the Pats leaned on him and Gronk? Remember how powerful that offense was? Sure you do, Brady had his best season since his knee injury with those two as his security blanket. Who has Flacco palled around with in previous seasons enough to make his wife jealous? Why his tight end of course!

I know, phrasing. Anyway more strong tight end play isn't a bad thing. Having multiple tight ends who can perform at a top level would be ideal. Gillmore (although he was injured) had a strong season having more yards and TDs than any of his counterparts. Honestly how much could we get for an injury prone TE who had less than 500 yards anyway?

That being said I feel like it would be crazy to trade away a developed piece of our offense who was starting to build chemistry with Flacco the way that Dennis Pitta (who is clearly not walking through that door) used to. Now all we can do as fans is watch and wait. Watch our rivals in the postseason and pay wayyyyyyyyyy too much attention to Mel Kiper Jr.

Five Things I Hate About...the Jacksonville Jaguars

credit: NFL Memes

Yawn, what a week. Locals here in Baltimore got to watch the unfortunate last second victory the Pittsburgh Steelers had over the Raiders, you know the last team I had a hell of a time hating on. As if that wasn't hard enough now I have the pleasure of looking at hating on one of the worst run franchises in the UK....er I mean America. Going to have to turn up the hate for this one...

That seems about right. Let's do this!

1) Jacksonville Jaguars or is it London's Losers?

Personally I enjoy having a game on while I eat my breakfast on a Sunday. Even if it is this god forsaken crap fest of a team. What is going to bother the ever loving crap out of me is when/if they move this franchise to London permanently. Could you imagine that road trip? What if you have back to back road games? Hell, why don't we put a team in Paris and Belgium. Knock the whole trip out at once. I get the globalization of the game, I do. For god's sake there aren't enough bye weeks or craps to give about the Jags over there. I mean, have any of you watched a game from the other side of the pond(that phrase is annoying)? Half the fans show up wearing 3 or 4 different team's gear. You're doing it wrong!

2) Their WRs are by far better than anything we have

credit: SB Nation

Hurns and Robinson have truly achieved "men above bitches" status this year. Bortles has clearly developed into a reliable guy who can chuck the damn ball 60 times a game and these guys snag it for scores. It's damn disgusting. The Ravens front office seem to be able to draft every position known to man except a freaking receiver. It pisses me the hell off. I think the most hilarious thing is the amount of people who thought Julius Thomas would be the best receiver on this team. Those same people decided to draft Thomas and leave Hurns/Robinson on the waiver wire. Nice work fantasy gurus!

3)  Even when we aren't terrible they can beat us

credit: NFL Memes

Before we all start drinking the Kool-Aid believing we are NOT a 2-6 team as well, let's remember that even when we weren't terrible we had issues beating this team. Even when this team was starting the likes of Blaine Gabbert we had issues beating them in Jacksonville. You know, in front of 35 Jags fans. We lost to a Jack Del Rio run team on a Monday night when we were fighting for a playoff spot and they were attempting to not have the first pick. I'm just saying, their offense is powerful enough to run through our defense like a burrito from Chipotle through your digestive tract.

credit: Comedy Central

4) Wait a damn minute, we're both 2-6 right now?

That moment you realize that 3 months ago we were Super Bowl favorites (for some reason) and now can't seem to put a winning streak together. Which means we are currently battling it out for the bottom of the barrel also known as the "glory that is failure." An utter disappointment where you are barely playing for pride and a high draft pick. A phrase that is rampant in my fantasy league. I know, none of you care. That being said, how in the hell are we equal to this team in wins? In all honesty, we should be worse. Their offense (at some positions) is better than ours and their defense is not nearly is poor. 

5) For some reason, the NFL gave them a team before they thought Baltimore deserved a team

credit: NFL Memes

Yeah....Paul Tagliabue can go to hell. The man that said we should build a museum instead of a stadium with our tax dollars back when he expanded the NFL in 1993. The Jags started playing games in 1995. Sure, the team was successful back when Mark Brunell was at the helm but since he has retired, not so much. Blackout games locally and a half empty stadium year after year while we here in Baltimore have to get on a list just to have a glimpse of going to more than one game without spending a mortgage payment/rent on said game. Sure I know this is a bad year to give anyone a hard time about attendance as now it seems that the Ravens are having as much difficulty to fill the place. That being said, Jacksonville as a football town is terrible. Whether our team is good or bad we still sell out we just don't always show up. Going to an NFL game shouldn't be similar to showing up in a town for a baseball game. Meaning I shouldn't be able to go to the ticket booth on a Sunday morning and grab a ticket for that days game. Pretty sure that could/would happen in Jacksonville. Your town is bad and you should feel bad Jacksonville!

While not my most difficult hate article, it definitely had it's hardships. Hopefully when we are enjoying wings and beers this Sunday we will be celebrating a Ravens victory of more than one score. That would be fantastic. Surprising but great nonetheless. Until we hate again...fools.

Dismember the Titans

So last week was a big bowl of suck with a side of garbage. We had to eat it just like Steeler fans had to do back in week 2 when we drubbed them by 20. Luckily for us, a familiar face is about to walk into M&T Bank stadium this Sunday. A former rival of ours and honestly it couldn't have happened at a better time for the hapless Tennessee Titans to come to town.

Before anyone says it, no I am not looking past them nor do I think anyone on the Ravens will be doing that either. Just look at the facts behind this Titan team. They are 2-6 with only the Jags behind them in the AFC South. Tied for a league worst 15 TDs and in the bottom tier of all offensive categories. That puts them at 29th in the league in scoring at a whopping 17.1 points per game. Not to say that their defense is much better, allowing nearly 135 yards a game rushing (good for 28th in the league) along with 241 yards passing (getting them the 16th spot). Not to mention their 25.2 points allowed per game(22nd in the league). There isn't much that is scaring me about this team. There has been a revolving door for QBs with all three on their depth chart getting some time. This week happens to be Mettenberger's turn. No rookie QBs fair well in our house especially on a team with as poor of an offense as the Titans. It isn't like they lack weapons. Delanie Walker, Kendall Wright and Justin Hunter to name a few. However the inconsistencies at the QB position effect not only the passing game but Bishop Sankey, Shonn Greene (yeah remember him?) and the rest of their running game. Let us not forget we can test Michael Oh *whistles*, false start, number 72! Anyway we can see how many times we can get Oher to commit his ever favorite penalty, the false start. The truth is even great offenses get stifled by the Ravens D when they pay us a visit.

Mettenberger has less attempts in his career than Joe Flacco had in the season opener. Yeah yeah I know, just one game but still! Suggs and Dumervil have to be licking their chops to get after this kid. "When you go against a rookie quarterback -- traditionally, usually -- you can make it a hard time for them," said Suggs when questioned about Mettenberger, "but the way the game is played these days, it's pretty much in favor of the quarterback and the offense, so I don't really think that plays into our favor any." Well add that to the news of Jimmy Smith being out for the rest of the season after foot surgery and our piss poor performance last week (seriously six TDs! AND AN NFL RECORD! WHY?!?!?) who knows what can happen. We have two new corners this week and (praise football Jesus) released Chykie Brown and Dominique Franks. Danny Gorrer (former Raven and recently released by the Lions) and practice squad rookie Tramain Jacobs are hoping to right the ship. All they have to do is keep up that horrible passer rating rookie quarterbacks have against us and all will be right in the world. Honestly just don't play like those two and you both will be just fine.

We need this win. We can't go into the bye at 5-5 and sitting in last place. By Sunday we all will know what happened in Thursday's Browns/Bengals game (go Browns and Jeremy Hill, for selfish fantasy purposes!) but anyway you slice it, last feels terrible. 6-4 feels better than .500 besides, that only wins you the NFC South.

Scary Things About Ravens Steelers

What better way to celebrate Halloween than to discuss some of the scary facts regarding Ravens and Steelers? Maybe you would prefer throwing pumpkins into the streets, teepeeing your neighbors house or maybe running around and getting free butterfingers from strangers. Me, I like thinking all day about how I can tie in Halloween to arguably the greatest rivalry in the NFL.

Jimmy Smith's Injury

This couldn't have possibly happened at a worse time. Smith has come around to being one of the top corners in the NFL. He has been shutting down some of the leagues top talent in recent weeks (Julio Jones and Vincent Jackson to name a few). The crazy thing about this injury is how the news broke. We all knew he was hurt, just not how serious the injury was. Initially, "No way it's lisfranc," to,"it's a lisfranc sprain," followed by, "oh my God I think they had to amputate it and give him a robotic one! He's part cyborg now!" Well maybe not that last one, but the competing reports regarding his injury have been downright ridiculous. Anyway you slice it, he's not playing this week against one of the upstart offenses in the league.

Yes, I hate to admit it, the Steelers offense finally doesn't look like dried cat vomit. With a fan base that recently was calling for their Coach's head, Haley the OC as well, on a pike. They were ready to collect heads like they were baseball cards. Much like the Steelers were doing last week when they demolished the Colts at home. This is the same field that Mike Glennon could win on. Andrew Luck, ran out of his last name. Mostly it was, similar to what the Ravens are going to be dealing with Sunday, losing their top corner and Antonio Brown making them pay. Heavily. Big Ben had a career day amassing six TDs (which totally ruined my wife's fantasy experience this past week. That moment a Steeler fan is like, COME ON BEN! THROW THE PICK!) He could do no wrong last week, making those typical throws on the run that he makes with ease to wide open receivers. They made a stout Colts defense that shut down (and shut out) the Bengals the week before look miserable. If we had a few weeks for Smith(or hell even Asa Jackson) to come back I wouldn't be that concerned. However we have no depth at the corner position which is why we should maybe take another look at Champ Bailey. We can pay him in crab cakes for all I care, he can't be as bad as Franks was last week. Both Smith and Asa Jackson are out so I am surprised that we haven't made a move to at least add depth to the position.

Expect more of the same this week. As far as, Ben taking advantage of a poor matchup. So basically if Webb isn't on Brown, he's getting the ball.

Le'Veon Bell Has Arrived 

Trick or treat, smell his feet, give him something good to eat...because he has the munchies. Anyway, with all this passing offense, don't forget about Le'Veon Bell. He is not just productive running the ball but catching as well. Totaling over 100 yards from scrimmage in each and every game this season. He already has 1,086 yards from scrimmage and averages 5.93 yards per touch. Get him the ball twice and they get a first down. Which the Ravens were just giving away last week. Especially on third down where they had been performing well this season, the Bengals unfortunately converted over 50 percent of their third downs. He has proven to be one of the top running backs in the game today. Even though he may not be lighting up the scoreboard (only crossing the goal line twice this season) he has still turned into being the most consistent back today.

With as tight as a game like this could be you know those third down conversions are going to be crucial to sustain long drives to keep the ball out of Big Ben's grubby, gigantic hands. Who knows, maybe when our boys drive 80 yards we will actually put points on the board instead of running yet another play-action pass that doesn't work.

Tight Games Plus All My Daughter's Halloween Candy....

Just means that everyone should stay away from me on Monday morning. Come hell or high water I will be watching the game in its entirety. Win or lose I'm going to be grumpy and probably not want any of your crap. 

Now that my silliness is out of the way, these games constantly come down to the last seconds. I will never forget the game when the Steelers were up by 10 and we came back with a game winning Torrey Smith touchdown to win the game. My wife, went to sleep victorious until I woke her up upon the game's completion to rub it in her face how awesome the ending was...for me. Imagine being able to actually sleep in the bed that night kiddies! 9 out of the last 13 have been decided by three or four points.

Home field usually matters in this matchup but this late in their careers both quarterbacks are comfortable shutting up the Steeler/Raven faithful. Ben and Joe have both won on the opposing grid iron. Both have swept the other (Joe is the last to do it in 2011) and yes Steeler fan, I know you guys have that trifecta year where you beat us three times. We all know, prime time game, division on the line, its going to be a hard fought game. Whoever has the ball last is probably going to win the game.

This game could make or break the Ravens season. Winning would put us basically 2 games up on the Steelers and keeping pace with the Bengals who could stumble to this Steeler team (hell maybe the Browns next week as well). Losing could move us into Browntown. We don't belong there, that is reserved for classy organizations from Cleveland. Wait, I meant crappy. 

An Open Letter To the Fantasy Gods

Dear Fantasy Gods,

First of all, hello. How's life been treating you? Bet you guys are happy the NFL lockout ended. Me to. In other news, thanks for helping me get second place in my fantasy baseball league. That was great! Last to second place, very nice work.

However, this football season has been very unfair. First in one league you tell me that I have the best draft class. Then you smash my hopes in my survival league as I doubt the Redskins and pick the Giants. Really? You couldn't let Rex Grossman have one turnover in that game? I mean, I guess you made up for it the next week but come on. That isn't even the worst part.

Back to that whole "best draft class" thing. My Group of Flunkies has been exactly that. Three weeks into the season and they have only managed 179 total points. I know you guys know your math but that isnt even 60 points a week. Seriously?!? My highest scorer is Kevin Kolb. KEVIN, wait for it, KOLB! I have Vick, Desean Jackson, Chris Johnson, I mean surely one of them could have an awesome week! On a team with such potential my high scorers I haven't had one good week (until this week where I gave up on Vick - 33 points on my bench - and picked up Grossman - 7 points in my lineup - who was playing the Rams, epic fail. Needless to say, I'm down 26, my opponent is done and I have Addai playing tonight. I could have won.).

Of course I give up on my starters and start playing recent pickups who had good weeks last week, Nate Washington and Grossman against a poor opponent. I play Felix Jones who had a great week last week, on my bench, instead of Johnson and they reverse their production this week. I sit Ben Tate, since you allowed Arian Foster to get healthy, only to watch Foster own and Tate's value flush down the toilet. Also this week Tim Hightower becomes useless since Shanahan can't stick with one RB to handle the majority of the workload. Thanks a lot Shany, in the words of a pop culture icon, "I don't even know you and I hate yo guts." I just can't win, literally.

Also, why in the world do I have to face a QB who has a career week each week. This week, for example, I faced Aaron Rodgers and Cam Newton. I knew going in Rodgers was going to put up good numbers but, dramatic pause, really? He had to put up 53! In each league, occasionally in both, my opponents QB has at least 3 TDs or puts up 20+ points (Newton put up 33, respectively). It is honestly insane. Sure, Vick in week 1 posted good numbers (and this week on my bench as I said before) but he was terrible or injured in weeks 2 and 3. If it isn't their QBs blowing up its two players, as it was in week 1. When playing my uncle, Schaub scores 10. Lesean McCoy and the Bears D go off for 24 each and the only one on my team to produce is Vick.

Fantasy Gods I know you are very busy so I won't bore you with my fantasy football rage. At least for another week. However, if you don't let me win soon my head my explode. I have a wife and child. They don't need to see that. In closing, I hope you enjoy the gift basket that I sent you. It has cookies in the shape of little footballs. I know how much you love those.

One Love,
Brandan

Fo' Real or Fo' Suck

So it's that time again for NFL experts, idiot savants like myself, to crown Super Bowl champs after 2 games of the NFL season. They also enjoy picking on those who have gotten off to a slow start, saying they are "stuck on Luck" referring to potential number 1 pick Andrew Luck, by losing their first couple games. Well just for kicks and giggles, here is my take on the whole thing.

So out of 32 NFL teams there are 7 that are 2-0. Which for you stat nerds means 21% of the league is undefeated. 3 of those teams belong to the AFC East (Bills, Jets and Patriots). The Bills play the Pats this week to prove themselves. If they pull of the victory then expect experts to pick them and the Lions in the Super Bowl. While the rest are playing against 1-1 or 0-2 teams. The rest of the unbeaten are the Houston Texans, Green Bay Packers, Washington Redskins and the upstart Detroit Lions. Yeah, those Lions.

Everyone seems to be hopping on the Lions bandwagon but I remain cautious. They are still in the same division as the Packers but it looks like they may be a better contender than the Bears. Jay Cutler may not survive the season as often as he gets sacked and the same could be said about Matt Stafford from the Lions. If the wind picks up he could have a broken collarbone. If Stafford stays healthy, the percentages of that happening are low, the Lions could honestly be a playoff team. Their offense is explosive with Calvin "Megatron" Johnson and their defense with Ndamukong Suh in the middle has been decent. Against poor teams hence the caution. Fun fact, they are 10-0 dating back to last season. Including preseason that is. I don't expect them to win the division by any means. I think the two teams out of the NFC North are the real deal. The Packers have an MVP candidate, all around fantasy darling, Aaron Rodgers at QB. Defending champs have gotten a raw deal in years past but this is a team that won the Lombardi Trophy even while struggling through injuries to their best players. Jermichael Finley and Ryan Grant to name a couple. While they may not have the same team they have all those injured players back. Making their offense one of the most dynamic in the league.

The Jets and Texans are facing some tough road games in Oakland and New Orleans. New York is traveling to the black hole to face a Raiders team who are trying to prove they are going to start to matter for the first time in years. Darren McFadden has been on a roll lately but going against the Jets defense could be a challenge. However out of these two teams it is the Raiders who have the most to prove. Everyone believes in the Jets already, Rex Ryan wouldn't have it any other way. The Raiders on the other hand are in a struggling division trying to become a contender. While Houston, a undefeated team who has beaten the hapless Colts and the awful Dolphins, are playing their first playoff caliber team in the Saints. It will be a battle of familiar teams, great offenses with developing defenses. I can't go against the Saints at home but it should be a close one. Expect a shootout. Even though Brees is without some of his weapons. He is one of those quarterbacks where injuries to key players don't seem to phase his numbers. He produces no matter who is out there.

Speaking of production no matter the talent on the field, how about those Redskins? Even they remain undefeated with Rex Grossman out there. Who knew Shanahan was right about Grossman over McNabb? Clearly not the Vikings. The Skins have a division showdown with the enormously hated Cowboys this week. One of the great rivalries in the league, it seems no matter the record of the squads they produce a good game. Deangelo Hall is focused on Romo's ribs and who can blame him? Who wouldn't go after an injury to a team's franchise quarterback? This game closes out the weekend on Monday night and I'm sure it would thrill no team more than the Cowboys to end the Skins late success. I have a feeling that this game is going to come down to the two defenses. Either quarterback could be a turnover machine. We have seen it from both in their careers. We have seen two different forms of Tony Romo in the opening games of the Boys season. He either chokes in the final minutes or comes back from a punctured lung to win a big game on the road. The question mark is Grossman. Can he go another game without a turnover against a division opponent? Only time will tell.

Who knows after this weekend which team will still be undefeated. Some games would be easier to pick than others. Good luck to all those undefeated teams this week, especially the Bills. You are going to need it.

It has been a long time since I have "bs'ed" on here. I have to say I missed it. I hope you did to. Let me know your thoughts in the comment section. I would love to hear how awesome you think I am, even if you think the blog sucks more than my fantasy teams.

Fantasy Journal - Pre Draft Jitters

Manager's log - Entry 1 - Pre-draft for ESPN League
Team: Nerf Herders

(you can't say that that's our word!)

I am sitting here, mere hours away from my first fantasy draft with pre-draft jitters. Who will I take? Where will I be drafting? Will my head explode?

The answer to those questions will be answered tonight. As far as who to draft? Now that my daughter has gone down for her nap the research/panic can begin. Overthinking it can begin. Honestly I won't know the draft order until 7:30pm EST. I will know what position I will be looking at but come on. My competitor's might read this! Don't wanna give too much away.

Those who know me know my fantasy football drafting beliefs and probably know what I am going after. I have a strong no QB policy in the first round. Don't know why, I just do. Perhaps it is my lack of a man crush on Peyton Manning who usually is the first QB to go. Maybe it is my many man crushes on other position players. Little of both I suppose. Truth is most leagues use 1 QB. I need more good position players than QBs. Not that Manning isn't great. Just that there are others that are good that put up similar if not better numbers than him.

This is my ESPN league which is with mostly people who don't know me. If they remember me from last season they will know that I drafted 5 RBs total for 14 roster spots. This is a league with 1 RB spot and a RB/WR flex spot to start. Very heavy WR based league. My RBs last season, in order of drafting, were Deangelo Williams, Frank Gore, Ray Rice, Jonathan Stewart and Lesean McCoy. I highly doubt I will get Rice as late as I did last season (unless I am in the top 5 to draft) which was a late round reach then. Now, not so much. Deangelo Williams is officially black listed from my fantasy team, he is on the banned list (read one of my previous posts from last season). Too many injuries and not enough performance after a stellar 2008. Possibly a later reach, highly unlikely though. I am hoping for a similar receiving core like I had last season.

As I said, heavy based WR league. With 3 possible spots last season (this season the roster looks to be 2 RB, 2 WR and a TE). In order of draft spot, last season I had T. J. Houschmandzadeh(hooshmazilli, championship!), Vincent Jackson, Desean Jackson (no relation and with my very next pick!) and honestly I don't remember who else. It says something that I remember all of my drafted RBs and not WRs aye? None of them matter to me this season except for D Jax. Vincent is out for the first few games(might hold out for all of them) and Hoosh is not who me or Denny Green thought he was. I pretty much filled in Hoosh's roster spot with randoms throughout the season. Same with my TE spot. Mostly filled last season by Brent Celek. The team got me the king of the loser's title. Which is not what anyone wants. All my big players got hurt in the last week of the regular season (for fantasy) and I needed a win to get into the championship round. Which looking back on it, I would have won had my players not gotten hurt. But if coulda/woulda/buts were candy and nuts we'd all have a merry fantasy season wouldn't we?

Truth is I just wanted to jot down my thoughts which I will probably doing throughout the season. Stay tuned to find out what my roster looks like in all of my leagues. Or don't. Ya jerk!

H.Y.P.E. = Hold Your Predictions EEEEEEEEEEEEdiots!

So with the impending NFL season slowly approaching and so much hype surrounding Lebron James' free agency, it is time for yet another fantastic blog by yours truly. Now for those who want to insult me for my inability to come up with a word that starts with "E" for my acronym in the title, have a sense of humor. I'm quoting the great Ren Hoek,"you eeeeeediot!"

Bron Bron

• Look, when Wade and Bosh announced that they would go to Miami and take "less money" to bring those who could help the team win, I thought Lebron was packing his swimming trunks for the beaches in Miami. Anyone who thought Lebron was going to stay in Cleveland, hit the Big Apple or head to Chicago after that bomb dropped is/was crazy. Who knew that Chris Bosh signing somewhere would effect the decision of James, who was attempting to bring him to the Cavs. All in all, "decision 2010" lacked much drama for me. What it did do was change my image of who I thought Lebron was. Bold move arranging for an hour long special on ESPN where you control everything for something that could be a status update on Twitter or Facebook. Thanks for the marketing ploy Lebron. Anyway, I am just happy that I will start seeing NFL analysts soon as opposed to Chris Broussard all over ESPN and cap specialists telling me where Lebron will go.

Oakland Raiders Won't Suck?

• When asked what team could turn it around a lot of experts are picking the Raiders. I can't really knock on this considering they have an improving young QB in Jason Campbell and a decent running game. Add the talent of Rolondo McClain from the draft to improve a team that was terrible against the run last season and it makes it interesting. Well that and the fact that they play in the AFC West where the only team that will be decent is the Chargers. Win the division? No. Go 9-7? Yeah. Too many close games last year and they got rid of that pariah Jamarcus Russell.

Jets in the Super Bowl

• Really? Wasn't this the same smack we all heard last year? LT is not an improvement over Thomas Jones but their pass defense is looking like it will be pretty stacked. Revis and Cromartie are two stellar corners who have shutdown ability. Well Revis does but let's not forget how great Cromartie was a couple years back (remember that insane 1 handed INT on Peyton while falling down on the sideline? if not, google it!). Besides the AFC East is going to be a monster this year with every team being better, well maybe not the Bills. Dolphins made moves getting Karlos Dansby (MLB) and Brandon Marshall (WR), eventhough he is hurt, which is going to vastly improve their team. Plus there is this guy named Tom Brady who thinks he OWNS the AFC East division crown.

The Madden Curse Tolls for Thee

• A lot of experts don't believe in this curse but that is not me. Too many players have been effected by mojo, voodoo, coincidence, faith or whatever one might call this. It happens. All I am advising is that anyone involved in fantasy football avoid Drew Brees like he has Sars. I wish you well Mr. Brees but my mouse will not click "draft" anywhere near your picture this year. If history proved this wrong then maybe I would think twice about this. It doesn't. Just ask any player who has graced the cover since 1999 when the "tradition" began(or go here---> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Madden_NFL#Madden_Curse ). That is the definition of an "E" word, evidence. I'm not predicting when Brees will go down, just that he will be out at some point. Sorry Saints fans!

And the Super Bowl Champ Is...

• Okay, look I am all for making picks to start the season but anyone picking a team to win the Super Bowl now is out of their mind. I don't want to hear who Mark Schlereth, Darren Woodson or Trey Wingo have winning it all this year before anyone has taken a training camp snap. Everyone would, should pick who was in the game last year for the simple reason that there is nothing to really go on. Except for overall rosters (paper) and no one wants to be a paper champion. Just ask the Colts, they are the paper champs just about every season. Who knows what can happen in training camp or the preseason? Injuries happen, thats what. So wait until after the preseason so called experts.

There you go! A word that begins with the letter "E" which leads me to my point of this blog. Next time you hear one of these so called experts building something up just think to yourself H.Y.P.E. Hold your predictions eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeediot!

Haven't You Heard?

So have you heard? The bird is the word! Well the Ravens bird that is.

NFL schedules were released Tuesday which means that last night the complaints from fans began about who had the most ridiculous schedule out there. As well as bragging rights as to who has the toughest schedule for 2010. Well this blog is nothing like that, actually I lie. It's everything like that.

I am not basing my opinion on records from last year like Texans or Titans fans are (they are tied for the hardest schedule based on that). Their opponents bolster a .547 winning percentage from last season. Mainly due to the strength of their own division or just the Colts. Why wouldn't I base it on the same thing that many experts are? Simple, did personnel change? So the teams are all going to change, good or bad. If you want to check out the list go
here ---> http://espn.go.com/blog/nfcnorth/post/_/id/11663/sweating-out-the-schedule

With that said let me start off by saying that the Ravens have one of the toughest schedules in the league this year. They rank in the middle of the pack when it comes to last years record (12th, .508 percentage) but they are tied with the Lions at that spot. Leaning towards the Ravens being better then the kittens this year. Just a guess. While I went through last year and analyzed and predicted whether the team would win each game on my fridge (not man enough to put it in the blog I guess) I was completely wrong. I didn't see the Bengals not sucking last year, I'm not Merrill Hoge. Nor did I see the Steelers losing to such powerhouses as the Raiders, Browns and Chiefs. At least I got some enjoyment out of that.

So before this drones on let's get to this years schedule. Let's break it down to 4 game increments.

Weeks 1-4 - @Jets, @Cincinnati, Browns and @ Pittsburgh

Prediction - 2-2

The Ravens get the opportunity to play the first Monday Night game in new Jets/Giants stadium. Honestly in the first 7 games before the bye I could see them only getting 3 wins in that stretch. I would be upset and disappointed but it could happen. The Jets game will be the most interesting, not only for the simple fact that its Rex vs Ravens but more importantly its Rex's disciples against Rex's current followers. This could be a new rivalry that could challenge the gladiator fights in Rome for the amount of bloodshed. Two smashmouth teams that have similar gameplans, run and stop the run. What a way to open up Monday Night Football. Cincinnati will be tough but they really haven't improved their team. Still the same team who got blown out in the first round of the playoffs last season just with Antonio Bryant who fell off in production last year. The prediction for the home game against the Browns is that Delhomme will throw 4 picks, if he's the starter. At Jets, at Cincinnati and at Pittsburgh will all be tough games. Even with Big Ben out for the week 4 game (it has just been announced that he will be suspended for 4-6 weeks for personal conduct violations) against the Ravens, Dixon gave them trouble in Baltimore last season. More then likely he will start over Leftwich/Batch.

Week 5-9 - Broncos, @New England, Bills, Bye, Miami

Prediction - 4-0

I know what you are going to say. Obvious wins are agains the Broncos and Bills. Neither team has improved (Broncos are rebuilding trading Brandon Marshall to the Dolphins and Tony Scheffler to the Detroit). Besides, even if Brady Quinn starts for Denver, we own him. Plus those are home games, expect a beatdown of one or both of those teams. Before last season's drubbing of the Pats in the playoffs I would have immediately said there was no way we could win at Gilette Stadium. Now I have high hopes and the Ravens are going to need to go undefeated in this stretch to improve their playoff chances later. A win over the Pats in their house would assist in that. That and it would fuel the fire for me to tease my buddy Marcel who hails from the region. The Bills could be a surprise if they get something from the QB position. Odds are bad for that to happen though. Injuries seem to kill the Bills as well. Add that all the teams in their division got better while they seemed to only get worse (they lost Terrell Owens to free agency...maybe). Plus new coach; alright, thats it enough piling up negatives on the Bills. In week 9, after the bye, Miami pays us a visit. They just picked up a guy we were after last year in Brandon Marshall. Now if he only had a QB that could get him the ball. Marshall is going to burn us, pretty sure of that. Most big time receivers do. That's if Henne has the time to throw which, in our house, is unlikely.

Weeks 10-13 - @Atlanta, @Carolina, Tampa Bay, Pittsburgh

Prediction - 3-1

We will finally have a head to head of Flacco and Ryan. The two first round QB's from a couple years ago. Should be a show that the Falcons will lose. Yes, I know they picked up Dunta Robinson. I am pretty sure that Boldin will truck him and Ray Rice will juke him out of his shoes. Their linebacking core is young and inexperienced. John Abraham will give Oher a test on the edge but this is a game we should win. Ryan needs to improve from his sophomore slump last year. The game against the Panthers could be interesting. Moore can go deep and Steve Smith is, oh wait wrong one. If they can actually run on our boys than they might stand a chance. This 3 game NFC South stretch ends against the Bucs in the nest. There is no way they pull of a victory in Baltimore, Josh Freeman will get abused in that game. While I could continue to analyze the game, why would I? The Bucs are rebuilding along with the Rams and Lions, these 3 will be vying for top 5 picks in next years draft. This all leads to the final season meeting against the Steelers. Now we all know they will still be near the top of our division because they are the Steelers after all. Add to the fact that the only tough opponent in their first 6 games when they will be without Ben is us and possibly Miami/Tennessee. As we all know, when both teams are playing well, 9 times out of 10 the home team wins. Facts are facts, even Kyle Boller beat them in Baltimore. Argue with that Steeler fan!

Weeks 14-17 - @Houston, Saints, @Cleveland, Bengals

Prediction - 2-2

The end of the season could be interesting. At Houston is a game that is up in the air in my eyes. Could go either way depending on what Texans team shows up. As far as New Orleans, they are the defending Super Bowl champs, Brees is on the Madden cover (by this time in the season he could have fallen to the infamous Madden curse) and their offense should still be strong. Cleveland as I said before will be a joke this year but by week 16 things should or could be clicking for them, think last year when they ended the Steelers hopes at the playoffs. When they realized Jerome Harrison could actually run the ball if given the opportunity, the defense began to play, for lack of a better term, defense. So who knows what can happen with a division rival on the road. Speaking of division rivals the Bengals come to Baltimore for week 17 which could be a division crown deciding game. If I were the NFL I would have scheduled the Steelers for the Ravens in week 17 to guarantee that everyone would play for both teams since the players hate/respect each other. The same could be said about some of the Bengals as far as respect but this should be a great game in what could be a lackluster week 17 where teams in the AFC South and West will likely be resting players.

So I have the Ravens going 11-5 which could win the division. Hopefully I am right and Flacco leads us to the playoffs for the third straight year. If I am wrong however, who will know? You won't tell anyone, will you?

T.O. sign or not T.O. sign?

That is the question. Whether tis nobler to sign T.O. and deal with the media circus that he creates? While also ruining our young QB (doubtful he would shed tears for Flacco) and destroying an already powder keg of a locker room. Just because they think it will improve our offense and give a young QB confidence.

We already have a huge egotistical maniac on defense (love ya Ray Ray) but the benefit of Ray is that he happens to be a great leader. Will he call out players, coaches and referees? Yes. Is he a known leader and once the head of the most dominant defense ever? Yes. Was T.O.? Has T.O. ever won a championship? The answer to those is no. He has never been a part of anything historic(team wise) so honestly, in my opinion, he hasn't earned the ego. At least with Ray, it is about the success of the team.

T.O. is a part of history as an individual but his teams are best known for falling apart due to him destroying their foundations. While last season wasn't an example as one of those teams his performance fell off. Last season marked his first without at least 1,000 yards and 10 TDs since his injury shortened season of 2005. I'm not saying his age has anything to do with it but he is 36. Unlike baseball pitchers, it's not like most football players to get better with age. We have seen two franchise running backs cut this week for that exact fact. LT and Brian Westbrook (not to mention Thomas Jones being released by the Jets even though he had a career year last season) are in the over 30 RB club who were axed by their teams.

T.O. is currently fifth all time in TDs behind active leader LT and Randy Moss (Owens is 61 TDs behind the career leader in Jerry Rice who has 208). Like Rice however T.O. has started to fall off later in his career, mainly the past few seasons. His yards and TDs have been declining over the past 2 seasons. Analysts have torn apart his route running, thinking he is giving up on plays in Dallas and just not performing up to his normal par in Buffalo last season. All I am trying to say is he is more trouble then his performance is worth. Unlike previous years where that could balance out to be equal value.

Like Mike Preston of the Baltimore Sun, I think we should look a different direction as far as a top tier receiver. I know Harbaugh non saliently said Owens was a, "great player," but more then likely this was just out of respect for Owens' previously mentioned ego/career. There are better options out there. Brandon Marshall and Anquan Boldin come to mind. While Marshall may have his issues, he is clearly a better player then Owens. If you wanted to break his trouble to performance ratio down, they would be almost equal. Who knows, maybe changing team would change his attitude? Boldin would be my first choice if he didn't have injury issues. While he is one of the toughest wideouts in the game (he played a couple weeks after his face was put back together during the 2008 season), the fact that he has knee and hamstring issues scare me.

I trust in Ozzie though, even after that Stallworth signing I still believe in him. He always seems to know something about talent. We need a top tier receiver to pair with Derrick Mason, our backfield is already stacked we just need a receiver to lock up the offense. If you think you have a better idea then let me know in the comments. Until next time, stay classy.

Meet Your New QB Coach Baltimore - Jim Zorn

The last time we heard about Jim Zorn he was being fired. The firing happened immediately when he got off the plane after the last Washington Redskins game in early January. They replaced him with Mike Shanahan within a few days and Zorn was left wondering what was going to happen to his NFL coaching future.

To be fair, Zorn fell into the head coaching job in Washington. Dan Snyder wanted a big name coach like Cowher at the time but no one wanted to take the job. Snyder took to long to pull the trigger so Zorn was bumped from offensive coordinator to head coach. Many thought Snyder overlooked Gregg Williams, who since has gone on to turn the Saints into a Super Bowl-caliber, turnover machine.

So with the Ravens QB coach Hue Jackson heading for greener pastures in Oakland (not really greener but he will be the offensive coordinator there) it was announced today who would replace him. Jim Zorn. Now before everyone freaks out or Steelers fans start mocking us (Alex!), let's realize what title he got here. He will not be calling plays, Cam Cameron still has that job (probably will never get a head coaching gig thanks to that 1 win stint in Miami a couple years ago). He is going to be doing a job he knows how to do. I know Jason Campbell may not have made the Pro Bowl but let's take a look at his numbers.

Campbell has had to deal with a different offense implemented every season since he has been in Washington. However, with Zorn at the helm, Campbell's numbers improved. It was the team that was poor. The year before Zorn got there Campbell's stats looked like this; 13 games, 60% completions, 2700 yards passing, 12 TDs, 11 interceptions and a QB rating of 77.6. Each of those stats have gone up with Zorn in charge. 2008 saw Campbell limit his turnovers and improve his mechanics with this season having career highs in every passing statistic. Unfortunately that included turnovers. This was mostly without the services of Chris Cooley, the Pro Bowl tight end missed most of the season with a leg injury. Campbell is not Joe Flacco, he did not lead a team to back to back playoff appearances and his owner actually wants him as the franchise QB.

So let's look at this as a positive. Zorn knows how to handle QB's. He is a former NFL QB who has done this job for years. Zorn is on a long road back to being trusted to lead another NFL ship. If he turns Flacco into a Pro Bowler like he did with Matt Hasselbeck in Seattle, it may be sooner then you think.

Playoff Predictions

I can't pretend that after this week's games I am not happy. With everything basically settled in the NFC, everyone had their eye on what the Ravens and Jets were going to do with a playoff spot on the line. Win, that is what they are going to do.



So my prediction of the Texans making the playoffs, fail. My dissing of Merril Hoge for saying the Bengals were going to make the playoffs, fail. My prediction that the Ravens still would make the playoffs, win (in your face Hoge!). So with predictions on my mind I might as well put out my thoughts on what is going to happen in next week's games (all of which are rematches of regular season games, 3 from week 17). So I will go through game by game and explain why I think what I think, I am awesome not being allowed to be why I think a team will win/lose.





New York Jets VS Cincinnati Bengals



The first match up of next weekend puts two of the top 5 defenses against one another. With the Jets at 1 and the Bengals at 4 in overall defense. This game will be short of offense with both teams ranking in the bottom of the NFL in passing offense, 26th for the Bengals and 31st for the Jets respectively, (although the Jets finished the year with the league's best rushing attack, Cincy was 9th). Last night Cincy didn't start their best RB in Cedric Benson while NY unleashed hell in a game they needed to win. The Bengals were without the fire we had seen from them for most of the season while the Jets were clearly fighting for their playoff lives, even though Rex Ryan thought they were eliminated two weeks ago.





Prediction: Pain. Each team has a similar game plan. Run the ball and stop the other team. What has me concerned is how injured is Chad Ochocinco? Revis will shut him down if he plays anyway so either way someone is going to have to step up in the passing game. Will Cincy be able to flick a switch and play as hard as they have the other 15 games this season? I am not so sure. Flacco was the first rookie to win a road playoff game last season, Sanchez may be the second. This game is going to be much closer then week 17's match up, however I think it will have the same result with the Jets winning. Jets win 17-14





Philadelphia Eagles VS Dallas Cowboys





Sunday the roles were reversed from last season, The 'Boys downright embarrassed the Eagles like what the Eagles did to them last season. I never knew an injury to a center could be so costly on the offensive side of the ball but there is a huge lack of communication on the line in Philly. Add to that the Cowboys improvement on the defensive side of the ball and McNabb is going to have a lot of issues getting the ball to his play makers. The numbers for the regular season seem equal but again you have to remember how well Dallas has been playing lately. Romo has thrown 5 interceptions since the bye week back in week 6. This was after throwing 4 in his first 5 games. Could Dallas do to the Eagles what Pittsburgh did to the Ravens last season? Take out a division foe for a third time and eliminate them from playoff contention?





Prediction: It may be a surprise to those that know me that I am picking the Cowboys to win and upset in the next round of the playoffs. Clearly this year might be their year, they couldn't win in December (they just won 3 in a row with 2 shutouts) which is a monkey off their back after their recent performances. They haven't won a playoff game in 13 years (they beat Minnesota back in 1996) so maybe they are due. Especially the way the Eagles looked yesterday, it is hard to predict that they will have a complete turnaround to beat the Cowboys. Add to the fact that McNabb has not beaten them in the playoffs ever (0-3). Cowboys win 31-14





Baltimore Ravens VS New England Patriots





A rematch from way back in week 4, this is one game the Pats didn't want to see in the first round. Honestly, they didn't really want to face either wild card team. Both play them hard and the Jets split the season series. The main issue people have with these two teams is their inability to win on the road (the Ravens better the Pats with a 3-5 mark) which may have some people leaning to the Pats. Especially since they never lost at home during the regular season and haven't lost a first round match up with Belichick running things. Both teams are dealing with injuries for some of their primetime players (Welker is out with ACL/MCL injuries, Ed Reed is a question mark with his hip/groin, Tom Brady has a broken ring finger as well as broken ribs) but what has people thinking the Ravens have a chance is not just the injuries. It is that "undeserved" confidence, I only say that because most people think this group of Ravens has no right to be confident. Why? I have no idea. They aren't scared of the Patriots and feel that they're in the same class as them.





Prediction: Now it would be utterly ridiculous for me to just choose the Ravens because they are the team I follow closely. However, I am going to pick them for more then just that reason. The game should be interesting with strength versus strength (Pats are 3rd in total offense with the Ravens 3rd in total defense) but what has me so optimistic is the improvement of the Ravens offense this season. They are the 5th best rushing team in the league, clearly Willis McGahee is fresh after not being used much prior to last week's ownage of the Raiders (16 carries, 167 yards, 3 TDs), and New England isn't exactly a run stopping team. Last week Arian Foster rushed for 119 yards on 20 carries with 2 visits into the end zone. Again that was on the road where New England is not the same team. Hopefully for me the match up will be similar to the week 4 match up with a different result in the final score. Maybe Clayton will be able to redeem himself? Ravens win 28-24


Green Bay Packers VS Arizona Cardinals


Yet another rematch from week 17 which Kurt Warner was the main starter missing from the Cardinals. However this week may be different. It has been confirmed that Anquan Boldin may miss the game with a ankle/knee injury. That isn't definite, let's remember that this is the guy who came back after just 3 weeks away due to a broken jaw. Boldin plays hurt more then any other player besides maybe Ben Rothlisberger. Rodgers-Cromartie is expected to play however one of their defensive line members is expected to be out. Last time I checked, Aaron Rodgers doesn't enjoy being sacked so that injury helps the Packers. After last season, it is hard for a lot of experts and average Joes like me to predict the demise of the Cardinals. However the stat of them being 3-0 at home in the playoffs is a little skewed. I mean, two of those are from last season. Green Bay wasn't overly impressive on the road but at least they managed to be above .500 (5-3) and the Cardinals were one of the only playoff teams with a subpar record at home (4-4). So another Packers win wouldn't be a complete surprise to me. I don't see them doing to the Cards what they did to them last week.

Prediction: All injuries aside, the Cardinals offense is still powerful. The Packers defense however is just as powerful. Charles Woodson is a candidate for defensive player of the year and his shoulder injury isn't anything serious. Warner playing in the game will be a huge difference from last week. When this team is clicking on all cylinders they are one of the best offenses in the NFL. We saw what a decent offense could do to the Packers just two weeks ago in Pittsburgh. Considering that the Cardinals team we saw last week will not be the same who play this week, you have to assume that Whisenhunt will have his boys ready to execute on Sunday. Cardinals win 31-21



As for the bye teams. I don't see either number 1 seed making it out of next weekend. I don't care who they play.

If you aren't down with that then I got two words for ya! Do better! I challenge you to pick them and when I win, you can get me some grapes. Losers! However if I pick wrong, who is going to know? The 12 people that read this? I can live with that. Until we BS again.

10 Things I Have Learned About Fantasy Football

So after my improbable dismissal from the ONLY league I was eligible for a championship, I thought I should pass along a little advice. This also could be considered a cry for help to the man who utterly owned me this week (he had Ray Rice, Andre Johnson, Buffalo defense and Jay Feely), I hate you. Hate is such a strong word, despise sounds better.

So the top 10 things I have learned about Fantasy Football...

10) I am the Dallas Cowboys of Fantasy Football

Yeah I know I am an 8 win team in the regular season but let's face it, I just can't win in any format besides CBS. I would fire my coach but I just don't have the heart. I like him too much. Besides, he is great in the regular season!

9) Don't believe the hype of last year

This is directed at Steve Slaton. He utterly killed me this year. I drafted him as my second back to Maurice Jones Drew. I love MJD and would pick him again in a second. However I will be against having Slaton on my team ever....EVER...AGAIN! He is now added to the banned player list which leads me to..

8) Fool me once shame on you, fool me twice...

Without completely mocking "Dubbya", I can never be fooled again. Previous drafts for me lead me to my banned from my team list. On that list is, Steven Jackson, Larry Johnson and Drew Brees. Why Drew Brees? I don't want to ruin his career. He is only great for me when he is on my bench. Call it voodoo, call it whatever you will, Drew Brees will not be on my roster. I like him too much.

7) Time to invite my buddies significant others

Previously to this season I haven't had to live down the infamous, "Dude even your girl made it further then you!" In my defense my girlfriend actually does follow football and knows 99% of the players and all of which who are on her roster. However my aunt doesn't even know who Adrian Peterson is. "I just drafted who was at the top of the list, who is this Adrian Peterson guy?" Also she once picked Kyle Boller and said that Yahoo! suggested it. NO ONE BELIEVES YOU! She always makes the playoffs! ALWAYS! Ignorance is bliss I suppose.

6) In case of emergency...

I have known this after my first season when I watched another team fall apart. However my lesson didn't stick this year when I dropped Jonathan Stewart who I had drafted for this very rule. If you draft Ronnie Brown, Deangelo Williams, Brian Westbrook, Larry Johnson or Steven Jackson grab their backup later in the draft(like you will for Stewart, Ricky Williams or Lesean McCoy). If not that at least keep an eye on the waiver wire because other owners are vultures. They love to watch you squirm and panic.

5) Do you want to play the repeater?

Do you want to play the repeater? All Super Troopers quotes aside, no one ever has a repeat performance of the previous season. Who here wants to drive to Atlanta to punch Michael Turner in the face? Well, maybe not that since he is bigger then you. But don't you want to kick him in the shin? No, because he could sue. Don't you want to write him a nasty e-mail? There it is. Don't draft a guy who has a blow up season the year before and expect the same results. If Brady and Manning can't do it, who can? These are just some shenanigans, no one likes my shenanigans, oooooh silly shenanigans! Or you could go to that place with all the crap on the walls and the mozzarella sticks. (too many references for you, TOO BAD)

4) There are exactly 10 QBs worth their weight in gold

Maybe not even that but what I mean by this is that there are only a few quarterbacks that are going to average double digit points for you. Everyone knows a few (Brees, Manning, Favre, Rivers, Warner, etc). You need to grab the one that no one thinks of. This season that was Favre and Matt Schaub. While everyone was spending their first QB pick on Tom Brady, probably because he is so dreamy, the person who got Schaub later scooped up another position player. I'm not saying to grab Schaub with your first pick next year, especially since there is always a sleeper. My pick for next year is Joe Flacco. Call me Wacko for Flacco if you want. The guy is going to be an absolute beast next year, that is, as long as Derrick Mason doesn't retire again.

3) Late round running back WIN!

The past two years we have seen later round backs go absolutely crazy. As a Raven fan I am super happy that this year it was Ray Rice. Every year there is always one and I can't even pretend who next year's is going to be. The guy could get drafted this year. I only have been lucky enough one season when I drafted Adrian Peterson in his rookie season(in like the 10th round). It was the first and last time I was able to say that he was on my roster. You are sadly missed sir. However I did hit a homerun with a late round WR in Percy Harvin. So...there's that.

2) Hit the waiver wire early for sleepers

I can't say how many times I got on to my fantasy site on Tuesday afternoon to see a couple of people already active in picking up guys I wanted to scoop up for bye week fills or injury replacements. This year it killed me since I needed a TON of running back help with Slaton not doing much/getting hurt. Add to the fact that owners can start 3 in my leagues and anyone can see how I could have a problem. Also there are such things as making too many moves. Something I do a lot. My name is Brandan Spiegel and I am an over thinker when it comes to fantasy football. Where's the free coffee and baked goods?

Ladies and Gentleman, the number one thing I have learned about fantasy football is...

1) Play with people you are friends/enemies/or at least know

If there is one thing that The League (best comedy on FX...EVER) has taught us, it is that a tight knit group of buddies playing fantasy football is pretty awesome. It is like a family. A very, very dysfunctional family. One that you may call gay, retarded or threaten to kill on a weekly basis. One that you can threaten harm, deadly diseases or tragic ways to die on players who have scorned you that week. Now, losses in leagues of people that aren't known don't hurt less. It is a lot easier to get away from them when you lose to some schmo who has never met you. Saying all this there is only one other thing to say. A message to Alex Tirdil, Antoine Pollard, Brandon Waters, Michelle Landers, Bea Wells, Lauren Webster, John Moore, Marcel Cottman, and Nick Barnes...I hate you guys and I love you guys.

If you don't get it readers, you are missing out on quite a fantasy football group. Call them your best buddy, your girlfriend/boyfriend, spouse, significant other(or insignificant other once you guys play fantasy together, BAHZINGA), uncle, aunt, co-worker it doesn't matter. Once September starts, another part of you opens up. Even discussions about the league in June get you pumped up. "When is the draft?" "Who you pickin'?" "Dude you suck!" Oh yes, it begins when you set up the league. My readers, the fun never stops. It lasts a lifetime.

NFL Power Rankings - Week 11

Everyone ready? I said, 'get ready!' Are you ready for some rankings! A Tuesday tradition. We got Brandan Spiegel and no one famous, here to get this thing started. Get the big dome crashin' under Baltimore's lights. Cause all 12 of my readers are here on Tuesday niiiiiiiiiiiight. Well probably not 12. It's like the millions and millions of my fans. Combined with my dozens and dozens of readers. Hank Williams love, anyone? Anyone? Let's see what the week has given us in rankings this week.

NFL Power Rankings

1. Indianapolis Colts (2, 9-0)


I take back what I said last week. This was definitely nailbiter of the year. They were an eyelash from losing to the Pats. Brady went crazy against their dismantled defense but a crazy gamble late cost them the game. With all of these close games eventually they aren't going to have enough to win. Hopefully that begins this week against Baltimore.




2. New Orleans Saints (1, 9-0)

Win you barely beat the Rams, on the road or not, I can't keep you as the most elite team in the league. The D clearly can't stop the run as they were abused by Steven Jackson. Also a lack of a TD for the first time in a long time was a shock considering their opponent. Brees didn't throw for multiple TDs so it has me wondering how long they will remain undefeated. My guess is maybe two more weeks before a loss. Don't be shocked if an upstart Bucs team pulls one off.




3. Cincinnati Bengals (5, 7-2)

Why does Merril Hoge have to be right? This team is completely legit and playing complete team football. The defense is looking like a creation of Marvin Lewis as opposed to previous years. While the offense is running the ball consistently. Benson came up lame early in the game so that could be a problem going into later weeks. Keep an eye on that fantasy owners!



4. Minnesota Vikings (4, 8-1)


Bye week again, well not really. Although playing the Lions might as well be. Peterson abused them and they won. Not really much of an accomplishment like, oh I don't know, beating the defending Super Bowl champs twice!



5. New England Patriots (3, 6-3)

How do you go for it with little time left, in a tight game against the Colts, in Indy, on your side of the field? Even in Madden I would have punted that. Have a little faith in your defense Bill. These teams will meet again come playoff time.



6. Pittsburgh Steelers (5, 6-3)

I don't think it matters who this team faces or what their record is, they will always be favored. Especially at home. Losing a game the way they did to the Bengals, who played classic Steeler style football, hurts a little. Even Merril Hoge didn't predict they would sweep the Steelers. Polamalu being hurt again also isn't a good sign.



7. Arizona Cardinals (8, 6-3)

Warner and Hasselback put on a show. However, Warner is a pro at a show(I mean he was a part of the greatest show on turf) which is probably why his team won. Add to the fact that Seattle has been up and down this season and the Cards were at home...wait what? They won a game they should have at home? Good for them.




8. San Diego Chargers (13, 6-3)


LT got a gift from his wife before the game. A positive pregnancy test. So the future new dad looked like a blast from the past when he dominated the Eagles. Broncos are on the decline while this team keeps getting better and better.




9. Dallas Cowboys (6, 6-3)

They looked AWFUL against the Packers. Being shut out for most of the game when the defense they were facing was less than impressive against the Bucs. I said it wouldn't last long. I don't see them losing against the Skins but I wouldn't have picked them to beat the Broncos either. One of the best rivalries in the NFL.



10. Philadelphia Eagles (7, 5-4)

They apparently can't travel to the west coast and leave with a W. At least this time it was to a more worthy opponent. McNabb went crazy with over 350 yards and they still lost. Add that to the fact Brian Westbrook has another concussion. Doesn't look good for the Eagles.



11. Houston Texans (11, 5-4)


Bye week this past week. Will the running back committee continue? I would like to know (fannnnnnnnnnnnntasyyyyyyyyy).



12. Baltimore Ravens (12, 5-4)

That game hurt to watch. Both teams looked poor. However it was the Browns offense that looked worse. Antoine Pollard said it best, "I feel dumber for watching that game." Well hopefully we will be more offensive against the Colts.

13. Atlanta Falcons (10, 5-4)

Losing Michael Turner is going to hurt this team. Evident in the fact that they lost to the Panthers who are really rolling now. If the Falcons keep playing like this they could lose a playoff spot to the Panthers.

14. New York Giants (14, 5-4)

Bye week...not much to say. At least the Eagles and Cowboys lost this week!

15. San Francisco 49ers (15, 4-5)

That was an ugly, ugly win. Atrocious would describe that win. Gore was able to move the ball but that was it. The defense looked good or was it Cutler that looked that bad.

16. Miami Dolphins (16, 4-5)

Well at least they didn't blow that game to the Bucs. Henne did look pedestrian at times but they need to Jets and Pats to kill each other this weekend to give them a chance in the division.

17. Green Bay Packers (18, 5-4)

How do you go from losing to the Bucs to beating the Cowboys? I don't know but I like it! Pretty dominant at home not allowing the Boys to score until late in the fourth quarter when it didn't matter.

18. Denver Broncos (9, 6-3)

They lost to the Redskins, probably due to Orton being injured when they needed him late. If he is hurt for an extended period of time, this team could miss the playoffs.

19. Carolina Panthers (21, 4-5)

What a turnaround. Next to the Titans this might be the scariest under .500 in the league. With Atlanta faltering and having injury issues with Turner, who knows what can happen with a wild card spot.

20. Jacksonville Jaguars (23, 5-4)

Why MJD didn't just punch it in for the win I have no idea. I mean, doesn't he know people could have used that TD in fantasy! Del Rio will have hate mail from about 60 million fantasy owners this week, he won't care since his team won.

21. Tennessee Titans (22, 3-6)

Chris Johnson beast mode activated. Can they win 10 in a row and possibly make the playoffs? Possibly, with Johnson running the ball so dominantly anything is possible.

22. New York Jets (17, 4-5)

MJD owns everyone. He even felt sorry for them, so he took a knee at the 1. I have no idea why but whatever. Jets loss and now the Pats are coming to town. My how the tides have turned.



23. Chicago Bears (19, 4-5)

Hey Jay over here I'm open, whoops. Another interception. This is going to be an ugly rest of the season if he doesn't stop turning the ball over. A lot of folks were saying all of those INTs were not his fault. Okay well 3 of them were, especially the one that lost the game. The defense finally turns it around and this happens. Da Bears are Da Turnova Kings.


24. Seattle Seahawks (20, 3-6)

Hasselback lost a tough battle against Warner. He did get a rapport going with Houschmandzadeh and at least Forsett looks good considering Orange Julius Jones got hurt.


25. Buffalo Bills (24, 3-6)

Chris Johnson nearly had 300 yards from the line of scrimmage this week. I remember when I thought the Bills might be decent. That was before the injuries, the letdowns and the preseason.


26. Washington Redskins (30, 3-6)

I'm sorry they did what? They beat the Broncos? No way. Betts ran all over them? Wow. Will I be the only one who won't be shocked if Betts stays as the starting back even if Portis comes back healthy?


27. Kansas City Chiefs (25, 2-7)

So in the game of the weak they took out the Raiders. It was kind of a gift the Raiders gave them. At this point, would anyone be shocked if they beat the Broncos?


28. Oakland Raiders (27, 2-7)

Same score but in reverse against the Chiefs this week. Watching Heyward-Bey drop two balls that cost his team the game has to hurt Al Davis. Especially while watching Michael Crabtree lighting up in San Fran.


29. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (29, 1-8)

They look like they are going to shock some more teams before the year is out. I honestly won't be totally surprised when the Cadillac runs ALL OVER the Saints this week. I also won't be surprised if Freeman throws a pick 6 or two.


30. Detroit Lions (28, 1-8)

Maybe the highlight of the season will be that they actually got a win. I don't know if they win again with the defense they are playing now.


31. St. Louis Rams (31, 1-8)

They actually stood a chance against the second best team in the league. The fact that they have Steven Jackson sure helped them exploit the Saints biggest weakness. They are going to string together some wins. Not starting this week.


32. Cleveland Browns (32, 1-8)

They are awful, so bad that they made the Ravens look just as bad. No one has the heart or drive on offense. They need diverse play calling to get the ball into the hands of Cribbs and Massaquoi. At least the defense didn't get completely abused.



Dare to compare mine to those at ESPN. We differ on our opinions but hey, at least you know I'm not one to plagiarize! Check it out and I will see you here next week!http://espn.go.com/nfl/powerrankings

Fantasy Football Awards - Week 9

For those of you who follow the blog my love for fantasy football is on display on a regular. Currently I belong to three leagues, two of which I am the commish. Sadly I have been busy and unable to keep up with my award posts. So its been almost a month without my input. So here is the long awaited weekly awards for week 9. As the familiars might know, two awards will not appear in this article to save the identities of those who had their hearts broken in our nailbiter of the week or for those who suffered the biggest beat down of the week, whoever had the worst luck ending up against Kurt Warner and Deangelo Williams. Your rear really hurts from the whooping you took.

For the scoring system click the link below:

http://bsingwithbs.blogspot.com/2009/09/scoring-system-for-fantasy.html

Moving on to the awards.

Week 9 Fantasy Football Awards

Our first award this week goes to a unit who let down everyone in week 9. So far this season they have had terrible numbers, mainly the past few weeks (against the Browns doesn't count). Two weeks in a row they have finished with negative points which is why this one hurts. Surprisingly still owned by 70% of teams in Yahoo!(more then top week 9 performers Seattle, Cincinnati and Tampa Bay) and only 48% started. So that 48% was pretty upset when they turned on their computer to find out that Arizona had destroyed this team at home. Ladies, gentleman and fantasy geeks I present you with this week's...

CHOKE ARTIST OF THE WEEK


Chicago Defense - -1 points (41 PA, int, sack)


This is just unacceptable for a defense to do this once let alone two weeks in a row. If you played them last night you aren't mad at them but after last week, who would have done that? In a week where you easily could have filled the void with classy match ups like Seattle vs. Detroit in week 9, you should have done it. Most owners were probably foaming at the mouth thinking Warner was going to be awful like in the previous week. The Cardinals are a completely different team on the road (why I have no idea) with an undefeated record. A complete reverse of last season when they never won on the east coast until the postseason. Warner has been smashing fools on the road including two monsters in the Eagles and Giants. I'm sure there were others that broke your heart last week, like Clinton Portis who got 0 points and a concussion. If you are relying on any Redskins to get you fantasy points, clearly that is desperation. I would know, I had to pick up Ladell Betts this week!

If you need a quick pick up on defense take a look at the Falcons. While they are going to get run all over, Delhomme is always due for turnovers. Add to the fact that they are only 44% owned in Yahoo! could make them a quick fix. Another sleeper is the Titans(42% owned in Yahoo!). While I hate them as much as most fantasy owners(I had them most of the season when they were scoring negative numbers then I scooped up the Saints D, haven't looked back since) they are getting healthier and face an abysmal Bills team this week.


NOTABLE PERFORMANCE OF THE WEEK


So this award goes to a team/player who does really well just not as well as the MVP of the week. 47% owned in Yahoo! leagues shows that he is a bit of a sleeper. People gave up on him even though he faces a lack luster division lineup with poor pass defenses. In week 9 he outscored fantasy studs like Tom Brady, Big Ben, Philip Rivers and the Manning brothers. I find it amusing that he outperformed Tom Brady since this week's award goes to...


Matt Cassel 24 points (262 yds, 2 TDs, 2 pt conversion)


This one is a bit of a shocker. Which in my mind is what this award is about. Someone who isn't widely owned, who does well, that someone could pick up this week if need be. While he does face the stout, sarcasm much, Oakland Raiders D this week, he will have decent numbers. At least better than Eli or Matt Schaub who are on bye this week. Potentially better then Brady once again who is facing the Colts vicious pass rush and lowest scoring defense in the league. Cassel may have a terrible line but he does have some dangerous weapons in Dwayne Bowe and Jamaal Charles. Cassel is a bit of a Jekyll and Hyde player where some weeks he is great and others he is terrible. Hopefully this week he can pull it off for some of you desperate QB people out there in those 12 or 14 team leagues.


MOST VALUABLE PLAYER


There is no point in me even toying with this one. I hinted at his dominance earlier and he cost me a game this week (thank god the other person I faced sat him in favor of Jay Cutler, still beat me unfortunately...by 5!). It is blatantly obvious who this week's MVP is...

Kurt Warner 40 points (261 yds, 5 TDs)

What he did to the Bears defense was just completely unfair. I wish he would have only gotten those TDs to the tight ends since the guy I played also had Fitzgerald but that is neither here nor there. Warner is either putting up numbers like this, if on the road, or putting up 5 turnovers, if at home. It is hard to tell which one will show up from week to week but with the weapons at his disposal its hard not to like his chances for multiple TDs every week. He is going to be facing the Rams(twice, week 16 being the 2nd time which, in some cases, is the fantasy championship game), 49ers and Seahawks at least one more time with those last two being on the road where he excels. Warner is still in my fantasy football hall of fame for last year when I got him in the last round or at the end of the preseason when I picked him up off waivers and dropped Leinart. It is one guy I don't want to see in the fantasy postseason with his potential match ups. Our playoffs are weeks 14-16. Meaning that Warner is going up against the legendary defenses of the 49ers, Lions and Rams. Even if Warner is hurt every owner should scoop up Leinart immediately just to avoid the potential beat down he could give you.


So there you have it folks. Those of you who I am in the leagues with congrats to the owners who have these players. For the others, thanks for checking out the blog. I apologize for the lack of awards. Thanks to a no Facebook bet, I was able to focus! See you next time, same BS time, same BS channel...er, I mean blog.

NFL Power Rankings - Week 10

Happy midway point in the season! Some fans have begun the paper bag wearing tradition in hopes of a number one pick. While others are still shocked their team is first in the division. You know who you are! Your team is who Denny Green thought they were! *punches podium* With the Colts and Saints winning close games at home there are not a big changes at the top but the rankings have been shook up more then Elvis Presley's hips. Okay while that reference is dated we all know it makes sense. Now let's get to the rankings.

NFL Power Rankings

1. New Orleans Saints (1, 8-0)

The Panthers did everything right to win that game. Yet lose. Saints D has 7 TDs which is more then the Browns have scored total (5). This week shouldn't be close as they face a Rams team that has been god awful against everyone except for the Lions.

2. Indianapolis Colts (2, 8-0)

Nailbiter of the week. They were an eyelash from going into OT against the Texans. I'm taking the Texans in their week 12 match up. They may have already lost their first game by then. They may have lost their first game by the end of the weekend. All the injuries have to catch up with them eventually.

3. New England Patriots (3, 6-2)

Well no hiccups against the Dolphins this week. Great match up this week against the Colts. One of the great modern rivalries. Manning vs. Brady. Should be great.

4. Minnesota Vikings (4, 7-1)

Bye week, yet hear that Favre is hurt? Hurt his back from carrying the team all this time?

5. Cincinnati Bengals (6, 6-2)

Ochocinco didn't score but honestly neither did the Ravens. They beat them like they used to get beat in Baltimore in previous seasons. Smash mouth, pound the rock football. Sound like any other teams, maybe in the AFC North? Strong defense, power running game?

5. Pittsburgh Steelers (7, 6-2)

They treated the Broncos as the Ravens did last week. By owning them completely in the second half. If they take down the Bengals this week they may have the crown of the best team in the AFC.

6. Dallas Cowboys (13, 6-2)

I have a feeling this won't last long. Before too long Romo will screw up and they will fall into a black hole. Somehow losing to the Redskins in the process. You know its going to happen!

7. Philadelphia Eagles (9, 5-3)

They are lucky to have moved up however so many other teams ahead of them looked worse for the wear in their losses. Theirs was with a backup rookie RB and having Desean Jackson shut down for most of the game. Dallas won't stay as high as they are now once December hits.

8. Arizona Cardinals (10, 5-3)

Meet the NFL's version of the Philadelphia Phillies. They are terrible at home and undefeated on the road this season. If only they started that road winning streak at the end of last season...

9. Denver Broncos (6, 6-2)

Now they have been beat on the road and smashed at home. The second half is where they were excelling. The past two weeks have been terrible. Their rushing defense was great until two weeks ago. Lose this week to the Skins and everyone will forget how you started the year.

10. Atlanta Falcons (11, 5-3)

Is beating the Redskins really an accomplishment anymore? I didn't think so.

11. Houston Texans (12, 5-4)

They were a FG away from taking the Colts to OT. Now they get a bye week to sit back and relax. Much better then last year's bye day in week 2.

12. Baltimore Ravens (8, 4-4)

Beatdown week, unfortunately it was directed towards us. We only lost by 10 but we still got beat up bad in Cincy. Barring a complete meltdown we are out of the division race but there are still 8 games left. The Browns this week will make us feel great about ourselves, help the team hone their craft. Which is good considering we play a real team the following week, the Colts.

13. San Diego Chargers (19, 5-3)

While I love me some Rivers to Jackson (fantasy ownage), I am still not sold on this team. Going on the road and beating a floundering Giants team on an amazing play with seconds to play is impressive. They are only a game behind the struggling Broncos who no longer seem to be walking away with the division.

14. New York Giants (16, 5-4)

Four in a row. Tough loss on a last second pass from Rivers to Jackson. I am just glad the talk of a Jets Giants Super Bowl has stopped completely. Now people aren't even sure they can make the playoffs. I mean, its not December yet. That is usually when the Cowboys fall apart.

15. San Francisco 49ers (15, 3-5)

Now they are losing to teams they should beat. The defense is not looking as strong as before and the offense isn't completely there either. Smith, Gore and Vernon Davis are monsters and are going to own the Bears on Thursday. If they don't, the season is in trouble. Considering that since their 3-1 start they have lost 4 in a row.

16. Miami Dolphins (18, 3-5)

They didn't keep it up. Only losing by 10 to New England isn't a win but I still can't drop them below the Jets. Considering they swept them this year. It gets better for Miami, they face the Bucs this week.

17. New York Jets (20, 4-4)

I think Rex has had long enough to teach his guys the major part of Jacksonville this week. Stop MJD! Although I would appreciate if you guys wouldn't.

18. Green Bay Packers (14, 4-4)

They are lucky I don't move them to last. Seriously how do you lose to the Bucs. THE BUCS! AHHHHHHHHH! Sorry, I picked them to win in my survivor league. Now I regret it.

19. Chicago Bears (17, 4-4)

Remember when their defense was great like 3 years ago? Remember when Kurt Warner looked as great as he did last Sunday? Remember when an insult to this defense was blasphemy? Remember when I annoyed everyone by asking so many questions?

20. Seattle Seahawks (21, 3-5)

Hasselback looked great even with a shoulder injury. He threw it 51 times for 300+ yards. Problem is that was the Lions they played on Sunday. Only team that couldn't light up the scoreboard against them was the Redskins.

21. Carolina Panthers (22, 3-5)

They were in a close one with the best team in the NFL in their house. As long as they stick to the run this team could be in a lot of their next few games. Don't be surprised if they take out the Falcons this week. Deangelo Williams is one of the hottest RBs in the league right now.

22. Tennessee Titans (26, 2-6)

Let's get too happy people. Your rush defense was still awful but Young looked decent against a decent defense. Chris Johnson is going to break the rushing record this week. It could happen. Anything is possibllllllllllllllle!

23. Jacksonville Jaguars (23, 4-4)

They are having way too close of games against poor opponents. How you can only beat the Rams and Chiefs by only a field goal when you have such an explosive back in MJD is beyond me. Also Garrard actually performed last week. They might not beat out the Titans in the division.

24. Buffalo Bills (24, 3-5)

Bye this past week. However, they are facing the upstart Titans this week. Chris Johnson can get 300 yards this week. I won't be surprised if he breaks the rushing record against this poor rushing defense. Enough about the Titans, there really isn't anything nice to say about the Bills.

25. Kansas City Chiefs (25, 1-7)

The bye week didn't help Cassel. Releasing LJ opens the door for Jamaal Charles unfortunately it's automatically shut due to the porous offensive line in KC. They could/should get their second win this week against the Raiders.

27. Oakland Raiders (27, 2-6)

A bye week, yet Jamarcus Russell still threw 3 interceptions. At least they get Run DMC back this week.

28. Detroit Lions (28, 1-7)

They dropped two in a row to the powerful NFC West. Sense the sarcasm? It would be okay if at least one of those teams were the Cards. When they are the Rams and Seahawks, you have problems.

29. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (32, 1-7)

While they completely ruined me in my suicide league, they did look decent against the Packers. Freeman is a better QB then what we have seen so far from this team. The defense is starting to come around. Who knows? Two wins, maybe three.

30. Washington Redskins (29, 2-6)

Portis did the best thing this week by getting a concussion. Now he doesn't have to play this week. That makes this team even worse. On a side note, the team clearly has some fight in them. Cue rim shot.

31. St. Louis Rams (31, 1-7)

While they beat the Lions, they beat...the Lions. I don't know if they will pull of another win but who knows. A lot of their games have been close against lesser teams. That is certainly not the case this week.

32. Cleveland Browns (30, 1-7)

They are awful, so bad that a bye made their team worse. Derek Anderson had the worst passer rating in the NFL with a 4th quarter QB rating of 3.2. Now Brady Quinn is the sacrificial lamb once again for the Ravens. Does Mangini not remember what happened last time?

Dare to compare mine to those at ESPN. We differ on our opinions but hey, at least you know I'm not one to plagiarize! Check it out and I will see you here next week!http://espn.go.com/nfl/powerrankings