We're back! The 2012 fantasy football season has arrived, and I'm here to help you win your league (and rub it in your competitor's faces). Check in weekly for hot waiver wire pick-ups, sleepers of the week, sit/start recommendations, and match-up advice. I will also field email regarding questions and advice for your specific roster, and will be hosting live video advice chats prior to opening kickoff on Sundays once the season begins!
Good news everyone: We are less than three weeks away from the start of the regular season! September 9th cannot get here fast enough. Fortunately, we do have the preseason games to occupy us, and keep us from going insane. Now normally, nobody really enjoys watching more than the first quarter of a preseason game. But players that aren't starters or in the rotation for their respective teams absolutely LOVE the preseason. It gives them the chance to earn a roster spot, get a few touches in the regular season, or prove that they deserve a significant role for their respective teams. It's the great performances in the preseason that make it worth watching, and we've had quite a few in the past few weeks. Here are my favorites.
5.) Tebow makes himself known
Of the big four rookie quarterbacks, the one with the most doubts about his future made the biggest debut. Tebow went 8 of 13 for 105 yards in limited action, immediately making him, at that point, the most successful rookie signal caller. Then he widened the gap by adding a highly impressive (albeit insignificant) rushing touchdown on the final play of the game, bowling over two Bengals defenders. Even though he was injured on the play (ribs), he proved that he can be successful at the NFL level. And he did it in an entertaining fashion
4.) Mike Williams (TB) proves why he'll be the No. 1 WR for the Bucs
Most people wrote off the Bucs fourth round draft pick a few months ago as a bad decision by the franchise. This was the guy who had so many character issues, nobody wanted to touch him. But Raheem Morris took a chance. The Tampa Bay head coach has spent enough time with this young man that he felt "comfortable enough with the positive role model Mike is to have him around my children." But not only has Williams turned his life around off the field; Reports out of training camp beginning day one was that this would be there guy. He was listed as the starting wideout, and kept doing the right things, being vocal, developing a connection with his QB, and most importantly, making plays. And in the first two preseason games, he proved he's not just living up to the hype, but it needs to catch up with him. In his first game (vs. Miami) he was targeted once, with one catch for 30 yards. In his second game, this time playing the Jags, he had 3 catches for 44 yards. He's big, physical, has a high football IQ, and he'll be one hell of a player to watch for the next few years. Check out the first play in this recap video here.
3.) Matt Forte puts us in our place, demonstrates '08 explosiveness
Remember the expectations every fantasy football owner had for Matt Forte coming into last season? Well he disappointed, mainly due to a lingering knee injury that he played through, but sapped that explosive quality that made him a great rookie back in '08. Well after the Bears' preseason loss to the Raiders a few nights ago, Forte has put many of those owners on notice: last season was a fluke. The young back had 5 carries for 109 yards, including an 89 yard dash to the endzone. Forte is not a back to sleep on, and with the focus defenses will place on Mike Martz' passing scheme, Matt Forte could be valued much higher than his current ADP of 63.
2.) CJ Spiller shows he can be the man
CJ Spiller's fantasy outlook for this season was optimistically clouded at best- until Marshawn Lynch and Fred Jackson both went down with injuries, leaving Spiller with the bulk of the remaining preseason carries and the opportunity to seize the starting job and never look back. Spiller made the most of it, rushing 10 times for 54 yards against the Colts, including a 31 yard TD scamper. If he plays like that through the rest of the preseason and the first few games of the regular season, CJ could take over and be huge for the
Bills. Check out the TD run below.
1.) Victor Cruz destroys the Jets secondary, scores 3 touchdowns
Had anyone even heard of Victor Cruz before the Giants' preseason victory over the Jets? I didn't think so. Cruz came into the game as an undrafted rookie free agent fighting for a roster spot. He left the field that night almost guaranteed a position with the team, and a guy to keep an eye on in dynasty leagues. Come on, no coach with a brain cuts a guy who finishes a game with 145 yards receiving and 3 TDs. He further solidified a roster position a week later with 2 catches for 30 yards against the Steelers. If the Giants weren't so deep at the WR position, Victor Cruz would be a must-own in deeper leagues. He still may be if he keeps playing like he has been.
Well its goodbye again for this week people. Come back next week for more. We're not stopping anytime soon. On the contrary, once the regular season kicks off, we may have to go to twice-weekly posts. Later.
Hello again, and welcome back for another weekly update here at Fourth and Goal. Now as we all know, there's just no such thing as a 100 percent guarantee in fantasy football. Ask Tom Brady owners from 2008. Or the unfortunate people who drafted Matt Forte as their RB1 last season. Everyone who's had Roy Williams on their fantasy roster since he became a Cowboy. I could go on, but no need: a player has let all of us down as some point. For me, it was DeSean Jackson's premature celebration in '08. Now, having said that, here are five things that I am absolutely positive will happen during the 2010 NFL season. If you were to believe in a sure thing, these are the ones you want your money riding on.
5.) Maurice Jones-Drew will be the 2010 rushing leader
Don't make that face at me. MJD will get this done. Last season, with a bad passing game, really bad defense, and even worse O-line, he still managed to gain 1,391 yards on the ground, and averaged 4.5 YPC. This year, the Jags are a little different. Last season's two rookie linemen, Eugene Monroe and Eben Britton, have a year under their belts. Veterans Kynan Forney and Justin Smiley were added in the offseason, providing a depth on the O-line the Jags haven't had before. David Garrard is looking to improve this season, and the evolution of Mike Sims-Walker should unload the box some this season against the run. I'm predicting close to 1,800 yards and an average of 5.3 YPC. Put it in the books. If you don't believe me, just look at what MJD is capable of.
4.) Kyle Orton will lose the starting job in Denver...and so will Matt Moore in Carolina
No big surprises here, right? Obviously, Orton was never meant to be the long-term solution at QB for the Broncos. But it's not if he loses the starting job(for he will), but when. Any early-season implosion will likely put Brady Quinn under center, while if he makes it to the waning weeks of the season, Tim Tebow will likely get the opportunity to start working towards next season. Now Matt Moore is an entirely different story. I actually like Moore. Last season he took over as the starting QB, and over five games completed 61.7% of his passes for 1,053 yards, 8 touchdowns, and only 2 interceptions. The problem for him is Jimmy Clausen. Clausen has been impressive so far in the preseason, including making a strong case for himself Thursday night against the Ravens. If Matt Moore has even a few sub-par games, expect Clausen to get the nod.
Again, no one will faint in shock when this prediction comes true. Matt Leinart may be listed on the Cardinals' roster as a quarterback, but he's a professional ball-dropper. Remember the 2008 preseason, when he basically handed the starting job back to Kurt Warner? Expect the same thing, just over a longer period of time, since Derek Anderson isn't great either. Best case scenario, he becomes an average signal caller, and keeps the starting job for a season or two. But he'll never live up to being the 10th overall draft pick. By the way, check out LOL Jocks for more awesome pictures like this one.
2.) The Cowboys will win more than one playoff game
Last season, Dallas put all the pieces together at the right time, going 8-3 after their week six bye. Their defense stepped up, Miles Austin became a monster Wide receiver, and guys like Mike Jenkins and Anthony Spencer became leaders. Look for that to continue this season, as the defense should be even better this season, and Dez Bryant gives a versatile offense another weapon to force opposing D's to consider. They also managed to beat the Eagles 34-14 in the opening round of the playoffs, notching their first playoff win since 1996. They're looking to expand on that, and don't be surprised when the 'Boys show up in the NFC championship game. I'll be the guy on this website typing "I told you so." And in case you forgot just how good Dallas can be, here's a reminder: Their week 15 victory over the eventual world champion Saints.
1.) Brett Farve will play for the Vikings
Does anyone still believe the hoopla about Brett Farve toying with retirement? Look, if he were retiring, he wouldn't have had ankle surgery during the offseason. Let's call it what it is: An old guy that doesn't want to go through training camp. He'll be back on the field for the Vikes, and he'll be trying to get them back to within a game of the Super Bowl. Honestly, I don't mind the old fella skipping training camp, as long as he can still do this.
Well, that will do it for this week people. Check back next week to see what's we've got going on, and get ready for the regular season live video broadcasts. Peace.
Welcome back readers! If you couldn't tell by my pleasant, insult-less greeting, I'm in a great mood this week. Training camps are under way, Farvewatch is back for a third season(it really should be a reality TV show), and everyone still hates Matt Leinart. All is right in the world. But, since all we've heard the last few days is who all has been limping around the practice fields, I'll be providing updates on some of those injuries, as well as the outlooks for those players. Oh, and remember when I said don't draft your fantasy football team yet? This is why.
On Saturday, the Eagles' start wide receiver twisted around to make a catch, straining his back. It was a non-contact injury, and he was carted off the field as a safety precaution. Jackson's teammates, Coach Andy Reid, and ESPN's Adam Schefter have all reported that Jackson will be fine. He's currently listed as day-to-day, but expect him to be back on the field improving his rapport with new QB Kevin Kolb very
soon.
Outlook: This changes nothing for Jackson, and his current ADP of 28 overall is way too low. Expect this to be the season D-Jax develops into the elite receiver. If you can get him late 2nd round or early in round 3 of your fantasy football draft, take him. and reap the benefits.
Knowshon Moreno (hamstring):
Denver's second year running back went down Saturday with what was initially reported as a hamstring tear. CBS.com later reported on Sunday that his MRI showed no significant tear in his right hamstring, and the injury was downgraded to a hamstring strain. He's still likely to miss the next three weeks, but will be ready to go before the regular season opens.
Outlook: Again, nothing to worry about here except the sophmore slump. The rest actually should be a positive, as the less carries now should keep him fresh longer during the season. Many experts are expecting Moreno to become a star this season, and I'm not disagreeing with them. The former University of Georgia standout should be a high quality RB2, and could upgrade to an RB1 if he has the breakout season many have envisioned. Also, the Bronco's signing of LenDale White is of minor concern. He may not even make the final cuts, but if he does, the worst-case scenario is that he steals a few goal line carries.
Dez Bryant (ankle):
Bad luck here. Bryant got off to a great start (minus the pads incident with Roy Williams), developing a great chemistry with quarterback Tony Romo and impressing everyone involved with the Cowboys' organization. But a high ankle sprain has sidelined him for the next 4-6 weeks, and he is currently listed as questionable for the season opener vs. Washington on September 12th. But Tony Romo believes in his young receiver, stating "We're lucky it's just a high ankle sprain and not something more severe. But he'll be back, and he'll be ready to go. He's a hard-working kid, and he'll be ready." And Romo is right, Bryant is still hard at work, catching passes on the sidelines wearing a boot, then watching the offense run through plays while getting details from various coaches.
Outlook: While this is a few steps back, don't be too concerned. He may miss the first game, but he'll most definitely be back in time for a week 2 showing against the Bears. It won't take a player of his caliber long to get the timing down with his QB,and he should be a nice WR2 by week 5 at the latest.
Cadillac Williams (ankle):
The positive: It wasn't a knee injury, which Cadillac has had problems with in the past(both knees have been surgically repaired). On Sunday, Williams suffered what the training staff and head coach Raheem Morris called a mild high ankle sprain. He's likely to be out until the Bucs' second preseason game against Kansas City on August 21st. Tampa Bay will likely limit his carries until the regular season, but by then he should be ready to roll. The negative: This will open the door for Derrick Ward to impress the coaching staff, and could lead to him stealing a larger share of the workload than expected.
Outlook: Remember, Ward rushed for over 1,000 yards as a member of the Giants in 2008, so keep an eye on him for the next few weeks. Cadillac will still be a viable RB2 in 2010, but if his counterpart steals too many carries, it moves him down the ranking a bit. But at his current ADP of 95, he's still a great pick in rounds 8-10.
Montario Hardesty (knee):
Another tough shake, Hardesty went down Thursday with a twisted knee, and will miss "a couple weeks" according to Browns' head coach Eric Mangini. This further muddles the Cleveland backfield situation, although temporarily. The team will likely ease him back in slowly, as he had a history of knee issues during his days at Tennessee. He'll likely be out until the second preseason game against St. Louis, but he should be the number one back for the Browns come opening day.
Outlook: This could result in a timeshare for a few weeks, as Jerome Harrison had three straight 100 yard rushing games at the end of last season. Do not doubt that Hardesy is the Cleveland back to own, but be wary of Harrison. A few big games could tilt the workload into his favor.
Well, that's all for this week. If you want information on any other injuries, or have a question about a player your interested in, leave a comment, or ask me directly via our new Facebook page. See you next week.
