Thursday, December 20, 2007

STOCK EXCHANGE

By The Fantasy Trader, NFL Draft Bible

There is one playoff opponent that cannot be controlled and that is Mother Nature. The weather affected games in New England, Pittsburgh, New York and Cleveland last week. The reason my team is going to the Super Bowl is because I found the nerve to bench Tom Brady for Kurt Warner. The decision was the hardest one I ever had to make in fantasy and I finally pulled the trigger at 12:50. My team won by 13 points. Brady put up a 3 and Warner a 23. The playoffs bring out the owner in you. Are you a loyalty owner or a survival owner? Here are a few guys that are putting that question to the test.

WR Roddy White– was a waiver wire steal this year and has served as the missing ingredient to a bunch of fantasy playoff clubs. White has had weeks of 27 and 30 points and faces the 27th ranked defense in the Arizona Cardinals. Must start right? White managed just one catch for four yards last week. He has not clicked with quarterback Chris Redman. I say start him and hope that last week was more of the Buccaneers doing than White’s inability to get open.

QB Tony Romo – is dating Jessica Simpson. Who cares? Do you really think she is distracting him? I am sure Tony has done just fine throughout his dating life. Now his thumb injury is another story. Romo owners are concerned and I have seen him benched for quarterbacks like Brett Favre and David Garrard. You need to stay the course with Romo. I expect a big day from him and TO against the weak Panthers passing defense.

RB LaMont Jordan – will help try and mend the hearts of Justin Fargas owners. The problem here at that Dominic Rhodes is back and the possibility of sharing carries exists. Jordan came out with 3 straight 25 point weeks in a row and disappeared. I would not get involved in the running back situation in Oakland.

WR Isaac Bruce- is showing there is still something left in the tank. Bruce had 4 catches for 72 yards last week and gets a depressing Steelers secondary this week. I guarantee that Anthony Smith will not start. This could be Bruce’s last home game and he should go out with a bang. He is an ideal choice as a third WR or flex option.

RB Clinton Portis- has a real hard time getting any love from his owners. He fell in the draft because of previous injuries. He was supposed to eventually lose his job to Ladell Betts, but the man just keeps producing. This week the decision revolves around facing the number 1 ranked defense against the run. The Vikings are tough, but I say go with loyalty on this one. Start Portis over any wide receiver.

QB Carson Palmer- threw for 6 TD and scored 37 fantasy points the last time he faced the Browns. Since the weather has turned ugly, Palmer has been in a free fall. I would not expect the same results against the Browns this time around. The Bengals have show little life as of late and Cleveland needs this game. This time we take survival and Mother Nature over loyalty.

TE Tony Scheffler- is the hottest tight end not named Jason Witten. Scheffler grabbed seven balls for 100 yards and a TD last week against the Texans. He seems to be Jay Cutler’s next choice after Brandon Marshall. Without a secondary WR, teams have started to clamp down on Marshall, leaving Scheffler open. He should also benefit if the Broncos are without Daniel Graham or Brandon Stokley this week.

WR Steve Smith- has been one of the biggest fantasy busts this season. In his defense he has had Vinny Testaverde and David Carr throwing him passes all season. He had eight catches with Matt Moore at the helm. Look for Smith to reward the owners who have been waiting since week 6 for a TD.

RB-Brandon Jacobs- with never replace Tiki Barber with his ability to catch the ball, but he runs like a horse. Jacobs should have a big day against the Bills 22nd ranked run defense. The Giants really need this game and with tough weather condition in Buffalo look for Jacobs to handle a heavy load.

Rookie Report: David Harris (LB-NYJ)

By Ralph Mancini, NFL Draft Bible Senior Writer

Fresh off an 11-5 season in 2006, most ardent Jets fans had visions of their team continuing its ascent in the AFC as smart, workmanlike team capable of executing clutch, game-deciding plays late in games that would put them over the top in an extremely competitive conference.

Those grandiose expectations soon turned ominous in head coach Eric Mangini’s second campaign as New York was painfully exposed as a talent-deficient squad who had overachieved the year before.

Among the few things Gang Green aficionados can take solace in is the infusion of young blood in New York’s otherwise flimsy defense that has really given the team a much-needed shot in the arm.

Much like fellow rookie teammate Darrelle Revis, inside linebacker David Harris gave little indication of his inexperience when called upon to assume starter duties.

New York’s week eight contest versus Buffalo proved to be Harris’s coming-out party as the 47th overall pick in the 2007 NFL Draft made an unanticipated impact in place of Jonathan Vilma who suffered a devastating knee injury that prematurely ended his season the week before.

The former University of Michigan standout opened some eyes with a series of bone-crunching stops en route to recording 17 total tackles, three and a half of which resulted in lost yardage.
His punishing style immediately evoked memories of Marvin Jones, Mo Lewis and other stellar linebackers who once donned the green and white.

Harris followed up his promising start by authoring an astounding 24 tackles (20 solos) against a superior Washington Redskins team that many predicted would walk all over the hapless Jets.
Instead, the 6’ 2” 243-pound linebacker was a key component in helping his team make the game a tightly-contested matchup.

Harris’s inspiring takedown of running back Clinton Portis late in the fourth quarter enabled the Jets to trot their offense back on and drive for a game-tying field goal which forced overtime.
Ranked second overall among inside linebackers in the latest version of the NFL Draft Bible, the Grand Rapids, Michigan native’s on-field attributes went far beyond his physical qualities.
On the collegiate level, Harris was widely known as a uniquely discerning athlete who saw the field well which contributed to his aggressiveness when shedding blocks, finding the ball and stuffing oncoming ballcarriers.

He closed the book on his college career with a total of 196 tackles, four sacks, three forced fumbles, one interception and one fumble recovery.
His efforts were recognized when Harris not only became a finalist for the Butkus Award, but was also voted the team co-MVP along with tailback Mike Hart in his senior year.

When looking to revamp an undersized linebacking corps in their 3-4 scheme, the Jets front office were enamored both with his prototypical size and his technically-sound mechanics used to perfection when wrapping up opponents.

Despite lackluster speed and undeveloped coverage skills, Harris more than made up for his shortcomings with his natural leadership and thorough understanding of the sport.
“He’s got a good feel for where the ball is going prior to the snap and then adjusting post-snap,” said Mangini.

Since replacing Vilma, Harris has compiled 83 tackles with two sacks and a forced fumble.
To date, the precocious phenom is the team leader in tackles with 108 with only seven starts under his belt.

Also noteworthy is the fact that the youngster has taken a liking to calling plays and setting up the defense.

By all accounts, it would be safe to surmise the soon-to-be 24-year-old to be a complete package at linebacker, but playing behind a stamina-deprived nose guard in Dwayne Robertson has prevented Harris from becoming a weekly dominant presence.

With added beef to the front line, there’s little doubt that the rookie could flourish into an All-Pro in 2008.

The Fantasy Buzz, Week 16

By Fantasy Phil Eletto, Fantasy Football Insiders Senior Writer


It may have no Buzz effect, at least until next year, but it looks like Tuna is back in season down in Miami. Having turned down the challenge of righting the ship in Atlanta, Bill Parcells is almost certain to land in Miami after Dolphins owner Wayne Huizenga sent word Wednesday to Parcells that he has decided not to sell the team. Sources have told ESPN's Chris Mortensen and Len Pasquarelli that Parcells has a four-year agreement in place to become the Dolphins' vice president of football operations. Cam Cameron may have gotten a reprieve on this year, but this surely is not the vote of confidence he was hoping for. One more off fantasy topic--for all the points or even games Brian Westbrook may have cost his owners, admit that it was refreshing to witness true team play. How refreshing. Of course 90% of those saying this do not own him. Now for more on the players you own and need the buzz on…

Addai & Maroney are feeling it… in different ways? They came into 2007 ready to be top-five at the running back position. While Laurence Maroney finally got there, giving the Patriots and his owners what the paid for (albeit 15 weeks late). On the other side, the steady producer that was co-1st year starter Joseph Addai has fallen on hard times. With the Colts in about as good a shape as they can be from a seeding perspective, expect them not to press Addai and instead lean on Kenton Keith to close out the regular season. Keith’s stats will benefit, and so will his owners.

Reggie Bush is pushing to play vs. the Eagles, but was quoted as planning to be “judicious” about his decision. When Bush was healthy, his production as an every-down back was mildly disappointing. Until losing Bush, the Saints seemed to avoid using team captain Aaron Stecker in Deuce McAllister’s role. Stecker has proven himself worthy in his brief audition as the starter At the very least, Bush could be an extra asset as a change-of-pace option, a receiver out of the backfield, or just another distraction to the Eagles defense, the Times-Picayune reported.

Saints WR David Patten has become the second-most utilized receiver in the offense over the team’s last four games. He had 71 yards on four receptions last week and found the end zone for the second consecutive game, giving him three on the year.

Denver Broncos wide receiver (and offensive savior of the year) Brandon Marshall pleaded not guilty Tuesday to driving under the influence. Marshall was arrested in downtown Denver early on the morning of Oct. 22nd--hours after the Broncos beat the Steelers 31-28 in Denver. Marshall also faces charges of driving the wrong way on a one-way street and failing to drive in a single lane. Marshall is at least the third Broncos player to face criminal charges this year. Ever hear of a car service?

With Justin Fargas out for the season, the Raiders will look to make lemonade out of Dominick Rhodes. Don’t be surprised if they also look to get rookie Michael Bush as many looks as possible before the ’08 Draft. Keep an eye on Bush for next season.

RB Larry Johnson (foot) is not expected to return this week, so Kolby Smith is looking at a favorable match-up against the Lions, who are allowing the most rushing yards (159) and touchdowns (2.50) per game to the position over their last four games.

Warrick Dunn has shown flashes this season and could have a role on a team for another few years, but the Falcons are seeing what they have in Jerious Norwood. With a possible shot at Darren McFadden looming in the ’08 draft, they don’t have the luxury of waiting any longer.

As frustrating as it may be, you have to stick with Maurice Jones-Drew. Fred Taylor has been gravy to the Jags, and his production has means Jones-Drew’s legs should be fresh enough to remain an every week start, with upside to win a game for a lucky owner.

Texan veteran RB Ron Dayne wasn't even supposed to play Thursday because of a bum ankle, but the coaches kept him active just in case they needed him and, sure enough, midway through the third quarter, there was Dayne doing the Heisman pose in the end zone. Dayne finished with 67 yards on 11 carries, and rookie Darius Walker picked up 66 yards on 13 carries in the win over Denver. Expect carbon copy game plans vs. Indy & Jacksonville.

The list of wide receivers that should be put out to pasture (for this year) continues to grow. Marvin Harrison opened the gate, but it did not take long for Steve Smith, Javon Walker and Laveranues Coles to mosey on in. Marques Colston was on his way in only to remember there was pigskin to play. Don’t be fooled into thinking the returning D. J. Hackett will have Colsten’s good sense. His numbers may even be good, but he has not been able to make it through much action without getting hurt. Forget Hacket, Smith, Walker and Harrison until next year.

San Diego Chargers RB Darren Sproles saw the bulk of the carries on Sunday following a shoulder injury to backup RB Michael Turner. Sproles made the most of his unexpected chance, as he rushed for 122 yards on 25 carries with two touchdowns during a 51-14 win over Detroit.

Cowboy WR Terry Glenn is expected to practice this week in full pads for the first time since training camp and the second of her two arthroscopic knee surgeries. (S)He is attempting to get on the field for the final two games of the regular season with an eye on the playoffs.

Quick Hits:
Cowboy QB Tony Romo (thumb) was limited in practice Wednesday, but threw some passes and had no wrap on his hand to protect his bruised thumb, according to a report on Sirius NFL Radio. The team still expects him to be able to play Saturday night at Carolina, but coach Wade Phillips said Tuesday, "We're going to have to be careful." Backup Brad Johnson would start if Romo can't play.

Jets QB Kellen Clemens’ status is uncertain for this week because of a rib injury. Coach Eric Mangini said Wednesday that he hadn't yet made a decision on whether it will be Clemens or Chad Pennington, but said Clemens would start Sunday if he recovers in time from the injury and is mentally and physically prepared.

Texans QB Matt Schaub is expected to miss another week because of his dislocated shoulder. Sage Rosenfels is expected to start against Indianapolis. He is 3-0 as a starter this season and has looked almost as comfortable operating the offense as the pre-injury Schaub.

With Roy Williams’ move to IR officially ending his season, the Detroit passing game should resemble last week’s distribution: Shaun McDonald 13 targets, Calvin Johnson 12, Mike Furrey 10.

With Jeremy Shocky KO’ed, look for Amani Toomer to get 75% of the passes that would have gone to the tight end. The other 25%? Sinorice Moss.

Denver TE Tony Sheffler has quietly been the keystone of the Denver passing game in the second half of this season.

For what its worth, 49ers quarterback Shaun Hill is clicking with Vernon Davis, big time.

Samkon Gado should get the call in Miami. Whether that’s good news or bad news depends…he is facing the Patriots this week--you make the call. Jesse Chatman (ankle) is questionable again this week

If you need an all or nothing play this week, Garrett Wolfe is your man. He’s more of a scat back than your typical Chicago running back--think Eric Metcalf, Dave Meggett or Leon Washington.

“Throw Me the Damn Ball”
Players who had ten or more passes directed their way this past week. The shrinking list can be attributed to the arrival of winter weather:
Deion Branch 13
Justin McCareins 13
Marty Booker 13
Shaun McDonald 13
Plaxico Burress 13
Lee Evans 12
Chad Johnson 12
Randy Moss 12
Calvin Johnson 12
Brian Westbrook 12
Terrell Owens 12
Steve Smith 11
Brandon Jacobs 11
Isaac Bruce 10
Bobby Engram 10
Chris Baker 10
Jerry Porter 10
Mike Furrey 10
Jason Whitten 10

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While the regular and fantasy season is coming to an end, NFL Draft Bible’s draft research is just heating up. Stay with NFLDRAFTBIBLE.COM to see who your team is going to pick or who from your favorite conference or school will be moving on.

Best of luck in the playoffs, Rock on!