Ah, it’s getting to be that time again…time to start preparing for your drafts. Post 2012 draft rankings are starting to emerge. The folks over at FootballGuys just posted their Player Rankings. I would say it’s as good as any rankings out there at this point in the year. I just wanted to make this quick post to let you guys know that we’re still here and to start preparing for the 2012 Fantasy Football Season. We have a lot in store for you this year!
If there is anything in this world I hate, it’s a bandwagon sports fan. I feel physically ill when I hear the word fan associated with someone who has pulled for multiple teams in the same sport through the years. Granted we have to have a caveat for fantasy footballers to root for players on their fantasy squad, but even that has two hard fast rules in my book. Rule one is you never pull against your favorite team under any circumstances. Rule two is after the fantasy season is over, those players you’ve been rooting for all season are immediately return to the pool of low-down dirty scurvy that make up your favorite team’s bitter enemies. I have had undying loyalty to my favorite team, the Dallas Cowboys, since the 1978 Super Bowl, which at the age of 7 is my earliest clear memory of professional football. Never wanting to be one of those scumbag bandwagon people who call themselves fans, The Cowboys will be my team until death does us part. So why then am I giddy about the current prospects of pulling for a new NFL team? Let me explain…
The affair undermining my marriage with America’s Team began way back in 1998. You see, there is one football team that has my loyalty above the Cowboys, the University of Tennessee. The Vols once had a pretty good quarterback by the name of Peyton Manning. Now I know in my heart of hearts that pulling for anyone but the Cowboys is cheating, but I’d like to take this opportunity to point a finger at others and blame them for my indiscretions. When Peyton was selected by the Indianapolis Colts with the first pick of the 1998 NFL draft, Colts merchandise flooded the sports apparel market in the state of Tennessee. Peer pressure enticed me to support our beloved hero and become a Colts fan.
Since I’m baring my soul here, I’ll go ahead and be honest. Peer pressure had nothing to do with my choice to engage in this affair with the Colts. For four years in his college career, I watched young Peyton Manning walk on water (in this case the Tennessee River which hosts the Vol Navy on fall Saturdays in Knoxville). He sent me an autographed photo to Kunsan Air Base, Korea where I was stationed that read “Thanks for all you do. Keep up the good work. God Bless. Peyton Manning.” He had provided me with my most treasured football memory to that point, an emotional victory in Tuscaloosa that broke an excruciatingly long painful losing streak to Alabama. He led the Big Orange to victory in the first bowl game I ever saw in person. He played in the same backfield with my all-time favorite athlete, James “Little Man” Stewart, once the All-Time leading rusher in Tennessee history and once scored 5 rushing Touchdowns in a game for the Jacksonville Jaguars, who was a childhood teammate of mine in several sports. He postponed becoming the best quarterback ever by returning for his senior season at Tennessee, earning the eternal devotion of Vol Nation. I saw Peyton’s last game in Neyland Stadium, where he beat Vanderbilt before ascending a ladder to lead the Pride of the Southland in a famous rendition of Rocky Top. I, as a grown man of 26 years, bawled the night they gave Peyton’s Heisman Trophy to Charles Woodson in the single biggest rip-off in the history of American sports. (Note- That night I vowed to never again watch the Heisman presentation, and I haven’t) So I can’t sincerely blame the masses for my decision to become a Colts fan, but I can assure you that I’m only one of a huge number of Tennessee fans that did. In my defense, I never pulled for the Colts when they played the Cowboys. Hey, I may be a Bill Clinton, but I’m not a Judas!
So Colts, here we are, 14 years, 60,000 yards, 428 touchdowns, 4 MVP awards, 2 Super Bowls and a world championship later. You have been my second team and provided me with more treasured memories than the Cowboys over that period of time. I will even admit in private that I enjoyed the victory over Tom Brady and the Patriots in the 2006 AFC Championship game more than the 3 Cowboys’ Super Bowl victories in the early ‘90s. Indy has been a great bedfellow, but I’m afraid you’ve lost your charm. I’ve got to be honest with you and let you know I never loved you for your great blue color, or your cool logo, or your Midwestern charm, or even your Lucas Oil money. I only loved you for your quarterback, and as hard as this is for me to say…we’re through, over, done, splitsville baby! Thanks for the memories, but like the man said “Nothing lasts forever”. Well maybe that’s not exactly true, my loyalty to Peyton will last forever.
So, Peyton… where are “we” going? Will it be sunny South Beach? You know Reggie is a Miami guy! Arrowhead Stadium? They have the best fans in the NFL. J-E-T-S, Jets, Jets, Jets? Roll into the Big Apple and show little Bro who the real Quarterback is? I’m kind of liking the desert myself. Can you imagine Larry Fitzgerald on the other end of a Manning missile? Oh yeah P, I’m okay with this move and all, but there is one thing I ask. Please, Please, Please not the Redskins. We don’t want to put that whole “loyal forever” thing I said to the test!
Congrats once again on being far enough in the playoffs to read this article. This was a rather crazy week to say the least. Hopefully you came out on the top end. Here are the top waiver wire pickups for week 16…
QB –
Kyle Orton, KC: Kyle Orton looked good against the Packers and has a nice match-up next week against Oakland. If you need a quick replacement, even for just a week, Orton is your guy.
Jake Locker, TEN: It is likely that Tennessee will start Locker now that they are no longer in the playoff hunt. He has looked good every time he’s been in the lineup.
RB -
Donald Brown, IND: Brown put on quite the performance against the Titans rushing for 161 yards and a touchdown. He has shown the most promise out of all Indy RBs.
WR -
Darrius Heyward-Bey, OAK: DHB is healthy again and putting up good numbers. He had eight receptions for 155 yards and a touchdown. It was also a good sign that Denarius Moore was back in the lineup and Heyward-Bey was still getting the production.
If you’re reading this still, congratulations, either you’ve made it to the playoffs, or you’re close to making it. These could perhaps be your most important waiver wire adds yet. Pay close attention to the following waiver wire pickups for week 15…
QB –
Jake Locker, TEN: Matt Hasselbeck went out yet again with an injury and again Locker stepped up to the plate. With his throwing accuracy and Tim Tebow-esque running abilities, he threw for 282 yards with a touchdown and ran for another. He’s my top QB target this week.
T.J. Yates, HOU: I have to admit, I wasn’t expecting to post him here after going up against the Bengals but the guy threw for 300 yards and two touchdowns. In a high powered offense such as Houston, you can’t overlook the QB newb.
Joe Webb, MIN: Once again, another guy I didn’t expect to be writing about. Joe Webb looked like Michael Vick nearly erasing a 17 point deficit against Detroit.
RB -
Ryan Grant, GB: After having no touchdowns all season, Grant steps up big without James Starks in the lineup and scores two touchdowns. On ten carries Grant went for 85 yards. If Starks is out more time, consider starting Grant in your flex spot.
WR –
Demaryius Thomas, DEN: Thomas was on the waiver pickup column last week, but if he’s still out there in your league, he is stepping up big time. He now has over 220 yards and three touchdowns in two games.
Titus Young, DET: With everyone and their grandma double teaming Calvin Johnson, Titus Young is taking advantage of single coverage. He went for over 80 yards and a touchdown against the Vikings. Young could become a top target for Matthew Stafford over these last three games of the season.
TE -
Jake Ballard, NYG: Ballard went for 52 yards on four receptions with a touchdown…but that’s not why I’m recommending him. Eli Manning is going nuts lately and I don’t see that changing. Ballard will get his share.
For most in the world of Fantasy Football this is the last week to make the run at the tops spots that will lead you to the playoffs. If you’re still in the hunt you understand how crucial your lineup is to your success. One false hope of what your player might do come Sunday could set you up for failure. There have been the consistent standouts week in and week out and there have been players who make you want to throw nachos at the t.v. In the end, the most important players are the ones you want to start, the ones you know you should start, the ones who will lead you to that all elusive fantasy football title.
Aaron Rodgers; QB Green Bay Packers, Hot: This one was a toss up for me. I also considered Drew Brees but he can be very spotty on the road and that’s exactly where they are playing this week. What can you really say about Rodgers except good things. He’s had a crazy wicked season throwing for 3,844 yards so far and 37 touchdowns. His only blemish, if you want to call it that, is his 5 interceptions and really doesn’t everyone deserve to make a couple of mistakes every now and then. Rodgers led his team to victory late in the 4th quarter last week finishing with 369 yards, 4 touchdowns, and that 1 interception no one even remembers. In 58 seconds Rodgers took his team from the brink of saying goodbye to an unbeaten season to the glory of pulling out a tough matchup with the Giants. If there is anyone I want on my team this week under center it’s Rodgers especially against an Oakland team that looked pretty horrible last week
Willis McGahee; RB Denver Broncos, Hot: The Denver Broncos are beyond lucky to have McGahee as their running back. I will try not to be a Tebow pessimist but without McGahee the Broncos are not occupying the position they currently sit in, atop the AFC West. McGahee’s performance last week was just another strong outing in his list of noteworthy games this season. McGahee has rushed for over 100 yards in 6 games and scored 4 touchdowns. Tebow relies on McGahee and together they have lead the Broncos to an almost impossible run at the playoffs. I still firmly believe every team that has even the slightest chance of winning the Superbowl must have a strong QB, but McGahee just might be able to get the Broncos deeper into the playoffs then most people think.
It’s getting to the point where everyone pretty much has their lineup set for the playoff stretch, but if you’re still in need or one of your guys went down this week, there are a couple gems out there. Here are the top fantasy football waiver wire pickups in order from top to bottom, by position.
QB -
Christian Ponder, MIN: Ponder had a huge game throwing for 381 yards and 3 touchdowns against a stingy Denver defense as of late. If you’re looking for a QB, he’s the only stand out for this week worth grabbing.
Matt Moore, MIA: Moore continues to produce as the Dolphins are playing lights out. He’s another solid pickup off waivers.
RB -
Marion Barber, CHI: Matt Forte came out of the game with what is expected to be a torn MCL. Barber will be the guy in Chicago and is a must add fantasy pickup this week.
It’s week 13 and there’s only 5 weeks left till Playoff time. At this point the elite teams have made their presence known and the not so elite can’t wait to put their helmets away for the season. Will the Colts win a game this season; will the Packers lose a game? Can Tebow do what everyone is saying is the impossible and lead his team to the playoffs, or will Palmer help maintain Oakland’s spot at the top. All great questions and with so little time left and so much football left to play anything can happen.
Rex Grossman; QB Washington Redskins, Hot: There were a number of QBs that threw for more yards and more touchdowns than Grossman in Week 12. I can’t help but give him props this week though considering all it took to get here. Grossman was the starter for the Redskins for the first snap of the season but couldn’t manage to keep the job for the long haul. After the failed experiment that was John Beck, the skins went back to Grossman and it finally payed off. Rex threw for 314 yards and 2 touchdowns to lead the Skins to a late 4th quarter comeback. Let’s not get too excited just yet about what Rex can do, but it’s a good start to a team that until Sunday was spiraling out of control.
Tyler Palko; QB Kansas City Chiefs, Not: Palko has had a rough go of it since he took over for the injured Matt Cassel. The only thing he’s managed to do is throw interception after interception including 3 on Sunday against the Steelers. The Chiefs are so concerned about Palko’s production, or lack thereof, that Kyle Orton was claimed off of waivers last week. If Palko continues to be the starter he will go up against a Bears defense that shows very little mercy on inexperienced and underperforming quarterbacks.
Beanie Wells; RB Arizona Cardinals, Hot: Wells was absolutely unstoppable on Sunday against the Rams with 228 yards and a touchdown. It helped that the Rams run defense is pretty non-existent. Wells had 27 carries on the day and helped to push the cardinals over the hump for a 23-20 victory. The Cardinals will play Dallas in week 13 and even though the Cowboys run defense is on a different level than the Rams, Wells has an opportunity to keep his team in the game and potentially cue up another win.
Sorry I’m a little later than usual in getting these up. Here’s the top waiver wire pickups for week 13 in order from top to bottom by position.
QB -
Ryan Fitzpatrick, BUF: He’s been on the decline as of late so to see a performance such as this against the Jets is very promising. He threw for 264 yards and three touchdowns. Now that Fred Jackson is out of the mix, the Bills will have to rely more on their passing game.
Vince Young, PHI: Young threw for an impressive 400 yards and a touchdown against the Patriots. Albeit he had an easy match-up, that’s still impressive. As long as Vick is still out, Young could fill in nicely if you’re in need of a QB.
RB -
Maurice Morris, DET: Kevin Smith took over the starting role for the Lions but now that he went down with an ankle injury, Morris gets back in there. He might even have more value now that Smith is out of the picture.
Donald Brown, IND: I read somewhere that he is someone to avoid but I disagree. Addai re-aggravated his hamstring injury and Brown is obviously the most productive back. I like Brown going forward for the Colts against favorable match-ups.
Kendall Hunter, SF: As soon as the 49ers lock in their playoff spot, they will rest Frank Gore. Look for Hunter to get an increased role in games that don’t really matter.
WR -
Greg Little, CLE: Little is still out there in a bunch of leagues. He finally got in the end zone this week and continues to be the most productive receiver out of Cleveland.
If you only have one or two losses at this point, you’re simply just fine tuning the roster for the gold. But if you’re at the bottom of the standings looking up, your probably more interested in what David Beckham and Posh Spice’s next move is after winning the MLS CUP this past Sunday than you are in this Weeks 12 games.
Then… there’s the rest of us! Fantasy owners whose teams sit in the middle of the pack. Our playoff hopes on the cusp the next few weeks. Continue reading
The fantasy season is nearing it’s end. It’s time to make those final adjustments to your roster to get ready for playoffs. So here they are again, in order from top to bottom by position, here are the top fantasy football waiver wire pickups for week 12.
QB –
Matt Moore, MIA: I recommended Moore two weeks ago and he’s still doing work. He had another three TD day. He only threw for 160 yards, but it was a blowout and he didn’t have to throw much.
Jake Locker, TEN: Matt Hasselbeck left the game with an injured elbow and Locker stepped up in a big way. He threw for two TDs, one being a 40 yarder to Nate Washington. Keep an eye on Hasselbeck’s injury status moving forward.
RB -
Kevin Smith, DET: Smith made a case to be the featured back in Detroit rushing for 140 yards on 16 carries and adding another 61 in the air with three TDs.
Toby Gerhart, MIN: Adrian Peterson went down with an ankle injury. In comes his handcuff Gerhart, who only went for 18 yards but has potential if Peterson misses some time.
Kendall Hunter, SF: I recommended Hunter last week, but go grab him if he’s still out there. As the 49ers move closer to clinching, Hunter will get more playing time.
