Bleacher Report - Articles by Jamal Collier

Fantasy Football Week 16: Tight End, Kicker, and Defense Rankings

Jamal Collier — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 18:48:29 -0500

This is it: Championship Week. Check out where your players stand going into Week 16.

Tight Ends

Rank	Name	Team	Opponent
1	Tony Gonzalez	KC	vs MIA
2	Dallas Clark	IND	at JAX
3	Owen Daniels	HOU	at OAK
4	Jason Witten	DAL	vs BAL
5	Jerramy Stevens	TB	vs SD
6	Dustin Keller	NYJ	at SEA
7	Zach Millier	OAK	vs HOU
8	Kevin Boss	NYG	vs CAR
9	Greg Olsen	CHI	vs GB
10	Donald Lee	GB	at CHI
11	Antonio Gates	SD	at TB
12	Heath Miller	PIT	at TEN
13	Vernon Davis	SF	at STL
14	Visanthe Shiancoe	MIN	vs ATL
15	Anthony Fasano	MIA	at KC

Kickers

Rank	Name	Team	Opponent
1	Stephen Gostkowski	NE	vs ARI
2	Josh Brown	STL	vs SF
3	Nick Folk	DAL	vs BAL
4	Robbie Gould	CHI	vs GB
5	David Akers	PHI	at WAS
6	Ryan Longwell	MIN	vs ATL
7	Phil Dawson	CLE	vs CIN
8	Jason Elam	ATL	at MIN
9	Neil Rackers	ARI	at NE
10	Rian Lindell	BUF	at DEN
11	Nate Kaeding	SD	at TB
12	Rob Bironas	TEN	vs PIT
13	Jay Feely	NYJ	at SEA
14	Kris Brown	HOU	at OAK
15	John Carney	NYG	vs CAR

Defenses/Special Teams

Rank	Name	Team	Opponent
1	Steelers	PIT	at TEN
2	Cowboys	DAL	vs BAL
3	Eagles	PHI	at WAS
4	Bears	CHI	vs GB
5	Ravens	BAL	at DAL
6	Titans	TEN	vs PIT
7	Jets	NYJ	at SEA
8	Vikings	MIN	vs ATL
9	Saints	NO	at DET
10	Texans	HOU	at OAK
11	Giants	NYG	vs CAR
12	Buccaneers	TB	vs SD
13	Colts	IND	at JAX
14	Cardinals	ARI	at NE
15	49ers	SF	at STL

Good luck!

Fantasy Football Week 16: Quarterback, Running Back, and Receiver Rankings

Jamal Collier — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 18:42:00 -0500

This is it. Championship week. Check out where your players stand going into Week 16.

Quarterbacks

Rank	Name	Team	Opponent
1	Kurt Warner	ARI	at NE
2	Drew Brees	NO	at DET
3	Peyton Manning	IND	at JAX
4	Matt Cassel	NE	vs ARI
5	Matt Schaub	HOU	at OAK
6	Donovan McNabb	PHI	at WAS
7	Aaron Rodgers	GB	at CHI
8	Jay Cutler	DEN	vs BUF
9	Tyler Thigpen	KC	vs MIA
10	Brett Favre	NYJ	at SEA
11	Ben Roethlisberger	PIT	at TEN
12	Brian Griese	TB	vs SD
13	Chad Pennington	MIA	at KC
14	Eli Manning	NYG	vs CAR
15	Matt Ryan	ATL	at MIN
16	Tony Romo	DAL	vs BAL
17	Gus Frerotte/Tarvaris Jackson	MIN	vs ATL
18	Jake Delhomme	CAR	at NYG
19	Philip Rivers	SD	at TB
20	Kyle Orton	CHI	vs GB
21	Dan Orlovsky	DET	vs NO
22	Marc Bulger	STL	vs SF
23	Ryan Fitzpatrick	CIN	at CLE
24	Shaun Hill	SF	at STL
25	David Garrard	JAX	vs IND

Running Backs

Rank	Name	Team	Opponent
1	Adrian Peterson	MIN	vs ATL
2	Pierre Thomas	NO	at DET
3	Thomas Jones	NYJ	at SEA
4	Steve Slaton	HOU	at OAK
5	Steven Jackson	STL	vs SF
6	Matt Forte	CHI	vs GB
7	Brian Westbrook	PHI	at WAS
8	LaDainian Tomlinson	SD	at TB
9	Michael Turner	ATL	at MIN
10	DeAngelo Williams	CAR	at NYG
11	Marshawn Lynch	BUF	at DEN
12	Ryan Grant	GB	at CHI
13	Ronnie Brown	MIA	at KC
14	Maurice Jones-Drew	JAX	vs IND
15	Warrick Dunn	TB	vs SD
16	Cedric Benson	CIN	at CLE
17	Kevin Smith	DET	vs NO
18	Brandon Jacobs	NYG	vs CAR
19	Frank Gore	SF	at STL
20	Clinton Portis	WAS	vs PHI
21	Darren McFadden	OAK	vs HOU
22	Larry Johnson	KC	vs MIA
23	Chester Taylor	MIN	vs ATL
24	Joseph Addai	IND	at JAX
25	Tashard Choice	DAL	vs BAL
26	Le'Ron McClain	BAL	at DAL
27	Marion Barber	DAL	vs BAL
28	Dominic Rhodes	IND	at JAX
29	Leon Washington	NYJ	at SEA
30	Willie Parker	PIT	at TEN
31	DeShaun Foster	SF	at STL
32	Jamal Lewis	CLE	vs CIN
33	Jonathan Stewart	CAR	at NYG
34	Ricky Williams	MIA	at KC
35	Chris Johnson	TEN	vs PIT
36	Tatum Bell	DEN	vs BUF
37	Sammy Morris	NE	vs ARI
38	Mewelde Moore	PIT	at TEN
39	Correll Buckhalter	PHI	at WAS
40	Maurice Morris	SEA	vs NYJ
41	Julius Jones	SEA	vs NYJ
42	Derrick Ward	NYG	vs CAR
43	Jerious Norwood	ATL	at MIN
44	Cadillac Williams	TB	vs SD
45	Tim Hightower	ARI	at NE
46	Fred Jackson	BUF	at DEN
47	Kevin Faulk	NE	vs ARI
48	Kenneth Darby	STL	vs SF
49	LenDale White	TEN	vs PIT
50	Ladell Betts	WAS	vs PHI

Wide Receivers

Rank	Name	Team	Opponent
1	Larry Fitzgerald	ARI	at NE
2	Calvin Johnson	DET	vs NO
3	Anquan Boldin	ARI	at NE
4	Randy Moss	NE	vs ARI
5	Antonio Bryant	TB	vs SD
6	Roddy White	ATL	at MIN
7	Reggie Wayne	IND	at JAX
8	Greg Jennings	GB	at CHI
9	Brandon Marshall	DEN	vs BUF
10	Dwayne Bowe	KC	vs MIA
11	Steve Smith	CAR	at NYG
12	Marques Colston	NO	at DET
13	Lee Evans	BUF	at DEN
14	Andre Johnson	HOU	at OAK
15	Bernard Berrian	MIN	vs ATL
16	Wes Welker	NE	vs ARI
17	Vincent Jackson	SD	at TB
18	DeSean Jackson	PHI	at WAS
19	TJ Houshmandzadeh	CIN	at CLE
20	Eddie Royal	DEN	vs BUF
21	Anthony Gonzalez	IND	at JAX
22	Lance Moore	NO	at DET
23	Donnie Avery	STL	vs SF
24	Davone Bess	MIA	at KC
25	Kevin Curtis	PHI	at WAS
26	Devin Hester	CHI	vs GB
27	Domenik Hixon	NYG	vs CAR
28	Laveranues Coles	NYJ	at SEA
29	Dennis Northcutt	JAX	vs IND
30	Braylon Edwards	CLE	vs CIN
31	Terrell Owens	DAL	vs BAL
32	Hines Ward	PIT	at TEN
33	Jerricho Cotchery	NYJ	at SEA
34	Donald Driver	GB	at CHI
35	Steve Breaston	ARI	at NE
36	Derrick Mason	BAL	at DAL
37	Chris Chambers	SD	at TB
38	Torry Holt	STL	vs SF
39	Santana Moss	WAS	vs PHI
40	Isaac Bruce	SF	at STL
41	Kevin Walter	HOU	at OAK
42	Chad Johnson	CIN	at CLE
43	Mark Clayton	BAL	at DAL
44	Santonio Holmes	PIT	at TEN
45	Bobby Engram	SEA	vs NYJ
46	Ted Ginn Jr.	MIA	at KC
47	Amani Toomer	NYG	vs CAR
48	Reggie Williams	JAX	vs IND
49	Deion Branch	SEA	vs NYJ
50	Roy Williams	DAL	vs BAL

Good luck!

Week 15 Fantasy Football Positional Rankings: TEs, Ks, and DSTs

Jamal Collier — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 17:39:30 -0500

The fantasy football playoffs are underway, and it's win or go home. Check out the Week 15 positional rankings.

Tight Ends

Rank	Name	Team	Opponent
1	Tony Gonzalez	KC	vs SD
2	Dallas Clark	IND	vs DET
3	Owen Daniels	HOU	vs TEN
4	Jason Witten	DAL	vs NYG
5	Greg Olsen	CHI	vs NO
6	Chris Cooley	WAS	at CIN
7	Bo Scaife	TEN	at HOU
8	John Carlson	SEA	at STL
9	Heath Miller	PIT	at BAL
10	Kevin Boss	NYG	at DAL
11	Dustin Keller	NYJ	vs BUF
12	Visanthe Shiancoe	MIN	at ARI
13	Donald Lee	GB	at JAX
14	Zach Millier	OAK	vs NE
15	Tony Scheffler	DEN	at CAR

Kickers

Rank	Name	Team	Opponent
1	Rob Bironas	TEN	at HOU
2	Stephen Gostkowski	NE	at OAK
3	Mason Crosby	GB	at JAX
4	Matt Prater	DEN	at CAR
5	Jeff Reed	PIT	at BAL
6	Josh Brown	STL	vs SEA
7	Matt Bryant	TB	at ATL
8	Rian Lindell	BUF	at NYJ
9	Ryan Longwell	MIN	at ARI
10	Neil Rackers	ARI	vs MIN
11	Robbie Gould	CHI	vs NO
12	Nick Folk	DAL	vs NYG
13	John Carney	NYG	at DAL
14	John Kasay	CAR	vs DEN
15	Nate Kaeding	SD	at KC

Defenses/Special Teams

Rank	Name	Team	Opponent
1	Colts	IND	vs DET
2	Dolphins	MIA	vs SF
3	Steelers	PIT	at BAL
4	Ravens	BAL	vs PIT
5	Titans	TEN	at HOU
6	Redskins	WAS	at CIN
7	Patriots	NE	at OAK
8	Jets	NYJ	vs BUF
9	Giants	NYG	at DAL
10	Eagles	PHI	vs CLE
11	Jaguars	JAX	vs GB
12	Cowboys	DAL	vs NYG
13	Buccaneers	TB	at ATL
14	Cardinals	ARI	vs MIN
15	Vikings	MIN	at ARI

Week 15 Fantasy Football Positional Rankings: QBs, RBs, and WRs

Jamal Collier — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 17:22:01 -0500

The fantasy football playoffs are underway, and it's win or go home. Check out the Week 15 positional rankings.

Quarterbacks

Rank	Name	Team	Opponent
1	Peyton Manning	IND	vs DET
2	Kurt Warner	ARI	vs MIN
3	Drew Brees	NO	at CHI
4	Philip Rivers	SD	at KC
5	Jay Cutler	DEN	at CAR
6	Tony Romo	DAL	vs NYG
7	Jake Delhomme	CAR	vs DEN
8	Kyle Orton	CHI	vs NO
9	Aaron Rodgers	GB	at JAX
10	Tyler Thigpen	KC	vs SD
11	Matt Cassel	NE	at OAK
12	Donovan McNabb	PHI	vs CLE
13	Jeff Garcia	TB	at ATL
14	Matt Ryan	ATL	vs TB
15	Eli Manning	NYG	at DAL
16	Ben Roethlisberger	PIT	at BAL
17	Brett Favre	NYJ	vs BUF
18	Chad Pennington	MIA	vs SF
19	David Garrard	JAX	vs GB
20	Jason Campbell	WAS	at CIN
21	Kerry Collins	TEN	at HOU
22	Matt Schaub	HOU	vs TEN
23	Marc Bulger	STL	vs SEA
24	Gus Frerotte	MIN	at ARI
25	JP Losman	BUF	at NYJ

Running Backs

Rank	Name	Team	Opponent
1	Steven Jackson	STL	vs SEA
2	Adrian Peterson	MIN	at ARI
3	DeAngelo Williams	CAR	vs DEN
4	Maurice Jones-Drew	JAX	vs GB
5	Brian Westbrook	PHI	vs CLE
6	Jonathan Stewart	CAR	vs DEN
7	Matt Forte	CHI	vs NO
8	Chris Johnson	TEN	at HOU
9	Clinton Portis	WAS	at CIN
10	Pierre Thomas	NO	at CHI
11	LaDainian Tomlinson	SD	at KC
12	Dominic Rhodes	IND	vs DET
13	Derrick Ward	NYG	at DAL
14	Michael Turner	ATL	vs TB
15	LenDale White	TEN	at HOU
16	Ronnie Brown	MIA	vs SF
16	Marshawn Lynch	BUF	at NYJ
17	Thomas Jones	NYJ	vs BUF
18	Larry Johnson	KC	vs SD
19	Reggie Bush	NO	at CHI
20	Marion Barber	DAL	vs NYG
21	Steve Slaton	HOU	vs TEN
22	Ryan Grant	GB	at JAX
23	Maurice Morris	SEA	at STL
24	Warrick Dunn	TB	at ATL
25	Darren McFadden	OAK	vs NE
26	Kevin Smith	DET	at IND
27	Tatum Bell	DEN	at CAR
28	DeShaun Foster	SF	at MIA
29	Chester Taylor	MIN	at ARI
30	Mewelde Moore	PIT	at BAL
31	Ricky Williams	MIA	vs SF
32	Jerious Norwood	ATL	vs TB
33	Jamal Lewis	CLE	at PHI
34	Ladell Betts	WAS	at CIN
35	Justin Fargas	OAK	vs NE
36	Darren Sproles	SD	at KC
37	Le'Ron McClain	BAL	vs PIT
38	Kevin Faulk	NE	at OAK
39	Fred Jackson	BUF	at NYJ
40	Julius Jones	SEA	at STL
41	Antonio Pittman	STL	vs SEA
42	Leon Washington	NYJ	vs BUF
43	Tim Hightower	ARI	vs MIN
44	Tashard Choice	DAL	vs NYG
45	Correll Buckhalter	PHI	vs CLE
46	Cadillac Williams	TB	at ATL
47	Ahmad Bradshaw	NYG	at DAL
48	Najeh Davenport	IND	vs DET
49	Brandon Jackson	GB	at JAX
50	Edgerrin James	ARI	vs MIN

Wide Receivers

Rank	Name	Team	Opponent
1	Anquan Boldin	ARI	vs MIN
2	Steve Smith	CAR	vs DEN
3	Calvin Johnson	DET	at IND
4	Larry Fitzgerald	ARI	vs MIN
5	Dwayne Bowe	KC	vs SD
6	Brandon Marshall	DEN	at CAR
7	Randy Moss	NE	at OAK
8	Reggie Wayne	IND	vs DET
9	Terrell Owens	DAL	vs NYG
10	Vincent Jackson	SD	at KC
11	Andre Johnson	HOU	vs TEN
12	TJ Houshmandzadeh	CIN	vs WAS
13	Antonio Bryant	TB	at ATL
14	Santana Moss	WAS	at CIN
15	Lance Moore	NO	at CHI
16	Roddy White	ATL	vs TB
17	Eddie Royal	DEN	at CAR
18	Lee Evans	BUF	at NYJ
19	Greg Jennings	GB	at JAX
20	Bernard Berrian	MIN	at ARI
21	Domenik Hixon	NYG	at DAL
22	Deion Branch	SEA	at STL
23	Mark Clayton	BAL	vs PIT
24	Donald Driver	GB	at JAX
25	Wes Welker	NE	at OAK
26	Braylon Edwards	CLE	at PHI
27	Justin Gage	TEN	at HOU
28	Ted Ginn Jr.	MIA	vs SF
29	Amani Toomer	NYG	at DAL
30	Hines Ward	PIT	at BAL
31	Marvin Harrison	IND	vs DET
32	Jerricho Cotchery	NYJ	vs BUF
33	Chris Chambers	SD	at KC
34	Torry Holt	STL	vs SEA
35	Chad Johnson	CIN	vs WAS
36	Anthony Gonzalez	IND	vs DET
37	Devin Hester	CHI	vs NO
38	Reggie Williams	JAX	vs GB
39	Davone Bess	MIA	vs SF
40	Marques Colston	NO	at CHI
41	Derrick Mason	BAL	vs PIT
42	DeSean Jackson	PHI	vs CLE
43	Laveranues Coles	NYJ	vs BUF
44	Bobby Engram	SEA	at STL
45	Donnie Avery	STL	vs SEA
46	Antwaan Randle El	WAS	at CIN
47	Steve Breaston	ARI	vs MIN
48	Roy Williams	DAL	vs NYG
49	Isaac Bruce	SF	at MIA
50	Santonio Holmes	PIT	at BAL

Week 14 Fantasy Football Rankings: Tight Ends, Kickers, and Defenses

Jamal Collier — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 10:30:33 -0500

The fantasy playoffs are on their way or have already arrived. Check out the Week 14 Fantasy Football Rankings for all of your must-win matchups.

Tight Ends

Rank	Name	Team	Opponent
1	Owen Daniels	HOU	at GB
2	Dallas Clark	IND	vs CIN
3	Antonio Gates	SD	vs OAK
4	Tony Gonzalez	KC	at DEN
5	Greg Olsen	CHI	vs JAX
6	Jason Witten	DAL	at PIT
7	Tony Scheffler	DEN	vs KC
8	Donald Lee	GB	vs HOU
9	Marcedes Lewis	JAX	at CHI
10	Dustin Keller	NYJ	at SF
11	Zach Millier	OAK	at SD
12	Heath Miller	PIT	vs DAL
13	Bo Scaife	TEN	vs CLE
14	Jeremy Shockey	NO	vs ATL
15	Kevin Boss	NYG	vs PHI

Kickers

Rank	Name	Team	Opponent
1	Jeff Reed	PIT	vs DAL
2	Josh Brown	STL	at ARI
3	John Carney	NYG	vs PHI
4	Stephen Gostkowski	NE	at SEA
5	Ryan Longwell	MIN	at DET
6	Mason Crosby	GB	vs HOU
7	Jason Hanson	DET	vs MIN
8	Rob Bironas	TEN	vs CLE
9	Nick Folk	DAL	at PIT
10	Matt Prater	DEN	vs KC
11	Neil Rackers	ARI	vs STL
12	Jason Elam	ATL	at NO
13	Rian Lindell	BUF	vs MIA
14	Phil Dawson	CLE	at TEN
15	Sebastian Janikowski	OAK	at SD

Defenses/Special Teams

Rank	Name	Team	Opponent
1	Titans	TEN	vs CLE
2	Jets	NYJ	at SF
3	Buccaneers	TB	at CAR
4	Chargers	SD	vs OAK
5	Dolphins	MIA	at BUF
6	Ravens	BAL	vs WAS
7	Cardinals	ARI	vs STL
8	Bears	CHI	vs JAX
9	Steelers	PIT	vs DAL
10	Giants	NYG	vs PHI
11	Jaguars	JAX	at CHI
12	Colts	IND	vs CIN
13	Packers	GB	vs HOU
14	Cowboys	DAL	at PIT
15	Falcons	ATL	at NO

Week 14 Fantasy Football Rankings: Quarterbacks, Running Backs, and Receivers

Jamal Collier — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 10:21:00 -0500

The fantasy playoffs are on their way or have already arrived. Check out the Week 14 Fantasy Football Rankings for all of your must-win matchups.

Quarterbacks

Rank	Name	Team	Opponent
1	Kurt Warner	ARI	vs STL
2	Peyton Manning	IND	vs CIN
3	Aaron Rodgers	GB	vs HOU
4	Matt Cassel	NE	at SEA
5	Matt Ryan	ATL	at NO
6	Drew Brees	NO	vs ATL
7	Jay Cutler	DEN	vs KC
8	Tony Romo	DAL	at PIT
9	Ben Roethlisberger	PIT	vs DAL
10	Tyler Thigpen	KC	at DEN
11	Brett Favre	NYJ	at SF
12	David Garrard	JAX	at CHI
13	Eli Manning	NYG	vs PHI
14	Jeff Garcia	TB	at CAR
15	Joe Flacco	BAL	vs WAS
16	Donovan McNabb	PHI	at NYG
17	Chad Pennington	MIA	at BUF
18	Philip Rivers	SD	vs OAK
19	Jake Delhomme	CAR	vs TB
20	Kyle Orton	CHI	vs JAX
21	Matt Hasselbeck	SEA	vs NE
22	Jason Campbell	WAS	at BAL
23	Trent Edwards	BUF	vs MIA
24	Gus Frerotte	MIN	at DET
25	Daunte Culpepper	DET	vs MIN
26	Ryan Fitzpatrick	CIN	at IND
27	Sage Rosenfels	HOU	at GB
28	Shaun Hill	SF	vs NYJ
29	Marc Bulger	STL	at ARI
30	Kerry Collins	TEN	vs CLE
31	Ken Dorsey	CLE	at TEN
32	JaMarcus Russell	OAK	at SD

Running Backs

Rank Name Team Opponent

1 Adrian Peterson MIN at DET

2 Thomas Jones NYJ at SF

3 Steve Slaton HOU at GB

4 Larry Johnson KC at DEN

5 Joseph Addai IND vs CIN

6 Maurice Jones-Drew JAX at CHI

7 LaDainian Tomlinson SD vs OAK

8 Matt Forte CHI vs JAX

9 Marshawn Lynch BUF vs MIA

10 Peyton Hillis DEN vs KC

11 Steven Jackson STL at ARI

12 Ryan Grant GB vs HOU

13 Chris Johnson TEN vs CLE

14 Michael Turner ATL at NO

15 DeAngelo Williams CAR vs TB

16 Brian Westbrook PHI at NYG

17 Ronnie Brown MIA at BUF

18 Kevin Smith DET vs MIN

19 Tim Hightower ARI vs STL

20 Marion Barber DAL at PIT

21 Brandon Jacobs NYG vs PHI

22 Warrick Dunn TB at CAR

23 Reggie Bush NO vs ATL

24 Mewelde Moore PIT vs DAL

25 Frank Gore SF vs NYJ

26 LenDale White TEN vs CLE

27 Derrick Ward NYG vs PHI

28 Leon Washington NYJ at SF

29 Jamal Lewis CLE at TEN

30 Kevin Faulk NE at SEA

31 Darren McFadden OAK at SD

32 Chester Taylor MIN at DET

33 Fred Taylor JAX at CHI

34 Ricky Williams MIA at BUF

35 Jerious Norwood ATL at NO

36 Ladell Betts WAS at BAL

37 Willie Parker PIT vs DAL

38 Antonio Pittman STL at ARI

39 Le'Ron McClain BAL vs WAS

40 Jonathan Stewart CAR vs TB

41 Dominic Rhodes IND vs CIN

42 Sammy Morris NE at SEA

43 Pierre Thomas NO vs ATL

44 Justin Fargas OAK at SD

45 Darren Sproles SD vs OAK

46 Maurice Morris SEA vs NE

47 Cadillac Williams TB at CAR

48 Brandon Jackson GB vs HOU

49 JJ Arrington ARI vs STL

50 Fred Jackson BUF vs MIA

Wide Receivers

Rank	Name	Team	Opponent
1	Anquan Boldin	ARI	vs STL
2	Randy Moss	NE	at SEA
3	Larry Fitzgerald	ARI	vs STL
4	Calvin Johnson	DET	vs MIN
5	Andre Johnson	HOU	at GB
6	Dwayne Bowe	KC	at DEN
7	Hines Ward	PIT	vs DAL
8	Roddy White	ATL	at NO
9	Reggie Wayne	IND	vs CIN
10	Eddie Royal	DEN	vs KC
11	Steve Smith	CAR	vs TB
12	Donald Driver	GB	vs HOU
13	Bernard Berrian	MIN	at DET
14	Lance Moore	NO	vs ATL
15	Laveranues Coles	NYJ	at SF
16	Brandon Marshall	DEN	vs KC
17	Mark Clayton	BAL	vs WAS
18	Wes Welker	NE	at SEA
19	Matt Jones	JAX	at CHI
20	Devin Hester	CHI	vs JAX
21	Greg Jennings	GB	vs HOU
22	Marvin Harrison	IND	vs CIN
23	Ted Ginn Jr.	MIA	at BUF
24	Marques Colston	NO	vs ATL
25	Terrell Owens	DAL	at PIT
26	DeSean Jackson	PHI	at NYG
27	Donnie Avery	STL	at ARI
28	Vincent Jackson	SD	vs OAK
29	Justin Gage	TEN	vs CLE
30	Antonio Bryant	TB	at CAR
31	TJ Houshmandzadeh	CIN	at IND
32	Braylon Edwards	CLE	at TEN
33	Santonio Holmes	PIT	vs DAL
34	Steve Breaston	ARI	vs STL
35	Amani Toomer	NYG	vs PHI
36	Derrick Mason	BAL	vs WAS
37	Santana Moss	WAS	at BAL
38	Domenik Hixon	NYG	vs PHI
39	Torry Holt	STL	at ARI
40	Sidney Rice	MIN	at DET
41	Davone Bess	MIA	at BUF
42	Anthony Gonzalez	IND	vs CIN
43	Kevin Walter	HOU	at GB
44	Lee Evans	BUF	vs MIA
45	Michael Jenkins	ATL	at NO
46	Jerricho Cotchery	NYJ	at SF
47	Deion Branch	SEA	vs NE
48	Antwaan Randle El	WAS	at BAL
49	Reggie Williams	JAX	at CHI
50	Mark Bradley	KC	at DEN

Week 13 Fantasy Football Rankings: Tight Ends, Kickers, and Defenses

Jamal Collier — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 17:10:17 -0500

Here are your Tight End, Kicker, and Defense rankings for Week 13. Good luck, and happy Thanksgiving.

Tight Ends

Rank	Name	Team	Opponent
1	Tony Gonzalez	KC	at OAK
2	Owen Daniels	HOU	vs JAX
3	Jason Witten	DAL	vs SEA
4	Kellen Winslow	CLE	vs IND
5	Antonio Gates	SD	vs ATL
6	Dallas Clark	IND	at CLE
7	Bo Scaife	TEN	at DET
8	Dustin Keller	NYJ	vs DEN
9	Todd Heap	BAL	at CIN
10	Tony Scheffler	DEN	at NYJ
11	Zach Millier	OAK	vs KC
12	Chris Cooley	WAS	vs NYG
13	Greg Olsen	CHI	at MIN
14	Marcedes Lewis	JAX	at HOU
15	Jeremy Shockey	NO	at TB

Kickers

Rank	Name	Team	Opponent
1	Stephen Gostkowski	NE	vs PIT
2	Nick Folk	DAL	vs SEA
3	Mason Crosby	GB	vs CAR
4	Rob Bironas	TEN	at DET
5	Robbie Gould	CHI	at MIN
6	Ryan Longwell	MIN	vs CHI
7	Sebastian Janikowski	OAK	vs KC
8	David Akers	PHI	vs ARI
9	Jason Elam	ATL	at SD
10	Jeff Reed	PIT	at NE
11	Josh Brown	STL	vs MIA
12	Matt Prater	DEN	at NYJ
13	Matt Stover	BAL	at CIN
14	Rian Lindell	BUF	vs SF
15	Nate Kaeding	SD	vs ATL

Defenses

Rank	Name	Team	Opponent
1	Titans	TEN	at DET
2	Jets	NYJ	vs DEN
3	Cowboys	DAL	vs SEA
4	Ravens	BAL	at CIN
5	Bills	BUF	vs SF
6	Giants	NYG	at WAS
7	Steelers	PIT	at NE
8	Dolphins	MIA	at STL
9	Bears	CHI	at MIN
10	Vikings	MIN	vs CHI
11	Buccaneers	TB	vs NO
12	Chiefs	KC	at OAK
13	Cardinals	ARI	at PHI
14	Colts	IND	at CLE
15	Eagles	PHI	vs ARI

Fantasy Football: Week 13 Positional Rankings

Jamal Collier — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 16:55:41 -0500

Week 13 includes a slate of three Thursday games for the Thanksgiving holiday. Check out where your fantasy players rank among the league's best this week.

Quarterbacks

Rank	Name	Team	Opponent
1	Peyton Manning	IND	at CLE
2	Tony Romo	DAL	vs SEA
3	Philip Rivers	SD	vs ATL
4	Kurt Warner	ARI	at PHI
5	Chad Pennington	MIA	at STL
6	Drew Brees	NO	at TB
7	Matt Ryan	ATL	at SD
8	Brett Favre	NYJ	vs DEN
9	Tyler Thigpen	KC	at OAK
10	Jay Cutler	DEN	at NYJ
11	Ben Roethlisberger	PIT	at NE
12	Aaron Rodgers	GB	vs CAR
13	Matt Cassel	NE	vs PIT
14	Trent Edwards	BUF	vs SF
15	David Garrard	JAX	at HOU
16	Jeff Garcia	TB	vs NO
17	Donovan McNabb	PHI	vs ARI
18	Jake Delhomme	CAR	at GB
19	Eli Manning	NYG	at WAS
20	Joe Flacco	BAL	at CIN
21	Jason Campbell	WAS	vs NYG
22	Derek Anderson	CLE	vs IND
23	Kyle Orton	CHI	at MIN
24	Kerry Collins	TEN	at DET
25	Matt Hasselbeck	SEA	at DAL
26	Ryan Fitzpatrick	CIN	vs BAL
27	Gus Frerotte	MIN	vs CHI
28	Daunte Culpepper	DET	vs TEN
29	Sage Rosenfels	HOU	vs JAX
30	Marc Bulger	STL	vs MIA
31	Shaun Hill	SF	at BUF
32	JaMarcus Russell	OAK	vs KC

Running Backs

Rank	Name	Team	Opponent
1	Ronnie Brown	MIA	at STL
2	Adrian Peterson	MIN	vs CHI
3	Marion Barber	DAL	vs SEA
4	DeAngelo Williams	CAR	at GB
5	Thomas Jones	NYJ	vs DEN
6	Michael Turner	ATL	at SD
7	Maurice Jones-Drew	JAX	at HOU
8	Warrick Dunn	TB	vs NO
9	LaDainian Tomlinson	SD	vs ATL
10	Frank Gore	SF	at BUF
11	Joseph Addai	IND	at CLE
12	Clinton Portis	WAS	vs NYG
13	Chris Johnson	TEN	at DET
14	Larry Johnson	KC	at OAK
15	Matt Forte	CHI	at MIN
16	Darren McFadden	OAK	vs KC
17	Marshawn Lynch	BUF	vs SF
18	Steve Slaton	HOU	vs JAX
19	Reggie Bush	NO	at TB
20	Derrick Ward	NYG	at WAS
21	Jamal Lewis	CLE	vs IND
22	Steven Jackson	STL	vs MIA
23	Brian Westbrook	PHI	vs ARI
24	Kevin Smith	DET	vs TEN
25	Ryan Grant	GB	vs CAR
26	Mewelde Moore	PIT	at NE
27	Ricky Williams	MIA	at STL
28	Maurice Morris	SEA	at DAL
29	Willis McGahee	BAL	at CIN
30	Tim Hightower	ARI	at PHI
31	LenDale White	TEN	at DET
32	Leon Washington	NYJ	vs DEN
33	Jerious Norwood	ATL	at SD
34	Peyton Hillis	DEN	at NYJ
35	Chester Taylor	MIN	vs CHI
36	Jamaal Charles	KC	at OAK
37	Jonathan Stewart	CAR	at GB
38	Fred Taylor	JAX	at HOU
39	Justin Fargas	OAK	vs KC
40	Willie Parker	PIT	at NE
41	Deuce McAllister	NO	at TB
42	Kevin Faulk	NE	vs PIT
43	Antonio Pittman	STL	vs MIA
44	Le'Ron McClain	BAL	at CIN
45	Fred Jackson	BUF	vs SF
46	JJ Arrington	ARI	at PHI
47	Dominic Rhodes	IND	at CLE
48	Julius Jones	SEA	at DAL
49	Cadillac Williams	TB	vs NO
50	Aaron Stecker	NO	at TB

Wide Receivers

Rank	Name	Team	Opponent
1	Roddy White	ATL	at SD
2	Terrell Owens	DAL	vs SEA
3	Greg Jennings	GB	vs CAR
4	Andre Johnson	HOU	vs JAX
5	Randy Moss	NE	vs PIT
6	Reggie Wayne	IND	at CLE
7	Anquan Boldin	ARI	at PHI
8	Ted Ginn Jr.	MIA	at STL
9	Steve Smith	CAR	at GB
10	Vincent Jackson	SD	vs ATL
11	Larry Fitzgerald	ARI	at PHI
12	Hines Ward	PIT	at NE
13	Calvin Johnson	DET	vs TEN
14	DeSean Jackson	PHI	vs ARI
15	Jerricho Cotchery	NYJ	vs DEN
16	Brandon Marshall	DEN	at NYJ
17	Braylon Edwards	CLE	vs IND
18	Lance Moore	NO	at TB
19	Wes Welker	NE	vs PIT
20	Lee Evans	BUF	vs SF
21	Dwayne Bowe	KC	at OAK
22	Torry Holt	STL	vs MIA
23	Marvin Harrison	IND	at CLE
24	Chris Chambers	SD	vs ATL
25	Bernard Berrian	MIN	vs CHI
26	TJ Houshmandzadeh	CIN	vs BAL
27	Marques Colston	NO	at TB
28	Donald Driver	GB	vs CAR
29	Derrick Mason	BAL	at CIN
30	Steve Smith	NYG	at WAS
31	Laveranues Coles	NYJ	vs DEN
32	Santana Moss	WAS	vs NYG
33	Devin Hester	CHI	at MIN
34	Kevin Walter	HOU	vs JAX
35	Matt Jones	JAX	at HOU
36	Chad Johnson	CIN	vs BAL
37	Roy Williams	DAL	vs SEA
38	Anthony Gonzalez	IND	at CLE
39	Kevin Curtis	PHI	vs ARI
40	Antonio Bryant	TB	vs NO
41	Santonio Holmes	PIT	at NE
42	Eddie Royal	DEN	at NYJ
43	Michael Jenkins	ATL	at SD
44	Donnie Avery	STL	vs MIA
45	Justin Gage	TEN	at DET
46	Sidney Rice	MIN	vs CHI
47	Mark Bradley	KC	at OAK
48	Muhsin Muhammad	CAR	at GB
49	Isaac Bruce	SF	at BUF
50	Deion Branch	SEA	at DAL

Tight Ends

Rank	Name	Team	Opponent
1	Tony Gonzalez	KC	at OAK
2	Owen Daniels	HOU	vs JAX
3	Jason Witten	DAL

Breaking News: Ocho Cinco Deactivated for Bengals-Steelers

Jamal Collier — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 08:24:17 -0500

Number 85 will be unavailable for the Bengals tonight after being deactivated for violating team rules. A lot of fantasy owners were disappointed with his season thus far anyway, so this may or may not affect your decision to start him, but I can say that the right decision this week is:

Sit Chad Johnson.

But what does that mean for the rest of the fantasy options in the Thursday game?

Bengals

Your Bengals prospects were already not looking good due to their opponent tonight, the Steelers. For instance, I wouldn't use any Bengal running back tonight. However, a couple of players take a bigger plunge: WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh and QB Ryan Fitzpatrick.

Housh will see greater defensive attention from the Steelers with 85 on the sideline. He might see more targets but could also see more deflections. Hopefully, Fitzpatrick wasn't your starting option this week.

Chris Henry should get the start and might be worth a flyer.

Steelers

The guys at home on offense don't change a whole lot. The Steelers could be looking at a longer time of possession, which could be a good thing for Willie Parker. The real gainer from this situation is the Steelers' defense. They could be in for a huge week—as if they weren't already.

Week 12 Fantasy Football Positional Rankings: Tight Ends, Kickers, and Defenses

Jamal Collier — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 16:16:56 -0500

The fantasy football playoff races are heating up. The following rankings are reflective of how I believe that NFL players will perform, from a fantasy standard scoring perspective, in Week 12.

See where your players stack up against the rest of the league.

Tight Ends

Rank	Name	Team	Opponent
1	Tony Gonzalez	KC	vs BUF
2	Antonio Gates	SD	vs IND
3	Dallas Clark	IND	at SD
4	Chris Cooley	WAS	at SEA
5	Owen Daniels	HOU	at CLE
6	Jason Witten	DAL	vs SF
7	Kellen Winslow	CLE	vs HOU
8	Greg Olsen	CHI	at STL
9	Tony Scheffler	DEN	vs OAK
10	Heath Miller	PIT	vs CIN
11	Dustin Keller	NYJ	at TEN
12	Zach Millier	OAK	at DEN
13	Kevin Boss	NYG	at ARI
14	Jeremy Shockey	NO	vs GB
15	Marcedes Lewis	JAX	vs MIN

Kickers

Rank	Name	Team	Opponent
1	Robbie Gould	CHI	at STL
2	Nick Folk	DAL	vs SF
3	Neil Rackers	ARI	vs NYG
4	David Akers	PHI	at BAL
5	Josh Brown	STL	vs CHI
6	Stephen Gostkowski	NE	at MIA
7	Matt Prater	DEN	vs OAK
8	Rob Bironas	TEN	vs NYJ
9	Shaun Suisham	WAS	at SEA
10	Matt Bryant	TB	at DET
11	Adam Vinatieri	IND	at SD
12	Mason Crosby	GB	at NO
13	Ryan Longwell	MIN	at JAX
14	Sebastian Janikowski	OAK	at DEN
15	Phil Dawson	CLE	vs HOU

Defenses/Special Teams

Rank	Name	Team	Opponent
1	Steelers	PIT	vs CIN
2	Buccaneers	TB	at DET
3	Titans	TEN	vs NYJ
4	Giants	NYG	at ARI
5	Browns	CLE	vs HOU
6	Bears	CHI	at STL
7	Ravens	BAL	vs PHI
8	Vikings	MIN	at JAX
9	Cowboys	DAL	vs SF
10	Redskins	WAS	at SEA
11	Broncos	DEN	vs OAK
12	Packers	GB	at NO
13	Colts	IND	at SD
14	Bills	BUF	at KC
15	Cardinals	ARI	vs NYG

Week 12 Fantasy Football Rankings: Quarterbacks, Running Backs, and Receivers

Jamal Collier — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 16:10:09 -0500

The fantasy football playoff races are heating up. The following rankings are reflective of how I believe that NFL players will perform, from a fantasy standard scoring perspective, in Week 12.

See where your players stack up against the rest of the league.

Quarterbacks

Rank	Name	Team	Opponent
1	Peyton Manning	IND	at SD
2	Jay Cutler	DEN	vs OAK
3	Tony Romo	DAL	vs SF
4	Drew Brees	NO	vs GB
5	Ben Roethlisberger	PIT	vs CIN
6	Matt Cassel	NE	at MIA
7	Philip Rivers	SD	vs IND
8	Jason Campbell	WAS	at SEA
9	Aaron Rodgers	GB	at NO
10	Kurt Warner	ARI	vs NYG
11	Tyler Thigpen	KC	vs BUF
12	Matt Ryan	ATL	vs CAR
13	Eli Manning	NYG	at ARI
14	Donovan McNabb	PHI	at BAL
15	Brady Quinn	CLE	vs HOU
16	Jake Delhomme	CAR	at ATL
17	Kyle Orton	CHI	at STL
18	David Garrard	JAX	vs MIN
19	Trent Edwards	BUF	at KC
20	Jeff Garcia	TB	at DET
21	Brett Favre	NYJ	at TEN
22	Matt Hasselbeck	SEA	vs WAS
23	Kerry Collins	TEN	vs NYJ
24	Chad Pennington	MIA	vs NE
25	Marc Bulger	STL	vs CHI
26	Daunte Culpepper	DET	vs TB
27	Joe Flacco	BAL	vs PHI
28	Ryan Fitzpatrick	CIN	at PIT
29	Gus Frerotte	MIN	at JAX
30	Shaun Hill	SF	at DAL
31	Sage Rosenfels	HOU	at CLE
32	JaMarcus Russell	OAK	at DEN

Running Backs

Rank	Name	Team	Opponent
1	Clinton Portis	WAS	at SEA
2	LaDainian Tomlinson	SD	vs IND
3	Adrian Peterson	MIN	at JAX
4	Marshawn Lynch	BUF	at KC
5	Marion Barber	DAL	vs SF
6	Joseph Addai	IND	at SD
7	Matt Forte	CHI	at STL
8	Steve Slaton	HOU	at CLE
9	Ronnie Brown	MIA	vs NE
10	Willie Parker	PIT	vs CIN
11	Frank Gore	SF	at DAL
12	Warrick Dunn	TB	at DET
13	DeAngelo Williams	CAR	at ATL
14	Reggie Bush	NO	vs GB
15	Ryan Grant	GB	at NO
16	Larry Johnson	KC	vs BUF
17	Maurice Jones-Drew	JAX	vs MIN
18	Brian Westbrook	PHI	at BAL
19	Peyton Hillis	DEN	vs OAK
20	Jamal Lewis	CLE	vs HOU
21	Brandon Jacobs	NYG	at ARI
22	LenDale White	TEN	vs NYJ
23	Jonathan Stewart	CAR	at ATL
24	Thomas Jones	NYJ	at TEN
25	Antonio Pittman	STL	vs CHI
26	Chris Johnson	TEN	vs NYJ
27	Kevin Smith	DET	vs TB
28	Michael Turner	ATL	vs CAR
29	Fred Jackson	BUF	at KC
30	Darren McFadden	OAK	at DEN
31	Chester Taylor	MIN	at JAX
32	Willis McGahee	BAL	vs PHI
33	Ricky Williams	MIA	vs NE
34	Deuce McAllister	NO	vs GB
35	Tim Hightower	ARI	vs NYG
36	Rudi Johnson	DET	vs TB
37	BenJarvus Green-Ellis	NE	at MIA
38	Mewelde Moore	PIT	vs CIN
39	Tatum Bell	DEN	vs OAK
40	Fred Taylor	JAX	vs MIN
41	Justin Fargas	OAK	at DEN
42	Julius Jones	SEA	vs WAS
43	Derrick Ward	NYG	at ARI
44	Brandon Jackson	GB	at NO
45	Cedric Benson	CIN	at PIT
46	Jerious Norwood	ATL	vs CAR
47	JJ Arrington	ARI	vs NYG
48	Dominic Rhodes	IND	at SD
49	Cadillac Williams	TB	at DET
50	Maurice Morris	SEA	vs WAS

Wide Receivers

Rank	Name	Team	Opponent
1	Reggie Wayne	IND	at SD
2	Dwayne Bowe	KC	vs BUF
3	Calvin Johnson	DET	vs TB
4	Steve Smith	CAR	at ATL
5	Brandon Marshall	DEN	vs OAK
6	Larry Fitzgerald	ARI	vs NYG
7	Braylon Edwards	CLE	vs HOU
8	Anquan Boldin	ARI	vs NYG
9	Greg Jennings	GB	at NO
10	Andre Johnson	HOU	at CLE
11	Terrell Owens	DAL	vs SF
12	Marques Colston	NO	vs GB
13	Wes Welker	NE	at MIA
14	Hines Ward	PIT	vs CIN
15	Ted Ginn Jr.	MIA	vs NE
16	Eddie Royal	DEN	vs OAK
17	Santana Moss	WAS	at SEA
18	Lee Evans	BUF	at KC
19	Randy Moss	NE	at MIA
20	Plaxico Burress	NYG	at ARI
21	Roddy White	ATL	vs CAR
22	Vincent Jackson	SD	vs IND
23	Santonio Holmes	PIT	vs CIN
24	TJ Houshmandzadeh	CIN	at PIT
25	Bernard Berrian	MIN	at JAX
26	Torry Holt	STL	vs CHI
27	Marvin Harrison	IND	at SD
28	Donald Driver	GB	at NO
29	Jerricho Cotchery	NYJ	at TEN
30	Justin Gage	TEN	vs NYJ
31	Donnie Avery	STL	vs CHI
32	Bobby Engram	SEA	vs WAS
33	Antonio Bryant	TB	at DET
34	DeSean Jackson	PHI	at BAL
35	Derrick Mason	BAL	vs PHI
36	Roy Williams	DAL	vs SF
37	Lance Moore	NO	vs GB
38	Chad Johnson	CIN	at PIT
39	Mark Bradley	KC	vs BUF
40	Matt Jones	JAX	vs MIN
41	Steve Smith	NYG	at ARI
42	Rashied Davis	CHI	at STL
43	Sidney Rice	MIN	at JAX
44	Isaac Bruce	SF	at DAL
45	Deion Branch	SEA	vs WAS
46	Laveranues Coles	NYJ	at TEN
47	Antwaan Randle El	WAS	at SEA
48	Kevin Walter	HOU	at CLE
49	Devin Hester	CHI	at STL
50	Chris Chambers	SD	vs IND

Fantasy Football: Week 11 Positional Rankings

Jamal Collier — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 09:15:29 -0500

The bye weeks are finally over. These rankings are reflective of how I believe NFL players will perform, from a fantasy perspective, given their current situations and Week 11 matchups.

Quarterbacks

Rank	Name	Team	Opponent
1	Kurt Warner	ARI	at SEA
2	Drew Brees	NO	at KC
3	Peyton Manning	IND	vs HOU
4	Matt Ryan	ATL	vs DEN
5	Donovan McNabb	PHI	at CIN
6	Ben Roethlisberger	PIT	vs SD
7	Jay Cutler	DEN	at ATL
8	Aaron Rodgers	GB	vs CHI
9	Brett Favre	NYJ	at NE
10	Jake Delhomme	CAR	vs DET
11	Tyler Thigpen	KC	vs NO
12	Trent Edwards	BUF	vs CLE
13	Brady Quinn	CLE	at BUF
14	Chad Pennington	MIA	vs OAK
15	Matt Cassel	NE	vs NYJ
16	Tony Romo	DAL	at WAS
17	Philip Rivers	SD	at PIT
18	Jason Campbell	WAS	vs DAL
19	Jeff Garcia	TB	vs MIN
20	Kerry Collins	TEN	at JAX
21	Rex Grossman	CHI	at GB
22	Eli Manning	NYG	vs BAL
23	David Garrard	JAX	vs TEN
24	Gus Frerotte	MIN	at TB
25	Marc Bulger	STL	at SF
26	Shaun Hill	SF	vs STL
27	Joe Flacco	BAL	at NYG
28	Daunte Culpepper	DET	at CAR
29	Ryan Fitzpatrick	CIN	vs PHI
30	Seneca Wallace	SEA	vs ARI
31	Sage Rosenfels	HOU	at IND
32	JaMarcus Russell	OAK	at MIA

Running Backs*

Rank	Name	Team	Opponent
1	Brian Westbrook	PHI	at CIN
2	Frank Gore	SF	vs STL
3	Ronnie Brown	MIA	vs OAK
4	Adrian Peterson	MIN	at TB
5	Michael Turner	ATL	vs DEN
6	Matt Forte	CHI	at GB
7	Deuce McAllister	NO	at KC
8	DeAngelo Williams	CAR	vs DET
9	Mewelde Moore	PIT	vs SD
10	Marshawn Lynch	BUF	vs CLE
11	Larry Johnson	KC	vs NO
12	Tim Hightower	ARI	at SEA
13	Marion Barber	DAL	at WAS
14	LaDainian Tomlinson	SD	at PIT
15	Joseph Addai	IND	vs HOU
16	BenJarvus Green-Ellis	NE	vs NYJ
17	Chris Johnson	TEN	at JAX
18	Reggie Bush	NO	at KC
19	Jerious Norwood	ATL	vs DEN
20	Shaun Alexander	WAS	vs DAL
21	Ricky Williams	MIA	vs OAK
22	Steve Slaton	HOU	at IND
23	Maurice Jones-Drew	JAX	vs TEN
24	Thomas Jones	NYJ	at NE
25	Jamal Lewis	CLE	at BUF
26	LenDale White	TEN	at JAX
27	Jamaal Charles	KC	vs NO
28	Brandon Jacobs	NYG	vs BAL
29	Ryan Grant	GB	vs CHI
30	Willis McGahee	BAL	at NYG
31	Chester Taylor	MIN	at TB
32	Earnest Graham	TB	vs MIN
33	Julius Jones	SEA	vs ARI
34	Cedric Benson	CIN	vs PHI
35	Tatum Bell	DEN	at ATL
36	Kevin Smith	DET	at CAR
37	Kevin Faulk	NE	vs NYJ
38	Jonathan Stewart	CAR	vs DET
39	Ray Rice	BAL	at NYG
40	Fred Jackson	BUF	vs CLE
41	Derrick Ward	NYG	vs BAL
42	Justin Fargas	OAK	at MIA
43	Edgerrin James	ARI	at SEA
44	Fred Taylor	JAX	vs TEN
45	Correll Buckhalter	PHI	at CIN
46	Maurice Morris	SEA	vs ARI
47	Darren Sproles	SD	at PIT
48	Darren McFadden	OAK	at MIA
49	Dominic Rhodes	IND	vs HOU
50	Rudi Johnson	DET	at CAR

Wide Receivers

Rank	Name	Team	Opponent
1	Anquan Boldin	ARI	at SEA
2	Reggie Wayne	IND	vs HOU
3	Marques Colston	NO	at KC
4	Roddy White	ATL	vs DEN
5	Larry Fitzgerald	ARI	at SEA
6	Brandon Marshall	DEN	at ATL
7	Dwayne Bowe	KC	vs NO
8	Steve Smith	CAR	vs DET
9	Lee Evans	BUF	vs CLE
10	Greg Jennings	GB	vs CHI
11	Calvin Johnson	DET	at CAR
12	Hines Ward	PIT	vs SD
13	Andre Johnson	HOU	at IND
14	Santana Moss	WAS	vs DAL
15	Lance Moore	NO	at KC
16	Terrell Owens	DAL	at WAS
17	Eddie Royal	DEN	at ATL
18	Marvin Harrison	IND	vs HOU
19	Randy Moss	NE	vs NYJ
20	DeSean Jackson	PHI	at CIN
21	TJ Houshmandzadeh	CIN	vs PHI
22	Jerricho Cotchery	NYJ	at NE
23	Santonio Holmes	PIT	vs SD
24	Donnie Avery	STL	at SF
25	Bobby Engram	SEA	vs ARI
26	Ted Ginn Jr.	MIA	vs OAK
27	Steve Breaston	ARI	at SEA
28	Bernard Berrian	MIN	at TB
29	Braylon Edwards	CLE	at BUF
30	Donald Driver	GB	vs CHI
31	Wes Welker	NE	vs NYJ
32	Plaxico Burress	NYG	vs BAL
33	Kevin Curtis	PHI	at CIN
34	Mark Bradley	KC	vs NO
35	Matt Jones	JAX	vs TEN
36	Derrick Mason	BAL	at NYG
37	Muhsin Muhammad	CAR	vs DET
38	Devin Hester	CHI	at GB
39	Laveranues Coles	NYJ	at NE
40	Isaac Bruce	SF	vs STL
41	Vincent Jackson	SD	at PIT
42	Justin Gage	TEN	at JAX
43	Antwaan Randle El	WAS	vs DAL
44	Michael Jenkins	ATL	vs DEN
45	Chad Johnson	CIN	vs PHI
46	Roy Williams	DAL	at WAS
47	Kevin Walter	HOU	at IND
48	Torry Holt	STL	at SF
49	James Hardy	BUF	vs CLE
50	Sidney Rice	MIN	at TB
51	Antonio Bryant	TB	vs MIN
52	Justin McCareins	TEN	at JAX

Tight Ends

Rank	Name	Team	Opponent
1	Owen Daniels	HOU	at IND
2	Kellen Winslow	CLE	at BUF
3	Jason Witten	DAL

Western Hospitality: How to Exploit the NFL's Worst Division Against the Run

Jamal Collier — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 16:17:41 -0400

We all know by now: The AFC West is the weakest division in football against the run.

Now, how do we exploit that fact? I've taken a look at each of the four teams' schedules, to get an idea of which running backs are anxiously awaiting the opportunity to pad their season stats against the AFC West.

There is a way to quantify which backs have the best opportunities to succeed against this division. The Chargers are 18th, the Raiders 24th, the Broncos 29th, and the Chiefs 32nd against the run in the league.

Because of this, they will represent those numbers as points (Chargers = 18, etc.); the more points a team has, the more "Western hospitality" they can expect for the rest of the year.

The points do not take into account the rest of the team's schedule. Therefore, if a team has 98 points (the equivalent of playing the Chargers once, the Raiders twice, and the Chiefs once), then they have a very favorable AFC West-packed schedule.

However, if the other teams that they are facing are all in the top-10 in rush defense, you may want to consider landing a complementary back. More on those at a later date.

There are also a couple of special bonuses. If a team has an AFC West opponent in Week 16, it gets 10 more points, because a lot of leagues' championship week is 16. If a team has an AFC West opponent in Week 15, it gets five more because of the same logic. Conversely, if a team has an AFC West opponent in Week 17, it loses the full amount of points for that matchup (the Bengals are eliminated from this assessment because of this, as they play the Chiefs in Week 17 as their only AFC West matchup).

Let's get started.

16./17. Indianapolis Colts, Pittsburgh Steelers: 18 points

Both the Steelers and the Colts have one matchup against the Chargers in back-to-back weeks (11 and 12, respectively).

Probable Beneficiaries: Joseph Addai (IND), Dominic Rhodes (IND), Willie Parker (PIT), Mewelde Moore (PIT).

15. Baltimore Ravens: 24 points

The Ravens have a date with the Raiders this week as their lone AFC West opponent from here on out.

Probable Beneficiaries: Willis McGahee, LeRon McClain

14./13. New England Patriots, Cleveland Browns: 29 points

The Patriots see those same Raiders, but in Week 15, giving them a five-point bonus and an edge over the Ravens.

The Browns get the Broncos in Week 10.

Probable Beneficiaries: Sammy Morris (NE), Kevin Faulk (NE), BenJarvus Green-Ellis (NE), LaMont Jordan (NE), Jamal Lewis (CLE)

12. Houston Texans: 34 points

Another team that gets to face the Raiders, the Texans get the Silver and Black in Week 16.

Probable Beneficiaries: Steve Slaton, Ahman Green

11. New Orleans Saints: 50 points

Unfortunately, Reggie Bush misses a favorable matchup against the Chargers (in London) in Week Eight. He may or may not be back from his knee injury in time to face the Chiefs in Week 11, but if he is, you should get him in your lineup.

Probable Beneficiaries: Deuce McAllister, Aaron Stecker (Reggie Bush)

10. Denver Broncos: 56 points

This is why it's advantageous to be in a division that is so terrible against the run. The Broncos have two more intradivsion matchups this year host the Raiders and the Chiefs in Weeks 12 and 14, respectively.

Probable Beneficiaries: Michael Pittman, Andre Hall (Selvin Young, Ryan Torain)

9. Carolina Panthers: 63 points

The Panthers also have two matchups remaining against the AFC West. They travel to Oakland in Week 10 and play host to the Broncos in Week 15.

Probable Beneficiaries: Jonathan Stewart, DeAngelo Williams

8. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 60 points

The Bucs actually have more AFC West opponents remaining on their schedule than do the Broncos. They're number eight on the list because their matchup with the Raiders is in Week 17, so if that's your championship week, they get an upgrade. They also host the Chargers in Week 16, and visit the Chiefs in Week Nine.

Probable Beneficiaries: Earnest Graham, Warrick Dunn, Cadillac Williams (Week 16)?

7. New York Jets: 61 points

The Jets host the Chiefs and Broncos in Weeks Eight and 12, respectively.

Probable Beneficiaries: Thomas Jones, Leon Washington

6./5. Buffalo Bills, Atlanta Falcons: 71 points

The Bills are on the road for both of their matchups, at Kansas City in Week 12, and at Denver in Week 16.

It can be just as good to be the Falcons, who have three matchups against the AFC West. They get Oakland in Week Nine, Denver in Week 11, and San Diego in Week 13.

Probable Beneficiaries: Marshawn Lynch (BUF), Fred Jackson (BUF), Michael Turner (ATL), Jerious Norwood (ATL)

4. Oakland Raiders: 79 points

The Raiders have three intradivison matchups in three straight weeks, right in the thick of the fantasy playoff race and the fantasy playoffs. They visit the Broncos in Week 12, host the Chiefs in Week 13, and visit the Chargers in Week 14.

Probable Beneficiaries: Darren McFadden, Justin Fargas, Michael Bush

3. San Diego Chargers: 93 points

Now you know why I say don't bail on L.T. just yet. The Chargers jump in at No. 3, with two games remaining against the Chiefs (home in Week 10, away in Week 15) and a matchup in versus Oakland at home in Week 14. They also have a Week 17 date with the Broncos.

Probable Beneficiaries: LaDainian Tomlinson, Darren Sproles

2. Kansas City Chiefs: 94 points

In the spirit of noticing the AFC West's shortcomings, I would like to note that the Chiefs are No. 2 on a list that doesn't start with "Most" and end with "Allowed."

The Chiefs have four AFC West matchups before Week 17.

They visit the Chargers, Raiders, and Broncos in Weeks 10, 13, and 14, respectively, and host the Chargers in Week 15.

Probable Beneficiaries: Larry Johnson, Jamaal Charles, Kolby Smith

1. Miami Dolphins: 95 points

A clutch matchup against the Chiefs in Week 16 puts the Dolphins in the No. 1 spot. They also go to Denver in Week Nine and host the Raiders in Week 11.

Probable Beneficiaries: Ronnie Brown, Ricky Williams

Good luck in your games and thanks for reading.

Also See

The statistics behind it all: Why should we pick on the AFC West?

Is Your Back Playing the AFC West? Start Him!

Jamal Collier — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 21:02:08 -0400

FOR SALE: Running back, average age, average talent. Over 16 games, will gain 2,175 rushing yards (5.3 avg). Also catches 60 balls for 485 yards and 23 total touchdowns.

Interested?

Thought so.

There's only one problem. There is no one back that is a lock for those stats. However, the statistics above would be this season's totals, over 16 games, when combining each team's main rushing threat(s) while facing opponents in the AFC West.

The AFC West is allowing 5.3 yards per carry as a division. Every team is in the bottom half of the league in rushing defense. That's bad. What's worse: teams have attempted a whopping 663 rushes, with just their primary threats(s), over 26 games so far this season. That's 25.5 attempts per game, because teams know that the teams in this division can be had on the ground.

The best: The Chargers, at 18th.

The worst: Who else? The huge gap that masquerades as the Chiefs' run defense comes in at 32nd.

Now, for detail on each team.

San Diego Chargers: 724 Rushing Yards, 29 Catches, 262 Receiving Yards, four Total Touchdowns (Seven games, 18th in total rushing defense).

Strengths in Division: The Chargers are tied with the Raiders for the best yards per carry allowed at 4.4. However, teams have only attempted 163 rushes against the Chargers, an average of 23.3 tries a game. The Chargers' other strength in their division is that they have only allowed four total touchdowns to running backs, making them the only team in the AFC West to not have already allowed double-digit scores.

Weaknesses: Their weakness in the division is their receiving defense on running backs. They've allowed the most receiving yards, and the second most catches in the AFC West.

Oakland Raiders: 614 Rushing Yards, 16 Catches, 109 Receiving Yards, 10 Total Touchdowns (Six games, 24th in total rushing defense)

Strengths: The Raiders are allowing the least amount of total rushing yards, receiving yards, and boast the second-lowest amount of threat-catch totals in the AFC West, but there is one glaring reason to start your backs against Oakland. They can score.

The Raiders have allowed 10 total touchdowns to running backs, and their low yardage totals are due to a bye week and having the best single-game defensive performance of the AFC West. They held Larry Johnson to 22 yards in Week Two, but Johnson only had 10 carries.

Weaknesses: The Raiders are middle-of-the-road when comparing them to the rest of their division, but be sure to let your backs take advantage of the touchdowns they allow. They're there for the taking.

Denver Broncos: 1,019 Rushing Yards, 39 Catches, 255 Receiving Yards, 11 Total Touchdowns (Seven games, 29th in total rushing defense)

Strengths: It gets harder to find strengths of the defenses that I'm encouraging you to start your backs against, as they're only getting worse, but things can't be all bad, right? The Broncos actually allow the least yards per catch (see, I found something good) at 6.53 yards per reception. They still allow the most receptions, but that's for the next section.

Weaknesses: The Broncos are one of four teams this year to have allowed 1,000 total rushing yards. Running backs are averaging a whopping 5.9 yards per carry on them. As a result, they're getting 30 touches (24.6 rushes and 5.6 catches) a game when their teams play Denver. Lastly, the Broncos have been gashed for 11 total touchdowns from the RBs.

Kansas City Chiefs: 1,177 Rushing Yards, 14 Catches, 162 Receiving Yards, 13 Total Touchdowns

Strengths: Well, they allow the least amount of catches of the division to running backs.

Weaknesses: This one I can work with.

Yards per catch average (11.57): fourth in division. A first down per catch? Really?

Total rushing yards allowed (1,243; 1,177 to threat backs): 32nd in the league. And they've already had their bye.

Rushing yards allowed per game (207.2; 196.2 to threat backs): 32nd. The only team allowing 200 yards per game. Almost 40 yards worse than the second-worst.

Total rushing attempts against (221; 189 for threat backs): 31st. The Bengals are 32nd, but they've played one more game.

Per game average attempts against (36.8; 31.5 for threat backs): 32nd. That's more like it. But why are teams rushing so much against them?

Average yards per carry allowed (5.6; 6.2 to threat backs): 32nd. Oh, I get it.

Rushing touchdowns allowed (12): 32nd. There's a receiving score in there (13 total to backs), too.

Longest run allowed (80 yards): 32nd. LenDale White, the owner of the aforementioned 80-yard touchdown run, hasn't run for that long since...Well, never in the National Football League.

First downs allowed on the ground (59): 32nd. That's because teams know that they can get the yardage for the first when they need it.

Yards of 20+ allowed (14): 32nd. They can be broken on.

Yards of 40+ allowed (4): 32nd. Why stop at 20?

Of course, all decisions are yours, but consider an AFC West matchup when you're stuck on who to start. I hope the analysis above helps you to pick starting backs in your league. The AFC West seems to welcome them with open arms.

Good luck in your games, and thanks for reading.

BONUS: Game-by-game statistics of the players I called "threat backs" in each game.

Team	Biggest Threat/Other Threat Backs	Yds	Att	Avg	Catches	Yards	Total TD
Broncos	Justin Fargas/Darren McFadden	143	27	5.3	3	23	0
Broncos	Darren Sproles/LaDainian Tomlinson	79	17	4.6	4	86	1
Broncos	Reggie Bush/Pierre Thomas	88	24	3.7	14	83	4
Broncos	Larry Johnson	198	28	7.1	5	0	2
Broncos	Warrick Dunn/Earnest Graham	133	21	6.3	8	34	0
Broncos	Morris/Green-Ellis/Faulk	253	33	7.7	3	6	2
Broncos	Maurice Jones-Drew	125	22	5.7	2	23	2
Chargers	Michael Bush/Darren McFadden	68	21	3.2	9	97	0
Chargers	DeAngelo Williams/Jonathan Stewart	139	28	5.0	1	4	0
Chargers	Young/Hall/Pittman	139	22	6.3	1	8	1
Chargers	Thomas Jones	37	10	3.7	2	17	0
Chargers	Ronnie Brown/Ricky Williams	164	36	4.6	2	8	1
Chargers	Marshawn Lynch/Fred Jackson	103	28	3.7	7	50	1
Chargers	Sammy Morris/Kevin Faulk	74	18	4.1	7	78	1
Chiefs	McFadden/Bush/Fargas	297	46	6.5	1	9	2
Chiefs	Selvin Young/Michael Pittman	85	15	5.7	2	45	0
Chiefs	Sammy Morris/Laurence Maroney	104	20	5.2	5	34	1
Chiefs	Michael Turner/Jerious Norwood	179	34	5.3	1	30	3
Chiefs	DeAngelo Williams/Jonathan Stewart	195	39	5.0	2	33	3
Chiefs	LenDale White/Chris Johnson	317	35	9.1	3	11	4
Raiders	Young/Hall/Pittman	109	24	4.5	0	0	3
Raiders	Larry Johnson	22	12	1.8	0	0	0
Raiders	Marshawn Lynch	107	28	3.8	5	32	2
Raiders	LaDainian Tomlinson	106	20	5.3	2	9	2
Raiders	Thomas Jones/Leon Washington	178	28	6.4	4	21	1
Raiders	Reggie Bush/Deuce McAllister	92	27	3.4	5	47	2
TOTALS
BRONCOS		1019	172	5.9	39	255	11
CHARGERS		724	163	4.4	29	262	4
CHIEFS		1177	189	6.2	14	162	13
RAIDERS		614	139	4.4	16	109	10
Grand Total		3534	663	5.3	98	788	38
Average		136	26	5.3	4	30	1
16 Games		2175	408	5.3	60	485	23

Week Seven Fantasy Football: Quarterback and Receiver Rankings

Jamal Collier — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 16:15:25 -0400

We're down to mere hours before Week Seven kicks off. Check out where your quarterback and receivers stack up against the rest of your league's.

Quarterbacks

Rank	Name	Team	Opponent
1	Peyton Manning	IND	at GB
2	Drew Brees	NO	at CAR
3	Matt Schaub	HOU	vs DET
4	Brett Favre	NYJ	at OAK
5	Aaron Rodgers	GB	vs IND
6	Eli Manning	NYG	vs SF
7	Ben Roethlisberger	PIT	at CIN
8	Jake Delhomme	CAR	vs NO
9	Jay Cutler	DEN	at NE
10	Jason Campbell	WAS	vs CLE
11	Philip Rivers	SD	at BUF
12	Derek Anderson	CLE	at WAS
13	Trent Edwards	BUF	vs SD
14	Matt Cassel	NE	vs DEN
15	Kerry Collins	TEN	at KC
16	Kyle Orton	CHI	vs MIN
17	Jeff Garcia	TB	vs SEA
18	J.T. O'Sullivan	SF	at NYG
19	Marc Bulger	STL	vs DAL
20	Brad Johnson	DAL	at STL
21	Gus Frerotte	MIN	at CHI
22	Brodie Croyle	KC	vs TEN
23	Chad Pennington	MIA	vs BAL
24	Dan Orlovsky	DET	at HOU
25	Joe Flacco	BAL	at MIA

Wide Receivers

Rank	Name	Team	Opponent
1	Andre Johnson	HOU	vs DET
2	Greg Jennings	GB	vs IND
3	Brandon Marshall	DEN	at NE
4	Reggie Wayne	IND	at GB
5	Steve Smith	CAR	vs NO
6	Plaxico Burress	NYG	vs SF
7	Braylon Edwards	CLE	at WAS
8	Randy Moss	NE	vs DEN
9	Calvin Johnson	DET	at HOU
10	Santonio Holmes	PIT	at CIN
11	Terrell Owens	DAL	at STL
12	Santana Moss	WAS	vs CLE
13	Torry Holt	STL	vs DAL
14	Marques Colston	NO	at CAR
15	Marvin Harrison	IND	at GB
16	Donald Driver	GB	vs IND
17	Lee Evans	BUF	vs SD
18	Hines Ward	PIT	at CIN
19	Laveranues Coles	NYJ	at OAK
20	Dwayne Bowe	KC	vs TEN
21	Vincent Jackson	SD	at BUF
22	Lance Moore	NO	at CAR
24	TJ Houshmandzadeh	CIN	vs PIT
23	Eddie Royal	DEN	at NE
25	Muhsin Muhammad	CAR	vs NO
26	Roy Williams	DAL	at STL
27	Jerricho Cotchery	NYJ	at OAK
28	Wes Welker	NE	vs DEN
29	Bernard Berrian	MIN	at CHI
30	Devin Hester	CHI	vs MIN
31	Derrick Mason	BAL	at MIA
32	Antonio Bryant	TB	vs SEA
33	Isaac Bruce	SF	at NYG
34	Shaun McDonald	DET	at HOU
35	Steve Smith	NYG	vs SF
36	Bobby Engram	SEA	at TB
37	Chad Johnson	CIN	vs PIT
38	Kevin Walter	HOU	vs DET
39	Bobby Wade	MIN	at CHI
40	Antwaan Randle El	WAS	vs CLE
41	Justin Gage	TEN	at KC
42	Ashley Lelie	OAK	vs NYJ
43	Donnie Avery	STL	vs DAL
44	Devery Henderson	NO	at CAR
45	Amani Toomer	NYG	vs SF
46	Bryant Johnson	SF	at NYG
47	Ike Hilliard	TB	vs SEA
48	Arnaz Battle	SF	at NYG
49	Patrick Crayton	DAL	at STL
50	Donte Stallworth	CLE	at WAS

Fantasy Football: My All-Waiver-Wire Team for Week Six

Jamal Collier — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 16:01:49 -0400

This is more than a suggestion of pickups. This is an all-waiver-wire team for Week Six. All of these players are owned in less than 70 percent of CBS leagues. Most are owned in way less. You might want to make sure they're owned in your league now before they potentially blow up and you have a lot of trouble picking them up before Week Seven.

*I assume no responsibility for any anger you may experience if this team beats yours in Week Six.*

QB: Gus Frerotte, MIN (vs DET, 26%)

Frerotte threw for 200 yards in all three of his starts this year. He has just two touchdowns but only two picks on the year as well. The Vikings should have plenty of opportunities against the Lions’ defense.

RB: Warrick Dunn, TB (vs CAR, 53%)

Dunn has had double-digit carries in the last two weeks as a change-of-pace back to Earnest Graham, and over 60 yards in each week. I give him a shot at a touchdown.

RB: Kevin Faulk, NE (at SD, 13%)

Had two touchdowns last week, and the Chargers’ run defense is bad. Really bad. It’s a roll of the dice when choosing a Patriot back, but I’m picking this one.

WR: Matt Jones, JAX (at DEN, 50%)

Jones only had 25 yards last week against the Steelers, but two weeks ago he had 71 and a score against Houston. Those numbers aren’t out of the question to expect from him at Denver.

WR: Devin Hester, CHI (at ATL, 41%)

Hester’s scored in each of the last two weeks.

RB/WR: Ike Hilliard, TB (vs CAR, 37%)

Hilliard has scored every other week since Week 1. If the pattern continues, this will not be his week, but let’s hope he at least gets yards.

TE: Visanthe Shiancoe, MIN (vs DET, 47%)

Shiancoe is tied for eighth in targets among tight ends, and has scored in two of the last three weeks. Now he faces the Lions.

D/ST: Redskins, WAS (vs STL, 68%)

Playing the Rams, who are under Jim Haslett’s first game as Rams head coach. Should get to Bulger a few times.

K: John Carney, NYG (at CLE, 45%)

Double-digit scorer every week this year.

Week Six Fantasy Football: Tight Ends, Kickers, and Defenses

Jamal Collier — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 16:56:02 -0400

These rankings are reflective of how I believe NFL players will perform, from a standard fantasy scoring perspective, in their current situations and Week Six matchups.

Tight Ends

Rank	Name	Team	Opponent
1	Antonio Gates	SD	vs NE
2	Jason Witten	DAL	at ARI
3	Tony Scheffler	DEN	vs JAX
4	Greg Olsen	CHI	at ATL
5	Chris Cooley	WAS	vs STL
6	Owen Daniels	HOU	vs MIA
7	Kevin Boss	NYG	at CLE
8	Dallas Clark	IND	vs BAL
9	Kellen Winslow	CLE	vs NYG
10	Dustin Keller	NYJ	vs CIN
11	Todd Heap	BAL	at IND
12	Visanthe Shiancoe	MIN	vs DET
13	Anthony Fasano	MIA	at HOU
14	Jerramy Stevens	TB	vs CAR
15	Donald Lee	GB	at SEA

Kickers

Rank	Name	Team	Opponent
1	Nick Folk	DAL	at ARI
2	Robbie Gould	CHI	at ATL
3	Nate Kaeding	SD	vs NE
4	Stephen Gostkowski	NE	at SD
5	Matt Prater	DEN	vs JAX
6	Ryan Longwell	MIN	vs DET
7	Shaun Suisham	WAS	vs STL
8	John Kasay	CAR	at TB
9	Mason Crosby	GB	at SEA
10	Adam Vinatieri	IND	vs BAL
11	David Akers	PHI	at SF
12	Jason Hanson	DET	at MIN
13	Shayne Graham	CIN	at NYJ
14	Josh Brown	STL	at WAS
15	Phil Dawson	CLE	vs NYG

Defenses

Rank	Name	Team	Opponent
1	Vikings	MIN	vs DET
2	Giants	NYG	at CLE
3	Redskins	WAS	vs STL
4	Eagles	PHI	at SF
5	Packers	GB	at SEA
6	Cowboys	DAL	at ARI
7	Bears	CHI	at ATL
8	Ravens	BAL	at IND
9	Panthers	CAR	at TB
10	Chargers	SD	vs NE
11	Patriots	NE	at SD
12	Colts	IND	vs BAL
13	Jaguars	JAX	at DEN
14	Buccaneers	TB	vs CAR
15	Dolphins	MIA	at HOU

Week Five Fantasy Football: Start 'Em and Sit 'Em

Jamal Collier — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 11:03:34 -0400

Attention Anquan Boldin owners: Hopefully you've made alternative plans for week five after seeing your guy take a major hit late in the game Week 4 as he will be out against the Bills.

The disadvantage to doing rankings early in the week is that as injury reports surface, things will change. However, the start 'em and sit 'em column is here for Week 5.

Quarterbacks - Start 'Em

Jon Kitna, DET (vs CHI)

Hopefully Kitna can avoid the turnover bug this week, as he has thrown five interceptions through three games this year. The Bears are already giving up 264 yards per game through the air, so if that happens, Kitna (along with Roy Williams and Calvin Johnson) will have a big day.

Other Quarterback "Start 'ems":

Jake Delhomme, CAR (vs KC), Trent Edwards, BUF (@ ARI), Matt Hasselbeck, SEA (@ NYG), Kyle Orton, CHI (@ DET).

Quarterbacks - Sit 'Em

Aaron Rodgers, GB (vs. ATL).

The three second-most dreaded words in fantasy: "Game Time Decision". Of course, the three most feared: "Out For Season". The quarterbacks on bye this week are Marc Bulger, JaMarcus Russell (No. 2s), Derek Anderson (sorry), and Brett Favre. If you have Rodgers and Favre, that's just sick. You shouldn't have put yourself through that. What I'm saying is, you should have another option, and it wouldn't be a bad idea to go with him.

Other quarterback "Sit 'ems":

Ben Roethlisberger, PIT (@ JAX), Kurt Warner, ARI(BUF), Eli Manning, NYG (vs SEA).

Running Backs - Start 'Em

Steve Slaton, HOU(vs IND). Headlining a theme of rookie running back starts for week five, Slaton has a chance to run straight through Indy's porous run defense sans Bob Sanders.

Other running back "Start 'ems":

Matt Forte, CHI(at DET), Jonathan Stewart, CAR (vs KC), Felix Jones, DAL (vs CIN).

Running Backs - Sit 'Em

Clinton Portis, WAS (at PHI). Portis should be very productive on the ground against an Eagles defense that has given up a whopping 215 yards rushing, right? Wrong. That 215? That's on the season.

Other running back "Sit 'ems":

Chris Johnson, TEN(at BAL), Rudi Johnson, DET (vs CHI), Michael Turner, ATL (at GB), Reggie Bush, NO (vs MIN).

Receivers - Start 'Em

Steve Breaston, ARI(vs BUF).

With Anquan Boldin recovering from surgery, Breaston looks to get the starting nod this week against Buffalo. His nine catches and 122 yards last week were impressive, but misleading as the Cardinals quickly found themselves down 34-0 at the half and were throwing all game. He may, however, find a similar stat line this week, whether or not the Cardinals are being blown out this week, because he's starting.

Other receiver "Start 'ems":

Randy Moss and Wes Welker, NE (at SF), Muhsin Muhammad, CAR (vs KC), Lance Moore, NO (vs MIN), Amani Toomer, NYG (vs SEA), Bobby Engram, SEA (at NYG).

Receivers - Sit 'Em

Greg Jennings, GB(vs ATL).

Telling you to sit my own number two-ranked receiver would be completely contradictory, but I'm going in depth here to warn Jennings owners:

If Aaron Rodgers doesn't play, then Jennings will not have a Greg Jennings day. Deep balls could even -gasp- be taken out of the equation. Keep an eye on Rodgers' status unless you're satisfied with a four-catch, 60-yard performance. Donald Driver should be ok though.

Other receiver "Sit 'ems":

Santonio Holmes, PIT (at JAX), Justin Gage, TEN(at BAL), Roddy White, ATL (at GB), Deion Branch, SEA(at NYG).

Tight Ends

Start 'Em:

Anthony Fasano, MIA (vs SD). The Chargers have given up five touchdowns to number one tight ends through four games. Just sayin'.

Sit 'Em:

John Carlson, SEA (at NYG).

Kickers

Start 'Em:

Ryan Longwell, MIN (at NO), Rian Lindell, BUF (at ARI).

Sit 'Em:

Shaun Suisham, WAS (at PHI), Shayne Graham, CIN (vs DAL).

Defenses

Start 'Em:

Packers, GB (vs ATL).

Sit 'Em:

Jaguars, JAX (vs PIT). The jury is still out on Pitt's no-huddle offense.

Week 5 Quarterbacks

Week 5 Running Backs

Week 5 Receivers

Week 5 TEs, Ks, & DSTs

Philip Rivers Leads Week Four Fantasy Football Quarterback Rankings

Jamal Collier — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 11:17:43 -0400

These rankings are reflective of how I believe NFL players will perform, from a fantasy (ESPN) standard scoring perspective, in their current situations and Week Four Matchups.

Rank	Name	Team	Opponent
1	Philip Rivers	SD	at OAK
2	Jay Cutler	DEN	at KC
3	J.T. O'Sullivan	SF	at NO
4	Tony Romo	DAL	WAS
5	Drew Brees	NO	at SF
6	Aaron Rodgers	GB	at TB
7	Trent Edwards	BUF	at STL
8	Donovan McNabb	PHI	at CHI
9	Carson Palmer	CIN	CLE
10	Jake Delhomme	CAR	ATL
11	Kurt Warner	ARI	at NYJ
12	Ben Roethlisberger	PIT	BAL
13	Brett Favre	NYJ	ARI

Rank	Name	Team	Opponent
14	Jason Campbell	WAS	at DAL
15	Derek Anderson	CLE	at CIN
16	Brian Griese	TB	GB
17	Damon Huard	KC	DEN
18	Kerry Collins	TEN	MIN
19	Matt Ryan	ATL	at CAR
20	David Garrard	JAX	HOU
21	Trent Green	STL	BUF
22	JaMarcus Russell	OAK	SD
23	Gus Frerotte	MIN	at TEN
24	Matt Schaub	HOU	at JAX
25	Joe Flacco	BAL	at PIT
26	Kyle Orton	CHI	PHI

Brandon Marshall Headlines the Week Three Fantasy Football WR Rankings

Jamal Collier — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 16:13:00 -0400

These rankings are reflective of how this writer believes NFL players will perform, from a fantasy (ESPN) standard-scoring perspective, in their current situations and Week Three matchups.

Wide Receivers

Brandon Marshall, DEN (vs NO). Raise your hand if you thought Brandon Marshall would lead the league in receptions in Week Two after being suspended for Week One. So, those of you with your hand raised have him on your team, right? Marshall came back from his suspension with a big bang, as Jay Cutler threw it to him like he just got a new toy. Anytime you get 18 receptions in one game, and play a team that gave up 542 yards in the air over its last two next, you deserve the No. 1 ranking. Start him. Now. And don't sit him. For anyone.
Calvin Johnson, DET (@ SF). If his quarterback can keep the ball in the Lions' possession, I have a feeling that Calvin can torch this 49ers defense. It might have something to do with his two TDs (in the fourth quarter alone) last week...
Steve Smith, CAR (@ MIN). The Vikings are still among the more generous of the pass defenses, as their secondary is kind of banged up. You have to believe that Smith watched Brandon Marshall's comeback performance and would like for that to be not unlike his own. With the Panthers earning a 2-0 record without him, Smith has got to be looking forward to getting in on the action. Expect him to get one or more scores.
Terell Owens, DAL (@ GB). The second leading all-time TD grabber keeps his game prime time with a Sunday Night outing in Green Bay. He won't disappoint.
Anquan Boldin, ARI (@ WAS). Anybody wondering who Kurt Warner's favorite touchdown target was got a decisive answer Sunday, with all three of his strikes to Boldin. He may still be unhappy about his contract situation, but as long as he's playing like a madman, it's opposing defenses who go home more upset.
Reggie Wayne, IND (vs JAX). Wayne is the unquestioned No. 1 receiver for the best quarterback in the league. I have a feeling that the Colts will have the edge in time of possession as well, meaning Wayne gets plenty of snaps to get open and get his yards and scores.
Plaxico Burress, NYG (vs CIN). The Giants won't have to throw in this game. But they will.
Larry Fitzgerald, ARI (@ WAS). It's hard to ignore the presence of Anquan Boldin after he scored three touchdowns last week. However, the Redskins will have to stay honest to avoid easy catches by Larry Fitzgerald. That's not to say he won't get them...
Randy Moss, NE (vs MIA). Moss has struggled to produce with Tom Brady down at the quarterback position, but he should get his stats and get into the end zone at least once against the Dolphins.
Greg Jennings, GB (vs DAL). Dallas proved to be mildly susceptible to the big play, thanks to Donovan McNabb and DeSean Jackson. Jennings has been on the receiving end of his fair share of long balls this season already, and if there is no one in front of him, you can bet he won't drop the ball before crossing the plane.
Andre Johnson, HOU (@ TEN). Tennessee has a tough defense and run game. The Texans could find themselves in a hole early and look to Johnson in the clutch moments.
Braylon Edwards, CLE(@ BAL). Braylon has been a big disappointment thus far, but he has plenty more games left to go. He may struggle again this week against a Ravens defense that is no easy task, but look for him to score his first touchdown.
Torry Holt, STL (@ SEA). The Rams need a win. Holt's got to help get it.
Lee Evans, BUF (vs OAK). The Bills are looking to be playoff contenders, and their No. 1 receiver will do his part in Week Three.
Santonio Holmes, PIT(@ PHI). Like the Cowboys, the Eagles were on the losing end of a couple of big plays on Monday night. Santonio is a speedy threat who won't allow the Eagles' defensive backs to rest much.
Chris Chambers, SD(vs NYJ).
Wes Welker, NE (vs MIA).
Santana Moss, WAS (vs ARI).
Jerricho Cotchery, NYJ (@ SD).
Eddie Royal, DEN (vs NO).
Hines Ward, PIT (@ PHI).
DeSean Jackson, PHI (vs PIT).
TJ Houshmandzadeh, CIN(@ NYG).
Bryant Johnson, SF(vs DET).
Marvin Harrison, IND(vs JAX).
Donald Driver, GB (vs DAL).
Dwayne Bowe, KC(@ ATL).
Roddy White, ATL (vs KC).
Roy Williams, DET (@ SF).
Amani Toomer, NYG(vs CIN).
Chad Johnson, CIN(@ NYG).
Isaac Bruce, SF(vs DET).
Courtney Taylor, SEA (vs STL).
David Patten, NO (@ DEN).
Koren Robinson, SEA(vs STL).
Joey Galloway, TB (@ CHI).
Patrick Crayton, DAL (@ GB).
Laveranues Coles, NYJ (@SD).
Robert Meachem, NO (@ DEN).
Bernard Berrian, MIN (vs CAR).
Anthony Gonzalez, IND(vs JAX).
Matt Jones, JAX (@ IND).
Antwaan Randle El, WAS (vs ARI).
Muhsin Muhammad, CAR (@ MIN).
Derrick Mason, BAL(vs CLE).
Chansi Stuckey, NYJ (@ SD).
Javon Walker, OAK(@ BUF).
Jason Avant, PHI (vs PIT).
Brandon Lloyd, CHI (vs TB).
DJ Hackett, CAR (@ MIN).
Justin Gage, TEN(vs HOU).
Michael Jenkins, ATL (vs KC).
Sidney Rice, MIN (vs CAR).
Steve Breaston, ARI (@WAS).
James Hardy, BUF (vs OAK).
Derek Hagan, MIA (vs NE).

Week 3 Quarterbacks

Week 3 Running Backs

Week 3 Tight Ends

Week 3 Defenses/Kickers

Jay Cutler Tops Week Three Fantasy Football Quarterback Rankings

Jamal Collier — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 11:48:24 -0400

These rankings are reflective of how this writer believes NFL players will perform, from a fantasy (ESPN) standard scoring perspective, in their current situations and Week Three Matchups.

Jay Cutler, DEN (vs NO). Cutler has been hot, getting his primary target back in Brandon Marshall without missing a beat last week. Don't expect that to change.
Drew Brees, NO (@ Den). The Broncos have already surrendered five passing touchdowns this year, two of which went to JaMarcus Russell. Expect Brees to get his.
Tony Romo, DAL (@ GB). Don't let Green Bay's defensive statistics fool you: All of their league high-tying four interceptions have come in the fourth quarter. The likelihood of the veteran Cowboys being forced to throw late in this one is low.
Aaron Rodgers, GB (vs DAL). However, Aaron Rodgers has proved that the Packers' offense shouldn't be taken lightly.
Ben Roethlisberger, PIT (@ PHI). Sensing a theme here? In another potential shootout, a prolific Pennsylvania passing performance should be on display Sunday, if Monday night's Eagles-Cowboys game was any indication.
Donovan McNabb, PHI(vs PIT). See: Roethlisberger, Ben.
Peyton Manning, IND(vs JAX). Big Brother got back into the swing of things late Sunday, and the Colts should dominate time of possession due to the Jags' banged up O-line.
J.T. O'Sullivan, SF(vs DET). O'Sullivan had a great game Sunday against the Seahawks. He should toss a few TD's against the Lions' soft defense.
Eli Manning, NYG(vs CIN). Little Brother should have an efficient day against a Bengals' defense that is weak against the run and has not registered an interception in 2008.
Jon Kitna, DET (@ SF). The 49ers surprisingly have only surrendered one passing touchdown this year, even with the visit of Kurt Warner and Co. in week 1. Expect that total to rise this week.
Matt Cassel, NE (vs MIA). It's... the Dolphins. And Cassel throws to Randy Moss.
Jake Delhomme, CAR (@ MIN). The Vikings have one of the league's bottom 10 pass defenses. And Steve Smith is back.
Matt Hasselbeck, SEA(vs STL). He's only this low because anybody who splits wide for the Seahawks is an injury waiting to happen at this point. But Hasselbeck will find a way to make it happen against the league's most generous pass defense so far this year.
Philip Rivers, SD(vs NYJ). Rivers may have to take more of the game into his hands if LT is limited this week. Last week he showed he can handle it.
Kurt Warner, ARI (@ WAS). The Redskins have only given up one passing touchdown. Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin could help Warner double that total.
Brett Favre, NYJ (@SD).
Jason Campbell, WAS (ARI).
Derek Anderson, CLE(@ BAL).
Carson Palmer, CIN(@NYG).
Marc Bulger, STL (@ SEA).
Kerry Collins, TEN (vs HOU).
Trent Edwards, BUF (vs OAK).
Matt Ryan, ATL (vs KC).
Joe Flacco, BAL (vs CLE).
Matt Schaub, HOU (@ TEN).
Gus Frerotte, MIN (vs CAR).
David Garrard, JAX (@ IND).

Week 3 Running Backs

Week 3 Receivers

Week 3 Tight Ends

Week 3 Kickers and Defenses