Bleacher Report - Articles by The Sportmeisters

What We Learned: NFL Week 13

The Sportmeisters — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 17:20:30 -0500

The playoff picture is getting clearer. Who’s going to be celebrating a longer season, and who will have a lump of coal in their team’s stocking?

Welcome to Atlanta

When the Philadelphia Eagles traveled to the Georgia Dome to face the Atlanta Falcons, many fans weren’t focused on the playoff implications this game had. Instead, the focus was on number seven, Michael Vick, who had been the cornerstone of the Atlanta Falcons franchise, and now returned on the visitor’s side. Vick also scored for the first time since 2006, on both a rushing and passing touchdown, as fans, who initially booed him when he entered the game, showered him with cheers at the end.

On the other side, Atlanta took a deeper blow to their outside wild-card chances. With five offensive starters out, including QB Matt Ryan and RB Michael Turner, they needed someon new to step up. Although Chris Redman through for a solid 235 yards, he also threw two costly interceptions. The running game could never get going, mustering only 61 total yards.

A Saintly Victory

Good teams find a way to win. Undefeated teams need as much help as they can get towards the later part of the season, with the pressure of remaining undefeated an extra factor. For the New Orleans Saints, a number of miracles allowed them to continue their march for perfection, squeaking by the Washington Redskins 33-30 in overtime.

The Saints used the following plays to ensure victory: a 23 yard field goal missed by Washington K Shaun Suisham, that could have put the game out of reach; a shanked punt by New Orleans P Thomas Morestead that the Saints somehow recovered on the Washington 41, gaining them 29 yards on fourth down; and a play so wacky, it deserves its own paragraph.

QB Drew Brees threw an interception to Kareem Moore of the Redskins. Moore was then stripped by WR Robert Meachem, who took the ball 44 yards for a touchdown.

New Orleans is now at 12-0, and still holds hopes of the perfect season, while Washington is just counting down the days to the 2010 NFL Draft.

Playoff Predictions

With the regular season coming to a close soon, I have decided to make my current top six predictions for both the NFC and AFC.

AFC (with current record):

1. Indianapolis Colts (12-0): AFC South Division Champions, first round bye, home field throughout playoffs

2. San Diego (9-3): AFC West Division Champions, first round bye, home field for Divisional Round

3. Cincinnati Bengals (9-3): AFC North Division Champions, home field for Wild Card Round

4. New England Patriots (7-5): AFC East Division Champions, home field for Wild Card Round

5. Denver Broncos (8-4): Wild Card

6. Miami Dolphins (6-6): Wild Card

NFC (with current record):

1. New Orleans Saints (12-0): NFC South Division Champions, first round bye, home field advantage throughout playoffs

2. Minnesota Vikings (10-2): NFC North Division Champions, first round bye, home field for Divisional Round

3. Arizona Cardinals (8-4): NFC West Division Champions, home field for Wild Card Round

4. Philadelphia Eagles (8-4): NFC East Division Champions, home field for Wild Card Round

5. New York Giants (7-5): Wild Card

6. Green Bay Packers (7-4): Wild Card

Contenders and Pretenders

The playoff picture is getting clearer, so who is in the snapshot?

The San Diego Chargers have now won seven games in a row, running their record to 9-3, the latest victory a 30-23 win over the Cleveland Browns. The San Diego Chargers are in the driver’s seat for the playoffs.

In a battle of hot streaks, the Indianapolis Colts outlasted the Tennessee Titans 27-17, running their record to 12-0. The loss all but ended Tennessee’s remarkable comeback attempt. Indianapolis has now won 22 regular season games in a row, a new NFL record.

The Denver Broncos are keeping their playoff hopes alive, winning two games in a row, the most recent against the Kansas City Chiefs 44-13. Denver is a game behind San Diego in the AFC West, but has a wild card berth in their sights.

Pretenders come in all shapes and sizes:

The Pittsburgh Steelers record in 2006, after their last Super Bowl win? 8-8. They’re on their way to repeating history after losing their fourth game in a row, this time to the Oakland Raiders 27-24. The Steelers need a huge run if they plan on qualifying for the playoffs as a wild card.

A mere month ago, the Houston Texans were 5-3, with a playoff berth on their mind. They’re now 5-7, after losing 23-18 to Jacksonville, and rumors are starting to float, with most aimed at Coach Gary Kubiak.

Fantasy Football: Week 13 Start Em And Sit Em

The Sportmeisters — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 12:39:31 -0500

Welcome to the best time of the year, Sports Fans. Here is where I will tell you who I think you should start or who I think you should sit for your fantasy team.

This year, I will give you your obvious must starts (guys you start every week no matter who they play), a few players from each position who you should start, a sleeper start em’, and a must sit em’. Also, I will be giving projections for those players.

If you have more questions, don’t forget to join me for my Sunday Morning Start Em’/Sit Em’ Chat from 10:45am to 12:45pm. Go to www.Sportmeisters.com for more info. Enough talk, let’s get down to business!

QB Obvious Must Starts

Drew Brees —NO vs. WAS —Projection: 290 Yards, 3 TD, 1 INT

Peyton Manning —IND vs. TEN —Projection: 300 Yards, 3 TD, 1 INT

Tom Brady —NE vs. MIA —Projection: 325 Yards, 3 TD, 0 INT

Philip Rivers —SD vs. CLE —Projection: 295 Yards, 2 TD, 0 INT

Aaron Rodgers —GB vs. BAL —Projection: 250 Yards, 2 TD, 1 INT

QB Start Em’

Brett Favre —MIN vs. ARI —Favre has been on fire, throwing eight touchdowns in his last three games. This week, he faces the 29th ranked pass defense of the Arizona Cardinals, and I fully expect him to put up yet another monster game. Start Em’. Projection: 300 Yards, 3 TD, 0 INT

Carson Palmer —CIN vs. DET —After four disappointing games in which Palmer has thrown just two touchdowns and one interception (including last week’s 110 yard, one touchdown clunker against Cleveland), a game against the worst pass defense in the NFL, The Detroit Lions, couldn’t come at a better time. Sleeper Start Em’.
Projection: 270 Yards, 2 TD, 0 INT

QB Sit Em’

Tony Romo —DAL vs. NYG —Romo had one of the worst games of his career against the Giants on week two, throwing for just 127 yards and three interceptions. He faces them again this week, and they are ranked fourth in the NFL vs. the pass. Sit Em’.
Projection: 215 Yards, 1 TD, 2 INT

Matt Cassel —KC vs. DEN —After a surprisingly good game two weeks ago against Pittsburgh, Cassel fell back to Earth last week against The San Diego Chargers. This week, it doesn’t get any easier against the fifth ranked pass defense of the Denver Broncos. Must Sit Em’.
Projection: 175 Yards, 1 TD, 2 INT

RB Obvious Must Starts

Adrian Peterson —MIN vs. ARI —Projection: 95 Yards Rushing, 1 TD, 2 Receptions, 25 Yards

Maurice Jones-Drew —JAX vs. HOU —Projection: 90 Yards Rushing, 1 TD, 4 Receptions, 35 Yards

Steven Jackson —STL vs. CHI —Projection: 85 Yards Rushing, 1 TD, 4 Receptions, 25 Yards

Chris Johnson —TEN vs. IND —Projection: 90 Yards Rushing, 1 TD, 3 Receptions, 30 Yards

Ray Rice —BAL vs. GB —Projection: 80 Yards Rushing, 1 TD, 5 Receptions, 50 Yards

RB Start Em’

LaDainian Tomlinson —SD vs. CLE —LDT looks to be back with five touchdowns in the past three games. This week, he should feast on the 29th ranked run defense of the Cleveland Browns. Start Em’.
Projection: 90 Yards Rushing, 2 TD, 3 Receptions, 25 Yards

Rashard Mendenhall —PIT vs. OAK —Last week, against a good Baltimore run defense, he ran for 95 yards and had 22 yards receiving. This week, he faces the Oakland Raiders and their 31ST ranked run defense. Start Em’.
Projection: 100 Yards Rushing, 1 TD, 3 Receptions, 20 Yards

Matt Forte —CHI vs. STL —As inconsistent as Forte has been this year, you can’t afford not to start him against the St. Louis Rams and their 28TH ranked run defense. Especially with Jay Cutler throwing so many interceptions lately. Start Em’.
Projection: 100 Yards Rushing, 1 TD, 5 Receptions, 40 Yards

Cadillac Williams —TB vs. CAR —Williams has faced three decent run defense’s these past three weeks and his numbers show it. He ran for just 114 yards and scored just two total touchdowns in those games against Miami, Atlanta, and New Orleans. However, this week he faces the Carolina Panthers and their 26th ranked run defense. Sleeper Start Em’.
Projection: 65 Yards Rushing, 1 TD

RB Sit Em’

Ryan Grant —GB vs. BAL —If Grant could only manage 61 yards last week against a weak Detroit run defense, how is he going to fare against the Baltimore Ravens and their sixth ranked run defense? Sit Em’.
Projection: 40 Yards Rushing, 3 Receptions, 20 Yards

Kevin Smith —DET vs. CIN —Smith is coming off a decent game last week against Green Bay, where he ran for 43 yards and had 46 yards receiving. He will probably have the same type of game against the third ranked Cincinnati Bengals run defense. Sit Em’. Projection: 30 Yards Rushing, 4 Receptions, 40 Yards

Darren McFadden and Justin Fargas and Michael Bush —OAK vs. PIT —Does any fantasy expert/writer ever tell you to start a Running Back against the best run defense in the NFL, the Pittsburgh Steelers? I didn’t think so. Must Sit Em’ All.
Projections: McFadden: 20 Yards Rushing, 3 Receptions, 25 Yards – Fargas: 35 Yards Rushing – Bush: 20 Yards Rushing

WR Obvious Must Starts

Randy Moss —NE vs. MIA —Projection: 7 Receptions, 100 Yards, 1 TD

Wes Welker —NE vs. MIA —Projection: 11 Receptions, 100 Yards, 1 TD

Larry Fitzgerald —ARI vs. MIN —Projection: 6 Receptions, 95 Yards, 1 TD

Anquan Boldin —ARI vs. MIN —Projection: 6 Receptions, 80 Yards, 1 TD

Reggie Wayne —IND vs. TEN —Projection: 9 Receptions, 100 Yards, 1 TD

Andre Johnson —HOU vs. JAX —Projection: 7 Receptions, 80 Yards, 1 TD

Roddy White —ATL vs. PHI —Projection: 5 Receptions, 65 Yards, 1 TD

Marques Colston —NO vs. WAS —Projection: 5 Receptions, 80 Yards, 1 TD

WR Start Em’

Chad Ocho Cinco —CIN vs. DET —Ocho Cinco has returned to the All-Pro Wide Receiver that we all remember this year, catching 53 passes for 773 yards and five touchdowns. However, he has hit a bit of a slump recently, with just 14 receptions for 200 yards in his last four games. This week should be just what the doctor ordered, as he plays the Detroit Lions, who have the worst pass defense in the NFL. Start Em’. Projection: 7 Receptions, 105 Yards, 1 TD

Vincent Jackson —SD vs. CLE —Although Jackson has just seven receptions for 93 yards in his last three games, he is still Philip Rivers’ favorite target and you have to start him against the 24th ranked pass defense of the Cleveland Browns. Start Em’. Projection: 5 Receptions, 90 Yards, 1 TD

Devin Hester —CHI vs. STL —I know, I know, Hester has been stinking up the joint lately with just 12 receptions for 84 yards in his last three games. However, if there was ever a week for the Bears pass attack to get back on track, it would be this week against the 22nd ranked pass defense of the St. Louis Rams. Start Em’.
Projection: 5 Receptions, 65 Yards, 1 TD

Jeremy Maclin —PHI vs. ATL —With DeSean Jackson out with a concussion, Maclin should get the start and should see the majority of Jackson’s balls thrown his way. This is especially good news facing the 27th ranked pass defense of the Atlanta Falcons. Sleeper Start Em’.
Projection: 6 Receptions, 75 Yards, 1 TD

WR Sit Em’

Roy Williams —DAL vs. NYG —The last time that Williams faced the fourth ranked New York Giants pass defense, he caught just one pass for 18 yards. I don’t see him doing much better this week, especially with CB Aaron Ross back in the lineup. Sit Em’. Projection: 3 Receptions, 30 Yards

Steve Smith —CAR vs. TB —Smith was invisible last week against The Jets. Maybe that’s because he was blanketed by Darrelle Revis all day? Nevertheless, Smith had just one catch for five yards. This week, he faces a Tampa Bay Buccaneers pass defense that has allowed 24 passing touchdowns, despite being ranked 11th in the NFL vs. the pass.

So why sit him you ask? Because, Matt Moore will probably be starting and that means a lot of DeAngelo Williams (if he can play on his injured ankle) and Jonathan Stewart and a lot less Smith. Sit Em’.
Projection: 4 Receptions, 50 Yards

Chris Chambers —KC vs. DEN —As good as Chambers has been over the last two weeks (11 receptions for 189 yards and a touchdown), his chances of producing like that against CB Champ Bailey and the fifth ranked Denver Broncos pass defense don’t look good. Must Sit Em’.
Projection: 3 Receptions, 30 Yards

TE Obvious Must Starts

Antonio Gate —SD vs. CLE —Projection: 6 Receptions, 60 Yards, 1 TD

Tony Gonzalez —ATL vs. PHI —Projection: 7 Receptions, 65 Yards, 1 TD

Jason Witten —DAL vs. NYG —Projection: 6 Receptions, 70 Yards, 1 TD

Vernon Davis —SF vs. SEA —Projection: 6 Receptions, 60 Yards, 1 TD

Dallas Clark —IND vs. TEN —Projection: 7 Receptions, 75 Yards, 1 TD

TE Start Em’

Greg Olsen —CHI vs. STL —After Olsen’s slow start, many people wrote him off as a bust. However, he has responded with 25 receptions for 233 yards and three touchdowns in his last four games. This week, he faces the 22nd ranked pass defense of the St. Louis Rams and QB Jay Cutler should continue to look his way. Start Em’. Projection: 7 Receptions, 55 Yards, 1 TD

Visanthe Shiancoe —MIN vs. ARI —Shiancoe has a Touchdown in each of the last two games and faces the Arizona Cardinals and their 29th ranked pass defense this week. Plus, Tight Ends have six touchdowns against them this year. Sleeper Start Em’. Projection: 5 Receptions, 45 Yards, 1 TD

TE Sit Em’

Jeremy Shockey —NO vs. WAS —Shockey has been losing targets to Dave Thomas and has just six catches for 74 yards in his last three games. This week, he faces the Washington Redskins and their second ranked pass defense. With the way that the Saints spread the ball around, I think you have to Sit’ Em.
Projection: 3 Receptions, 25 Yards

Zach Miller —OAK vs. PIT —Does anyone trust Bruce Gradkowski yet? I highly doubt it. Especially against the Pittsburgh Steelers 13th ranked pass defense. Must Sit Em’. Projection: 3 Receptions, 30 Yards

D/ST Start Em’

Cincinnati Bengals vs. DET —Matthew Stafford threw five interceptions last week and the Bengals defense is for real this year. Start Em’.

Pittsburgh Steelers vs. OAK —Even without Troy Polamalu, we are still talking about James Harrison, Lamar Woodley, and that Dick LeBeau pass rush against Bruce Gradkowski. Start Em’.

San Diego Chargers vs. CLE —The Chargers held the Chiefs to 14 points last week, but only sacked Matt Cassel once and also picked him off once. I expect much better against the Browns this week. Start Em’.

D/ST Sit Em’

Washington Redskins vs. NO —Was anyone watching how the Saints destroyed a Bill Belichick defense last week? I certainly was. Even if the Redskins are second vs. the Pass, you have to Sit Em’.

Baltimore Ravens vs. GB —Green Bay has an explosive passing attack and plays much better at home. Sit Em’.

Tennessee Titans vs. IND —Does the name Peyton Manning mean anything to anyone? Sit Em’.

There you have it Sports Fans. Any questions or concerns, please email me at Derek@Sportmeisters.com and don’t forget to join me for my weekly Sunday Morning Start Em’/Sit Em’ Chat from 10:45am to 12:45pm. Go to www.Sportmeisters.com for more info.

What's Next For Florida State Football?

The Sportmeisters — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 14:10:03 -0500

As the Florida State University football team enters the next part of the football season, including bowl games and recruiting for next season, they are met with a challenge they have not seen in quite a long time. Even though FSU prepared for head coach Bobby Bowden’s eventual retirement with offensive coordinator Jimbo Fisher designated as the head-coach-in-waiting, there are still a number of factors FSU has to be prepared for in the coming weeks.

This is essential if they plan on being more competitive in 2010. Let’s take a closer look at the key areas of interest Florida State has to deal with as the country awaits seeing Coach Bowden in action one last time.

Bowl Game

6-6 still gets you to a bowl game, though a minor one at best. Nevertheless, Florida State still earns the right to play one more game for the 28^th consecutive season. Coach Bowden, along with retiring defensive coordinator Mickey Andrews, will dress in the garnet and gold one last time wearing those titles.

The game will ultimately be an emotional one for players, fans, and coaches alike. Sometime within the next week or two, FSU will officially receive their bowl game invitation and can plan their coaching schedule accordingly.

Current rumors have the Gator Bowl, who picks third in the bowl selection process for ACC teams, possibly selecting Florida State. This would be a huge boon for the bowl and FSU alike. The Gator Bowl is played in Jacksonville, which provides good travel opportunities for FSU fans to see Coach Bowden take the field for the last time.

Along those lines, the Gator Bowl is considering selecting West Virginia as FSU’s opponent, pitting Coach Bowden against the only other team he has coached. It would be a fitting tribute, but there are other factors at play.

According to the ACC Bowl regulations, the Gator Bowl and all bowls with ACC tie-ins, can only select a team that has a one loss differential. Gator Bowl officials are arguing that only matters when they are selecting the ACC Championship Game loser, which they are obligated to do once every four years (they selected Georgia Tech in 2007).

After the two ACC title contenders, the next team in line for a bowl position finished 5-3. This allows the Gator Bowl to select the 4-4 Florida State Seminoles, stating they fall within the one loss regulation because they are not obligated to select the ACC Championship loser.

I don’t know how this one will fall out, but when Florida State plays will have a direct effect on the remaining steps of Jimbo Fisher’s new regime, which also includes:

Coaching Changes

As of right now, only Jimbo Fisher and offensive line coach Rick Trickett have contracts that extend beyond this season. With the retirement of Mickey Andrews, finding a new defensive coordinator needs to be Fisher’s first step. Based off of rumors of animosity between Fisher and executive head coach Chuck Amato, I highly doubt Amato will be interviewed for the job.

There will be much speculation over the next few days and weeks on who will be looked at for the position, but I’m sure that Coach Fisher and Athletic Director Randy Spetman will be meeting with a short list of coaches in mind. Look for behind the back negotiations and talks to take place during FSU’s bowl preparation, with the hope that a new coach will be signed following the bowl game.

Finding a defensive coordinator quickly is imperative, as it gives the new coach time to put together his staff prior to the final recruiting run before signing day. At the very least, do not expect Amato or defensive ends/special teams coach Jody Allen to be on the FSU Staff in 2010.

Defensive tackle coach O’Dell Haggins future will undoubtedly be determined by the new defensive coordinator and Fisher together. Remember now, Fisher has final say on all this, but I cannot see him hiring someone he does not have ties to.

Offensively, look for Fisher to keep most, if not all of his staff. Being the head coach now, it would be more beneficial to pass the offensive coordinator duties off to one of his current position coaches. Tight ends/recruiting coordinator James Coley, is the only member of the offense Fisher brought in, so he looks to be the top option to take the position.

Considering the success the FSU offense had this year, I would imagine wide receivers coach Lawrence Dawsey to be safe. It is possible he could be looking for a new running backs and quarterbacks coach (Dexter Carter and Fisher took those roles, respectively).

For those interested in looking at rumors, Tomahawk Nation does a great job breaking down potential prospects, but again, this is all rumors until a signature is made. Having a coaching staff complete as soon as possible is key if it will improve FSUs efforts in:

Recruiting

According to Warchant , Florida State has 16 verbal commitments, leading to the February 2010 signing period. Of those 16, only one commitment was brought in by Jody Allen, who is not expected to be on staff next season. The rest are brought in by Fisher and members of his staff who should still be in place in 2010.

The idea of the “in-waiting” position was to allow recruits to feel there would be no change when Bowden eventually retired. Fisher and Coley took the reigns of the recruiting business, no longer making FSU a late player (FSU is notorious for its frenetic signing of big recruits on the first day of the signing period). Instead, FSU is now a major player for verbal commitments and because of this, should keep most if not all of their current commitments. Any wavering will come if Fisher cannot have a staff together by January.

There are a number of potential recruits FSU is in the hunt for and in order to sign these prospects away from other top-caliber BCS schools, having a solid coaching staff in place, especially one with knowledge and ties to the areas FSU focuses on, will be a huge gain.

There is also a possibility these coaches can bring in recruits they were hunting for their previous school. No guarantee to grab a big number of prospects that way, but a few could change their mind and rock the garnet and gold. The final concern is:

Current Players

FSU brings back a huge number of players on both sides of the ball next year and have plenty of top quality athletes waiting in the wings. As is the case when the head coach leaves, some players decide to seek playing time elsewhere.

By FSU having the “in-waiting” plan, much like with recruiting, Fisher and Coley brought in a huge number of the current staff and therefore, I expect most of the current players to continue to play for FSU. There may be one or two players that played exclusively for Amato and Allen who might move, but it would depend on if those coaches got new jobs.

Losing the head coach is never easy and while Florida State did their best to plan for this, there will be some growing pains. However, Fisher and the men he employs are prepared for this and I fully expect the cogs of the Florida State football machine to continue to turn without any major interruptions.

Thank You, Bobby Bowden

The Sportmeisters — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 11:05:44 -0500

Early Tuesday morning in Afghanistan, I awoke to the news that Coach Bobby Bowden was announcing his retirement Tuesday on the East Coast. All too much in sports, both collegiate and professional, fans are of the “what have you done for me lately?” mindset.

While many fans will point to a 16-16 record since 2005, six straight losses to the University of Florida, and an overall decrease in the quality of play, coach Bowden should be remembered for what he brought to not just a football program, but the entire Florida State University.

I’d like to step out of the mindset of recent success and instead, look back and give thanks to a coaching legend and all he has done.

I want to thank Coach Bowden for raising the bar on NCAA football. He has amassed 33 straight winning seasons and 37 overall, tied for the most in the Football Bowl Subdivision. He took a struggling Florida State football team and made it the standard for a successful football program.

His 14 straight seasons of 10 or more wins (1987-2000), is a record that he holds alone. During that same period, Florida State finished in the top five of the polls each year, another unprecedented run. His 12-0 1999 National Championship squad was the first ever to go the entire season at No. 1.

Coach Bowden even raised the bar in the postseason, winning 11 straight bowl games from 1985-1996 and ensuring his team was bowl-eligible for 28 straight seasons, the nation’s longest streak.

I want to thank Coach Bowden for bringing FSU to the ACC. His guidance and approval of joining the ACC over the SEC, was instrumental for the entire athletics program and the university as a whole.

Back in 1990, being an independent was all the rage, but with many of the big independent programs like Penn State, Miami, and still-independent Notre Dame taking the lucrative offers of conference play, FSU decided to join the fray.

Both the SEC, a football-rich conference and the ACC made plays, FSU, with Coach Bowden involved in the process, ultimately decided on the ACC. With conference expansion, the big piece of the early 1990s, FSU’s allegiance to the ACC has helped them gain fame as well as the entire conference.

Since joining the ACC in 1991, FSU football has won 12 conference championships, including a record nine in a row (1992-2000). Beyond that, FSU football helped bring a sense of focus and relevance to a conference known primarily for basketball. If it wasn’t for FSU, the ACC likely would not have brought in Miami, Virginia Tech, and Boston College.

Florida State, especially with its early success, forced their opponents to step up their football programs allowing for strong parity in the conference over the past few years. FSU’s success in the ACC is not just held to football though.

The rest of the sports moved over from the Metro Conference (the Metro Conference did not have a football league) and all found continued success thanks to greater exposure and a higher quality of opponent.

All told, FSU athletics have won 41 ACC Championships and five national championships in 12 different sports.

I want to thank Coach Bowden for what he brought to FSU. As a alumnus, I grew up following FSU football and from there, developed a love for the school that was one of only two schools I applied for during high school. His contributions as a coach helped Florida State grow into one of the top universities not just in Florida, but in the United States.

It’s little surprise, that athletics brings in the big dollars and FSU football is the biggest contributor in that.

At the same time, I want to thank Coach Bowden for never leaving Florida State. All too often, coaches leave at the chance for bigger and better. Even when his favorite team growing up, Alabama called, coach never wavered in his support and loyalty to the Seminoles, a trait that many coaches forget today. He instead focused on raising young boys into men and won an amazing 388 games doing so.

As I close an article I never wanted to write, I’m sorry Coach Bowden leaves under these trying times for the Florida State program. However, I choose not to look at what was done lately, but the body of work that has allowed the Florida State football team to have such high expectations year after year.

Thank you Coach Bowden. I hope you enjoy sitting back in your chair, enjoying some lemonade, and remembering the days of FSU lore.

What We Learned: NFL Week 12

The Sportmeisters — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 13:56:54 -0500

By Ryan of The Sportmeisters

A last second touchdown, a clinched division, and more sum up this week in the NFL. Let’s revisit some of the bigger stories.

A Championship Comeback, Part Two

Two weeks ago, the Indianapolis Colts turned a 31-14 deficit into a 35-34 victory against the New England Patriots. Surely, against the Houston Texans, they would find an easier road. Instead, the Colts decided to spot the Texans 17 points and then proceeded to run off 28 unanswered points in the second half to win 35-27.

Some historical data here: Indianapolis has now won 20 straight regular season games (second most in NFL history) and became the first team to win 11 games seven years in a row.

On the other side, Houston is now 1-15 against Indianapolis since forming in 2002, and this could be the final straw for coach Gary Kubiak.

Indianapolis has shown some weakness, with this not being the first time they’ve fallen behind. However, good teams find a way to win, and as long as Peyton Manning is under center, the Colts are always in the running.

Last-Second Heroics

Who are the Tennessee Titans, and where did they come from? Once again, putting QB Vince Young back in the starting lineup was the right call, as he threw for a career-high 387 yards, including the game-winning 10-yard pass to WR Kenny Britt with no time left. This brought the Titans to 5-6, and their outside shot of a playoff spot still remains.

The game also saw a “rematch” of the 2006 National Championship between Young and Arizona Cardinals QB Matt Leinart. Leinart, starting in place of the injured Kurt Warner, managed the game very well, with 220 yards and no interceptions or touchdowns. In the end, however, Young won it on the last play again.

On a smaller scale, but important nonetheless, is RB Chris Johnson’s sixth straight game of over 125 rushing yards. This matched the record held by Earl Campbell and Eric Dickerson.

Tennessee faces the undefeated Colts next week in what should make for a very entertaining AFC South matchup.

A Battle in the North

When AFC North rivals the Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers face off, it is a hard-hitting, grind-it-out power game. Baltimore must have been salivating at this matchup, facing off against little-used third string QB Dennis Dixon with Ben Roethlisberger and Charlie Batch out with injuries.

Much like Pittsburgh has done before with young QBs, they relied on him to manage the game, using the run heavily and expecting the defense to make the stop. Everything was running smoothly until overtime, when little-used LB Paul Kruger jumped in front of a pass, giving Baltimore the ball. A few plays later, Billy Cundiff’s 29-yard field goal won the game for the Ravens.

Both Baltimore and Pittsburgh are 6-5, fighting for playoff survival. This win is huge for the Ravens, as it helps them in the tiebreakers for the AFC Wild Card.

Contenders and Pretenders

The playoffs are knocking—who is going to answer the door?

Brett Favre threw for 392 yards and three touchdowns, and Adrian Peterson had a touchdown run, as the Minnesota Vikings improved to 10-1 with a 36-10 victory.

The San Diego Chargers are continuing their quest for the AFC West and got a boost with their 43-14 win over Kansas City. This was the sixth straight win for San Diego.

While some teams are perfect, others are perfectly inept.

I wouldn’t call the Atlanta Falcons a pretender just yet, but when you lose your starting QB and starting RB, you’re going to be tough to show yourself as a contender. They squeaked by Tampa Bay 20-17, but those miracles can only last so long.

Jake Delhomme and John Fox might be on the way out in Carolina, as Delhomme threw four more interceptions, this time against the New York Jets. The Panthers are 4-7 and falling fast.

Fantasy Football: Week 12 Start Em' And Sit Em'

The Sportmeisters — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 23:02:33 -0500

By Derek of The Sportmeisters

Welcome to the best time of the year sports fans. I will tell you who I think you should start or who I think you should sit for your fantasy team. This year, I will give you your obvious must starts (guys you start every week no matter who they play), a few players from each position who you should start, a sleeper start em’, and a must sit em’. I will also be giving projections for those players. If you have more questions, don’t forget to join me for my Sunday Morning Start Em’/Sit Em’ Chat from 10:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Go to www.Sportmeisters.com for more info. Enough talk, let’s get down to business!

QB Obvious Must Starts

Drew Brees —NO vs. NE – Projection: 275 Yards, 2 TD, 1 INT

Peyton Manning —IND vs. HOU – Projection: 300 Yards, 2 TD, 1 INT

Tom Brady —NE vs. NO – Projection: 300 Yards, 2 TD, 1 INT

Philip Rivers —SD vs. KC – Projection: 295 Yards, 2 TD, 0 INT

Kurt Warner —ARI vs. TEN – Projection: 280 Yards, 2 TD, 1 INT

QB Start Em’

Carson Palmer —CIN vs. CLE —After three disappointing games in which Palmer has thrown just one touchdown and one interception, without throwing for more than 225 yards, a game against the 26^th ranked pass defense of the Cleveland Browns couldn’t come at a better time. In his last five games against them, he has 14 touchdowns. Start Em’. Projection: 270 Yards, 3 TD, 0 INT

Matt Ryan —ATL vs. TB —Ryan finally broke out of his slump last week with 268 yards and two touchdowns against the Giants. This week, he faces the 13th ranked pass defense of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who have allowed 22 passing touchdowns on the year. Start Em’. Projection: 275 Yards, 2 TD, 0 INT

Alex Smith —SF vs. JAX —While Smith hasn’t lit the world on fire, he hasn’t been too bad either. He played well last week against a good Green Bay defense, throwing for 227 yards with three touchdowns and one interception. If you own him, this would be the week he could surprise you against the 25th ranked pass defense of the Jacksonville Jaguars, who have allowed 17 passing touchdowns this year. Sleeper Start Em’. Projection: 250 Yards, 2 TD, 1 INT

QB Sit Em’

Joe Flacco —BAL vs. PIT – Flacco hasn’t been great in his last four games, throwing just one touchdown and three interceptions. This week, he faces the 12th ranked Pittsburgh Steelers pass defense that will be extremely fired up after being upset by the lowly Chiefs last week. Sit Em’. Projection: 240 Yards, 1 TD, 1 INT

Matt Schaub —HOU vs. IND —As good as Schaub has been this year, he has just three touchdowns to four interceptions in his last three games, although two of those games he did throw for over 300 yards. However, he faces the Indianapolis Colts and their 18th ranked pass defense this week and they have allowed just seven touchdowns through the air all year. Plus, Schaub has just two touchdowns and four interceptions in his last two games against them. Sit Em’. Projection: 285 Yards, 2 TD, 2 INT

Matt Cassel —KC vs. SD —After a surprisingly good game last week against Pittsburgh, Cassel will fall back to Earth against the 11th ranked San Diego pass defense, where he completed just 10 passes for 97 yards and three interceptions in week seven. Must Sit Em’. Projection: 150 Yards, 1 TD, 3 INT

RB Obvious Must Starts

Adrian Peterson —MIN vs. CHI —Projection: 115 Yards Rushing, 1 TD, 2 Receptions, 20 Yards

Maurice Jones-Drew —JAX vs. SF — Projection: 80 Yards Rushing, 1 TD, 4 Receptions, 35 Yards

Steven Jackson —STL vs. SEA —Projection: 120 Yards Rushing, 1 TD, 3 Receptions, 25 Yards

Chris Johnson —TEN vs. ARI —Projection: 100 Yards Rushing, 1 TD, 3 Receptions, 30 Yards

Ray Rice —BAL vs. PIT —Projection: 80 Yards Rushing, 1 TD, 6 Receptions, 50 Yards

RB Start Em’

LaDainian Tomlinson —SD vs. KC — LT looks to be back and fully healthy with 44 carries for 169 yards and three total touchdowns in the past two games. This week, he should do better than his 71 yards performance against the Chiefs and their 27^th ranked run defense. Start Em’. Projection: 95 Yards Rushing, 1 TD, 2 Receptions, 15 Yards

Joseph Addai —IND vs. HOU —Addai has quietly put together a strong fantasy year thus far with 10 total touchdowns and 788 all-purpose yards. This week, he faces the 22nd ranked run defense of the Houston Texans, a team which he had 112 total yards and two touchdowns against in week nine. Start Em’. Projection: 65 Yards Rushing, 1 TD, 3 Receptions, 35 Yards, 1 TD

Ricky Williams —MIA vs. BUF —Williams has proved these past two weeks that he can still be a featured back in the NFL with back to back 100+ yard games and three touchdowns against Tampa Bay and Carolina. This week, he has another great matchup against the Buffalo Bills and their 31st ranked run defense, whom he torched for 85 yards and a touchdown in week four while he was still splitting carries with the now injured Ronnie Brown. Start Em’. Projection: 100 Yards Rushing, 1 TD, 2 Receptions, 15 Yards

Thomas Jones —NYJ vs. CAR —Did we all forget about Thomas Jones this year? All he has done is put up 884 yards and eight touchdowns. This week, he faces the Carolina Panthers and their 26th ranked run defense that allowed Ricky Williams to find the end zone three times last week. Start Em’. Projection: 100 Yards Rushing, 1 TD

Bernard Scott —CIN vs. CLE —Even if Cedric Benson plays this week, I like Scott. He ran for over 100 yards last week with Benson out and faces the 29th ranked run defense of the Cleveland Browns this week. Do you really think that Cincinnati will leave Benson in when they are up 28—0? Me neither! Can you say garbage time points? Sleeper Start Em’. Projection: 75 Yards Rushing, 1 TD, 2 Receptions, 20 Yards

RB Sit Em’

Rashard Mendenhall —PIT vs. BAL —As good as Mendenhall has been over the past few weeks, I still have to bench him against the Baltimore Ravens and their fifth ranked run defense that has allowed just six rushing touchdowns all year. Sit Em’. Projection: 60 Yards Rushing

Matt Forte —CHI vs. MIN — Forte has pretty much been a bust this year. However, his ability to catch passes out of the backfield has been what keeps him from being a complete bust. While he has had just 39 carries for 108 yards in the past three games, he has had 18 receptions for 214 yards in those same three games. This week, he faces the Minnesota Vikings, who are ranked third in the NFL against the run, allowing just three rushing touchdowns all year. If he is going to have any impact, it will be as a receiver, but I still say to Sit Em’. Projection: 40 Yards Rushing, 6 Receptions, 55 Yards

Marshawn Lynch —BUF vs. MIA — Lynch appears to be ready to play this week after being carted off the field last week against Jacksonville with an injured shoulder. However, I suspect that the injury will limit his carries and he is facing a tough Miami Dolphins run defense that ranks 11^th in the NFL. Sit Em’. Projection: 30 Yards Rushing, 3 Receptions, 25 Yards

Jamal Lewis —CLE vs. CIN —Lewis has not been effective this year and has just 460 yards with no touchdowns. That may be because they haven’t had a passing game, but either way, now isn’t the time to start using him (or any Cleveland Browns player), especially against the second ranked run defense of the Cincinnati Bengals, who have allowed just four rushing touchdowns all year. Must Sit Em’. Projection: 40 Yards Rushing

WR Obvious Must Starts

Randy Moss —NE vs. NO — Projection: 7 Receptions, 100 Yards, 1 TD

Wes Welker —NE vs. NO — Projection: 12 Receptions, 110 Yards, 1 TD

Larry Fitzgerald —ARI vs. TEN —Projection: 8 Receptions, 105 Yards, 1 TD

Anquan Boldin —ARI vs. TEN — Projection: 7 Receptions, 100 Yards, 1 TD

Reggie Wayne —IND vs. HOU —Projection: 9 Receptions, 100 Yards, 1 TD

Andre Johnson —HOU vs. IND — Projection: 8 Receptions, 80 Yards, 1 TD

Roddy White —ATL vs. TB —Projection: 5 Receptions, 85 Yards, 1 TD

Marques Colston —NO vs. NE —Projection: 6 Receptions, 80 Yards, 1 TD

WR Start Em’

Chad Ochocinco —CIN vs. CLE —Ocho Cinco has returned to the All-Pro Wide Receiver that we all remember this year, catching 50 passes for 735 yards and five touchdowns. However, he has hit a bit of a slump recently, with just 11 receptions for 162 yards in his last three games. This week should be just what the fantasy doctor ordered, as he plays the 26th ranked pass defense of the Cleveland Browns, who gave up two touchdowns Ochocinco in week four and has torched for over 1000 yards and 11 touchdowns in his career. Start Em’. Projection: 8 Receptions, 115 Yards, 1 TD

Vincent Jackson —SD vs. KC — Although Jackson has just five receptions for 66 yards in his last two games, you still have to start him this week against the 28th ranked pass defense of the Kansas City Chiefs, whom he torched for five receptions, 142 yards, and a touchdown in week seven. Start Em’. Projection: 6 Receptions, 120 Yards, 1 TD

T.J. Houshmandzadeh —SEA vs. STL — We all thought that T.J. was finally coming out of a season long slump in week 10, when he caught nine passes for 165 yards against Arizona. However, he caught just four balls for 36 yards last week against Minnesota. Housh has been incredibly inconsistent this year, but I think he has one of those days against the 24th ranked pass defense of the St. Louis Rams, who have allowed 15 passing touchdowns this year. Start Em’. Projection: 8 Receptions, 80 Yards, 1 TD

Kenny Britt —TEN vs. ARI — Britt appears to be clicking with Vince Young, catching six balls for 97 yards and a touchdown in his last two games. This week, he faces the 27th ranked pass defense of the Arizona Cardinals and he could surprise some people. Sleeper Start Em’. Projection: 4 Receptions, 50 Yards, 1 TD

WR Sit Em’

Braylon Edwards —NYJ vs. CAR —Edwards has just four receptions for 89 yards in the past two weeks and the Jets will probably be running the ball this week against the 26^th ranked run defense of the Carolina Panthers, who rank fourth against the Pass. Sit Em’. Projection: 3 Receptions, 35 Yards

Santana Moss —WAS vs. PHI — The Redskins offense has been a mess this year and Moss has suffered as well. He has just 12 receptions for 93 yards over the last three games and faces the ninth ranked Philadelphia Eagles pass defense this week, the same Defense that held him to six receptions for 74 yards in week seven. Sit Em’. Projection: 4 Receptions, 40 Yards

Chris Chambers —KC vs. SD —When the Chargers released Chambers, everyone thought it was because he was washed up. However, the Chiefs signed him and he has rewarded them with 10 receptions for 249 yards and two touchdowns in three games. However, this week he faces his former team and who would know how to shut him down better than his former coaches? Especially since the Chargers rank 11th in pass defense. Sit Em’. Projections: 4 Receptions, 40 Yards

Bernard Berrian —MIN vs. CHI —Berrian was supposed to be the Vikings number one receiver when the season started. However, he was injured and has now been reduced to the third or fourth option behind Sidney Rice, Percy Harvin, and Visanthe Shiancoe. He has just eight receptions for 80 yards and two touchdowns in the last three games, and I don’t see any success against his former team, the Chicago Bears and their eighth ranked pass defense. Must Sit Em’. Projection: 3 Receptions, 30 Yards

TE Obvious Must Starts

Antonio Gates —SD vs. DEN —Projection: 6 Receptions, 60 Yards, 1 TD

Tony Gonzalez —ATL vs. NYG —Projection: 7 Receptions, 75 Yards, 1 TD

Vernon Davis —SF vs. JAX — Projection: 7 Receptions, 80 Yards, 1 TD

Dallas Clark —IND vs. BAL —Projection: 7 Receptions, 75 Yards, 1 TD

TE Start Em’

Kellen Winslow —TB vs. ATL — The Falcons rank 29th vs. the pass and rookie QB Josh Freeman has relied heavily on his veteran Tight End, who has 16 receptions for 188 yards and a touchdown in the last three games. Expect that to continue this week. Start Em’. Projection: 6 Receptions, 55 Yards, 1 TD

Greg Olsen —CHI vs. MIN —After Olsen’s slow start, many people wrote him off as a bust. However, he has responded with 18 receptions for 188 yards and three touchdowns in his last three games. This week, he faces the 21st ranked pass defense of the Minnesota Vikings and QB Jay Cutler should continue to look his way. Start Em’. Projection: 6 Receptions, 50 Yards, 1 TD

Fred Davis – WAS vs. PHI – As much of a mess as the Redskins Offense has been this year, Davis has been a pleasant surprise. He has 23 receptions for 223 yards and a touchdown and eight of those catches and 78 yards and the touchdown came against Philadelphia in week seven. Sleeper Start Em’. Projection: 6 receptions, 60 Yards, 1 TD

TE Sit Em’

Dustin Keller —NYJ vs. CAR — With the Jets running the ball against a weak Carolina run defense, the pass game will be put on the shelf and that means Keller won’t see much thrown his way. Sit Em’. Projection: 3 Receptions, 35 Yards

Heath Miller —PIT vs. BAL —Miller was very good last week, but that was against a weak Kansas City pass defense. This week, he plays the 17th ranked pass defense of the Baltimore Ravens and he usually doesn’t fair well against them, averaging less than three receptions and 20 yards in his last six games against them. Sit Em’. Projection: 2 Receptions, 20 Yards

Ben Watson —NE vs. NO —Even though this game will be a shootout, I don’t see Watson becoming too involved in the game plan. He has just five receptions for 85 yards in his last three games and New Orleans usually keeps the opposing Tight End in check. Plus, he has a back injury that may keep him out of the game all together. Must Sit Em’. Projection: 2 Receptions, 20 Yards

D/ST Start Em’

Cincinnati Bengals vs. CLE —Aside from last week, Cleveland’s Offense has been horrendous this year and the Bengals much improved Defense should feast on them this week. Start Em’.

Philadelphia Eagles vs. WAS —The Eagles forced four fumbles and had an interception for a touchdown in their week seven matchup against the Redskins. This week should be much of the same, especially with Clinton Portis, Ladell Betts, and Chris Cooley hurt. Start Em’.

San Diego Chargers vs. KC —The Chargers held the Chiefs to seven points in their week seven game, sacking Matt Cassel five times and picking him off three times. I expect much of the same this week. Start Em’.

D/ST Sit Em’

New England Patriots vs. NO —This game will be a complete shootout with two of the best Quarterbacks in the game and two of the best Offenses in the game facing off. Sit Em’.

New Orleans Saints vs. NE —The same reason as why you don’t start the Patriots D this week. Sit Em’.

Tennessee Titans vs. ARI —Kurt Warner has thrown nine touchdowns without throwing an interception over the last three games and the Cardinals Offense has put up an average of 31 points per game in those three games. Not good news for the Titans fantasy owners. Sit Em’.

NFL Fantasy Football: Thanksgiving Day Start 'Em, Sit 'Em, and Game Projections

The Sportmeisters — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 10:57:10 -0500

By Derek of The Sportmeisters

Happy Thanksgiving to all! Week 12 is here, and there are multiple games this coming Thursday.

As always, we see the Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys on Thanksgiving Day. The Lions will take on the Green Bay Packers, and the Cowboys will face the Oakland Raiders. We will also see the New York Giants take on the Denver Broncos.

Here is a short list of players who you should have in your lineup or should keep on the bench.

Enough talk—let’s get down to business!

Start 'Em

QB – Aaron Rodgers – GB vs. DET – Projection: 350 Yards, 3 TD, 0 INT

If Brady Quinn can throw for four touchdowns against Detroit, what do you think Aaron Rodgers and the Packers offense will do? Must Start 'Em.

RB – Ryan Grant – GB vs. DET – Projection: 125 Yards Rushing, 1 TD

Grant rushed for 90 yards in the week six game against Detroit and should have similar success against their 20th-ranked run defense this week. Start 'Em.

RB – Brandon Jacobs – NYG vs. DEN – Projection: 95 Yards Rushing, 2 TD

With Ahmad Bradshaw out, Jacobs will be asked to carry the load, and he should have a solid game against a suddenly ineffective Denver defense that ranks 18th vs. the run. Start 'Em.

RB – Marion Barber and Felix Jones – DAL vs. OAK – Projections: Barber: 95 Yards Rushing, 1 TD, 3 Receptions, 20 Yards – Jones: 60 Yards Rushing, 1 TD, 2 Receptions, 15 Yards

Barber was highly effective last week against a good Washington D. This week, he and Jones will face the Raiders, who rank 30th vs. the run. If there is a time for Jones to become more involved in the offense, this is it. Start 'Em both.

WR – Greg Jennings and Donald Driver – GB vs. DET – Projections: Jennings: 7 Receptions, 100 Yards, 1 TD – Driver: 6 Receptions, 75 Yards, 1 TD

The Packers offense should have a field day against the worst pass defense in the NFL. Expect big games from these two. Start 'Em both.

TE – Jermichael Finley – GB vs. DET – Projection: 5 Receptions, 50 Yards, 1 TD

You almost have to start everyone on the Packers this week against Detroit. Finley could surprise this week. Sleeper Start 'Em.

D/ST – Green Bay Packers vs. DET

Matthew Stafford and Calvin Johnson are unlikely to play, which leaves Daunte Culpepper with nobody to throw to. Good news for the Packers defense. Start 'Em.

D/ST – New York Giants vs. DEN

Kyle Orton has been hurt, and the Giants defense should be fired up coming off the big win last week. Start 'Em.

D/ST – Dallas Cowboys vs. OAK

Bruce Gradkowski may have led them to the win last week, but do you really think that will happen ever again? Neither do I, especially against a pass rush led by DeMarcus Ware. Start 'Em.

Sit 'Em

QB – Eli Manning – NYG vs. DEN – Projection: 250 Yards, 2 TD, 1 INT

Eli looked good last week, but that was against a weak Atlanta pass defense. This week, he will face a Denver pass defense that ranks third in the NFL. Sit 'Em.

QB – Tony Romo – DAL vs. OAK – Projection: 240 Yards, 1 TD, 1 INT

Since throwing for six combined touchdowns in weeks seven and eight, Romo hasn’t found the end zone that often. He has just three touchdowns and has thrown three interceptions in the last three games. This week, he will face the 12th-ranked Oakland Raiders pass defense, and I expect the Cowboys to run the ball quite often. Sit 'Em.

QB – Kyle Orton – DEN vs. NYG – Projection: 200 Yards, 1 TD, 2 INT

Orton has been hurt and will face a New York Giants defense that ranks second in the NFL vs. the pass. Must Sit 'Em.

RB – Correll Buckhalter – Projection: 30 Yards Rushing, 2 Receptions, 15 Yards

Buckhalter has been relegated to backup duty as Knowshon Moreno has taken full control of the starting job. He is almost completely useless as a fantasy back, especially against the 11th-ranked New York Giants run defense. Sit 'Em.

RB – Darren McFadden and Justin Fargas and Michael Bush – Projections: McFadden: 30 Yards Rushing – Fargas: 45 Yards Rushing – Bush: 25 Yards Rushing

Are you really going to start an Oakland Raider? Not against the seventh-ranked Dallas Cowboys run defense. Sit 'Em all.

RB – Kevin Smith – DET vs. GB – Projection: 40 Yards Rushing, 4 Receptions, 30 Yards

Green Bay has only allowed three rushing touchdowns all year, and I don’t expect Smith to break that trend. Sit 'Em.

WR – Brandon Marshall and Eddie Royal – DEN vs. NYG – Projections: Marshall: 4 Receptions, 40 Yards – Royal: 3 Receptions, 30 Yards

With a QB that is coming off an injury and against a Giants defense that ranks second vs. the pass, I wouldn’t feel comfortable starting either of these guys. Sit 'Em both.

WR – Calvin Johnson – DET vs. GB – Projection: Inactive

Johnson should be benched due to the fact that he is doubtful to play. Too bad, as he has put up good numbers these past two weeks, but the short week will most likely keep him on the sidelines in this one. Sit 'Em.

WR – Miles Austin and Roy Williams – DAL vs. OAK – Projections: Austin: 4 Receptions, 40 Yards – Williams: 4 Receptions, 40 Yards

You never know who the No. 1 guy is in Dallas these days, and against Nnamdi Asomugha and the 12th-ranked Raiders pass defense, I Sit 'Em both.

There you have it, Sports Fans: my Start 'Em/Sit' Em and Projections for the Thanksgiving Day games. Any questions or concerns, please email me at Derek@Sportmeisters.com and look for the rest of my Start 'Em/Sit 'Em and Projections later this week, as well as our Sunday Morning Start 'Em/Sit 'Em Chat. Happy Thanksgiving!

NCAA Top 25 Week 13: Rivalry Week Lurks Ahead of Conference Championships

The Sportmeisters — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 12:56:37 -0500

By Ryan of The Sportmeisters

Rivalry week is here! This is the week where records can be thrown out, because, if you can beat your rival, it can be considered a winning season. Will this week's top 25 have some upsets ahead of them?

1. Texas (Last Week: 2) Next Game: 11/26 at Texas A&M

A prime-time Thanksgiving game, where the Longhorns are going to be thankful Florida and Alabama have to play each other, giving Texas a boost in the BCS.

2. TCU (Last Week: 1) Next Game: 11/28 vs. New Mexico

TCU drops to number two, not because of their win over Wyoming, but because I rank Texas’s beating Kansas higher than TCU over Wyoming.

3. Florida (Last Week: 3) Next Game: 11/28 vs. Florida State

Another year of a “warm-up” before Florida State comes to town, and QB Tim Tebow should feast in his last home game against FSU’s shoddy defense.

4. Alabama (Last Week: 4) Next Game: 11/27 at Auburn

Auburn is an up-and-down team, and if Alabama is looking ahead, Gene Chizik’s staff could pull the rug right out from underneath the Tide.

5. Boise State (Last Week: 5) Next Game: 11/27 vs. Nevada

Boise State can’t sleep on the Wolfpack, who have won eight in a row since starting off 0-3.

6. Cincinnati (Last Week: 6) Next Game: 11/27 vs. Illinois

A non-conference matchup still holds some weight for the Bearcats, who look to remain undefeated, with an outside shot at the BCS title game.

7. Georgia Tech (Last Week: 7) Next Game: 11/28 vs. Georgia

The Yellow Jackets have had the Bulldogs number in the past few seasons, and should continue that, leading up to their clash against Clemson next week.

8. Ohio State (Last Week: 9) Next Game: Rose Bowl vs. TBD

As per the Big 10, Ohio State ended their season, and now will sit and wait for their Rose Bowl opponent.

9. Pittsburgh (Last Week: 10) Next Game: 11/27 at West Virginia

The Panthers cannot afford to look ahead to Cincinnati next week, and have to focus on Noel Devine and his blazing speed.

10. Penn State (Last Week: 11) Next Game: Bowl Game

Penn State jumps back into the top ten, and waits for word on their bowl game.

11. Oklahoma State (Last Week: 12) Next Game: 11/28 at Oklahoma

A year ago, this would have been a bigger game, but for Coach Mike Gundy, he is still looking for his first victory against the Sooners.

12. Virginia Tech (Last Week: 13) Next Game: 11/28 at Virginia

Is this really a rivalry game? VT should run all over Al Groh’s hapless squad.

13. Oregon (Last Week: 14) Next Game: Idle

Oregon waits for the Civil War against Oregon State in two weeks, with the Pac-10 on the line.

14. Iowa (Last Week: 16) Next Game: Bowl Game

Iowa will look back on this season as the one that could have been, and hope to start next season off right with a bowl win.

15. Clemson (Last Week: 19) Next Game: 11/28 at South Carolina

An ACC Title Bid and a win against South Carolina could make a lot of Tiger fans very thankful this holiday season.

16. LSU (Last Week: 10) Next Game: 11/28 vs. Arkansas

Only in the SEC could a top 25 coach be out on the streets after the season, but that’s how it’s looking for Les Miles.

17. Oregon State (Last Week: NR) Next Game: Idle

Both Oregon and Oregon State get the extra week to prepare for a huge Pac-10 showdown next week.

18. USC (Last Week: 18) Next Game: 11/28 vs. UCLA

Can USC salvage this “rebuilding season” with a win against their rivals?

19. Utah (Last Week: 20) Next Game: 11/28 at No. 20 Brigham Young

Neither team can win the MWC, but both are fighting for a 10-win season, which is still respectable.

20. Brigham Young (Last Week: 21) Next Game: 11/21 vs. No. 19 Utah

BYU is 3-2 at home, while opponent Utah is 3-2 on the road.

21. Navy (Last Week: 22) Next Game: 11/28 vs. Hawaii

The Midshipmen take a week off, and still move up in the polls.

22. Miami (Last Week: 23) Next Game: 11/28 at South Florida

It’s not a rivalry game per se, but South Florida already took down one of the Florida Big Three, can a second win be far behind?

23. Houston (Last Week: 24) Next Game: 11/28 vs. Rice

Houston bounced back with a trouncing of Memphis in week 12.

24. Mississippi (Last Week: NR) Next Game: 11/28 at Mississippi State

An upset win brings the Rebels into the top 25.

25. North Carolina (Last Week: NR) Next Game: 11/28 at NC State

The Tar Heels move into the top 25, on the heels of a four-game winning streak.

Stafford and Lions, Young and Titans: What We Learned from NFL Week 11

The Sportmeisters — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 03:16:36 -0500

By Ryan of The Sportmeisters

The home stretch is near! Who’s gunning for the playoffs, and who’s gunning for a good draft spot?

The Best Game No One Watched

It was a “family and friends” game, meaning, only family and friends would watch Cleveland face off against Detroit in the race for the No. 1 pick. Well, it became a game full of energy, comebacks, and a game-winning drive, as the Lions edged the Browns 38-37.

Cleveland took a huge 24-3 lead to start the game, showing an offensive firepower sorely missed the first 10 weeks of the season. Detroit, led by rookie QB Matt Stafford, climbed back, until Cleveland QB Brady Quinn led a scoring drive to make it 37-31 with under five minutes to go.

Enter Stafford, who got the team to midfield before launching a Hail Mary with less than 10 seconds to go, which was intercepted and ended the game.

BUT WAIT!

A pass interference call let Detroit have one final untimed play, where a now-injured Stafford found fellow rookie TE Brandon Pettigrew for the 38-37 win.

They say it takes one play in one game to turn a team around. For Detroit, that might have been the turning point, even with Stafford unlikely to play this week against Green Bay. The Browns can take some positive in the offense that showed up, but are miles away from any signs of competitiveness.

A Bucked Bronco

A month ago, the Denver Broncos, despite all their offseason turmoil, were 6-0 and kings of the AFC West. They held a 3-and-a-half game lead over the Sand Diego Chargers. Now, as we move to Week 12, the San Diego Chargers hold a one-game lead over Denver, thanks to a five-game winning streak that culminated in a 32-3 drubbing of the Broncos on Sunday.

It was just another case of two teams changing since Denver won the first matchup.

San Diego seems to be on all cylinders, with QB Philip Rivers managing the offense, and even RB LaDainian Tomlinson having a solid performance (20 carries, 73 yards, touchdown).

Denver is falling apart at the wrong time, and three turnovers and nine penalties don’t make it any easier. The Broncos have an early game this week against the NY Giants, and have to get back on track now, or risk watching the season end before their very eyes.

Remember The Titans

I usually write this on a Monday, but due to scheduling conflicts, I got to take in the Monday night game and add it to my recaps. I picked a good week to have a scheduling conflict, as behind 151 rushing yards from Chris Johnson and 189 all-purpose yards from Vince Young, the Titans squeaked out a 20-17 victory over the Houston Texans.

The Titans, who were the source of ridicule a year removed from 13-3, have now won four straight, and while they are still a ways away from any playoff talk, now seem like they are on the right track.

Using the same method that worked last year (punishing running game, dominant defense), they no longer seem in over their heads. Against Houston, they had 228 rushing yards, and the defense had four sacks, and held Houston to 57 rushing yards.

Tennessee is clawing back, slowly but surely.

Contenders and Pretenders

The playoff picture is getting clearer, so who is in the snapshot?

The New Orleans Saints, after a few weeks of questionable football, quieted the critics with a complete performance in a 38-7 drubbing of Tampa Bay. The Saints take their perfect record against New England on Monday Night Football this coming week.

What does a 4-2 record over the last six weeks get you? For the Miami Dolphins, it’s some playoff chatter, as last years AFC East Champions beat the Carolina Panthers to get back to .500. RB Ricky Williams had three touchdowns in place of injured RB Ronnie Brown.

The Indianapolis Colts are making it happen, squeaking out another close victory, this time against the Baltimore Ravens 17-15. The Colts ran their record to 10-0, their eighth straight 10-win season, and have won 19 regular season games in a row, second only to the New England Patriots (21 wins from 2006-2008).

Pretenders come in all shapes and sizes:

Bills coach Dick Jauron was given the boot, hoping to spark something in Buffalo. Despite Terrell Owens showing up for the first time all season, the Bills still lose, 18-15 to Jacksonville. The Bills are now 3-7.

The Pittsburgh Steelers are defending Super Bowl champions, but they’re not playing like it. They lost their second straight game, this time to the Kansas City Chiefs, 27-24 in overtime. They are fighting injuries, which is a contributing factor, but they need to get their act together if a repeat Super Bowl appearance is in the cards.

After starting 4-1, the Atlanta Falcons have taken a nosedive, with their latest, a 34-31 overtime loss to the New York Giants, running their record to 5-5.

Fantasy Football – Week 11 Start Em' And Sit Em'

The Sportmeisters — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 22:48:59 -0500

By Derek of The Sportmeisters

Also, I will be giving projections for those players. If you have more questions, don’t forget to join me for my Sunday Morning Start Em’/Sit Em’ Chat from 10:45am to 12:45pm. Go to www.Sportmeisters.com for more info. Enough talk, let’s get down to business!

QB Obvious Must Starts

Drew Brees —NO vs. TB —Projection: 300 Yards, 3 TD, 1 INT

Peyton Manning —IND vs. BAL —Projection: 300 Yards, 2 TD, 1 INT

Tom Brady —NE vs. NYJ —Projection: 275 Yards, 2 TD, 1 INT

Philip Rivers —SD vs. DEN —Projection: 275 Yards, 2 TD, 0 INT

Aaron Rodgers —GB vs. SF —Projection: 275 Yards, 2 TD, 1 INT

Kurt Warner —ARI vs. STL —Projection: 350 Yards, 3 TD, 0 INT

QB Start Em’

Brett Favre —MIN vs. SEA: Favre has 17 touchdowns to just three interceptions on the year and threw for 344 yards and a touchdown last week against Detroit. This week, he faces the Seattle Seahawks, who are ranked 22nd against the pass and allow over 30 points and 250 passing yards per game on the road. Start Em’. Projection: 285 Yards, 2 TD, 0 INT

Ben Roethlisberger —PIT vs. KC: Big Ben may not have had a great game last week against Cincinnati, but he faces a much easier matchup this week. He will face the 24th ranked pass defense of the Kansas City Chiefs. Start Em’. Projection: 285 Yards, 3 TD, 0 INT

Matthew Stafford —DET vs. CLE: Stafford may not be your every week fantasy QB, but this week, he may surprise some people. He may have just six touchdowns to 12 interceptions on the year, but against the 20th ranked pass defense of the Cleveland Browns, he could have a career day. Sleeper Start Em’. Projection: 250 Yards, 3 TD, 1 INT

QB Sit Em’

Joe Flacco —BAL vs. IND: Flacco hasn’t been great in his last three games, throwing just one touchdown and two interceptions. This week, he faces the 16th ranked Indianapolis Colts pass defense that has allowed just seven passing touchdowns all season. Sit Em’. Projection: 250 Yards, 1 TD, 1 INT

Matt Ryan —ATL vs. NYG: Ryan has struggled recently, throwing just three touchdowns to six interceptions in his last three games. This week, he will be without his featured RB, as Michael Turner is out with an injury, and is facing a re-energized New York Giants pass defense that is ranked second in the NFL. Sit Em’. Projection: 225 Yards, 1 TD, 2 INT

Matt Cassel —KC vs. PIT: A bad season for Cassel just keeps getting worse with the recent suspension of his best WR Dwayne Bowe. Besides that, he is also facing the 12th ranked pass defense of the Pittsburgh Steelers, who will be charged up after losing to Cincinnati last week. Must Sit Em’. Projection: 185 Yards, 1 TD, 3 INT

RB Obvious Must Starts

Adrian Peterson —MIN vs. SEA —Projection: 135 Yards Rushing, 2 TD, 2 Receptions, 20 Yards

Maurice Jones-Drew —JAX vs. BUF —Projection: 100 Yards Rushing, 1 TD, 4 Receptions, 35 Yards

Steven Jackson —STL vs. ARI —Projection: 110 Yards Rushing, 1 TD, 4 Receptions, 25 Yards

Chris Johnson —TEN vs. HOU —Projection: 105 Yards Rushing, 2 TD, 3 Receptions, 30 Yards

Ray Rice —BAL vs. IND —Projection: 100 Yards Rushing, 1 TD, 6 Receptions, 50 Yards

RB Start Em’

Pierre Thomas and Reggie Bush —NO vs. TB: Thomas is fully healthy and getting the bulk of the carries, especially in the red zone. However, last week it was Bush who stole the show. Due to the extremely good matchup against the 31st ranked run defense of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, I like both of them. Watch Bush’s injury status before game time as he has not practiced yet this week, but if he plays, make sure you Start Em’ Both. Projections: Thomas: 90 Yards Rushing, 1 TD, 3 Receptions, 30 Yards—Bush: 60 Yards Rushing, 1 TD, 4 Receptions, 35 Yards

Rashard Mendenhall —PIT vs. KC: Mendenhall was almost invisible last week against Cincinnati, rushing for just 36 yards. However, Cincinnati has a good run defense, unlike this week’s opponent, the Kansas City Chiefs, who rank 27th against the run. Start Em’. Projection: 110 Yards Rushing, 1 TD

Kevin Smith —DET vs. CLE: As inconsistent as Smith has been so far this year, I love him this week. He faces a Cleveland Browns run defense that allowed 128 Yards on the ground last week and is ranked 30^th in the NFL. This should be his breakout game. Start Em’. Projection: 85 Yards Rushing, 1 TD, 4 Receptions, 35 Yards

Tim Hightower and Beanie Wells —ARI vs. STL: Even though these two are splitting carries, how can you not love both against the Rams and their 28th ranked run defense? I expect both guys to hit pay dirt this week. Sleeper Start Em’ Both. Projections: Hightower: 50 Yards Rushing, 1 TD, 4 Receptions, 25 Yards—Wells: 75 Yards Rushing, 1 TD, 2 Receptions, 20 Yards

RB Sit Em’

Ryan Grant —GB vs. SF: Grant has gone over 100 yards just once this year and this week he faces the third ranked run defense of the San Francisco 49ers. Sit Em’. Projection: 50 Yards Rushing, 2 Receptions, 15 Yards

Frank Gore —SF vs. GB: As hard as it is to bench him, you might have to this week. Green Bay completely stifled the Dallas run game last week, holding them to just 61 yards on the ground. They are ranked fourth in the NFL and have only allowed three rushing touchdowns all year. Sit Em’. Projection: 60 Yards Rushing, 2 Receptions, 15 Yards

Darren McFadden, Justin Fargas and Michael Bush —OAK vs. CIN: With a new QB at the helm, the Raiders will have to hand the ball off more, but with three backs in the mix and an inconsistent O-Line, you can’t really trust any of them. Especially against Cincinnati’s second ranked run defense. Must Sit Em’ All. Projections: McFadden: 20 Yards Rushing, 2 Receptions, 15 Yards—Fargas: 35 Yards Rushing, 2 Receptions, 10 Yards—Bush: 30 Yards Rushing

WR Obvious Must Starts

Randy Moss —NE vs. NYJ —Projection: 6 Receptions, 90 Yards, 1 TD

Wes Welker —NE vs. NYJ —Projection: 9 Receptions, 90 Yards, 1 TD

Larry Fitzgerald —ARI vs. STL —Projection: 8 Receptions, 95 Yards, 1 TD

Reggie Wayne —IND vs. BAL —Projection: 9 Receptions, 100 Yards, 1 TD

Andre Johnson —HOU vs. TEN — Projection: 10 Receptions, 100 Yards, 1 TD

Greg Jennings —GB vs. SF —Projection: 6 Receptions, 65 Yards

Roddy White —ATL vs. NYG —Projection: 5 Receptions, 85 Yards

Marques Colston —NO vs. TB —Projection: 6 Receptions, 90 Yards, 1 TD

WR Start Em’

Sidney Rice and Percy Harvin —MIN vs. SEA: Last week against Detroit, Rice put up a monster seven catch, 201 yard performance and Harvin chipped in with three catches for 53 yards. Rice is obviously Brett Favre’s go to guy and there have been rumors that Minnesota wants to get Harvin even more involved in the offense. Why not start both of them against Seattle’s 22nd ranked pass defense? Start Em’ Both. Projections: Rice: 10 Receptions, 100 Yards, 1 TD—Harvin: 7 Receptions, 70 Yards

Calvin Johnson —DET vs. CLE: Megatron finally showed up last week with eight receptions for 84 yards, his best game since week four. This week, he faces the 20th ranked pass defense of the Cleveland Browns and I expect him to find his way back into the end zone and I think this is the week that he and Matthew Stafford finally get on track and gets him back into the Must Start category. Start Em’. Projection: 8 Receptions, 100 Yards, 1 TD

Anquan Boldin —ARI vs. STL: He looks to be almost back to Must Start form, putting up eight catches for 105 yards last week against Seattle. I fully expect him to put up a second straight big game against the weak 26th ranked pass defense of the St. Louis Rams. Start Em’. Projection: 7 Receptions, 100 Yards, 1 TD

Hines Ward and Santonio Holmes —PIT vs. KC: Kansas City is ranked 24th against the pass and both guys are primed and ready for a breakout game. Especially Holmes, who has just one touchdown this year. Start Em’ Both. Projections: Ward: 7 Receptions, 80 Yards, 1 TD—Holmes: 7 Receptions, 95 Yards, 1 TD

Robert Meachem —NO vs. TB: With Lance Moore hurt, Meachem has stepped in to catch six balls for 125 yards and two touchdowns in the past two games. Moore may be out again and the Saints are facing the Buccaneers, who rank 15th against the pass, but have allowed 19 touchdowns through the air. Sleeper Start Em’. Projection: 4 Receptions, 70 Yards, 1 TD

WR Sit Em’

Miles Austin —DAL vs. WAS: It seems that teams have started to figure out how to cover Miles Austin as he has just five catches for 69 yards and a touchdown in the last two games. This week, he faces the best pass defense in the NFL in the Washington Redskins and I expect another down game. Sit Em’. Projection: 3 Receptions, 35 Yards

Michael Crabtree —SF vs. GB: Crabtree has yet to find the end zone in his first four NFL games and I don’t see that changing this week against the sixth ranked pass defense of the Green Bay Packers, who are coming off of a magnificent Defensive game against Dallas. Sit Em’. Projection: 4 Receptions, 45 Yards

Braylon Edwards —NYJ vs. NE: Edwards has been incredibly inconsistent since joining the Jets. He has had two games with 70-plus yards and two games with a touchdown. However, he has also had two games that combined for four catches and 54 yards. This week, he will face a pissed off New England pass defense that ranks seventh in the NFL. Sit Em’. Projection: 4 Receptions, 45 Yards

Eddie Royal —DEN vs. SD: Just when you think that Royal is becoming part of the offense again, he has a two catch, 21 yard game against Washington. To be fair, Washington does have the best pass defense in the NFL, but Royal has been almost invisible all year with just 27 receptions for 253 yards and no Touchdowns. This week, it doesn’t get any easier against the 11th ranked pass defense of the San Diego Chargers, whom Royal has not fared well against thus far in his young career. Must Sit Em’. Projection: 3 Receptions, 30 Yards

TE Obvious Must Starts

Jason Witten —DAL vs. WAS —Projection: 5 Receptions, 50 Yards, 1 TD

Antonio Gates —SD vs. DEN —Projection: 6 Receptions, 70 Yards, 1 TD

Tony Gonzalez —ATL vs. NYG —Projection: 5 Receptions, 55 Yards, 1 TD

Dallas Clark —IND vs. BAL —Projection: 8 Receptions, 85 Yards, 1 TD

TE Start Em’

Jeremy Shockey —NO vs. TB: Shockey has now had two down weeks in a row, catching a combined six balls for 68 yards. However, should bounce back against the 15th ranked pass defense of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who have allowed 19 passing touchdowns this year. Start Em’. Projection: 5 Receptions, 50 Yards, 1 TD

Brent Celek —PHI vs. CHI: Celek continues to surprise this year. He has a touchdown in each of the last three games and has 46 receptions for 533 yards and five touchdowns on the year. This week, he faces the eighth ranked pass defense of the Chicago Bears, but they have allowed 16 passing touchdowns and you have to start him while he’s hot. Start Em’. Projection: 5 Receptions, 55 Yards, 1 TD

Heath Miller —PIT vs. KC: Miller isn’t usually a great fantasy TE, but this week he faces the 24th ranked pass defense of the Kansas City Chiefs and should find the end zone. Sleeper Start Em’. Projection: 5 Receptions, 50 Yards, 1 TD

TE Sit Em’

Zach Miller —OAK vs. CIN: Anyone want to start a Receiver/Tight End with Bruce Gradkowski at QB? I didn’t think so. Sit Em’. Projection: 4 Receptions, 40 Yards

Kellen Winslow —TB vs. NO: Even though it looks like Winslow has developed chemistry with rookie QB Josh Freeman, he has too tough a matchup against the 19th ranked pass defense of the New Orleans Saints, which haven’t allowed a TE to score all year, to use this week. Sit Em’. Projection: 5 Receptions, 60 Yards

Donald Lee —GB vs. SF: Even with Jermichael Finley injured, Lee is completely non-existent in the offense. Even though the 49ers are ranked 29th against the pass, they have only allowed one touchdown to opposing Tight Ends. Must Sit Em’. Projection: 2 Receptions, 15 Yards

D/ST Start Em’

New Orleans Saints vs. TB —The Saints have been the best fantasy defense so far this year and they have a great matchup this week against a Tampa Bay offense with a rookie QB and no real offensive weapon to worry about. Start Em’.

Pittsburgh Steelers vs. KC —You are probably starting them anyway, but especially against a Kansas City offense without Dwayne Bowe and Larry Johnson, who is no longer with the team. Start Em’.

Arizona Cardinals vs. STL —The only weapon on the St. Louis offense is RB Steven Jackson and if there were any week to use the Arizona Defense, this is it. Start Em’.

Cincinnati Bengals vs. OAK —Bruce Gradkowski at QB, need I say more? Start Em’.

D/ST Sit Em’

New York Jets vs. NE —As good as the Jets have been against the pass, I don’t like them this week against Brady and company, especially after last week’s embarrassing loss to the Colts. Sit Em’.

Denver Broncos vs. SD —The Chargers are rolling and the Broncos seem to be sliding backwards. Against a healthy LaDainian Tomlinson and Philip Rivers, I don’t like their chances. Sit Em’.

Baltimore Ravens vs. IND —Can anyone say Peyton Manning for MVP? Never start a fantasy Defense against that guy, especially since he tends to torch the Ravens. Must Sit Em’.

MLB Free Agency: 10 Players to Watch

The Sportmeisters — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 22:44:56 -0500

By Ryan of The Sportmeisters

The MLB Free Agency season is upon us, and after the New York Yankees' excessive spending led to a World Series title, will another season of open piggy banks arise?

Probably not, but there are still quite a few players that could break the bank and teams that will shell the dough for their services. Let’s take a look at 10 free agents and what they bring to the table.

Please note: this is not an order of who is the best free agent, just a focus on 10 players.

1. Jason Bay, OF

Bay has experience in both the National and American leagues, increasing his ability to play in either. He’s 30 and still has many good years left, enough to grab possibly a five or six-year contract before possibly moving to the AL as a DH in the future.

Last season was his first full season in Boston and he shined, hitting .267. His 36 home runs were good enough for third in the AL, and his 119 RBI took second. He also earned his first Silver Slugger award and third All-Star nomination.

Bay is arguably the hottest free agent on the market and will command at least $100 million on the market, requiring some teams to really break the bank on him.

2. Matt Holliday, OF

At 29, Holliday has an extra year in him, leading some to believe he is the hottest outfielder on the market. He spent the first half of the year in Oakland before being traded to St. Louis for the stretch run.

While in Colorado he was a three-time All-Star and a three-time Silver Slugger. Even though he was traded, he still finished with a .313 batting average, 24 home runs and 109 RBI. He also brings postseason experience, including a World Series appearance in 2007.

Holliday will also be looking for a six or possibly seven-year deal, well in excess of $100 million. Look for teams to offer both Bay and Holliday, with the two using each other’s potential deals as leverage.

3. Hideki Matsui, OF

Godzilla lives, but for how many more seasons? A combination of age (35) and injuries in previous years moved the outfielder to the DH role for the New York Yankees. He still played in 116 games in 2009, hitting .274 with 28 home runs and 90 RBI. The 28 home runs were the most since he hit 31 in 2004, his second season.

Matsui might not have gotten as much attention without his phenomenal showing in the 2009 playoffs, specifically the World Series. In the six-game series, Matsui hit .615 with three home runs and eight RBI to earn World Series MVP honors.

Due to his injury history and age, it is highly unlikely anyone from the National League will take a look. Rumors have floated of Matsui’s retirement, but I believe it will depend on whether or not he gets an offer he likes.

4. John Lackey, SP

Lackey is being touted as the top pitcher in free agency this season, with his youth and experience being key factors. Lackey is 30 years old, but already has five years of postseason play under his belt.

His strikeouts have tapered since his career high of 199 in 2005, and while he’s a far cry from his 2007 All-Star campaign (19-9, 3.01 ERA), he still gets batters out. His last two seasons have seen career lows in hits, runs, earned runs, and innings pitched since his rookie campaign.

Lackey has the experience and ability to be a solid No. 2 or No. 3 pitcher, depending on the team. If he is looking for ace money, he might scare away a few, but could still pull a big contract with the right team.

5. Adam LaRoche, 1B

LaRoche is another young player (29) who has many years left. He's played mostly in the NL for the Pittsburgh Pirates and Atlanta Braves, with the exception of a short stint in Boston. Despite that, he still managed to hit .277 with 25 home runs and 83 RBI.

He has yet to break .300 in a season, has toppled 30 home runs once, and has yet to break 100 RBI in a season, but it his defensive skills that truly stand out. LaRoche had two errors last year, a career low, just a year after having eight, a career high.

He is still young and can improve on his power, and should grab somewhere in the six-year, $80 million range unless some team decides to make a leap for him.

6. Jose Molina, C

Molina isn’t the best offensive bat in the free agency market, but he is arguably the top defensive catcher available. Used by the New York Yankees the past two seasons as a backup to starter Jorge Posada, Molina performed admirably in his backup role despite missing half of 2009 with an injury.

His value really shined in the playoffs as he caught AJ Burnett primarily in his two World Series starts, including the Game Six clinching win. Defensively, he had a .997 fielding average, committing only one error in 2009. For his career, he has thrown out 40 percent of baserunners attempting steals.

Molina will get another look as a backup catcher, potentially in the AL where the starter can still perform as a DH. Molina’s bat leaves questions, but his defensive value is still worth something.

7. Vladimir Guerrero, OF

Guerrero has started to slip, mainly due to an injury in 2009, but the 34-year-old slugger can still put it up there.

Not counting last season’s injury where he hit .295 with 15 home runs and 50 RBI, Guerrero had a streak of 11 seasons with a .300 average (1997-2008). He also hit more than 30 home runs in a season eight times and had 100+ RBI nine times. He is an eight-time All-Star, the 2004 AL MVP, and a seven-time Silver Slugger.

His injury will scare some prospective teams, but he should still find work, most likely in the AL, where he can DH on an off day.

8. Chone Figgins, 3B

In his eight-year career the utility speedster has spent time at every position except pitcher, catcher, and first base and is a nice find for any team.

Since 2004, he has had over 30 steals per season, with a career high 62 in 2005. He is developing more patience, shown in the 101 walks he had—almost twice his previous career high. His batting average hovers right under .300 for the most part.

He was a 2009 All-Star, and has playoff experience as part of the Los Angeles Angels. At 31, he still has wheels and the ability to get on base and put his team in a position to score. I foresee quite a few teams shelling out some decent dollars at a speed demon that can play multiple positions.

9. Adrian Beltre, 3B

The two-time Gold Glove winner (2007-08) already has 12 seasons under his belt at the age of 31.

He played in 111 games, hitting only .265 with eight home runs and 44 RBI, his lowest since his rookie campaign. This was due to a groin injury that occurred, shelving the 2004 Silver Slugger since August. Despite this, he was looking to be on pace with his past performance since his breakout 2004 season.

The injury risk is there, especially considering Beltre doesn’t wear a cup, but if he can get back to form, a team could steal him for two or three years.

10. Andy Pettitte, P

Is there anything left in the tank for the 37-year-old?

After a stellar 14-8 campaign, not including his 4-0 2009 postseason, Pettitte is back on the market. He has spent time on both National and American Leagues. Considering his age, moving back to the NL might be easier on his arm.

He is a far cry from the 20-win season in 2003, and rumors have been floating of his retirement. I wouldn’t see more than a one-year contract for Pettite, but if he wants to return, I’m sure a team will give him a shot.

The crop isn’t as thick as last season, but there are still some decent prospects to help improve your favorite squad.

NCAA Week 12 Top 25: TCU Takes Over the Top Spot

The Sportmeisters — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 13:59:13 -0500

By Ryan of The Sportmeisters

After TCU's demolishing of Utah, it felt right to make them number one. But where does everyone else fall as the season winds down?

1. TCU (Last Week: 4) Next Game: 11/21 at Wyoming

Their 55-point outburst was their fourth win over a top-25 ranked team, and they boast a top-50 strength of schedule. Non-AQ or not, TCU deserves the top spot right now.

2. Texas (Last Week: 1) Next Game: 11/21 vs. Kansas

The Longhorns are hitting their stride at the right time, sitting in prime position for the stretch run.

3. Florida (Last Week: 2) Next Game: 11/21 vs. Florida International

A closer than expected victory against South Carolina, but now a gimme against FIU is on the schedule.

4. Alabama (Last Week: 3) Next Game: 11/21 vs. Chattanoga

Alabama sits at fourth, but any of the teams above them could be in this same spot. It’s all relative until someone decides to lose.

5. Boise State (Last Week: 5) Next Game: 11/20 at Utah State

They took care of Idaho, but were once again overshadowed by TCU. They should still be able to grab a BCS bid, though.

6. Cincinnati (Last Week: 6) Next Game: Idle

A huge win, coupled with the return of QB Tony Pike, and the Bearcats sit atop the Big East, with an undefeated season in mind.

7. Georgia Tech (Last Week: 7) Next Game: Idle

The Yellow Jackets clinch the ACC Coastal, and look to make the trip to the Orange Bowl this year.

8. Ohio State (Last Week: 9) Next Game: 11/21 at Michigan

This is always the big game, but Michigan’s recent slides have just helped Ohio State springboard to bigger and better things.

9. Pittsburgh (Last Week: 10) Next Game: Idle

The Panthers have two tough Big East matchups left, and need to win both to smell a BCS bowl.

10. LSU (Last Week: 12) Next Game: 11/21 at Mississippi

Three SEC teams in the top 10, and LSU has lost to both of them.

11. Penn State (Last Week: 16) Next Game: 11/21 at Michigan State

Penn State jumps four spots thanks to their competition all losing last week.

12. Oklahoma State (Last Week: 17) Next Game: 11/19 vs. Colorado

Texas Tech made it interesting for a while, and now a short week awaits the Cowboys.

13. Virginia Tech (Last Week: 18) Next Game: 11/21 vs. North Carolina State

The ACC Title is out of the picture, but a 10-win season could still be a reality.

14. Oregon (Last Week: 20) Next Game: 11/21 at Arizona

Oregon jumps back up big, thanks to some competition losing.

15. Wisconsin (Last Week: 21) Next Game: 11/21 at Northwestern

The Badgers benefit from losers above, moving up in the polls once again.

16. Iowa (Last Week: 7) Next Game: 11/21 vs. Minnesota

In two short weeks, Iowa went from national title contender to just another Big Ten team.

17. Stanford (Last Week: 24) Next Game: 11/21 vs. California

Two straight upsets of two ranked teams moves Stanford up big in the polls, and gives them a shot at the Pac-10 title.

18. USC (Last Week: 8 ) Next Game: Idle

Two losses in three weeks knocks the Trojans back down, and out of the Pac-10 title picture.

19. Clemson (Last Week: 23) Next Game: 11/21 vs. Virginia

If Clemson wins, they’re in the ACC Championship in coach Dabo Swinney’s first full season.

20. Utah (Last Week: 13) Next Game: 11/21 vs. San Diego State

Utah failed to show up last week, and suffer dearly in the polls for it.

21. Brigham Young (Last Week: 22) Next Game: 11/21 vs. Air Force

A close game, but BYU keeps the goal of a 10-win season alive.

22. Navy (Last Week: 25) Next Game: Idle

The Midshipmen move up, and already clinched a bowl game this season.

23. Miami (Last Week: 14) Next Game: 11/21 vs. Duke

A week after a dominant victory, Miami’s ACC Title hopes vanish in a loss to UNC.

24. Houston (Last Week: 15) Next Game: 11/21 vs. Memphis

Houston’s dream season, and QB Case Keenum’s Heisman shot, just went right out the window against UCF.

25. Rutgers (Last Week: NR) Next Game: 11/21 at Syracuse

After an embarrassing opening week loss, Rutgers has bounced back, and jump into the Top 25.

What We Learned: NFL Week 10

The Sportmeisters — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 17:16:48 -0500

By Ryan of The Sportmeisters

Some upsets, a questionable call, and two undefeated teams remaining sum up Week 10 of the NFL. Let’s go deeper at some of the bigger stories.

A Championship Comeback

It was billed as the Matchup of the Decade, and the New England Patriots and Indianapolis Colts lived up to the hype all the way to the very end. With the Patriots looking to end the Colts undefeated season, they came out firing, holding leads of 24-7 and 31-14 as late as the fourth quarter. However, on fourth-and-two from the New England 28, Bill Belichick chose to go for the first down, and missed.

This gave Indianapolis a short field and allowed QB Peyton Manning to find WR Reggie Wayne with 13 seconds left to finish the comeback, and allow the Colts to escape with a 35-34 victory.

This was the first time Bill Belichick lost when leading by 13 or more, and marked the biggest comeback victory this season for Indianapolis. New England still sits atop the AFC East, and have the struggling Jets next on the schedule. Indianapolis keeps their quest for perfection alive against Baltimore next week.

No Bungles Here

Not too many pundits expected the Cincinnati Bengals to be challenging for the AFC North title this year, not after last season’s failure, and with defending Super Bowl Champions Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens in the division.

Well, make room for another team in the crowded AFC North.

A year removed from 4-11-1, the Bengals sit atop the AFC North at 7-2, with a commanding 5-0 division record, including season sweeps of both Pittsburgh and Baltimore, effectively widening their lead when taking tiebreakers into effect. This time, defense helped keep Ben Roethlisberger and company in check, using four Shayne Graham field goals to win 18-12.

Neither team scored an offensive touchdown, the difference being a Bernard Scott kickoff return. Both Pittsburgh and Cincinnati have winnable games against Kansas City and Oakland, respectively, so look for the offense to come right back out.

Reversal of Fortune

Three weeks ago, after starting the season 6-0, the Denver Broncos looked well on their way to the AFC West title. The San Diego Chargers, meanwhile, had just lost to the Broncos 34-23, and had more questions than answers.

Now, both teams sit 6-3, with Denver losing their third straight, 27-17 to Washington, and the Chargers defeating Philadelphia 31-23.

The two teams are now set for a huge momentum shifting matchup this Sunday in Denver. The Broncos may be without QB Kyle Orton and San Diego’s RB LaDanian Tomlinson is getting his groove back.

Last year, San Diego used the end of the season to storm back and take the AFC West. At the rate this is going now, San Diego could be making their move a few weeks early.

Contenders and Pretenders

The playoffs are knocking, who is going to answer the door?

The Saints are still sitting pretty at 9-0, but almost coughed it in up in a 28-23 squeaker over St. Louis Rams. They travel to Tampa Bay before a huge home game against New England.

The Tennessee Titans aren’t turning too many heads yet, but since inserting QB Vince Young back in the lineup, they have won three in-a-row and are 3-6. The latest came behind RB Chris Johnson’s 200+ all-purpose yards in a 41-17 victory over Buffalo.

While some teams are perfect, others are perfectly inept:

Five interceptions by newly acquired glory boy Jay Cutler allowed San Francisco to escape with a 10-6 victory. The Bears have now lost two in-a-row.

Since starting off at 3-0, the Jets have cooled off quickly, losing to Jacksonville to watch their record slip to 4-5. At the rate they are going, they can forget the playoffs and the division.

Talking Sports In The War Zone: Madden Mania

The Sportmeisters — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 00:02:54 -0500

By Ryan of The Sportmeisters

Ryan of The Sportmeisters is currently deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. While there, he is continuing to write about sports and it’s effect on the troops. This is his latest update.

Sports are a release, whether it be in the states or overseas. To take three hours on a football game, even if it is at midnight or one in the morning, it allows a soldier to take his mind away from the work, and remember a simpler time. The same can be said for video games. For most of us, sports at a professional level were a pipe dream, but in the virtual world, anything is possible. Following that, it’s another way for a troop to release for thirty minutes to an hour.

We call those times to release an MWR event, standing for morale, welfare, and recreation. Of course, for a base with over three thousand people, there are a number of events. TVs playing sports, basketball and volleyball tournaments, karate classes, and even sanctioned running events (I did the Army 10 Miler!). But a new event, hosted by yours truly, was a Madden 2010 tournament.

Eight teams of two signed up for what promised to me some bone-crushing, smack-talking action, in front of the entire base in the dining facility. True to their word, they didn’t disappoint in the first round. One team required some fourth quarter magic to seal a win, and another lost on a questionable fumble. Needless to say, for the three hours we played, setting up next week’s semi-finals and finals, not one participant was concerned with their job.

Sure, the mission does come first, and we all are aware of whats going on here, but to let it slide to the side of the mind for a few hours, it helps us refocus. We’ve all worked the 12 hour days, seven days a week here, and people get burned out. They need these events to allow the energy to flow out, and come back the next day refresh and recharged.

Madden is the most popular football video game on the market, and so, a big turnout was nice, but what has spun from it is even greater. Talks of more Madden, NCAA Football, NBA, and other games have been given interest for more tournaments in the future.

Take 3,000 plus personnel and you get 3,000 plus different likes and dislikes. It seems like, with Madden and the effect on its morale, we get quite a few personnel with similar feelings.

As the days get shorter to coming home, keeping the morale up is pivotal for a young solider, and helping them keep their eye on the prize. A little Madden Sports picks up the morale every time.

Fantasy Football—Week 10 Start Em' And Sit Em'

The Sportmeisters — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 23:26:40 -0500

By Derek of The Sportmeisters

Welcome to the best time of the year Sports Fans. Here is where I will tell you who I think you should start or who I think you should sit for your fantasy team. This year, I will give you your obvious must starts (guys you start every week no matter who they play), a few players from each position who you should start, a sleeper start em’, and a must sit em’. Also, I will be giving projections for those players. If you have more questions, don’t forget to join me for my Sunday Morning Start Em’/Sit Em’ Chat from 10:45am to 12:45pm. Go to www.Sportmeisters.com for more info. Enough talk, let’s get down to business!

QB Obvious Must Starts

Drew Brees – NO vs. STL – Projection: 350 Yards, 3 TD, 1 INT

Peyton Manning – IND vs. NE – Projection: 300 Yards, 2 TD, 1 INT

Tom Brady – NE vs. IND – Projection: 300 Yards, 2 TD, 1 INT

Philip Rivers – SD vs. PHI – Projection: 275 Yards, 2 TD, 0 INT

Aaron Rodgers – GB vs. DAL – Projection: 285 Yards, 2 TD, 1 INT

Kurt Warner – ARI vs. SEA – Projection: 295 Yards, 2 TD, 1 INT

QB Start Em’

Brett Favre – MIN vs. DET – Favre has 16 touchdowns to just three interceptions on the year and threw for 155 yards and two touchdowns earlier in the year against the Lions, who are ranked 31st against the pass. Start Em’. Projection: 275 Yards, 3 TD, 0 INT

Joe Flacco – BAL vs. CLE – Wasn’t extremely accurate last week, but should bounce back nicely against the 22nd ranked pass defense of the Cleveland Browns this week. Start Em’. Projection: 255 Yards, 2 TD, 0 INT

Mark Sanchez – NYJ vs. JAX – Sanchez wasn’t all that bad in the last two games before the bye week. He threw for 408 yards and three touchdowns without throwing an interception, but he did fumble twice. This week, he faces the 25th ranked pass defense of the Jacksonville Jaguars and could be a nice bye week filler and a possible Sleeper Start Em’. Projection: 240 Yards, 2 TD, 1 INT

QB Sit Em’

Matt Ryan – ATL vs. CAR – Has thrown just two touchdowns to four interceptions in the last two games and faces the sixth ranked pass defense of the Carolina Panthers this week. Sit Em’. Projection: 225 Yards, 1 TD, 1 INT

Carson Palmer – CIN vs. PIT – Palmer was decent in the week three matchup against Pittsburgh, throwing for 183 yards and a touchdown. However, that was when Pittsburgh was without S Troy Polamalu. Pittsburgh is ranked 14th vs. the pass and are coming off a week where the held the Denver Broncos offense scoreless. Sit Em’. Projection: 230 Yards, 1 TD, 1 INT

Kyle Orton – DEN vs. WAS – Threw three interceptions last week and faces the best pass defense in the NFL this week in the Washington Redskins. Must Sit Em’. Projection: 175 Yards, 1 TD, 2 INT

RB Obvious Must Starts

Adrian Peterson – MIN vs. DET – Projection: 135 Yards Rushing, 2 TD, 2 Receptions, 20 Yards

Michael Turner – ATL vs. CAR – Projection: 110 Yards Rushing, 1 TD

Maurice Jones-Drew – JAX vs. NYJ – Projection: 60 Yards Rushing, 1 TD, 5 Receptions, 45 Yards

DeAngelo Williams – CAR vs. ATL – Projection: 115 Yards Rushing, 1 TD, 2 Receptions, 20 Yards

Steven Jackson – STL vs. NO – Projection: 100 Yards Rushing, 1 TD, 4 Receptions, 30 Yards

Chris Johnson – TEN vs. BUF – Projection: 135 Yards Rushing, 2 TD, 2 Receptions, 20 Yards

RB Start Em’

Pierre Thomas and Reggie Bush – NO vs. STL – Thomas is fully healthy and getting the bulk of the carries, especially in the red zone. However, due to the extremely good matchup against the 27th ranked run defense of the St. Louis Rams, I think Bush gets some carries and I expect him to see more balls thrown his way with WR Lance Moore still hurt. Start Em’ Both. Projections: Thomas: 80 Yards Rushing, 1 TD, 3 Receptions, 30 Yards—Bush: 40 Yards Rushing, 6 Receptions, 55 Yards, 1 TD

Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams – MIA vs. TB – Here comes the Wildcat! It will be the Ricky and Ronnie show this week against the 30th ranked run defense of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Start Em’ Both. Projections: Brown: 95 Yards Rushing, 1 TD, 3 Receptions, 20 Yards—Williams: 75 Yards Rushing, 1 TD, 3 Receptions, 25 Yards

Ray Rice – BAL vs. CLE – Rice has reached the end zone in each of the last three games and has an excellent matchup this week against the 31st ranked run defense of the Cleveland Browns. Start Em’. Projection: 130 Yards Rushing, 2 TD, 4 Receptions, 40 Yards

Thomas Jones – NYJ vs. JAX – Jones was on fire in the three games before the bye last week. He ran for 433 yards and two touchdowns in those three games and has seven touchdowns on the year. This week, he faces the 22nd ranked run defense of the Jacksonville Jaguars and should continue to run wild. Start Em’. Projection: 100 Yards Rushing, 1 TD, 2 Receptions, 10 Yards

Justin Fargas and Darren McFadden – OAK vs. KC – McFadden is expected back this week, but we don’t know exactly how much he will play and Fargas has been pretty good in his absence. This week, they face the Kansas City Chiefs and their 28th ranked run defense, making either guy a Sleeper Start Em’. Projections: Fargas: 70 Yards Rushing, 1 TD—McFadden: 50 Yards Rushing, 1 TD, 2 Receptions, 10 Yards

RB Sit Em’

Cadillac Williams – TB vs. MIA – With a Rookie QB at the helm, the Buccaneers upset the Packers last week. However, Williams had just 56 yards rushing on the day and I expect much of the same this week against the Dolphins, who rank fifth vs. the run. Sit Em’. Projection: 50 Yards Rushing

Kevin Smith – DET vs. MIN – Hasn’t been extremely effective lately, rushing for just 173 yards in the past three games with no touchdowns. He did run for 83 yards against Minnesota earlier this year, but I don’t expect the same this time from the sixth ranked run defense. Sit Em’. Projection: 40 Yards Rushing, 3 Receptions, 25 Yards

Julius Jones – SEA vs. ARI – The Cardinals are ranked fourth vs. the run and Jones ran for just five yards against them in week six. Sit Em’. Projection: 35 Yards Rushing, 3 Receptions, 25 Yards

Jamal Lewis – CLE vs. BAL – Lewis has been critical of Head Coach Eric Mangini this past week and has a terrible matchup this week against the seventh ranked Baltimore Ravens run defense. Must Sit Em’. Projection: 20 Yards Rushing, 2 Receptions, 10 Yards

WR Obvious Must Starts

Randy Moss – NE vs. IND – Projection: 7 Receptions, 100 Yards, 1 TD

Wes Welker – NE vs. IND – Projection: 10 Receptions, 90 Yards, 1 TD

Larry Fitzgerald – ARI vs. SEA – Projection: 9 Receptions, 105 Yards, 1 TD

Reggie Wayne – IND vs. NE – Projection: 7 Receptions, 100 Yards, 1 TD

Greg Jennings – GB vs. DAL – Projection: 7 Receptions, 95 Yards, 1 TD

Roddy White – ATL vs. CAR – Projection: 5 Receptions, 85 Yards, 1 TD

Marques Colston – NO vs. STL – Projection: 7 Receptions, 100 Yards, 1 TD

WR Start Em’

T.J. Houshmandzadeh – SEA vs. ARI – Hasn’t been what we expected so far this year, but finally got back into the end zone last week and he is facing the 27th ranked pass defense of the Arizona Cardinals this week. Start Em’. Projection: 7 Receptions, 80 Yards, 1 TD

Bernard Berrian and Sidney Rice and Percy Harvin – MIN vs. DET – Against Detroit’s 31st ranked pass defense, why not start all three of them? I think that all three will have good games, but only two reach the end zone. Start Em’ All. Projections: Berrian: 6 Receptions, 60 Yards, 1 TD—Rice: 10 Receptions, 100 Yards, 1 TD—Harvin: 7 Receptions, 70 Yards

Derrick Mason – BAL vs. CLE – He caught five balls for 118 yards and a touchdown against the Browns in Week Three and they are ranked 22nd vs. the pass. Start Em’. Projection: 6 Receptions, 95 Yards, 1 TD

Robert Meachem – NO vs. STL – With Lance Moore hurt, Meachem stepped in last week and caught five balls for 98 yards and a touchdown. Moore may be out again and the Saints are facing the Rams, who rank 23rd vs. the pass. Sleeper Start Em’. Projection: 5 Receptions, 75 Yards, 1 TD

WR Sit Em’

Mike Sims-Walker – JAX vs. NYJ – Sims-Walker had a great game last week, catching six balls for 147 yards and a touchdown. However, that was against the lowly Kansas City Chiefs and not Darrelle Revis and the second ranked New York Jets pass defense. Sit Em’. Projection: 5 receptions, 50 Yards

Dwayne Bowe – KC vs. OAK – Do you really want to start anyone on the Chiefs? Especially not against Nnamdi Asomugha and the 13th ranked Oakland Raiders pass defense. Sit Em’. Projection: 4 Receptions, 45 Yards

Eddie Royal and Brandon Marshall – DEN vs. WAS – With Kyle Orton struggling, it is probably not the greatest idea to start these two. Especially against the best pass defense in the NFL. Must Sit Em’ Both. Projections: Royal: 3 Receptions, 30 Yards—Marshall: 6 Receptions, 50 Yards

TE Obvious Must Starts

Jason Witten – DAL vs. GB – Projection: 6 Receptions, 55 Yards, 1 TD

Antonio Gates – SD vs. PHI – Projection: 6 Receptions, 80 Yards, 1 TD

Tony Gonzalez – ATL vs. CAR – Projection: 5 Receptions, 50 Yards, 1 TD

Dallas Clark – IND vs. NE – Projection: 9 Receptions, 95 Yards, 1 TD

TE Start Em’

Jeremy Shockey – NO vs. STL – Shockey should bounce back from a tough matchup last week, especially against the 23rd ranked pass defense of the St. Louis Rams. Start Em’. Projection: 5 Receptions, 55 Yards, 1 TD

Visanthe Shiancoe – MIN vs. DET – Shiancoe has benefitted from having Brett Favre this year and he should benefit once again against the Detroit Lions and their 31st ranked pass defense this week. Start Em’. Projection: 4 Receptions, 45 Yards, 1 TD

Dustin Keller – NYJ vs. JAX – Keller finally woke up in Week Eight, catching 8 balls for 76 yards and a touchdown. This week, he should do much of the same against the 25th ranked Pass D of the Jacksonville Jaguars. Sleeper Start Em’. Projection: 6 Receptions, 45 Yards, 1 TD

TE Sit Em’

Mercedes Lewis – JAX vs. NYJ – So much for the breakout year. Lewis was expected to be a much bigger part of the offense than he has been and is facing the second ranked pass defense of the New York Jets this week. Sit Em’. Projection: 2 Receptions, 20 Yards

Anthony Fasano – MIA vs. TB – Fasano could actually have a decent week against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and their 15th ranked pass defense, but that would mean QB Chad Henne actually gets him the ball. Not likely. Sit Em’. Projection: 2 Receptions, 25 Yards

Tony Scheffler – DEN vs. WAS – Is nowhere to be found in the offense and shouldn’t even be owned, let alone started. Especially against the best pass defense in the NFL. Must Sit Em’. Projection: 2 Receptions, 20 Yards

D/ST Start Em’

New Orleans Saints vs. STL – The Saints have been the best fantasy defense so far this year and they have a great matchup this week against a St. Louis offense with only one real weapon to worry about in RB Steven Jackson. Start Em’.

Minnesota Vikings vs. DET – Jared Allen and the Williams Wall will be ready to go against rookie QB Matthew Stafford and the anemic Detroit offense. Start Em’.

Baltimore Ravens vs. CLE – Cleveland is terrible and Baltimore will be extremely aggressive in trying to get back to their winning ways. Start Em’.

D/ST Sit Em’

New England Patriots vs. IND – Never start a defense when they are facing Peyton Manning and Reggie Wayne. Besides, can you say shootout? Sit Em’.

Indianapolis Colts vs. NE – The same can be said for a defense facing Tom Brady and Randy Moss. Once again, can you say shootout? Sit Em’.

Dallas Cowboys vs. GB – This game has the making of an offensive battle where both teams exchange touchdown after touchdown. In other words, another shootout. Sit Em’.

Fantasy Football Week 9 Winners, Losers, And Waiver Wire Wonders

The Sportmeisters — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 23:41:50 -0500

By Derek of The Sportmeisters

Week nine of the season is in the books and after a week off, I am back to give you my winners, losers, and waiver wire wonders from the week; Let’s go!

Winners

QB – Kurt Warner – Arizona Cardinals – 22 Completions, 32 Attempts, 261 Yards, 5 TD's, zero interceptions, one fumble

Warner rebounded from a five interception game to throw for 261 yards and five touchdowns. This was the Kurt Warner that we all expected when he was drafted as your fantasy starter and he remains an every week must start.

RB – Michael Turner – Atlanta Falcons – 18 carries, 166 Yards, two TD's, two receptions, 14 Yards

Turner has now rushed for 367 yards and four touchdowns in the last three games and doesn’t appear to be slowing down. He is producing every bit like a first round draft pick and remains an every week must start.

RB – Chris Johnson – Tennessee Titans – 25 carries, 135 Yards, two TDs, three receptions, 25 Yards

Johnson has rushed for 491 yards and four touchdowns in the last three games and now has 959 yards and six touchdowns on the year. He is on fire right now and is showing why he was a first or second round draft pick. Keep starting him every week.

RB – DeAngelo Williams – Carolina Panthers – 21 Carries, 149 Yards, two TD, two receptions, 12 Yards, one fumble

Williams has started to show why he was a first round pick, rushing for 548 yards and five Touchdowns in the last four games. Continue to start him every week.

WR – Randy Moss – New England Patriots – six receptions, 147 Yards, one TD

Another star player showing why he is one of the best at his position. Moss caught six balls for 147 yards and a touchdown to raise his season totals to 49 receptions for 712 yards and five touchdowns. He is another must start every week.

WR – Mike Sims-Walker – Jacksonville Jaguars – six Receptions, 147 Yards, one TD

Sims Walker has been a complete surprise this season. He has surpassed Torry Holt as Jacksonville’s number one receiver and has amassed 36 receptions for 554 yards and four touchdowns on the year. He has a tough matchup this week against the Jets.

WR – Larry Fitzgerald – Arizona Cardinals – nine receptions, 123 Yards, two TD's

Another star player showing why he is one of the best at his position, Fitzgerald is playing extremely well and proving that maybe the Madden Curse isn’t real after all. He caught nine balls for 123 yards and two touchdowns last week to raise his season totals to 56 receptions for 632 yards and seven touchdowns. He is another must start every week.

TE – Dallas Clark – Indianapolis Colts – 14 Receptions, 119 Yards

Clark has been exactly what we expected. He has 60 receptions (second in the NFL) and 703 yards with three touchdowns. He looks to be Peyton Manning’s go to guy and should be started every week.

TE – Vernon Davis – San Francisco 49ers – 10 Receptions, 102 Yards

Where did this come from? Davis has been a complete bust since his rookie year and now all of a sudden he is the top fantasy tight end. While he is on such a hot streak, you have to start him every week.

Losers

QB – Kyle Orton – Denver Broncos – 23 Completions, 38 Attempts, 221 Yards, zero TD, three interceptions

Orton had his first bad game with the Broncos this past week against Pittsburgh. He threw three interceptions and failed to get his team into the end zone. This makes two straight weeks with no touchdowns and shouldn’t be started until he gets back on track.

QB – Joe Flacco – Baltimore Ravens – 18 Completions, 32 Attempts, 195 Yards, zero TD, two interceptions

Flacco has been a pleasant surprise this year. He has 12 touchdowns and seven interceptions on the year and he threw two of those last week. He has an excellent matchup this week against Cleveland and I think he will bounce back nicely.

RB – Clinton Portis – Washington Redskins – four Carries, four Yards

Portis has been a bust this year with just 494 yards and only one touchdown to go with more injury problems. Washington has been a mess this year and I wouldn’t trust anyone on that team right now.

RB – LaDainian Tomlinson – San Diego Chargers – 12 Carries, 22 Yards, two receptions, eight Yards

This is looking more and more like a bust. Tomlinson has missed two games due to injury and has just 289 yards rushing and three touchdowns to go with just nine catches for 40 yards. This isn’t what you expect from a first round or even second round pick. For now, you may actually have to think about benching him until the Chargers can get their running game turned around.

RB – Jonathan Stewart – Carolina Panthers – 13 Carries, 24 Yards, one reception, 14 Yards, one fumble

Stewart hasn’t been as productive as expected this year, but hasn’t been too bad either. He had two touchdowns two weeks ago, but had just 24 yards last week. He has four touchdowns on the year and can still be started depending on the matchup.

WR – DeSean Jackson – Philadelphia Eagles – two receptions, 29 Yards

Jackson had a great game against the Giants, but was held in check against Dallas. He has just 26 receptions, but has 530 yards and four touchdowns, plus a rushing and return touchdown for six total touchdowns. He has a tough matchup this week against San Diego, but you might start him anyway for his big play ability.

WR – Michael Crabtree – San Francisco 49ers – three receptions, 30 Yards

Crabtree started out on fire, but was a bust this week in what was supposed to be his breakout game against Tennessee. He had just three catches for 30 yards, but I wouldn’t be too discouraged as I expect him to bounce back.

WR – Calvin Johnson – Detroit Lions – two receptions, 27 Yards

BUST! Calvin Johnson has been the biggest bust at WR this year. He has just 24 receptions for 352 yards and just one touchdown, plus he missed two games due to injury. He is still an elite fantasy WR, but needs to turn it around soon to be of any use to fantasy owners this year.

TE – Jeremy Shockey – New Orleans Saints – three receptions, 26 Yards

This was a rare non-productive week for Shockey this year. He has 34 receptions for 402 yards and three touchdowns on the season and is still a good fantasy option in that fantastic offense.

TE – Tony Scheffler – Denver Broncos – one reception, three Yards

This is what we expected from Scheffler this year after Josh McDaniels was named head coach. McDaniels doesn’t utilize the TE and Scheffler was on the trade block for most of the preseason. He shouldn’t be owned in any fantasy format.

Waiver Wire Wonders

WR – Robert Meachem – New Orleans Saints – five Receptions, 98 Yards, one TD

With the injury to Lance Moore, Meachem will see more balls thrown his way. He had five catches for 98 yards and a touchdown last week and has a supreme matchup against St. Louis this week.

WR – Devery Henderson – New Orleans Saints – three receptions, 93 Yards

With the injury to Lance Moore, Henderson will see more balls thrown his way. He had three catches for 93 yards last week and like his teammate Meachem, has a supreme matchup against the Rams this week.

RB – Laurence Maroney – New England Patriots – 20 Carries, 82 Yards, one TD

Since the injuries to Sammy Morris and Fred Taylor, Maroney has grabbed his starting job back and doesn’t appear to be losing it anytime soon. He has 248 yards and three touchdowns in the last three games and plays with such a high powered offense, that if he is available, you need to grab him.

That’s all for now sports fans. Any questions or concerns, email me at Derek@Sportmeisters.com.

NFL Fantasy Football: Chicago Vs. San Francisco Start 'Em and Sit 'Em

The Sportmeisters — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 13:31:31 -0500

By Derek of The Sportmeisters

Week 10 is here, and the Thursday games have begun. This week we see the Chicago Bears take on the San Francisco 49ers. Here is a short list of players who you should have in your lineup for this game.

Enough talk—let’s get down to business!

Start 'Em

QB – Jay Cutler – Chicago Bears – Projection: 295 Yards, 2 TD, 1 INT

Cutler had a great game in the loss last week to Arizona, throwing for 369 yards and three touchdowns with one interception. Today, he faces the 24th-ranked pass defense in the NFL, and I expect him to air it out yet again. Start 'Em.

QB – Alex Smith – San Francisco 49ers – Projection: 240 Yards, 2 TD, 1 INT

Smith has been rather good since taking over for Shaun Hill in Week Seven. He has thrown for 690 yards with six touchdowns and five interceptions. Today he will face a Chicago D that has allowed 10 touchdowns through the air in the last three weeks. They are ranked 12th in the NFL vs. the pass, but Smith could surprise a lot of people this week. Sleeper Start 'Em.

RB – Matt Forte – Chicago Bears – Projection: 60 Yards Rushing, 1 TD, 5 Receptions, 40 Yards

The Bears have not been able to run the ball this year, but it is just too hard to sit Forte—especially with his ability to catch and run with the ball. He has just 441 yards rushing with three touchdowns and has 30 receptions for 259 yards.

He faces the fourth-ranked run defense in the NFL, but they have also allowed eight RTs. He may not get a lot of yardage on the ground, but he should find the end zone and make up the yardage as a receiver. Start 'Em.

RB – Frank Gore – San Francisco 49ers – Projection: 90 Yards Rushing, 1 TD, 4 Receptions, 25 Yards

Gore has been extremely good when healthy this year. He has 447 yards rushing in just six games and has five touchdowns to go with 22 receptions for 190 yards and another touchdown. He faces the Bears' 14th-ranked run D, which has allowed seven rushing touchdowns. Start 'Em.

WR – Devin Hester – Chicago Bears – Projection: 7 Receptions, 80 Yards, 1 TD

Hester has been the most consistent Chicago receiver this year with 41 receptions for 548 yards and three touchdowns. He has 21 receptions for 276 yards and a touchdown in the last three games, and I expect that trend to continue today. Start 'Em.

WR – Michael Crabtree – San Francisco 49ers – Projection: 5 Receptions, 50 Yards, 1 TD

The 49ers have made an effort to get this explosive rookie the ball ever since his first game in Week Seven. He has 14 receptions for 167 yards in those three games, and I expect Smith to try to get him the ball even more in this game. I wouldn’t be surprised if he scores his first career touchdown against the Bears' 12th-ranked pass defense that has allowed 16 passing touchdowns. Sleeper Start 'Em.

TE – Greg Olsen – Chicago Bears – Projection: 5 Receptions, 55 Yards, 1 TD

Olsen finally broke out last week, catching all three of Cutler’s touchdown passes. He now has 27 receptions for 286 yards and six touchdowns on the year, and I expect Cutler to look for him early and often this week against the 49ers' 24th-ranked pass D. Start 'Em.

TE – Vernon Davis – San Francisco 49ers – Projection: 7 Receptions, 75 Yards, 1 TD

Davis has been on a roll lately and is the best fantasy tight end at the moment with 42 receptions for 477 yards and seven touchdowns. He faces the Bears' 12th-ranked pass defense and will be a frequent target for QB Alex Smith. Start 'Em.

There you have it, sports fans: my Start 'Em/Sit 'Em and Projections for today’s game. Any questions or concerns, please email me at Derek@Sportmeisters.com and look for the rest of my Start 'Em/Sit 'Em and Projections later this week, as well as our Sunday Morning Start 'Em/Sit 'Em Chat.

NCAA Week 11 Top 25: Iowa's Fall is Other's Gain

The Sportmeisters — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 18:28:48 -0500

By Ryan of The Sportmeisters

An undefeated team finally bites the dust, but who's still on the outside looking in with the pollsters?

1. Texas (Last Week: 1) Next Game: 11/14 at Baylor

Texas sits in a prime position knowing one SEC team will drop when Florida and Alabama meet.

2. Florida (Last Week: 2) Next Game: 11/14 at South Carolina

The Gators clinched the SEC East, but they still have their eyes on the big prize and former Coach Steve Spurrier is on the chopping block this week.

3. Alabama (Last Week: 3) Next Game: 11/14 at Mississippi State

The Tide punches their ticket to the SEC Championship game, knowing the winner will be in the national championship.

4. TCU (Last Week: 4) Next Game: 11/14 vs. No. 13 Utah

This is the game that will make or break TCU’s season. A big win is a must to garner any national title credibility.

5. Boise State (Last Week: 5) Next Game: 11/14 vs. Idaho

A huge promotional push to get in the national championship won’t help when you only win by 10 over Louisiana Tech.

6. Cincinnati (Last Week: 9) Next Game: 11/13 vs. No West Virginia

Starting QB Tony Pike returns from injury, with a huge match-up with Big East and national title implications here.

7. Georgia Tech (Last Week: 7) Next Game: 11/14 at Duke

It took overtime to take out Wake Forest and a hungry Duke team is on the block next.

8. USC (Last Week: 12) Next Game: 11/14 vs. No 24. Stanford

Oregon beat USC. Stanford beat Oregon. Does this mean Stanford will beat USC?

9. Ohio State (Last Week: 12) Next Game: 11/14 vs. No. 11 Iowa

Ohio State takes control of the Big Ten, and gets a banged and bruised Iowa next up.

10. Pittsburgh (Last Week: 13) Next Game: 11/14 vs. Notre Dame

Pittsburgh is steadily climbing up the polls and move into the top ten this week.

11. Iowa (Last Week: 7) Next Game: 11/14 at No. 9 Ohio State

Their national title shot may be gone, but a Big Ten title is still a reality.

12. LSU (Last Week: 8 ) Next Game: 11/14 vs. Louisiana Tech

0-2 against top five teams drops LSU this week in the polls.

13. Utah (Last Week: 15) Next Game: 11/14 at. No 4 TCU

Utah moves up to 13 as they prepare for their biggest challenge this season in TCU.

14. Miami (Last Week: 17) Next Game: 11/14 at North Carolina

Miami jumps three spots thanks to their dominant victory over Virginia.

15. Houston (Last Week: 16) Next Game: 11/14 at UCF

A one-point win does not make a national title team.

16. Penn State (Last Week: 10) Next Game: 11/14 vs. Indiana

Penn State loses, but JoePa is still above Bobby Bowden in the wins column!

17. Oklahoma State (Last Week: 18) Next Game: 11/14 vs. Texas Tech

Can the Cowboys defense stop the high flying offense of the Red Raiders?

18. Virginia Tech (Last Week: 20) Next Game: 11/14 at Maryland

Virginia Tech still needs some help if they want the ACC Title shot.

19. Arizona (Last Week: 22) Next Game: 11/14 at California

Arizona benefits again, this time jumping three spots into the top 20.

20. Oregon (Last Week: 11) Next Game: 11/14 vs. Arizona State

An upset loss to Stanford knocks out Oregon from national title consideration.

21. Wisconsin (Last Week: 24) Next Game: 11/14 vs. Michigan

The Badgers benefit from losers above, moving up in the polls.

22. Brigham Young (Last Week: 25) Next Game: 11/14 at New Mexico

BYU moves up thanks to their demolishing of Wyoming.

23. Clemson (Last Week: NR) Next Game: 11/14 at North Carolina State

Behind CJ Spiller’s 312 all purpose yards, the Tigers pounce into the top 25.

24. Stanford (Last Week: NR) Next Game: 11/14 at No. 8 USC

Stanford's upset of Oregon moves them into the top 25, but how long will they stay with USC on their tail.

25. Navy (Last Week: NR) Next Game: 11/14 vs. Delaware

Navy’s second upset in three years over Notre Dame is enough to warrant a top 25 vote.

What We Learned: NFL Week Nine

The Sportmeisters — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 15:59:32 -0500

By Ryan of The Sportmeisters

The playoff picture is starting to come in clearer as the second half of the NFL season begins. Let’s look back at the top stories from last week.

Come On Back!

As soon as I finished writing my story on whether or not New Orleans and Indianapolis would go undefeated, both teams required fourth quarter comebacks to keep their perfect streaks alive.

Facing off against the red-hot Houston Texans, the Indianapolis Colts, behind QB Peyton Manning’s seventh 300-yard game, took down the Texans 20-17.

A fourth quarter touchdown with seven minutes left and a Kris Brown missed field goal at the end of regulation sealed coach Jim Caldwell’s 8-0 start, the best rookie coach start since 1930. Manning also became the first QB in a decade to throw for 40,000 yards.

Indianapolis’ streak is on the line in a tough showdown with New England next week.

Heading down South, the New Orleans Saints have taken the last few weeks to practice their fourth quarter theatrics. For the third straight week, the Saints came back from a double-digit deficit to remain perfect.

QB Drew Brees threw for over 300 yards, overcoming two early turnovers, as he kept the Saints with a great chance to run the table. They have two winnable matchups on the table, but they need to start playing four quarters of football.

Draft Day Revenge

In 2004, QB Eli Manning was drafted by the San Diego Chargers. Thirty minutes later, Eli Manning was a New York Giant, and Philip Rivers, and eventually Nate Kaeding and Shawne Merriman, were Chargers with the draft picks they grabbed in the trade.

Since then, Manning has a ring, but in 2009, it looks like Rivers could be marching toward the title.

The two met on different sides, San Diego winning two in a row and the Giants losers of the past three. Those streaks continued as San Diego used an 80-yard drive to cap a 21-20 victory. Rivers exploiting the weak Giants secondary and New York penalties were just two reasons the Giants go into the bye week at a pedestrian 5-4.

It’s still too early to say whether Manning or Rivers is better, but the two will be battling for that title for a while.

The Final Frontier

The hardest win for a rookie coach and a rookie QB is the first one. For Tampa Bay’s new leading men Raheem Morris and QB Josh Freeman, they both earned their first one last week, taking out Green Bay 38-28.

It may have taken eight weeks, but in Freeman’s first start, he managed the Buccaneers well, throwing for three touchdowns, and a complete effort helped the Buccaneers snap an 11-game losing streak dating back to last season.

Ronde Barber’s blocked punt return for a touchdown helped tie the game early in the second quarter, and Tanard Jackson’s interception for a touchdown sealed the game in the fourth.

While it is still too early to anoint Morris and Freeman saviors in Tampa Bay, the first win is always the biggest hump to get over.

Contenders and Pretenders

The playoffs are knocking—who is going to answer the door?

What does a 4-0 record in the AFC North get you? For the Cincinnati Bengals, it’s a 6-2 record and sole possession of first place right now, thanks to their season sweep over the Baltimore Ravens.

The Dallas Cowboys have won their fourth straight game and now sit with a one-game lead over the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC East.

While some teams are perfect, others are perfectly inept.

With a shot at gaining some ground in the NFC North, both Chicago and Green Bay lost, pushing them a full three games behind the Minnesota Vikings.

Another game, another loss for the Washington Redskins, who have now lost four in a row. The Redskins have yet to win a game on the road in 2009.

Fantasy Football: Week 9 Start Em' and Sit Em'

The Sportmeisters — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 23:17:45 -0500

By Derek of The Sportmeisters

Welcome to the best time of the year, sports fans. Here is where I will tell you who I think you should start or who I think you should sit for your fantasy team.

Enough talk, let’s get down to business!

QB Obvious Must Starts

Drew Brees – NO vs. CAR —Projection: 275 Yards, 2 TD, 1 INT
Peyton Manning – IND vs. HOU —Projection: 300 Yards, 2 TD, 0 INT
Tom Brady – NE vs. MIA —Projection: 315 Yards, 3 TD, 0 INT
Philip Rivers – SD vs. NYG —Projection: 275 Yards, 2 TD, 0 INT
Aaron Rodgers – GB vs. TB —Projection: 300 Yards, 2 TD, 0 INT
Kurt Warner – ARI vs. CHI —Projection: 250 Yards, 2 TD, 1 INT

QB Start Em’

Donovan McNabb – PHI vs. DAL —Coming off a three touchdown game and facing the 22nd ranked pass defense this week—Start Em’. Projection: 275 Yards, 2 TD, 0 INT
Joe Flacco – BAL vs. CIN —Was extremely accurate last week and faces the 30th ranked pass defense this week. Start Em’. Projection: 265 Yards, 2 TD, 0 INT
Matt Hasselbeck – SEA vs. DET —Threw two TD’s last week and faces the 27th ranked pass defense this week. Sleeper Start Em’. Projection: 255 Yards, 2 TD, 0 INT

QB Sit Em’

Matt Ryan – ATL vs. WAS —Threw three INT’s last week and faces the second ranked pass defense this week. Sit Em’. Projection: 225 Yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
Matt Schaub – HOU vs. IND —Failed to throw a TD and threw two INT’s last week and is facing the seventh ranked pass defense this week. Sit Em’. Projection: 245 Yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
Kyle Orton – DEN vs. PIT —Only threw for 152 yards last week and faces the Steelers this week, which are better than their 16th ranked pass defense. Must Sit Em’. Projection: 175 Yards, 1 TD, 1 INT

RB Obvious Must Starts

Michael Turner – ATL vs. WAS —Projection: 70 Yards Rushing, 1 TD
Maurice Jones-Drew – JAX vs. KC —Projection: 120 Yards Rushing, 1 TD, 3 Receptions, 25 Yards
DeAngelo Williams – CAR vs. NO —Projection: 105 Yards Rushing, 1 TD, 2 Receptions, 20 Yards
Chris Johnson – TEN vs. SF —Projection: 95 Yards Rushing, 1 TD, 2 Receptions, 20 Yards

RB Start Em’

Ryan Grant – GB vs. TB —Facing the 30th ranked run defense this week. Start Em’. Projection: 100 Yards Rushing, 2 TD, 2 Receptions, 15 Yards
Brandon Jacobs – NYG vs. SD — Had a decent game against a good run defense last week and faces the 27th ranked run "D" this week. Start Em’. Projection: 95 Yards, 1 TD
Joseph Addai – IND vs. HOU —Getting the majority of carries with Donald Brown out and showed something new by throwing a TD last week. This week he faces the 20th ranked run defense. Start Em’. Projection: 80 Yards Rushing, 1 TD, 3 Receptions, 25 Yards
Julius Jones – SEA vs. DET – Quietly having a decent year and is facing the 21st ranked defense this week. Sleeper Start Em’. Projection: 80 Yards Rushing, 1 TD

RB Sit Em’

Cadillac Williams – TB vs. GB —With a rookie QB at the helm, the Packers will be stacking the box against the run and will show why they are ranked ninth in the NFL vs. the run. Sit Em’. Projection: 50 Yards Rushing, 2 Receptions, 10 Yards
Kevin Smith – DET vs. SEA —Lost carries last week due to injury and may lose more this week against the tenth ranked run "D". Sit Em’. Projection: 40 Yards Rushing, 3 Receptions, 25 Yards
Laurence Maroney – NE vs. MIA —Expect a heavy dose of Brady to Moss and Welker this week, which means less work for Maroney against the sixth ranked run defense in the NFL. Sit Em’. Projection: 60 Yards Rushing
Knowshon Moreno – DEN vs. PIT —Had a TD last week, but was still shut down for most of the game and is facing the best run defense in the NFL this week. Must Sit Em’. Projection: 35 Yards Rushing, 2 Receptions, 15 Yards

WR Obvious Must Starts

Randy Moss – NE vs. MIA —Projection: 8 Receptions, 105 Yards, 1 TD
Wes Welker – NE vs. MIA —Projection: 11 Receptions, 100 Yards, 1 TD
Larry Fitzgerald – ARI vs. CHI —Projection: 7 Receptions, 75 Yards, 1 TD
Reggie Wayne – IND vs. HOU —Projection: 9 Receptions, 105 Yards, 1 TD
Andre Johnson – HOU vs. IND —Projection: 9 Receptions, 90 Yards, 1 TD
Greg Jennings – GB vs. TB —Projection: 7 Receptions, 95 Yards, 1 TD
Roddy White – ATL vs. WAS —Projection: 5 Receptions, 85 Yards, 1 TD
Marques Colston – NO vs. CAR —Projection: 7 Receptions, 100 Yards, 1 TD

WR Start Em’

T.J. Houshmandzadeh – SEA vs. DET —Hasn’t been what we expected so far this year, but is facing the 27th ranked pass defense this week. Start Em’. Projection: 8 Receptions, 90 Yards, 1 TD
Mike Sims-Walker – JAX vs. KC —Was held in check last week, but should rebound against the 28th ranked pass defense this week. Start Em’. Projection: 6 Receptions, 85 Yards, 1 TD
Devin Hester – CHI vs. ARI —Hester has been a fairly consistent fantasy starter this year and is facing the 20th ranked pass defense this week. Start Em’. Projection: 7 Receptions, 75 Yards, 1 TD
Michael Crabtree – SF vs. TEN —Has 11 receptions for 137 yards in his first two NFL games and is facing the worst pass defense in the NFL this week. Sleeper Start Em’. Projection: 6 Receptions, 75 Yards, 1 TD

WR Sit Em’

Mario Manningham – NYG vs. SD —Didn’t play due to a shoulder injury last week and is facing the sixth ranked pass defense this week. Sit Em’. Projection: 3 Receptions, 25 Yards
Roy Williams – DAL vs. PHI —Scored a TD last week, but is still complaining about his role in the offense. He and QB Tony Romo are not seeing eye to eye and they face the tenth ranked pass defense in the NFL this week. Sit Em’. Projection: 3 Receptions, 30 Yards
Kevin Walter – HOU vs. IND —May get more looks with TE Owen Daniels out for the year, but had just 29 yards receiving last week and faces the seventh ranked pass defense in the NFL this week. Sit Em’. Projection: 3 Receptions, 35 Yards
Antonio Bryant – TB vs. GB —Rookie QB against the ninth ranked pass defense in the NFL means Must Sit Em’. Projection: 2 Receptions, 25 Yards

TE Obvious Must Starts

Jason Witten – DAL vs. PHI —Projection: 6 Receptions, 65 Yards, 1 TD

Antonio Gates – SD vs. NYG —Projection: 6 Receptions, 70 Yards, 1 TD

Tony Gonzalez – ATL vs. WAS —Projection: 5 Receptions, 70 Yards, 1 TD

Dallas Clark – IND vs. HOU —Projection: 8 Receptions, 85 Yards, 1 TD

TE Start Em’

Vernon Davis – SF vs. TEN —Absolutely on fire this year and faces the worst pass defense in the NFL this week. Start Em’. Projection: 6 Receptions, 70 Yards, 1 TD
Brent Celek – PHI vs. DAL —Found the end zone again last week and faces the 22nd ranked pass defense this week. Start Em’. Projection: 5 Receptions, 55 Yards, 1 TD
Ben Watson – NE vs. MIA —Brady will be throwing the ball a lot and Watson could find the end zone against the 21st ranked pass defense. Sleeper Start Em’. Projection: 3 Receptions, 35 Yards, 1 TD

TE Sit Em’

Tony Scheffler – DEN vs. PIT —Has only had one good game all year and is facing the 16th ranked pass defense of the Pittsburgh Steelers this week. Sit Em’. Projection: 3 Receptions, 40 Yards
Anthony Fasano – MIA vs. NE —Patriots are ranked fifth vs. the pass and have only allowed 226 yards to opposing TE’s all year. Sit Em’. Projection: 2 Receptions, 25 Yards
Kellen Winslow – TB vs. GB —Rookie QB against the ninth ranked pass defense in the NFL means Must Sit Em’. Projection: 4 Receptions, 30 Yards

D/ST Start Em’

Green Bay Packers vs. TB —In this case, rookie QB against the ninth ranked pass defense in the NFL means Must Start Em’.
New England Patriots vs. MIA —Belichick should have found a way to stop the Wildcat by now and I expect them to shut down Chad Henne and the Dolphins anemic Pass offense too. Start Em’.
Seattle Seahawks vs. DET —Matt Stafford has looked every bit like a Rookie QB this year and the Seahawks could rack up the fantasy points this week. Sleeper Start Em’.

D/ST Sit Em’

New York Giants vs. SD —The G-Men have looked absolutely horrible these past few weeks and it doesn’t help that Philip Rivers and the Chargers are coming to town. Sit Em’.
Miami Dolphins vs. NE —Anyone remember when Tom Brady threw for six TD’s against this same team back in 2007? I sure do! Sit Em’.
Carolina Panthers vs. NO —I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, never start a fantasy Defense against the best Offense in the NFL. Must Sit Em’.

There you have it, sports fans. Any questions or concerns, please e-mail me at Derek@Sportmeisters.com and don’t forget to join me for my weekly Sunday Morning Start Em’/Sit Em’ Chat from 10:45am to 12:45pm. Go to www.Sportmeisters.com for more info.

Previewing Colts-Texans

The Sportmeisters — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 23:09:08 -0500

By Contributing Blogger Scott for The Sportmeisters

This Sunday, the undefeated Indianapolis Colts host the red-hot Houston Texans. The odds favor the Colts to remain undefeated, and once again, send the Texans home winless from Indy. This game has the potential to become a shootout because of two high-powered offenses facing off. Let’s look at the chances each team has.

Why The Colts Will Win:

Because they always do and especially at home. If this game becomes a shootout, the Colts will win by a touchdown. Every year the Texans find a way to lose (e.g. last year’s “Rosen-coptor”), and with Texans’ turnover prowess, why shouldn’t the Colts win? If Peyton Manning gets into a rhythm, it will be a long day for the Texans’ defense. The past two weeks the Texans held the 49ers and Bills to minimal rushing yards, but gave up big passing yardage late in the game.

Unfortunately, the Colts passing game will be front and center from the 1st quarter. Defensively, the Colts have to keep the Texans off the field and out of rhythm. After Ryan Moats’ big game last week, look for the Texans to run the ball early. The Colts cannot let the Texans’ run game get into sync. The key for the Colts’ D is to force turnovers and give Peyton Manning a short field to work with.

Why The Texans Will Win:

Call it divine intervention or just timing, but the Texans could steal this game. It is easy for the Colts to overlook this game as another one “in the bag.” In order to the win, the defense must apply pressure to Peyton Manning and keep the Colts offense off the field. Historically, Peyton Manning’s worst games have been when he is under constant pressure. The Texans have to bring the heat by all means necessary. They must keep the game from becoming a shootout. In the last two weeks, the Texans forced turnovers late to seal the game. Don’t expect that to come easy with Manning under Center.

Offensively, the Texans have to establish the run. Doing so will exhaust the Colts smaller defenders and keep their offense off the field. Time of possession is critical this week, as well as scoring TDs in the red zone. Finally, they cannot commit any turnovers this week or Manning will make them pay, dearly. This week everything must fall into place for the Texans to walk away with another road win.

The two teams meet again in a few weeks, but a win here for either team could set the tone for the remainder of the NFL season.

What's More Likely: 16-0 or 0-16?

The Sportmeisters — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 22:33:49 -0500

By Ryan of The Sportmeisters

In 2007, the NFL saw the New England Patriots run the table in the regular season, going 16-0. In 2008, the Detroit Lions set their own record, becoming the first team in NFL history to go 0-16. Two straight years, two different achievements. With the NFL season beginning the second half, three teams have the chance to follow in those famous (or infamous) steps. Both the Indianapolis Colts and New Orleans Saints hold perfect records at 7-0, while the Tampa Bay Buccaneers sit on the other end at 0-7. But which team has the best shot at fame or infamy?

The Indianapolis Colts very quickly could have been 0-2 at the start of the season, but squeaked by Jacksonville and Miami, respectively. Then they went on a run that has given rookie head coach Jim Caldwell the best start for a rookie head coach since the AFL-NFL merger. While they recently came upon a scare against San Francisco, behind the arm of Peyton Manning (2227 yards, 15 TDs, six 300+ yard passing performances), and a stifling defense (13.0 ppg average leads league, ninth in yards allowed per game at 292.1), Indianapolis has the talent to run the table.

Their schedule proves to be a little more challenging to allow them a perfect season. Two games against the resurgent Houston Texans, along with matchups against Baltimore, Denver, the New York Jets (playoff potential matchup for NY), and of course, the annual faceoff against New England. Both Baltimore and Houston are away games, which can bring a hostile crowd. But, with Peyton Manning behind Center, Indianapolis always has a shot, but I’d put them second in the race to 16-0.

The New Orleans Saints are having a year no one expected, unless you are a Saints fan. Outside of an eight point win against Atlanta last week, the Saints have destroyed the opposition. With the NFL’s highest scoring offense (39 ppg), and the leader in offense (428.7 ypg), the Saints put the ball up, and score at will, despite a defense that ranks in the bottom half of most categories.

The offense will win the games, but the defense will need to step up, especially with matchups at New England and Atlanta still looming. However, they still have five matchups left against NFC South foes, and the Dallas Cowboys are still on the schedule. While I won’t give the Saints the title outright, they are the odds on favorite to go 16-0.

On the other end, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and their first year coach Raheem Morris, are taking the term “rebuilding year” to a whole new level. They are in the bottom half of the key offensive and defense statistical categories, and outside of a close game against Washington, have lost by at least a touchdown in all their other games. There only bright spot is newcomer TE Kellen Winslow, with 295 yards and four touchdowns, leads the team. They have more or less thrown in the towel, moving to rookie QB Josh Freeman as the starter.

Can Freeman snap the slump? Tampa does not hold the easiest second half schedule. Atlanta and New Orleans twice each head up the toughest portion. However, two games come to mind as possibly winnable. Carolina only beat Tampa by a score, and their offense has been dysfunctional at best. Seattle has had injuries to deal with and could be looking to the future, making this a possible win, and keeping Tampa from being the second team to go 0-16. However, with the way Tampa is playing, they have the strongest odds at a zero in their record.

Looking at the three teams and there schedule, I would bet Tampa has the better chance to go 0-16 before New Orleans and Indianapolis go 16-0.

NCAA Week 10 Top 25: Texas Remains on Top Despite Strong Showing from Gators

The Sportmeisters — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 13:04:11 -0500

By Ryan of The Sportmeisters

For the first time in a few weeks, we have a repeat No. 1! But where does everyone else fall?

1. Texas (Last Week: 1) Next Game: Nov. 7 vs. UCF

The Longhorns meant business in their dismantling of Oklahoma State, and that keeps them at No. 1 this week.

2. Florida (Last Week: 2) Next Game: Nov. 7 vs. Vanderbilt

The Gators finally looked like the dominant team that was lacking confidence the last few weeks. The road to the championship still goes through them.

3. Alabama (Last Week: 3) Next Game: Nov. 7 at No. 8 LSU

The annual “Saban” bowl is in Baton Rouge this year, but Alabama had an extra week to get prepared for the onslaught of booing.

4. TCU (Last Week: 5) Next Game: Nov. 7 at San Diego State

Thanks to USC’s loss, TCU moves up, but a weak schedule could still hold them back.

5. Boise State (Last Week: 6) Next Game: Nov. 6 at Louisiana Tech

Boise State sits in the same position as TCU, a weak schedule overshadowing an otherwise dominant performance this season.

6. Iowa (Last Week: 7) Next Game: Nov. 7 vs. Northwestern

If Iowa could come out with a solid performance in a whole game, that might warrant jumping them in the polls. Until then, they sit where they are.

7. Georgia Tech (Last Week: 8) Next Game: Nov. 7 vs. Wake Forest

The ACC breeds a parity-filled conference, so upsets are possible at any time. Georgia Tech needs to watch out.

8. LSU (Last Week: 9) Next Game: Nov. 7 vs. No. 3 Alabama

LSU lost their first shot at taking out a top-ranked team, and they have even more motivation against their old coach.

9. Cincinnati (Last Week: 10) Next Game: Nov. 7 vs. Connecticut

Keep moving the Bearcats up, as they still have a lot to play for this season.

10. Penn State (Last Week: 12) Next Game: Nov. 7 vs. No. 13 Ohio State

For Penn State, this game could decide their entire season. A win is a must!

11. Oregon (Last Week: 14) Next Game: Nov. 7 at Stanford

Oregon played superbly in their takedown of USC and jump up three spots for it. They are now in complete control of the Pac-10.

12. USC (Last Week: 4) Next Game: Nov. 7 at Arizona State

USC can still make a BCS bowl as an at-large but will need to start winning and getting their defense on track.

13. Ohio State (Last Week: 15) Next Game: Nov. 7 at No. 10 Penn State

The Big Ten Championship goes through Iowa right now, but Ohio State can take one step closer with a win on Saturday.

14. Pittsburgh (Last Week: 16) Next Game: Nov. 7 vs. Syracuse

This is a warm-up game for Pittsburgh’s stretch run, and the classic trap game is in effect here.

15. Utah (Last Week: 18) Next Game: Nov. 7 vs. New Mexico

A few losses help Utah jump higher in the rankings.

16. Houston (Last Week: 19) Next Game: Nov. 7 at Tulsa

Despite giving up their most points since their loss to UTEP, the Cougars are in a good spot to earn a C-USA championship game berth.

17. Miami (Last Week: 17) Next Game: Nov. 7 vs. Virginia

Miami almost made it two losses in a row but came back to stop Wake Forest’s upset bid.

18. Oklahoma State (Last Week: 11) Next Game: Nov. 7 at Iowa State

Three straight years, three straight losses to the Longhorns.

19. Oklahoma (Last Week: 22) Next Game: Nov. 7 at Nebraska

This game is another tough one for the Sooners, as Nebraska can go off at any time.

20. Virginia Tech (Last Week: 13) Next Game: Nov. 5 at East Carolina

Another Thursday night game is on the schedule, and the nation saw how badly the first one went for the Hokies.

21. Notre Dame (Last Week: 23) Next Game: Nov. 7 vs. Navy

Last time Navy came to South Bend, they upset the Irish. Will déjà vu strike this season?

22. Arizona (Last Week: 24) Next Game: Nov. 7 vs. Washington State

Arizona moves up a few spots thanks to a few losses in the polls.

23. California (Last Week: NR) Next Game: Nov. 7 vs. Oregon State

Welcome another Pac-10 team to the top 25, as the conference has shown some strength in numbers this season.

24. Wisconsin (Last Week: NR) Next Game: Nov. 7 at Indiana

Welcome to another Big Ten team, joining the top 25.

25. Brigham Young (Last Week: NR) Next Game: Nov. 7 at Wyoming

After starting off the season hot, the Cougars cooled off but have worked their way back into the top 25.

What We Learned: NFL Week 8

The Sportmeisters — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 17:00:53 -0500

The NFL season has hit the halfway mark. What are the big stories of the week, and who is in prime position heading down the stretch?

Giant Disappointment

Once again, the New York Giants are the top story and, once again, it’s because of another loss. This time, it was at the hands of the Philadelphia Eagles, 40-17.

For the Eagles, the result marked two straight divisional wins, putting them in a spot to take total control of the NFC East should they win against Dallas next weekend.

The Giants, on the other hand, have some soul-searching to do.

Since starting the season 5-0, they have lost three straight to playoff-quality teams. Eli Manning has thrown four interceptions and completed a mere 31 percent of his passes. Watching the game, it looks like the plantar fasciitis that he suffered earlier in the season is affecting him.

The Giants have a game against San Diego this weekend before going on a bye.

As Young As You Feel

Let’s look at two “young” quarterbacks at different points in their career; Vince Young and Brett Favre.

With the Tennessee Titans fading fast, and owner Bud Adams bringing the heat, coach Jeff Fisher decided to give the embattled Young another shot.

What became of it was the Titans' first victory in 2009, a 30-13 thrashing of Jacksonville Jaguars. Don’t give too much credit to Young. He managed the game, going 15-of-18 for 125 yards and a touchdown. But he gave them the spark they needed, and will most likely stay in the role until he shows he is not able to handle it.

As far as the other “young” quarterback in the NFL, Brett Favre is still slinging the ball around at 40. Wearing Purple for the first time at Lambeau Field, Favre showed his former fans that he still has the magic.

He threw four touchdowns for the 21st time, tying the NFL record held by Dan Marino.

Simply put, Favre is doing well in Minnesota. And with a dome over his head, he shouldn’t suffer too much of those nasty northern winters that affected him before. That, and he has two weapons in Adrian Peterson and Percy Harvin.

Mid-Season Award Winners

Granted, these aren’t all the awards, but here are a few of my mid-season picks.

MVP: Peyton Manning, QB, Indianapolis Colts. With apologies to Drew Brees and Brett Favre, it’s hard to argue against Manning. He has thrown for over 2,000 yards and 15 touchdowns already, including over 300 yards in six of his seven performances. He has Indy running on all cylinders right now.

AFC Rookie Of The Year: Brian Cushing, LB, Houston: Cushing is in a league of his own right now, and not one rookie can hold a candle to him. With 66 tackles, 1.5 sacks, two interceptions and two forced fumbles in just half a season, Cushing has the bar set high for rookies.

NFC Rookie Of The Year: Percy Harvin, WR, Minnesota: Harvin has quickly become Brett Favre’s favorite target in Minnesota, and it shows. He has 28 catches for 369 yards and three touchdowns already, not to mention his ability to return a punt or kickoff back with relative ease.

Coach Of The Year: Jim Caldwell, Indianapolis Colts: The first rookie head coach to start 7-0, Caldwell has kept the synergy and efficiency brought on by his predecessor, Tony Dungy. While it's easy to win with Peyton Manning, Caldwell deserves his fair share of praise.

When the season winds down, look for a complete list of all my winners.

Contenders and Pretenders

Midway through, whose sun is shining and whose sky is cloudy?

The Dallas Cowboys have quietly won three straight, putting them in a tie for first in the NFC East. An interesting matchup against Philadelphia for sole control of first is on the line this weekend.

The Houston Texans have also won three straight to bring them to a 5-3 record. With Indianapolis on the forefront, Houston will need to play perfect games if they want to take the AFC South.

While some teams are perfect, others are perfectly inept.

The New York Giants are struggling, and unless they win this weekend, panic-time might set in during the bye week.

The Cleveland Browns' descent into mediocrity is moving right along. They now sit at 1-7, thanks to a 30-6 drubbing at the hands of Chicago.

By Ryan of The Sportmeisters

Fantasy Football – Week 8 Start Em' And Sit Em'

The Sportmeisters — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 23:34:48 -0400

By Derek of The Sportmeisters

Welcome to the best time of the year sports fans. Here is where I will tell you who I think you should start or who I think you should sit for your fantasy team. This year, I will give you your obvious must starts (guys you start every week no matter who they play), a few players from each position who you should start, a sleeper start em’, and a must sit em’. Also, I will be giving projections for those players. If you have more questions, don’t forget to join me for my Sunday Morning Start Em’/Sit Em’ Chat from 10:45am to 12:45pm which will return in week 9. Go to www.Sportmeisters.com for more info. Enough talk, let’s get down to business!

QB Obvious Must Starts

Drew Brees – NO vs. ATL – Projection: 315 Yards, 3 TD, 1 INT

Peyton Manning – IND vs. SF – Projection: 300 Yards, 2 TD, 0 INT

Philip Rivers – SD vs. OAK – Projection: 295 Yards, 2 TD, 0 INT

Aaron Rodgers – GB vs. MIN – Projection: 250 Yards, 2 TD, 1 INT

Kurt Warner – ARI vs. CAR – Projection: 235 Yards, 2 TD, 1 INT

QB Start Em’

Jay Cutler – Chicago Bears vs. CLE – Cutler had a miserable week against Cincinnati last week, throwing for just 251 yards, one touchdown, and three interceptions. Not to mention that he fumbled twice. This week, he will have a little easier time against the 24^th ranked pass defense of the Cleveland Browns, who have just 12 sacks and three interceptions on the season. Start Em’. Projection: 275 Yards, 2 TD, 0 INT

Tony Romo – Dallas Cowboys vs. SEA – What’s gotten into Tony Romo? In his last two games he has thrown for 662 yards and five touchdowns without throwing an interception. This week, he should continue his streak against the 17^th ranked pass defense of the Seattle Seahawks, who have just three interceptions all year. Start Em’. Projection: 300 Yards, 2 TD, 0 INT

David Garrard – Jacksonville Jaguars vs. TEN – Garrard isn’t usually a guy that you think of as a fantasy Quarterback, but this week, with six teams on a bye, he has the matchup that will light up your eyes as a fantasy owner. He threw for 335 yards and ran for 31 yards last week against St. Louis, despite throwing two interceptions and faces the worst pass defense in the NFL in the Tennessee Titans this week, which he has already torched for 323 yards and three touchdowns in week 4. Sleeper Start Em’. Projection: 280 Yards, 2 TD, 0 INT

QB Sit Em’

Donovan McNabb – Philadelphia Eagles vs. NYG – Even though he played well last week against Washington, he wasn’t great for fantasy teams. He threw for just 156 yards and one touchdown. This week, he faces the second ranked pass defense of the New York Giants and I expect this game to be a defensive struggle, especially with the Giants losing two straight. Hard to bench, but you have to do so this week. Sit Em’. Projection: 220 Yards, 1 TD, 0 INT

Kyle Orton – Denver Broncos vs. BAL – Kyle Orton has been surprisingly good thus far this year. He has thrown for 1465 yards, nine touchdowns, and just one interception. However, he faces the 23rd ranked pass defense of the Baltimore Ravens this week and they will get pressure on Orton like he hasn’t seen all year, especially playing in Baltimore Sit Em’. Projection: 210 Yards, 1 TD, 2 INT

Eli Manning – New York Giants vs. PHI – As much as I love Eli as a real life QB, as a fantasy QB, he has hit a wall these past few weeks. He started out hot with 10 touchdowns and just two interceptions in the first five games, but has thrown just two touchdowns to four interceptions in the past two games. This week, he faces the ninth ranked pass defense of the Philadelphia Eagles and, like I said earlier, I expect a defensive game. Must Sit Em’. Projection: 200 Yards, 2 TD, 2 INT

RB Obvious Must Starts

Adrian Peterson – MIN vs. GB – Projection: 90 Yards Rushing, 1 TD, 3 Receptions, 30 Yards

Michael Turner – ATL vs. NO – Projection: 70 Yards Rushing, 1 TD

Steven Jackson – STL vs. DET – Projection: 105 Yards Rushing, 1 TD, 3 Receptions, 30 Yards

Maurice Jones-Drew – JAX vs. TEN – Projection: 100 Yards Rushing, 1 TD, 4 Receptions, 35 Yards

Matt Forte – CHI vs. CLE – Projection: 100 Yards Rushing, 1 TD, 4 Receptions, 35 Yards

DeAngelo Williams – CAR vs. ARI – Projection: 85 Yards Rushing, 1 TD, 2 Receptions, 25 Yards

Chris Johnson – TEN vs. JAX – Projection: 75 Yards Rushing, 1 TD, 2 Receptions, 20 Yards

RB Start Em’

Steve Slaton – Houston Texans vs. BUF – Slaton is playing so well lately that he is almost a must start every week. However, he has had a problem with fumbling the ball recently. Regardless, he has still put up monster numbers these past two weeks with 110 yards Rushing and 10 receptions for 124 yards with three total touchdowns. You have to start him this week against the worst run defense in the NFL—the Buffalo Bills. Start Em’. Projection: 75 Yards Rushing, 1 TD, 5 Receptions, 45 Yards, 1 TD

Kevin Smith – Detroit Lions vs. STL – Smith hasn’t been the most consistent option this year, but has put up decent numbers. He has 348 yards rushing with three touchdowns and 20 receptions for 149 yards. This week, he gets a great matchup against the 27^th ranked run defense of the St. Louis Rams and QB Matt Stafford is expected to play. He could be especially useful in PPR formats. Start Em’. Projection: 75 Yards Rushing, 1 TD, 4 Receptions, 35 Yards

LaDainian Tomlinson and Darren Sproles – San Diego Chargers vs. OAK – So, Tomlinson hasn’t been what we all expected this year. Trust me, I know—I have heard it enough to last me a lifetime. However, he ran well these past two weeks (141 yards rushing), but has failed to reach the end zone. On the other hand, Sproles has been exactly what we expected. A little lightning bug that breaks a huge play every now and again, whether it be a run, catch, or return. This week, they face the 30^th ranked run defense of the Oakland Raiders and I think both guys find the end zone. Start Em’ Both. Projections: Tomlinson: 90 Yards Rushing, 1 TD, 3 Receptions, 25 Yards – Sproles: 50 Yards Rushing, 4 Receptions, 55 Yards, 1 TD

Chris “Beanie” Wells – Arizona Cardinals vs. CAR – Last week against the Giants was Beanie’s best game of the year and the introduction of him into the offense. He ran for 67 yards and a touchdown and caught three passes for 10 yards. This week, he should see a few more carries and faces the 26^th ranked run defense of the Carolina Panthers. Sleeper Start Em’. Projection: 50 Yards Rushing, 1 TD, 2 Receptions, 10 Yards

RB Sit Em’

Ray Rice and Willis McGahee – Baltimore Ravens vs. DEN – McGahee started the year on fire, scoring seven total touchdowns in the first four games. However, the past two weeks, he has just eight carries for one yard and no touchdowns. He has lost almost all of his carries to Ray Rice, who has 249 yards rushing with 22 receptions for 240 yards and three total touchdowns in the last three games. However, this week they face the revamped, re-energized third ranked Run D of the Denver Broncos. Definitely sit McGahee, and as hard as it is to sit Rice, this week you have to. Sit Em’ Both. Projections: McGahee: 20 Yards Rushing – Rice: 60 Yards Rushing, 4 Receptions, 30 Yards

Ryan Grant – Green Bay Packers vs. MIN – Grant had a great game against Cleveland last week, but this week he faces a much tougher defense. He faces the 10^th ranked run defense of the Minnesota Vikings, which held him to 51 yards rushing and 50 yards receiving in Week 4. He may have a similar game, but definitely won’t reach the end zone. Sit Em’. Projection: 55 Yards Rushing, 3 Receptions, 30 Yards

Jonathan Stewart – Carolina Panthers vs. ARI – Stewart has been extremely inconsistent this year and it’s driving fantasy owners insane. He was supposed to run wild last week against Buffalo and instead ran for just 25 yards and added four receptions for 20 yards. This week, he faces the best run defense in the NFL in the Arizona Cardinals. Expect DeAngelo Williams to carry most of the load. Must Sit Em’. Projection: 35 Yards Rushing, 3 Receptions, 20 Yards

WR Obvious Must Starts

Larry Fitzgerald – ARI vs. CAR – Projection: 7 Receptions, 75 Yards, 1 TD

Reggie Wayne – IND vs. SF – Projection: 7 Receptions, 95 Yards, 1 TD

Andre Johnson – HOU vs. BUF – Projection: 7 Receptions, 90 Yards, 1 TD

Greg Jennings – GB vs. MIN – Projection: 5 Receptions, 95 Yards, 1 TD

Roddy White – ATL vs. NO – Projection: 6 Receptions, 95 Yards, 1 TD

Marques Colston – NO vs. ATL – Projection: 7 Receptions, 100 Yards, 1 TD

WR Start Em’

Donald Driver – Green Bay Packers vs. MIN – Anyone think Driver is washed up? I certainly don’t after having nine catches for 191 yards and a touchdown in his last two games. He now has 27 receptions for 479 yards and three touchdowns on the year and faces the 20th ranked pass defense of the Minnesota Vikings this week, with their best cover Corner Antoine Winfield out with an injury. Start Em’. Projection: 6 Receptions, 65 Yards, 1 TD

Vincent Jackson – San Diego Chargers vs. OAK – Jackson had a monster game last week against the hopeless Kansas City Chiefs, catching five passes for 142 yards and a touchdown. He now has 29 receptions for 561 yards and four touchdowns on the year and is facing the 12th ranked pass defense of the Oakland Raiders this week, which he has torched for 13 catches, 256 yards, and two touchdowns in his last three games against. Start Em’. Projection: 6 Receptions, 95 Yards, 1 TD

Devin Hester – Chicago Bears vs. CLE – Hester has turned into a pretty good receiver this year. He has a team leading 28 receptions for 373 yards and three touchdowns this year, including an eight catch, 101 yards, one touchdown performance last week against Cincinnati. This week, he faces the 24th ranked pass defense of the Cleveland Browns and with is speed, he is always a threat to break a huge TD. Start Em’. Projection: 7 Receptions, 85 Yards, 1 TD

Mike Sims-Walker – Jacksonville Jaguars vs. TEN – Sims-Walker has been a pleasant surprise this season. He has been Jacksonville’s best receiver and has 28 receptions for 398 yards and three touchdowns on the year. This week, he faces the worst pass defense on the NFL in the Tennessee Titans and had seven catches for 91 yards and two touchdowns against them in Week 4. Start Em’. Projection: 8 Receptions, 100 Yards, 1 TD

Lee Evans – Buffalo Bills vs. HOU – So, I guess the addition of Terrell Owens hasn’t helped as much as everyone thought it would. Not to mention that QB Trent Edwards has been out for a few weeks with a concussion. However, that appears to be a good thing as Ryan Fitzpatrick has said that he loves throwing to Evans and he has nine receptions for 143 yards and two touchdowns in the past two games. This week he faces the 18th ranked pass defense of the Houston Texans and could find the end zone yet again. Sleeper Start Em’. Projection: 5 Receptions, 50 Yards, 1 TD

WR Sit Em’

Terrell Owens – Buffalo Bills vs. HOU – What’s going on here? T.O. on the Sit Em’ list two weeks in a row? Well, Owens has been almost non-existent in the Buffalo offense, catching just 18 balls for 242 yards and one touchdown on the season. Combine that with QB Trent Edwards likely missing another game with a concussion and Ryan Fitzpatrick looking the other way to Lee Evans and you have yourself a star WR Sit Em’. Projection: 3 Receptions, 35 Yards

Derrick Mason – Baltimore Ravens vs. DEN – Mason has been QB Joe Flacco’s favorite target again this season, catching 26 passes for 381 yards and three touchdowns. However, they are facing the eighth ranked pass defense of the Denver Broncos this week and he will be constantly matched up with Champ Bailey on the outside. Sit Em’. Projection: 5 Receptions, 40 Yards

Anquan Boldin – Arizona Cardinals vs. CAR – If it weren’t for his nagging ankle injury, Boldin would be an absolute must start. However, his injury has him listed as Questionable and even if he plays, the ankle is clearly affecting his play. You may not have anyone better to start, but if you do, I would Sit Em’ this week against the best pass defense in the NFL, the Carolina Panthers. Projection: 4 Receptions, 50 Yards

Roy Williams – Dallas Cowboys vs. SEA – So Williams is healthy again, but still not productive. In what was supposed to be his breakout year in Dallas, he has missed a game due to injury and has caught just 12 balls for 230 yards and only one touchdown. With the emergence of Miles Austin, he has now become the number two guy and the third option behind Austin and TE Jason Witten. Plus, he is facing the 17th ranked pass defense of the Seattle Seahawks. Must Sit Em’ until he becomes a part of the offense again. Projection: 3 Receptions, 30 Yards

TE Obvious Must Starts

Jason Witten – DAL vs. SEA – Projection: 6 Receptions, 65 Yards, 1 TD

Antonio Gates – SD vs. OAK – Projection: 6 Receptions, 60 Yards, 1 TD

Tony Gonzalez – ATL vs. NO – Projection: 6 Receptions, 70 Yards, 1 TD

Dallas Clark – IND vs. SF – Projection: 7 Receptions, 70 Yards, 1 TD

Owen Daniels – HOU vs. BUF – Projection: 7 Receptions, 75 Yards, 1 TD

TE Start Em’

Greg Olsen – Chicago Bears vs. CLE – Olsen has definitely not been as productive as everyone expected he would be with the arrival of QB Jay Cutler. However, he is facing the 24th ranked pass defense of the Cleveland Browns this week and should find the end zone for the fourth time this year. Start Em’. Projection: 5 Receptions, 55 Yards, 1 TD

Jeremy Shockey – New Orleans Saints vs. ATL – Shockey has proven that when he is healthy, he is productive. He has 26 receptions for 304 yards and three touchdowns in six games and looks to be completely involved in the offense and on the same page with QB Drew Brees. He faces the 26th ranked pass defense of the Atlanta Falcons this week. Start Em’. Projection: 5 Receptions, 75 Yards, 1 TD

Brandon Pettigrew – Detroit Lions vs. STL – Pettigrew hasn’t been anything special this year, catching just 12 passes for 152 yards. However, he has a great matchup against the 25th ranked pass defense of the St. Louis Rams that makes him a nice bye week Sleeper Start Em’. Projection: 4 Receptions, 35 Yards, 1 TD

TE Sit Em’

Todd Heap – Baltimore Ravens vs. DEN – Heap has been much better than expected this year, and a lot of that has to do with the fact that he has finally been healthy. He has 24 receptions for 262 yards and two touchdowns on the year, but faces the eighth ranked pass defense of the Denver Broncos this week and they are particularly stingy to the TE position, allowing just 17 catches for 176 yards to them all year. Sit Em’. Projection: 3 Receptions, 35 Yards

Vernon Davis – San Francisco 49ers vs. IND – People must think that I am crazy to put Davis on the Sit Em’ list after scoring three touchdowns last week. Well, he was facing a weak Houston pass defense last week. This week he faces the sixth ranked pass defense of the Indianapolis Colts and even though I love the fact that Alex Smith is starting and I think he will revitalize that offense, I hate the matchup against Indy. Especially with Safety Bob Sanders back in the lineup. Sit Em’. Projection: 5 Receptions, 50 Yards

Tony Scheffler – Denver Broncos vs. BAL – Even though Scheffler is coming off of a six catch, 101 yards, one touchdown performance in week six, I don’t like him this week. He is facing the 23rd ranked pass defense of the Baltimore Ravens, who are better than their ranking, and he just hasn’t been involved in the offense outside of the week six game against San Diego. Must Sit Em’. Projection: 3 Receptions, 35 Yards

D/ST Start Em’

Chicago Bears vs. CLE – The Bears Defense is coming off an embarrassing week against Cincinnati where they allowed 45 points and over 425 yards of total offense. This week they will be fired up and are facing Derek Anderson and the miniscule Cleveland Browns offense. Start Em’.

San Diego Chargers vs. OAK – You have to love the matchup when you have one of the league’s best linebackers against one of the league’s worst quarterbacks. Shawne Merriman and company will have a field day against JaMarcus Russell, just like the Jets did last week. Start Em’.

New York Jets vs. MIA – The Jets defense looks to be back on track and you know that Rex Ryan hasn’t forgotten about that week five loss to them Dolphins, nor how they lost. Start Em’.

D/ST Sit Em’

Atlanta Falcons vs. NO – Can you say shootout? I expect the Saints to put up yet another 40 point game and torch the Falcons pass defense. Sit Em’.

San Francisco 49ers vs. IND – With the way that Peyton Manning is playing right now, would you start any defense against him? Neither would I. Sit Em’.

Seattle Seahawks vs. DAL – Tony Romo is on fire and I don’t expect that to end this week, nor do I think that Seattle will be able to stop the three headed monster of Barber, Jones, and Choice. Sit Em’.

Fantasy Football Week 7 Winners, Losers, And Waiver Wire Wonders

The Sportmeisters — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 00:23:43 -0400

By Derek of The Sportmeisters

Week Seven of the season is in the books. Here are my winners, losers, and waiver wire wonders from the week. Let’s go!

Winners

QB – Tony Romo – Dallas Cowboys – 21 Completions, 29 Attempts, 311 Yards, 3 TD, 31 Yards Rushing

Romo finally had a performance worthy of his draft status this past week. He threw for 311 Yards and three touchdowns against Atlanta.

He faces the Seattle Seahawks this week and looks to be a safe play after two consecutive games with two or more Touchdowns.

QB – Carson Palmer – Cincinnati Bengals – 20 Completions, 24 Attempts, 233 Yards, 5 TD

This is the Carson Palmer we all remember before all the injuries. He threw for 233 Yards and five touchdowns last week against Chicago.

He looks to be back to his old self and should be a safe play after this week’s bye.

RB – Cedric Benson – Cincinnati Bengals – 37 Carries, 189 Yards, 1 TD

Benson smashed his old team last week and showed everyone that he means business. He ran for 189 Yards and scored his fifth touchdown. He now has 720 Yards in seven games and looks to be a must start after the bye.

RB – Shonn Greene – New York Jets – 19 Carries, 144 Yards, 2 TD

Greene finally saw his first real action of the season after Leon Washington went down last week. He took full advantage and ran for 144 Yards and scored twice.

With Washington now out for the year, Greene will get his half of the carries and looks to be fantasy relevant after Week Eight against a good Miami Run D.

RB – Ricky Williams – Miami Dolphins – 9 Carries, 80 Yards, 3 TD, 2 Receptions, 12 Yards

Williams has been excellent so far this year and had a monster game this past week against his former team. He rushed for 80 Yards on just nine carries and found the end zone three times against New Orleans.

He now has five Rushing Touchdowns on the year, which is one more than he had all of last year. He has a tough matchup this week against the Jets, but could be quite useful depending on the matchup.

WR – Miles Austin – Dallas Cowboys – 6 Receptions, 171 Yards, 2 TD

Austin proved last week that his week five performance was no fluke. He had six catches for 171 Yards and two Touchdowns last week against Atlanta.

He now has 16 Receptions for 421 Yards and four Touchdowns since becoming a starter. He looks to be a safe play this week against Seattle.

WR – Chad Ocho Cinco – Cincinnati Bengals – 10 Receptions, 118 Yards, 2 TD

Ocho Cinco has now put up back-to-back 100+ Yard games for the first time since weeks two and three of 2007.

He is back to being a top tier fantasy receiver and has 39 Receptions for 573 Yards and five Touchdowns on the year. He is a must-start receiver after the bye week.

WR – Wes Welker – New England Patriots – 10 Receptions, 107 Yards, 1 TD

Welker is healthy again and has 20 Receptions for 257 Yards and three Touchdowns in the last two games. He has 46 Receptions for 484 Yards and four Touchdowns in just five games.

He has a bye week this week, but is a must start Receiver after that.

TE – Owen Daniels – Houston Texans – 7 Receptions, 123 Yards, 1 TD

Owen Daniels has quickly become a top tier fantasy Tight End. He is Matt Schaub’s favorite target as of late, catching 22 balls for 295 Yards and three Touchdowns in the last three games.

He has 39 Receptions for 497 Yards and five Touchdowns on the year and should be started every week.

Losers

QB – JaMarcus Russell – Oakland Raiders – 6 Completions, 11 Attempts, 61 Yards, 0 TD, 2 INT, 1 FUM

Russell’s miserable season continued against the Jets last week. Not only did he throw two Interceptions and lose another Fumble, he was benched in favor of Bruce Gradkowski in the second quarter.

He has now thrown eight Interceptions and lost five Fumbles on the year and should not be owned in any league.

QB – Derek Anderson – Cleveland Browns – 12 Completions, 29 Attempts, 99 Yards, 0 TD, 1 INT

Anderson had yet another miserable game last week against Green Bay. He completed just 12 passes for 99 Yards and threw another Interception.

He has now thrown seven Interceptions and Fumbled four times this season and has just three total Touchdowns (2 passing, 1 rushing). He is another guy who should not be owned in any league.

RB – Jonathan Stewart – Carolina Panthers – 7 Carries, 25 Yards, 4 Receptions, 20 Yards

Stewart was expected to run all over a terrible Buffalo Run D last week, but manager just 25 Yards on the ground and caught four passes for another 20 Yards. Not bad, but like I said, not what was expected.

He has a tough matchup this week against Arizona’s Run D (ranked first in the NFL), but keep him on the bench for future matchups as Carolina needs to run the ball to win.

RB – Matt Forte – Chicago Bears – 6 Carries, 24 Yards, 4 Receptions, 25 Yards

Chicago just hasn’t been able to get Forte and that running game going this year. He had yet another down game, rushing for just 24 Yards on only six carries and catching four passes for 25 Yards.

He has just 318 Yards on the ground thus far and has just one Touchdown. Don’t give up on him yet, as I am sure they will get him going soon.

RB – Brian Westbrook – Philadelphia Eagles – 3 Carries, 13 Yards

Can Brian Westbrook ever stay healthy? Not only did he miss week three with an injury, he left Monday’s game with a concussion and is questionable for this week’s game against the Giants.

He has just 197 Yards rushing and two total Touchdowns due to those injuries and I wouldn’t start him until he gets it going again.

WR – Terrell Owens – Buffalo Bills – 3 Receptions, 27 Yards

This season has been a bust so far for T.O. in Buffalo. He has just 18 catches for 242 Yards and only one Touchdown and is now being thrown to by Ryan Fitzpatrick.

Until they figure out how to involve him more in the offense, keep him on the bench.

WR – Braylon Edwards – New York Jets – 1 Reception, 14 Yards

Edwards was held in check by Oakland last week, but that was mainly due to the Jets only throwing the ball 15 times as they relied mainly on the Run.

Edwards will be much more effective this week against Miami and should be a safe play from here on out.

WR – Roy Williams – Dallas Cowboys – 1 Reception, 16 Yards

So I guess Williams isn’t better than T.O. after all. While T.O. has just 18 catches, Williams has just 12 and has missed a game due to injury.

Don’t drop him yet, but keep him on the bench until Romo can figure out how to get him the ball.

TE – Kellen Winslow – Tampa Bay Buccaneers – 2 Receptions, 9 Yards

Winslow has been up and down all year. However, that has a lot to do with the fact that Tampa Bay has used three different guys at QB. He has 31 catches for 295 Yards and four Touchdowns and has been Tampa’s best Receiver.

I would be wary of starting him from here on out as rookie Josh Freeman has been named the new starter and the Tampa offense is terrible.

Waiver Wire Wonders

WR – Sidney Rice – Minnesota Vikings – 10 Receptions, 136 Yards

Rice appears to be the Minnesota WR that has the most chemistry with QB Brett Favre as he has a team leading 33 Receptions for 545 Yards and two Touchdowns on the year. He had another great game last week with 10 Receptions for 136 Yards against Pittsburgh.

He has a tough matchup this week against Green Bay (ranked fourth vs. the pass), but is available, being owned in 98 percent of CBS Sports/NFL.com leagues, 86.5 percent of ESPN leagues, and 85 percent of Yahoo leagues. Grab him if you can.

RB – Shonn Greene – New York Jets – 19 Carries, 144 Yards, 2 TD

Greene finally saw his first real action of the season after Leon Washington went down last week. He took full advantage and ran for 144 Yards and scored twice. With Washington now out for the year, Greene will get his half of the carries and looks to be fantasy relevant after week eight against a good Miami Run D.

He is available, owned in 75 percent of CBS Sports/NFL.com leagues, 45.1 percent of ESPN leagues, and 51 percent of Yahoo leagues, so grab him if you need some RB depth or a bye week filler.

WR – Miles Austin – Dallas Cowboys – 6 Receptions, 171 Yards, 2 TD

Austin proved last week that his week five performance was no fluke. He had six catches for 171 Yards and two Touchdowns last week against Atlanta. He now has 16 Receptions for 421 Yards and four Touchdowns since becoming a starter.

He looks to be a safe play this week against Seattle, but is barely available, owned in 99 percent of CBS Sports/NFL.com leagues, 94.3 percent of ESPN leagues, and 92 percent of Yahoo leagues. Grab him and start him, if you can.

WR – Austin Collie – Indianapolis Colts – 4 Receptions, 36 Yards, 1 TD

Collie has more than made up for the loss of Anthony Gonzalez. He has 24 Receptions for 264 Yards and four Touchdowns in six games and looks to be becoming a favorite target of Peyton Manning.

He is owned in 83 percent of CBS Sports/NFL.com leagues, 52.5 percent of ESPN leagues, and 65 percent of Yahoo leagues, so grab him while you can and remember that he plays with Peyton Manning.

That’s all for now sports fans. Any questions or concerns, email me at Derek@Sportmeisters.com .

NCAA Football Week Nine Top 25: Who Wants To Be No. 1?

The Sportmeisters — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 23:22:25 -0400

By Ryan of The Sportmeisters

Before I get into my Top 25, let me just say it was done prior to UNC-VT, but intermittent internet issues prevented me from getting this published. That said, let’s go to the rankings.

1. Texas (Last Week: 3) Next Game: 10/31 at No. 11 Oklahoma State

Texas took care of business looking like the team of 2008 and for that, jumps both SEC challengers for number one.

2. Florida (Last Week: 2) Next Game: 10/31 at Georgia

Tim Tebow has been struggling in weeks past, but usually steps up to the plate on must-win games. Georgia is a must-win game for Florida.

3. Alabama (Last Week: 1) Next Game: Idle

A well-timed field goal block by Terrence Cody keeps Alabama undefeated and fighting for a BCS Championship slot.

4. USC (Last Week: 4) Next Game: 10/31 vs. No. 14 Oregon

USC has the national title in their sights, but must take out Pac-10 upstart Oregon first.

5. TCU (Last Week: 5) Next Game: 10/31 vs. ULNV

TCU laid the smack down on BYU, putting them in full control to run the table the rest of the way.

6. Boise State (Last Week: 6) Next Game: 10/31 vs. San Jose State

How bad is Boise State rooting for Oregon, which would continue to validate the Broncos season-opening win.

7. Iowa (Last Week: 8 ) Next Game: 10/31 vs. Indiana

Iowa doesn’t win pretty, requiring another last-minute touchdown to defeat Michigan State, but they do win.

8. Georgia Tech (Last Week: 9) Next Game: 10/31 at Vanderbilt

Miami’s loss opens the door up for Georgia Tech in the ACC Coastal, who already hold the tie-breaker over Virginia Tech.

9. LSU (Last Week: 10) Next Game: 10/31 vs. Tulane

LSU’s defense really stepped up against high-powered Auburn holding the Tigers to 10 points.

10. Cincinnati (Last Week: 11) Next Game: 10/31 at Syracuse

The Bearcats jump into the top 10 thanks to a Miami loss and another convincing win.

11. Oklahoma State (Last Week: 12) Next Game: 10/31 vs. No. 1 Texas

WR Dez Bryant will not return this season (suspension), making the upset attempt that much more difficult for the Cowboys.

12. Penn State (Last Week: 13) Next Game: 10/31 at Northwestern

A classic look-ahead trap game. Ohio State is looming, as Penn State tries to stay in Big 10 title contention.

13. Virginia Tech (Last Week: 14) Next Game: 10/29 vs. North Carolina

Thursday night games are trap games, but Virginia Tech had an extra week to prepare for a lowly UNC squad.

14. Oregon (Last Week: 16) Next Game: 10/31 at No.4 USC

The Pac-10 has some competition now and Oregon’s comeback from their week one flop could come full circle against USC.

15. Ohio State (Last Week: 17) Next Game: 10/31 vs. New Mexico State

The Buckeyes bounced back and now have a non-conference game they should easily win.

16. Pittsburgh (Last Week: 17) Next Game: Idle

Pittsburgh gets to rest u, especially with three top 25 opponents on the schedule in the next four weeks.

17. Miami (Last Week: 7) Next Game: 10/31 at Wake Forest

The Hurricanes took a major step back with their overtime loss at Clemson and will need some help to get back in the ACC title hunt.

18. Utah (Last Week: 21) Next Game: 10/31 vs. Wyoming

A few losses helps Utah jump higher in the rankings.

19. Houston (Last Week: NR) Next Game: 10/31 at Southern Miss

Houston, led by QB Case Keenum, steps back into the top 25.

20. West Virginia (Last Week: 23) Next Game: 10/30 at South Florida

Don’t look too closely at West Virginia’s close victory as they played an emotional Connecticut team last weekend.

21. South Carolina (Last Week: 25) Next Game: 10/31 at Tennessee

It’s a battle of the mouths between Steve Spurrier and Lane Kiffin in this SEC matchup.

22. Oklahoma (Last Week: 22) Next Game: 10/31 vs. Kansas State

Oklahoma hangs around the top 25, but don’t expect too much noise out of them this season.

23. Notre Dame (Last Week: NR) Next Game: 10/31 vs. Washington State

Notre Dame hasn’t been amazing, but has performed well enough to merit a top 25 ranking.

24. Arizona (Last Week: NR) Next Game: Idle

The Wildcats will be watching USC-Oregon very closely to see who they have to beat as they look for the Pac-10 title.

25. Mississippi (Last Week: NR) Next Game: 10/31 at Auburn

The SEC controls a quarter of the top 25 rounded out by Mississippi joining the fray.

Philadelpha Phillies vs. New York Yankees World Series Preview

The Sportmeisters — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 03:40:58 -0400

By Ryan of The Sportmeisters

About Philadelphia:

The defending champions are back again, this time after taking the NLCS over the Los Angeles Dodgers 4-1. In two of those games, the Phillies managed to flash their NL leading power, scoring double-digit runs.

In the friendly confines of New York, power hitters such as Ryan Howard and Chase Utley should perform well. The Phillies led all NL teams in road home runs and runs scored on the road.

Howard (.333, 2 home runs, 8 RBIs in NLCS) set the tone, but received contributions from Raul Ibanez (one home run, 4 RBIs), Carlos Ruiz (.385, home run, 4 RBIs), and Shane Victorino (.368, 2 home runs, 6 RBIs).

Defensively, the team will once again rely on mid-season pickup Cliff Lee, who threw eight innings of three hit ball with ten strikeouts in his one start. 2008 World Series MVP Cole Hamels started two games, winning one, but did get roughed up, giving up seven runs in the two starts.

Brad Lidge has taken back the closer role, earning a win and a save in just under three innings of work. Hamel’s struggles is different from the composed pitcher of last season, and Philadelphia will have to adjust, risking some of their bullpen coming in earlier.

About New York:

The Yankees roll into their home-field advantage riding a 7-2 postseason record, including a perfect 5-0 at home. The AL leader in runs scored and slugging percentage, the Yankees know how to work a bat.

They are led this postseason by the formerly struggling Alex Rodriguez (.429, three home runs, six RBIs in ALCS), and have received contributions from Johnny Damon (.300, two home runs, five RBIs), Melky Cabrera (.391, two doubles, four RBIs), and Derek Jeter (two home runs, three RBIs, seven walks).

AL MVP candidate Mark Teixeira has struggled, hitting only .222 with four RBIs. His bat in front of A-Rod is a huge reason he has come on this season.

ALCS MVP CC Sabathia has earned his paycheck, throwing two huge games, going eight innings in both, giving up two runs and striking out twelve. Andy Pettitte is now the all-time postseason win career holder, getting his 16th win in the convincing Game Six.

Joba Chamberlain and Philip Hughes will need to be on top of their game to give Mariano River (two saves, 1.29 ERA. New York has the starters, but it’s the bullpen to keep an eye on.

About The Matchup:

The two teams met in an interleague matchup earlier this season, with Philadelphia taking two out of three. This is expected to be a high-scoring powerful series, so the team with the better pitching, especially in the later innings, should be crowned champions. New York manager Joe Girardi leads the Yankees back to their first World Series since 2003, but he has to keep from his constant overmanaging.

Game one will see CC Sabathia vs. former teammate Cliff Lee. Game two will see Pedro Martinez, the former Boston Red Sox Yankee killer, against A.J. Burnett, and game three will matchup Cole Hamels and Andy Pettitte.

The Pick:

The Broad St. vs. Broadway matchup, but the Yankees end the season where they wanted to at the beginning, as World Series Champions. Yankees in six.

What We Learned: NFL Week Seven

The Sportmeisters — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 12:48:51 -0400

By Ryan of The Sportmeisters

One undefeated falls, one team is winless on two continents, and other tales from Week Seven:

“Steel” Curtains for the Vikings

When the Minnesota Vikings rolled into Pittsburgh for their matchup against the Steelers, it was hard not to pick them for the victory. After all, they were undefeated, led by Brett Favre’s magical resurgence and a stifling defense. The Steelers, even at 4-2, were a shell of their former self, with their defense showing cracks in losses to Cincinnati and Chicago, and even in a few wins.

Well, Pittsburgh found themselves behind LaMarr Woodley’s 77-yard fumble recovery for a touchdown and Keyaron Fox’s 82-yard interception return for a touchdown. Despite allowing Favre to throw for a season high 334 yards, the Steelers managed to keep him out of the end zone for the first time all year.

It wasn’t all bad for the Purple People Eaters, as Percy Harvin had another kickoff returned for a touchdown, but their mistakes did them in, as they now prepare for the hoopla of a visit to Green Bay next week.

The Same Old New England

The NFL's reach to our overseas neighbors in London had their latest matchup, pinning the New England Patriots, fresh off a blowout of Tennessee, against the winless Tampa Bay.

If this was the United States, I doubt all 84,000 that showed up at Wembley Stadium would have been present, but the fans got a treat in watching Tom Brady and company handily demolish the Buccaneers 35-7.

Brady once again threw for 300 yards, with Wes Welker having another 100-yard receiving performance, and Brandon Meriweather returned a 39-yard interception for a touchdown. The Patriots are finding their stride at the right time, winning their last two games by a combined score of 94-7, and maintaining control in the AFC East.

Tampa Bay has now lost 11 in a row, their longest losing streak since they went 0-26 in their first two seasons. Now would be the right time to throw rookie Josh Freeman in at QB, because let’s face it, they have nothing else to lose.

Miles Ahead of the Competition

Finding an undrafted gem is a rare accomplishment for a team. Finding two, well that’s just near impossible.

But the Dallas Cowboys, after raking in gold with QB Tony Romo, might have found the next big thing in WR Miles Austin.

In his fourth season, and only his second start, he met the high expectations following his first start with six catches for 171 yards and two touchdowns. Over the past two games, Austin has 16 catches for 421 yards and four touchdowns.

For comparison’s sake, Dallas’ acquisition of Roy Williams, in which they gave up their 2009 first round pick, and signed Williams to a $45 million extension, has a mere 12 catches for 230 yards and a touchdown for the season.

Contenders and Pretenders

As midseason approaches, which team is meeting (or exceeding) those expectations?

A week after crushing the New York Giants, the New Orleans Saints needed a half of perfect football to come back and defeat the Miami Dolphins. The Saints are still on an offensive tear, and their 6-0 record is proof.

The Cincinnati Bengals kept control of the AFC North, riding the revenge game performance of Cedric Benson (189 yards and a touchdown) against the Chicago Bears.

We can all say Jim Caldwell deserves to be the fifth coach since 1970 to start 6-0, but with Peyton Manning and Reggie Wayne in your offense, have you really done anything? Nevertheless, Indianapolis rides to another victory, keeping their perfect season intact.

Pretenders come in all shapes and sizes:

The New York Giants started out hot, but have quickly fizzled, losing two in a row, the latest one a mistake-filled performance against the Arizona Cardinals. The Giants are still in control of the NFC East, but at the rate they are going, they won’t stay up there for long.

The Carolina Panthers sold the farm in next year’s draft for this season, but maybe they should be looking for a way back in. Right now, they might need a new quarterback because Jake Delhomme is not getting it done. Delhomme threw three more interceptions, giving him 13 for the year, in a 20-9 loss to Buffalo.

Fantasy Football – Week 7 Start Em' And Sit Em'

The Sportmeisters — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 01:21:20 -0400

By Derek of The Sportmeisters

Welcome to the best time of the year Sports Fans. Here is where I will tell you who I think you should start or who I think you should sit for your fantasy team.

Also, I will be giving projections for those players. If you have more questions, don’t forget to join me for my weekly Sunday Morning Start Em’/Sit Em’ Chat from 10:45am to 12:45pm. Go to www.Sportmeisters.com for more info. Enough talk, let’s get down to business!

QB Obvious Must Starts

Drew Brees – NO vs. MIA – Projection: 315 yards, 3 TD, 0 INT

Peyton Manning – IND vs. STL – Projection: 335 yards, 3 TD, 0 INT

Philip Rivers – SD vs. KC – Projection: 295 yards, 2 TD, 0 INT

Aaron Rodgers – GB vs. CLE – Projection: 350 yards, 3 TD, 0 INT

Tom Brady – NE vs. TB – Projection: 300 yards, 3 TD, 0 INT

Kurt Warner – ARI vs. NYG – Projection: 250 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT

QB Start Em’

Matt Schaub – Houston Texans vs. SF – Schaub has now put up back-to-back games of 350-plus yards and has six touchdowns in those two games. This week he gets the 20^th ranked pass defense of the San Francisco 49ers. Start Em’.

Projection: 300 yards, 3 TD, 0 INT

Jay Cutler – Chicago Bears vs. CIN – Cutler put up 300 yards last week and threw two touchdowns. He now has 10 touchdowns on the year and this week he faces the 28^th ranked pass defense of the Cincinnati Bengals, who allowed almost 400 yards passing to Matt Schaub last week. Start Em’.

Projection: 325 yards, 3 TD, 1 INT

Eli Manning – New York Giants vs. ARI – Eli didn’t have his best game last week against the Saints and, even though he threw an interception and lost a fumble, he still threw for 178 yards and a touchdown. He has 11 touchdowns on the year and faces the 31^st ranked pass defense of the Arizona Cardinals this week. Look for a bounce back performance. Sleeper Start Em’.

Projection: 275 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT

QB Sit Em’

Jason Campbell – Washington Redskins vs. PHI – After a dismal performance in the first half against Kansas City, Campbell was benched for the second half in favor of Todd Collins. We don’t know if he will start this week and, even if he does, he faces the fifth ranked pass defense of the Philadelphia Eagles. Sit Em’.

Projection: 150 yards, 1 TD, 2 INT

Donovan McNabb – Philadelphia Eagles vs. WAS – Was that really Donovan McNabb and the Eagles getting run over by the Oakland Raiders last week? After a great week against Tampa Bay, he threw for just 269 yards and didn’t throw a touchdown against Oakland. This week, he faces the third ranked pass defense of the Washington Redskins. Hard to bench, but you have to do so until he gets back on track. Sit Em’.

Projection: 220 yards, 1 TD, 0 INT

Derek Anderson – Cleveland Browns vs. GB – If you are starting a guy who has just 11 completions and 145 yards in the past two games, then your fantasy team is in big trouble. Anderson has thrown six interceptions since taking over as the starter and faces the 10^th ranked pass defense of the Green Bay Packers this week. Must Sit Em’. (If you even own him)

Projection: 125 yards, 0 TD, 2 INT

RB Obvious Must Starts

Adrian Peterson – MIN vs. PIT – Projection: 110 yards rushing, 1 TD, 3 receptions, 25 yards

Michael Turner – ATL vs. DAL – Projection: 80 yards rushing, 1 TD

Steven Jackson – STL vs. IND – Projection: 55 yards rushing, 1 TD, 4 receptions, 40 yards

Matt Forte – CHI vs. CIN – Projection: 50 Yards rushing, 1 TD, 5 receptions, 50 yards

DeAngelo Williams – CAR vs. BUF – Projection: 125 yards rushing, 1 TD, 2 receptions, 20 yards

RB Start Em’

Thomas Jones and Leon Washington – New York Jets vs. OAK – Jones had a monster game last week against Buffalo, rushing for 210 yards and a touchdown. Washington has that breakaway speed and can break a long touchdown on any carry. They have been splitting the workload and will split carries again with a great matchup against the 28^th ranked run defense of the Oakland Raiders. Start Em’ Both.

Projections: Jones: 110 yards rushing, 1 TD – Washington: 70 yards rushing, 1 TD, 4 receptions, 35 yards

LaDainian Tomlinson – San Diego Chargers vs. KC – It looks like Tomlinson is finally healthy again. He had a good game against Denver last week, Rushing for 70 yards and catching three balls for 30 yards. He may be working his way back to being an every week must start again. This week, he gets the 27^th ranked run defense of the Kansas City Chiefs and LDT has historically had great games against them. Start Em’.

Projection: 100 yards rushing, 1 TD, 3 receptions, 30 yards

Ryan Grant – Green Bay Packers vs. CLE – Grant hasn’t been the best fantasy running back this season, rushing for just 347 Yards and two touchdowns in five games. However, he faces the 30^th ranked run D of the Cleveland Browns this week and if he is ever going to make an impact, it’s this week. Start Em’.

Projection: 100 yards rushing, 1 TD, 3 receptions, 40 yards

Joseph Addai – Indianapolis Colts vs. STL – Addai has very quietly put together a very strong start to the season. He has 210 yards rushing, 26 receptions, 153 yards receiving, and four total touchdowns in five games. He looks to be fully healthy and doesn’t appear to be affected by his carry split with Donald Brown. This week, he should have a huge game against the 26^th ranked run defense of the St. Louis Rams. Start Em’.

Projection: 80 yards rushing, 1 TD, 6 receptions, 55 yards

Jonathan Stewart – Carolina Panthers vs. BUF – It looks like the Panthers have found their running game, and it wasn’t a moment too soon. Stewart shares carries with DeAngelo Williams, but still managed to put up 110 yards and a touchdown last week against Tampa Bay. This week, he faces the worst run defense in the NFL in the Buffalo Bills and should find himself over the century mark yet again. Start Em’.

Projection: 100 yards rushing, 1 TD

Laurence Maroney – New England Patriots vs. TB – Maroney has found himself in a great opportunity to regain the starting job. With injuries to Fred Taylor and Sammy Morris, Maroney was called upon last week against Tennessee and didn’t disappoint, rushing for 123 yards and a touchdown. With Taylor out and Morris doubtful, Maroney will likely get the start against the 31^st ranked run defense of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this week. Sleeper Start Em’.

Projection: 100 yards rushing, 1 TD, 2 receptions, 10 yards

RB Sit Em’

Brandon Jacobs – New York Giants vs. ARI – What has happened to this beast of a man? Jacobs has looked like a shell of the man who plowed over defensive players these past few years and has just 388 yards rushing and one touchdown. Not to mention that he is losing carries to the much more effective Ahmad Bradshaw. This week, he faces the Arizona Cardinals and their number one ranked run defense. Sit Em’.

Projection: 35 yards rushing

Rashard Mendenhall – Pittsburgh Steelers vs. MIN – Mendenhall has officially been named the starter in Pittsburgh, but I hate his matchup this week against the Williams Wall and the ninth ranked run defense of the Minnesota Vikings that have allowed just two rushing touchdowns this year. Sit Em’.

Projection: 45 yards rushing, 2 receptions, 15 yards

Tim Hightower and Beanie Wells – Arizona Cardinals vs. NYG – The Cardinals running game hasn’t been extremely effective this season (ranking 31^st in the NFL) and I don’t expect them to be very good against a pissed off Giants defense (ranked 18^th vs. the run) this week. Sit Em’ both.

Projections: Hightower: 50 yards rushing, 3 receptions, 25 yards – Wells: 20 yards rushing, 2 receptions, 10 yards

Michael Bush and Justin Fargas – Oakland Raiders vs. NYJ – Can we really trust any Oakland Raider to be a good fantasy starter? No. Especially when Bush and Fargas are splitting carries and are facing the 21^st ranked run defense of the New York Jets, who are extremely upset over their last two losses. Must Sit Em’ both.

Projections: Bush: 40 yards rushing – Fargas: 55 yards rushing

WR Obvious Must Starts

Randy Moss – NE vs. TB – Projection: 9 receptions, 120 yards, 2 TD

Wes Welker – NE vs. TB – Projection: 12 receptions, 100 yards, 1 TD

Larry Fitzgerald – ARI vs. NYG – Projection: 9 receptions, 90 yards, 1 TD

Reggie Wayne – IND vs. STL – Projection: 9 receptions, 120 yards, 1 TD

Andre Johnson – HOU vs. SF – Projection: 8 receptions, 110 yards, 1 TD

Greg Jennings – GB vs. CLE – Projection: 6 receptions, 105 yards, 1 TD

Roddy White – ATL vs. DAL – Projection: 6 receptions, 90 yards, 1 TD

Marques Colston – NO vs. MIA – Projection: 7 receptions, 100 yards, 1 TD

WR Start Em’

Steve Smith – New York Giants vs. ARI – After starting the season red-hot, Smith has cooled off the past two weeks. He has just seven receptions for 114 yards in the past two games. However, he is still Eli Manning’s number one target and has a supreme matchup against the 31^st ranked pass defense of the Arizona Cardinals. Start Em’.

Projection: 7 receptions, 80 yards, 1 TD

Donald Driver – Green Bay Packers vs. CLE – Anyone think Driver is washed up? I certainly don’t after his seven catch, 107 yard performance last week against Detroit. He now has 25 receptions for 395 yards and two touchdowns on the year and faces the 23^rd ranked pass defense of the Cleveland Browns this week. Start Em’.

Projection: 9 receptions, 100 yards, 1 TD

Vincent Jackson – San Diego Chargers vs. KC – Even though Jackson only had four receptions for 46 yards last week, he did score a touchdown. He has 24 receptions for 419 yards and three touchdowns on the year and is facing the 25^th ranked pass defense of the Kansas City Chiefs this week. Start Em’.

Projection: 6 receptions, 95 yards, 1 TD

Devin Hester – Chicago Bears vs. CIN – Hester has turned into a pretty good receiver this year. He has a team leading 20 receptions for 272 yards and two touchdowns this year and has been a consistent target of QB Jay Cutler. This week, he faces the 28^th ranked pass defense of the Cincinnati Bengals and with his speed, he is always a threat to break a huge TD. Start Em’.

Projection: 7 receptions, 75 yards, 1 TD

Austin Collie and Pierre Garcon – Indianapolis Colts vs. STL – While Anthony Gonzalez has been out with a knee injury, these two guys have stepped in to catch 31 passes for 444 yards and five touchdowns. Granted, their QB is some guy named Peyton Manning, but that is still impressive none the less. This week, Gonzalez is expected to practice, but probably won’t play, leaving Collie and Garcon to face the 27^th ranked pass defense of the St. Louis Rams. Sleeper Start Em’ both.

Projections: Collie: 7 receptions, 70 yards, 1 TD – Garcon: 5 receptions, 55 yards

WR Sit Em’

Steve Smith – Carolina Panthers vs. BUF – I can’t believe I am writing this, but I think you have to bench Steve Smith this week. He has completely disappeared in the Carolina offense and has just 10 receptions for 107 yards in the past three games. Not to mention he is facing the fourth ranked pass defense of the Buffalo Bills this week and they will probably be relying on their running game. As hard as it is to say, you have to Sit Em’. Projection: 3 receptions, 40 yards

Terrell Owens – Buffalo Bills vs. CAR – Another star WR that I am saying to sit? What’s going on here? Well, Owens has been almost non-existent in the Buffalo offense, catching just 15 balls for 215 yards and one touchdown on the season. Combine that with QB Trent Edwards likely missing the game with a concussion and you have your second star WR Sit Em’.

Projection: 3 receptions, 35 yards

Santana Moss – Washington Redskins vs. PHI – Washington’s offense is in complete disarray. We don’t know who will be starting at QB, they have no running game, and they have a new offensive coordinator. All those factors plus the fact that they are facing the fifth ranked pass defense of the Philadelphia Eagles means Sit Em’.

Projection: 3 receptions, 30 yards

Donnie Avery – St. Louis Rams vs. IND – Avery has been quite surprising so far this season. He has 19 receptions for 213 yards and two touchdowns despite the QB issues. This week, Marc Bulger is back behind center, but they are facing the ninth ranked pass defense of the Indianapolis Colts, who are getting Safety Bob Sanders back. Sit Em’.

Projection: 2 receptions, 40 yards

Braylon Edwards – New York Jets vs. OAK – Combine a rookie QB who has eight interceptions to just one touchdown in his last three games with facing the best cover Corner in the NFL in Nnamdi Asomugha and you have your WR Must Sit Em’ of the week. Projection: 3 receptions, 35 yards

TE Obvious Must Starts

Jason Witten – DAL vs. ATL – Projection: 7 Receptions, 75 Yards, 1 TD

Antonio Gates – SD vs. KC – Projection: 6 Receptions, 70 Yards, 1 TD

Tony Gonzalez – ATL vs. DAL – Projection: 5 Receptions, 50 Yards, 1 TD

Dallas Clark – IND vs. STL – Projection: 8 Receptions, 95 Yards, 1 TD

TE Start Em’

Owen Daniels – Houston Texans vs. SF – Daniels has now caught 15 passes for 172 yards and two touchdowns in the past two weeks and appears to be a favorite target of Matt Schaub. This week he faces the 20^th ranked pass defense of the San Francisco 49ers. Start Em’.

Projection: 7 receptions, 80 yards

Greg Olsen – Chicago Bears vs. CIN – Olsen has now had a touchdown in each of the last three games and had five receptions for 57 yards last week against Atlanta. This week he gets the 28^th ranked pass defense of the Cincinnati Bengals. Start Em’.

Projection: 6 receptions, 55 yards, 1 TD

Jeremy Shockey – New Orleans Saints vs. MIA – Shockey has proven that when he is healthy, he is productive. He has 22 receptions for 199 yards and three touchdowns in five games and looks to be completely involved in the offense and on the same page with Drew Brees. He faces the 18^th ranked pass defense of the Miami Dolphins this week. Start Em’.

Projection: 5 receptions, 50 yards, 1 TD

Jermichael Finley – Green Bay Packers vs. CLE – Finley has been incorporated into the offense the past two weeks and has 11 receptions for 182 yards and a touchdown to show for it. This week, he faces the 23^rd ranked pass defense of the Cleveland Browns. Sleeper Start Em’.

Projection: 5 receptions, 50 yards, 1 TD

TE Sit Em’

Kellen Winslow – Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. NE – The Patriots just shutout the Titans and this game is going to be played in London. I don’t expect Josh Johnson to be able to find Winslow in this game very often. Especially since the Patriots are ranked sixth vs. the pass. Sit Em’. Projection: 4 receptions, 40 yards

Dustin Keller – New York Jets vs. OAK – Keller has been non-existent in the Jets offense these past few weeks, catching just five balls for 47 yards in three games. With a struggling QB and a pumped up defense, I recommend you Sit Em’.

Projection: 2 receptions, 20 yards

Kevin Boss – New York Giants vs. ARI – Boss has almost been completely fazed out of the offense, catching just 11 balls for 161 yards in five games. He has yet to score a touchdown and, even with the great matchup vs. the 31^st ranked pass defense of the Arizona Cardinals, I don’t see it happening this week either as Eli has too many other options. Must Sit Em’. Projection: 2 receptions, 20 yards

D/ST Start Em’

Green Bay Packers vs. CLE – The Packers defense is coming off of a shutout of the Lions last week and is facing Derek Anderson this week, who has thrown seven interceptions this season. Start Em’.

Carolina Panthers vs. BUF – With Trent Edwards likely out, the Bills will turn to Ryan Fitzpatrick, who proved that he isn’t a true NFL QB last year with Cincinnati. Look for Julius Peppers to terrorize him all game long. Start Em’.

New England Patriots vs. TB – 59-0 ring a bell? And that was against a veteran QB in Kerry Collins. What will they do to youngster Josh Johnson in London this week with LB Adalius Thomas back in the lineup? Start Em’.

New York Jets vs. OAK – You have to know that Rex Ryan is furious with the last two weeks losses and even without Kris Jenkins (Put on IR this week) the Jets defense will look to take their frustrations out on JaMarcus Russell and the Raiders. Start Em’.

D/ST Sit Em’

New York Giants vs. ARI – Remember last week against New Orleans? I don’t expect it to be as bad, but Kurt Warner to Larry Fitzgerald is something that we will probably see a lot of this week in what should be a shootout. Sit Em’.

Arizona Cardinals vs. NYG – The Cardinals may be able to stop the run, but I don’t think they will be able to stop Eli Manning to Steve Smith, Mario Manningham, and Hakeem Nicks. This game will be a shootout. Sit Em’.

Miami Dolphins vs. NO – Anyone remember what the Saints did to a good Giants defense last week? What do we think they will do against a poor secondary this week? Must Sit Em’.

San Francisco 49ers vs. HOU – Matt Schaub and the Texans offense have been absolutely on fire recently and I don’t expect that to stop this week. Sit Em’.