My Fantasy Life

Fantasy football player rankings: DEFENSES/SPECIAL TEAMS

Sat, 01 Aug 2009 21:49:08 GMT

By JOHN McFARLAND

Associated Press Writer

1. Pittsburgh, 20 INTs, 51 sacks, 1 safety, 9 fumble recoveries, 3 TDs.

2. Minnesota, 12 INTs, 3 safeties, 45 sacks, 13 fumble recoveries, 4 TDs.

3. Philadelphia, 15 INTs, 48 sacks, 1 safety, 14 fumble recoveries, 7 TDs.

4. NY Giants, 17 INTs, 3 safeties, 43 sacks, 5 fumble recoveries, 3 TDs.

5. Baltimore, 26 INTs, 35 sacks, 3 safeties, 9 fumble recoveries, 6 TDs.

6. Tennessee, 20 INTs, 44 sacks, 11 fumble recoveries, 4 TDs.

7. Dallas, 8 INTs, 1 safety, 59 sacks, 14 fumble recoveries, 2 TDs.

8. New England, 14 INTs, 30 sacks, 8 fumble recoveries, 1 TD.

9. NY Jets, 14 INTs, 40 sacks, 16 fumble recoveries, 6 TDs.

10. Green Bay, 22 INTs, 27 sacks, 6 fumble recoveries, 9 TDs.

11. Tampa Bay, 22 INTs, 29 sacks, 8 fumble recoveries, 7 TDs.

12. Chicago, 22 INTs, 1 safety, 28 sacks, 10 fumble recoveries, 6 TDs.

13. Arizona, 13 INTs, 31 sacks, 17 fumble recoveries, 6 TDs.

14. San Diego, 15 INTs, 1 safety, 27 sacks, 9 fumble recoveries, 4 TDs.

15. Carolina, 12 INTs, 37 sacks, 13 fumble recoveries, 2 TDs.

16. Seattle, 9 INTs, 35 sacks, 11 fumble recoveries, 4 TDs.

17. Miami, 18 INTs, 1 safety, 41 sacks, 12 fumble recoveries, 2 TDs.

18. Indianapolis, 15 INTs, 31 sacks, 11 fumble recoveries, 4 TDs.

19. Buffalo, 10 INTs, 24 sacks, 13 fumble recoveries, 5 TDs.

20. Atlanta, 10 INTs, 1 safety, 34 sacks, 8 fumble recoveries, 3 TDs.

NEXT: TIGHT ENDS

Fantasy football player rankings: KICKERS

Sat, 01 Aug 2009 21:41:37 GMT

By JOHN McFARLAND

Associated Press Writer

KICKERS

1. Stephen Gostowski, New England, 148 points, 36 FGs.

2. David Akers, Philadelphia, 144 points, 33 FGs.

3. Matt Bryant, Tampa Bay, 131 points, 32 FGs.

4. John Kasay, Carolina, 130 points, 28 FGs.

5. Rob Bironas, Tennessee, 127 points, 29 FGs.

6. Jason Elam, Atlanta, 129 points, 29 FGs.

7. Ryan Longwell, Minnesota, 127 points, 29 FGs.

8. Mason Crosby, Green Bay, 127 points, 27 FGs.

9. Nate Keading, San Diego, 127 points, 27 FGs.

10. Nick Folk, Dallas, 102 points, 20 FGs.

11. Garrett Hartley, New Orleans 67 points, 13 FGs.

12. Adam Vinatieri, Indianapolis, 103 points, 20 FGs

13. Lawrence Tynes, NY Giants, 4 points, 1 FG.

14. Rian Lindell, Buffalo, 124 points, 30 FGs.

15. Matt Prater, Denver, 114 points, 25 FGs.

16. Kris Brown, Houston, 124 points, 29 FGs.

17. Robbie Gould, Chicago, 119 points, 26 FGs.

18. Neil Rackers, Arizona, 119 points, 25 FGs.

19. Jeff Reed, Pittsburgh, 117 points, 27 FGs.

20. Sebastian Janikowski, Oakland, 97 points, 24 FGs.

NEXT WEEK: DEFENSES

What's your draft strategy?

Thu, 26 Mar 2009 03:18:58 GMT

By Greg Giesen

Journal Times

Many fantasy baseball players will put their teams together over the next two weeks and the number of strategies is as numerous as the number of teams competing.

In the 15 years I’ve competed in head-to-head and rotisserie fantasy baseball I’ve tried few main strategies.

HITTING BEFORE ANYTHING ELSE: In the mid-1990s, I called this theory, "When in doubt pick an Indian." At the time, the Cleveland Indians were a freak show of amazing hitters from second baseman Roberto Alomar to first baseman/third baseman Jim Thome to outfielder Albert Belle, Kenny Lofton and a young Manny Ramirez. The theory basically states that good pitching is very abundant and top-flight hitters are not. Therefore, a fantasy baseball player should avoid drafting a pitching until round six at the earliest. That said if pitching aces like Johan Santana, Tim Lincecum or C.C. Sabathia fall to the late second round, by all means take them. But generally, focus on your offense early.

PITCHING WINS CHAMPIONSHIPS: While most people follow the first strategy, sometimes it’s good to zig when others zig. Putting together a killer pitching staff – especially in head-to-head leagues – can be just as dominate as solid hitting. As one fantasy player told me, "If I can win the pitching categories, all I need is just one or two hitting categories and I have a winner." He’s right. But, you need a couple of things for this to work. First, you have to get at least two elite pitchers (Santana, Lincecum or Sabathia this year) and two to three top tier starters. That means your first two picks will be pitchers and seven of you first 10 picks will be chuckers. Second, you need to focus on two or three non-power hitting categories like hits, stolen bases or batting average. Third, you have to hope beyond all hope that none of your pitchers gets injured. For the owner who tries this and tanks early in the season, you can always trade one or two top pitchers for hitting. There is always a market to acquire top pitching.

FIFTY-FIFTY RAFFLE: This theory basically states that by the 10th round you should have five hitters and five pitchers. This theory allows an owner to dabble in both areas, getting ace pitchers while avoiding the pitfalls of not having a stud hitter. Again, you will draft hitting early, but you will take five pitchers anywhere from rounds two through 10. The down side of this strategy is that you’re still giving up too much hitting.

THE PRICE IS RIGHT: For those people who have auction drafts don’t chase players and price enforce. If you know a player is worth $20, don’t chase him while others are overspending on him. Conversely, if you value a player at $20 and no one is going past $14, say the words "$15."

How successful are these theories? They’ve all worked to different degrees and a lot depends on your league’s rules and the other owners. What strategies have you used during your fantasy drafts?

How important is the first round in your fantasy draft?

Tue, 10 Mar 2009 18:42:34 GMT

By Greg Giesen

Journal Times

As fantasy baseball draft dates get closer and closer, the sounds of wailing aren’t coming from the brisk March winds.

Instead, the whining and crying is coming from fantasy owners who drew back-end slots in their fantasy drafts. Despite the allure of being able to draft two people quickly in a snake draft, most people would rather get a shot at shortstops Hanley Ramirez or Jose Reyes, third baseman David Wright or first baseman Albert Pujols. Who can blame them? It’s nice to get a great building block for your team.

But really, how important is it to have a great position in the first round? For that matter, how important is the first round?

In the first round, fantasy owners need to get the best player available and that shouldn’t be that difficult. Even a fantasy novice can pick out Miguel Cabrera or Chase Utley and feel good about it. The goal is not doing something stupid like picking up an injured stud pitcher because a tip sheet said he was going to be healthy opening day. As a matter of fact, don’t pick up injured pitchers at all, that’s a good rule of thumb.

Draft Day dominance has nothing at all to do with the first round. Instead, it’s much more important to prepare for rounds six through 20. Those rounds feature the tough decisions and the ability to either start runs or break from conventional wisdom with a surprise pick that pays dividends later.

Fantasy leagues aren’t won with first-round picks, they’re won with strong drafting and astute trades during the regular season. So, don’t sweat the draft position.

Is Manny Ramirez causing you a fantasy headache?

Mon, 02 Mar 2009 20:32:46 GMT

By John McNally

Journal Times

The Manny Ramirez-Los Angeles Dodgers saga — has it reached saga level? — is starting to become a fantasy issue for the 2009 season, particularly for owners in keeper leagues.

Ramirez showed that when he’s motivated he is still a top-five hitter in the majors. He hit .396, 17 HRs and 53 RBIs with the Dodgers and some monster home runs off Chicago Cubs pitchers in a three-game sweep in the National League Division Series.

Now Ramirez and his hard-nosed agent Scott Boras continue to reject insane contracts by the Dodgers — $45 million for two years — while no other team is bring deals Ramirez’s door.

An owner would still want to hold onto Ramirez for this fantasy season. Ramirez works best when he feels that he’s been slighted which I think he’ll look to do in 2009.

Also, I think Ramirez just doesn’t want to go through the motions of spring training. This is a guy that cuts off throws in left and high-fives fans as he makes running catches (with one out no less!). He just doesn’t want to play 30 games in the Arizona heat. With 15 days before season begins, I’m sure Ramirez will be signed and getting his swing ready for the season.

What do you think of the Manny Ramirez situation and his fantasy impact?

Which Milwaukee Brewer will be selected first in your fantasy baseball draft?

Thu, 26 Feb 2009 23:20:26 GMT

By Greg Giesen

Journal Times

With spring training in full swing, that magical time of year has come for every fantasy baseball player — draft preparation.

While there’s about five more weeks to go though major league rosters and fantasy publications in an effort to fully prepare yourself for draft day, here’s an interesting question to whet your appetite:

Who will be the first Milwaukee Brewer taken in a fantasy baseball draft?

It wasn’t that long ago that selecting a Brewer was either a big risk — like Ben Sheets — or filler position in case a better player — or maybe three better players — was injured.

The pre-2007 Brewers had talented players. Carlos Lee was great if you needed a versatile hitter. Sheets was good if you didn’t mind the injuries. Richie Sexson was a nice addition if you didn’t mind a poor batting average. And, Geoff Jenkins was good if you needed a fifth outfielder. But with the exception of Lee, nothing would pique a fantasy player’s interest until the middle or late rounds.

The 2009 Brewers are different. Milwaukee has at least three players who could be selected in the first five to 10 rounds.

First baseman Prince Fielder has the potential to hit 50 home runs, drive in 120-plus runs and hit above .285. However, he’s stuck at a very deep position — especially for mixed leagues — and his numbers don’t reach the level of St. Louis’ Albert Pujols, Houston’s Lance Berkman, the New York Yankees’ Mark Teixeira, Detroit’s Miguel Cabrera and Philadelphia’s Ryan Howard.

Right-hander Yovani Gallardo is another strong possibility. If healthy, Gallardo has the potential to be a top of the line starter in the form of National League Cy Young Award winner Tim Lincecum. Gallardo should project out to 15-plus wins, an ERA between 3.00 and 4.00 and 170 to 200 strikeouts. As former Milwaukee manager Ned Yost told his infielders after removing Gallardo from his first major league start, "He’s a stud, just like the rest of you." However, Gallardo has never pitched a full season and it’s questionable if he can take the role of an ace and run with it.

Then there’s left fielder Ryan Braun. Braun is everything you could want in an outfielder. He hits for average, has pop in his bat, can drive plenty of runs in and he can steal a base. He should project out to a .300 average, 20 to 30 home runs and 100-plus RBIs. There is little downside to Braun who, in his third major league season, should start putting up huge numbers. Outfielder is a deep position, but Braun certainly ranks among the best.

Week 8...I need a long nap...

Sat, 25 Oct 2008 20:35:12 GMT

This week, I’ve decided to give a list of “sleepers” for this weekend’s games. I’d recommend playing these guys if you have holes on your roster that need to be filled by Sunday afternoon.

The 2008 NFL season continues to be a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma. Let me know what you figure out, because I’m running out of explanations.

Oakland (2-4) at Baltimore (3-3)
PICK TO CLICK: Derrick Mason, WR, Baltimore
OUTLOOK: This is going to be a hard-hitting defensive game chock full of sacks and interceptions ... for the Ravens. I’d expect something in the range of 17 to 20 points for the Ravens’ defense. When Baltimore has the ball it will be a steady diet of RB Willis McGahee, but a quiet sleeper will be the steady Mason.

Arizona (4-2) at Carolina (5-2)
PICK TO CLICK: Mushin Muhammad, WR, Carolina
OUTLOOK: The Cardinals are 14th in the NFL in defense. I don’t think they’ve ever be that high before in my lifetime. Too bad for Arizona though because the Panthers are ranked second. Muhammad quietly has put together a nice season (32 catches, 469 yards, 2 TDs) with Steve Smith getting the majority of stats and could get nearly 100 yards on Sunday.

Tampa Bay (5-2) at Dallas (4-3)
PICK TO CLICK: Jeff Garcia, QB, Tampa Bay
OUTLOOK: The Cowboys seem to believe that their problems are just going to magically fix themselves. Frankly, that’s only going to happen — maybe — in mid-November when Tony Romo comes back. Truth be told, that might be too late. The Dallas defense is disgustingly bad and a steady Garcia throws two TD passes on Sunday.

Washington (5-2) at Detroit (0-6)
PICK TO CLICK: Clinton Portis, RB, Washington
OUTLOOK: Pick a Redskin, any Redskin. I know I said I was going to focus on sleepers, but there are no sleepers in any game that features the Lions. Portis could score five TDs — probably won’t — but definitely could.

Buffalo (5-1) at Miami (2-4)
PICK TO CLICK: Trent Edwards, QB, Buffalo
OUTLOOK: Not that anyone cares, but my beloved Lions could’ve snatched up this solid quarterback well before he went in the third round in 2007, but chose local-boy Drew Stanton (went to Michigan State) who hasn’t taken a snap in the regular season. Edwards isn’t going to blow you away, but he’s going to win games and occasionally put up solid fantasy numbers. Like this week against the 27th-ranked pass defense.

St. Louis (2-4) at New England (4-2)
PICK TO CLICK: BenJarvus Green-Ellis, RB, New England
OUTLOOK: It’s nice what the Rams have been able to do since firing Scott Linehan as coach. Sadly, that ends Sunday. After the injuries to Laurence Maroney and Sammy Morris, the Patriots have to find another diamond in the rough. Green-Ellis got 65 yards and a TD against the Broncos in the second half on Monday. He should get the start and a good amount of work with Kevin Faulk backing him up against the Rams.

San Diego (3-4) vs. New Orleans (3-4) at Wembley Stadium in London
PICK TO CLICK: Lance Moore, WR, New Orleans
OUTLOOK: The Saints take their passing attack across the pond to the United Kingdom. Technically it’s a home game for New Orleans and the team only plays well at home. The Chargers’ defensive backfield remains horrendous and Drew Brees should find his second best option on the outside more than a few times.

Kansas City (1-5) at New York Jets (3-3)
PICK TO CLICK: Jamaal Charles, RB, Kansas City
OUTLOOK: With Chiefs’ RB Larry Johnson inactive for a second straight week, Charles will get a lot of chances to prove he could take over for Johnson next season. Last week he got 17 yards on three carries against Tennessee’s stalwart defensive. Overall, New York’s defense isn’t as good and Charles’ numbers will be solid.

Atlanta (4-2) at Philadelphia (3-3)
PICK TO CLICK: Kevin Curtis, WR, Philadelphia
OUTLOOK: Coming off the bye week should help the Eagles get healthy and get back on the same page — particularly for Curtis who hasn’t played all season due to injury. Curtis had a couple of big games that made his stock rise in fantasy football. He could make a big splash in midseason.

Cincinnati (0-7) at Houston (2-4)
PICK TO CLICK: Owen Daniels, TE, Houston
OUTLOOK: The former Wisconsin Badger has been solid, but unspectacular in 2008 with 29 catches, 374 yards and two TDs. The Bengals are back to being the Bengals we all grew up with and Houston QB Matt Schuab and company will air it out at home.

Cleveland (2-4) at Jacksonville (3-3)
PICK TO CLICK: Fred Taylor, RB, Jacksonville
OUTLOOK: Taylor is being phased out for Maurice Jones-Drew, but he still is a good change of pace running back. Play him due to the Browns’ poor run defense.

New York Giants (5-1) at Pittsburgh (5-1)
PICK TO CLICK: Derrick Ward, RB, New York Giants
OUTLOOK: This should be an excellent game for both teams, especially on defense. If there is one sleeper in the game it’s Ward because of his ability to catch passes out of the backfield. Play him if you need someone for the Flex position.

Seattle (1-5) at San Francisco (2-5)
PICK TO CLICK: J.T. O’Sullivan, QB, San Francisco
OUTLOOK: I’d expect the 49ers to go out with intensity for new coach Mike Singletary — who should be a head coach somewhere next season if it’s not in the Bay Area. With Mike Martz calling the plays and an offense out to prove something, O’Sullivan is the main fantasy benefactor.

Indianapolis (3-3) at Tennessee (6-0)
PICK TO CLICK: LenDale White, RB, Tennessee
OUTLOOK: White had an amazing game against the Chiefs last week (17 carries, 149 yards, three TDs). White is the classic serpent in fantasy football. Every once and a while he tricks you into playing him and with a Colts defense that allowed Green Bay’s Ryan Grant to regain his form, I’d go with White again. But, be wary for the future.

Injured backs wreaking havoc for Week 7

Sat, 18 Oct 2008 04:10:12 GMT

By John McNally

Journal Times

It’s been a tough week for the National Football League.

More importantly, it’s been a tough week for my fantasy team. Larry Johnson was put on the inactive list. Willie Parker can’t get over a nagging knee injury.

I have a great new name for my team, but it’s not something that can be printed in this publication.

A lot of teams have to plug holes in Week 7 and here is a list of players that should provide relief. Pick them up if possible.

San Diego (3-3) at Buffalo (4-1)

PICK TO CLICK: Lee Evans, WR, Buffalo

OUTLOOK: The Chargers continue to tread water and look to be heading in the right direction after losing their first two games in the final moments. The numbers don’t lie and the loss of Shawne Merriman has had a profound impact to the Chargers’ defense. Last year, they were 14th in total defense and in 2008 they’re 28th — and 31st against the pass. Buffalo QB Trent Edwards had a week to clear the cobwebs from his concussion and will find the former Badger and newly-paid WR more than seven times and for a touchdown.

New Orleans (3-3) at Carolina (4-2)

PICK TO CLICK: Drew Brees, QB, New Orleans

OUTLOOK: Brees doesn’t care that the Panthers have the third best defense — second against the pass. Brees has gone over 300 yards in every game — except against Washington — this season and he’s done it without his big weapons. The expected returns of those weapon in WR Marques Colston and TE Jeremy Shockey will get Brees over the 300 yard threshold and 3 TD passes.

Minnesota (3-3) at Chicago (3-3)

PICK TO CLICK: Bernard Berrian, WR, Minnesota

OUTLOOK: The aura that hung over the Bears’ defense the last few years was finally put to rest last Sunday when rookie QB Matt Ryan three for 301 yards. Chicago’s defense is decent, maybe better than average. Just over a calendar year ago, rookie RB Adrian Peterson ran for 224 yards and 3 TDs at Solider Field. He won’t do that again, but his numbers are going to be very good. Berrian will show up his former team — a team that could use a good wide receiver.

Pittsburgh (4-1) at Cincinnati (0-6)

PICK TO CLICK: Mewelde Moore, RB, Pittsburgh

OUTLOOK: Until Bengals’ QB Carson Palmer comes back from injury — which might not be anytime soon — I can’t in good conscience pick any Bengals’ player to come through with Ryan Fitzpatrick under center. Sorry, all Chad Ocho Cinco owners. It’s looking like Parker will miss another game due to a knee injury and Moore will get the start. He had 99 yards against Jacksonville last week and Cincinnati is 28th against the run.

Tennessee (5-0) at Kansas City (1-4)

PICK TO CLICK: Chris Johnson, RB, Tennessee

OUTLOOK: The Chiefs don’t do much well and with a week of rest the surprising Titans will have a field day. The rookie Johnson is going to be a big-time fantasy player for the foreseeable future and is poised to have his first 100-yard plus and 2 TD game.

Baltimore (2-3) at Miami (2-3)

PICK TO CLICK: Willis McGahee, RB, Baltimore

OUTLOOK: Indianapolis made Baltimore look bad last Sunday and with rookie QB Joe Flacco on the road the Ravens face an uphill battle. Luckily, the Ravens’ defense remains the best in the business. Not a lot to choose from in this game, but I’d bet McGahee finds the end zone once with about 70 yards.

San Francisco (2-4) at New York Giants (4-1)

PICK TO CLICK: Eli Manning, QB, New York Giants

OUTLOOK: Manning will rebound from a terrible Monday night game against Cleveland and reassure everyone that he’s more like the Manning from the 2007 playoffs. Look for Manning to go over 250 yards and throw for two touchdowns.

Dallas (4-2) at St. Louis Rams (1-4)

PICK TO CLICK: Terrell Owens, WR, Dallas

OUTLOOK: Owens says the addition of WR Roy Williams will free him from double-teams and open his game up. Time to prove it. I’m buying this week — even if Brad Johnson is in for Tony Romo — because if it doesn’t happen against the hapless Rams then it will never happen.

Detroit (0-5) at Houston (1-4)

PICK TO CLICK: Steve Slaton, RB, Houston

OUTLOOK: Smaller, faster backs like Slaton give the Lions’ run defense fits — i.e.. Atlanta’s Michael Turner who ran for 220 yards and 2 TDs in Week 1. Slaton should get over the century-mark with a rushing touchdown. Slaton can also catch the ball out of the backfield, so if you’re in a point-per-reception league, play Slaton.

Indianapolis (3-2) at Green Bay (3-3)

PICK TO CLICK: Peyton Manning, QB, Indianapolis

OUTLOOK: The Packers’ pass defense has been holding up decent without Al Harris, but they went against Brian Griese, Ryan and Charlie Frye. Not a murder’s row of quarterbacks. Manning got on track against Baltimore last Sunday, he’ll gain a lot steam this week at Lambeau Field.

New York Jets (3-2) at Oakland (1-4)

PICK TO CLICK: Brett Favre, QB, New York Jets

OUTLOOK: Favre is the real deal. I’m going to go weigh in on if the Packers did the right thing by trading him....they did. Sorry, I couldn’t help myself. He can still fling it all over the field. Also, Sunday marks the first time Favre has been back to Oakland since his infamous Monday night game the day after his father died.

Cleveland (2-3) at Washington (4-2)

PICK TO CLICK: Braylon Edwards, WR, Cleveland

OUTLOOK: The Browns finally got going on Monday and showed flashes of being the sleek pick to make the playoffs in the AFC. After four poor games to start the season, Edwards showed his top-5 WR talent with 154 yards and touchdown. That should continue against the Redskins. I still don’t know if Washington is for real in NFC East hunt.

Seattle (1-4) at Tampa Bay (4-2)

PICK TO CLICK: Antonio Bryant, WR, Tampa Bay

OUTLOOK: The Buccaneers don’t have a big-time receiver, but Bryant works well with Jeff Garcia as the starting quarterback. The Seahawks rank 22nd against the pass and with a very poor offense the defense will be out on the field for a very long time at Raymond James Stadium.

Denver (4-2) at New England (3-2)
PICK TO CLICK: Jay Cutler, QB, Denver

OUTLOOK: The Patriots defense has been exposed in two games against San Diego and San Francisco. The loss of CB Asante Samuel has made New England’s pass defense mediocre at best and Jay Cutler should throw three touchdowns on the road. The Patriots have a chance to win because of the Broncos’ just-as-porous defense.