| FBG Mobile Home |
Hi Folks,
Welcome to Wednesday. Remember that the always popular Footballguys $35,000 Subscriber Contest is LIVE and ready for your entry. It's the best deal in Fantasy Sports. Plus don't forget about our killer promotion with FanDuel.com where you can get a FREE Footballguys Insider Subscription by just depositing $25 with FanDuel. It's a no brainer.
Quick Non Football note of the day. Some of you have heard me talk about my friends that have a band called The Dirty Guv'nahs. They have a fantastic new album that released yesterday. And a new video to go with it. Buy this - trust me.
Let's get to it.
J
Detailed Stat Projections are the backbone of all we do. Our David Dodds has a new set ready for you here.
Our Footballguys Staffers have updated cheatsheet rankings for you. Get the latest info right here.
We blew people away with the Week 1 Training Camp Update featuring everything you need to know about every relevant player on every team. We're back again this week, just like we will be next week and the week after that with another full rundown. Read this and (continue to) be the most informed owner in your league.
Our Dr. Jene Bramel's 2nd Opinion feature is one of my favorite things we do. He combines his medical expertise with his outstanding knowledge of Football. In this edition, Jene talks about Ryan Mathews, Greg Jennings, Desmond Bishop, Adrian Peterson, Mikel Leshoure, Carlos Johnson and Andre Johnson.
Our Dr. Jene Bramel's 2nd Opinion feature is one of my favorite things we do. He combines his medical expertise with his outstanding knowledge of Football. In this edition, Jene talks about Brian Urlacher, Roy Helu, Hakeem Nicks, Denarius Moore and Pat Angerer.
Our Matt Waldman with another edition of his always popular Gut Check series. In this one, he digs into Dyansty Leagues.
Our Chris Smith looks to uncover some players with great upside. In this one, he looks at running backs.
Our Jeff Tefertiller looks at some players who have values that are moving up and down.
Our Jeff Tefertiller looks at some strategies for dominating a smaller league.
Our Jeff Tefertiller takes a look at the news through the lens of how Dynasty Leagues are affected.
Arizona Cardinals QB Kevin Kolb is expected to start the next preseason game, but QB John Skelton is the favorite to win the starting job.
Footballguys' view: Some Cardinals sources have said that they haven't heard that either quarterback is leading, but Kolb has certainly done nothing to inspire confidence with his 0.0 passer rating thus far in the preseason. Larry Fitzgerald owners should pray that Skelton wins this. Regardless of who is in the lead right now, the job will be decided on the field in the next two weeks.
Pittsburgh Steelers WR Mike Wallace is expected to end his holdout and report to the team before the regular season begins.
Footballguys' view: Ben Roethlisberger has sounded confident that Wallace will show, and Wallace will cost himself almost two million dollars if he decides to sit through the first ten games. He is not at a point in his career where he won't feel that financially. Wallace is also missing the installation of Todd Haley's offense, so it is in everyone's best interest for him to show soon. If he is falling into the sixth round or later in your draft, take him.
Minnesota Vikings RB Adrian Peterson (knee) will participate in his first practice with pads Tuesday, Aug. 14. The coaching staff will continue to be cautious with his progress, though. Peterson will take part in only a handful of plays in 7-on-7 and full-team work. He is hoping to take part in the preseason game against the San Diego Chargers next week.
Footballguys' view: Returning from a serious ACL tear with other damage to the knee in less than nine months is astounding. His owners have to hope that he doesn't cause problems by coming back too quickly. You'll probably have to take Peterson in the second to land him after he successfully returns to practice.
Chicago Bears LB Brian Urlacher (knee) underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left knee and hopes to be ready for the season opener.
Footballguys' view: Urlacher is getting to that point in his career where you wonder if the cliff is coming after all of his injuries. He is still worth a pick as an LB3 in IDP leagues, but this is concerning.
Denver Broncos RB Ronnie Hillman (hamstring) and DE Jason Hunter (triceps) left with injuries Tuesday, Aug. 14.
Footballguys' view: Hillman apparently aggravated an existing hamstring injury, which is terrible for his prospects this year, at least early. Willis McGahee's stance as the clear lead back for the Broncos is getting sturdier.
Chicago Bears QB Jay Cutler is confident the team's offensive line will be adequate this season despite allowing six sacks in the preseason game against the Denver Broncos last week. 'They're going to be fine,' Cutler said. 'Protection-wise, we're going to do what we have to to protect myself or whoever's in there. If we have to keep eight in there, if we have to keep nine in there, that's what we're going to do. We're not going to put those guys in positions where they're going to fail or I'm going to get hit.' Cutler will play in the team's game Saturday, Aug. 11, after sitting out the preseason opener last week.
Footballguys' view: Cutler is trying to put a happy face on the offensive line issues, but it's clear that the Bears pass offense will be hampered by the line's lack of effectiveness. Brandon Marshall's numbers could actually be helped because he doesn't run deep routes, but Cutler is looking less attractive as a sleeper quarterback after the tenth round.
San Diego Chargers head coach Norv Turner likes the fact that RB Ryan Mathews (clavicle) thinks he can return to play in Week 1, but Turner said it won't be Mathews' call. Mathews is expected to be able to return in four to six weeks. 'The last time I checked, Ryan is not a doctor,' Turner said. 'We're going to just evaluate him on a weekly basis. If he heals fast and he's ready that early, that'd be great. What I've been told is four to six weeks in terms of him being able to get back out there. We'll just see how it goes.'
Footballguys' view: This is not news as most teams would not let a player make that call unless it was an issue solely related to pain threshold.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers backup QB Dan Orlovsky has been extremely impressed with WR Vincent Jackson during training camp this year. 'I've had the chance to play with some Hall of Fame receivers,' Orlovsky said. 'Andre Johnson in Houston, Reggie (Wayne) and Calvin (Johnson) in Detroit. The similarities between them are scary. There's an unbelievable amount of humility. I say they have talent and perform like they're elite players, but they work like they're undrafted rookies.'
Footballguys' view: Jackson is available as a low WR2/high WR3 pick in the fifth round, demonstrating the great value at wide receiver this year.
Seattle Seahawks QB Matt Flynn will make another start in the team's second preseason game against the Denver Broncos Saturday, Aug. 18. QB Russell Wilson is expected to see action in the second half. QB Tarvaris Jackson took repetitions with the first-team offense in practice Tuesday, Aug. 14. The team wants to see Flynn and Wilson in game situations more so than Jackson.
Footballguys' view: Flynn is the leader in the quarterback battle, but his lead is not commanding. Look for the performance in the next two preseason games to decide this battle. Flynn would be better for Doug Baldwin, while Wilson could help Sidney Rice because he's better throwing downfield.
Philadelphia Eagles TE Clay Harbor stood out during training camp in the absence of TE Brent Celek (knee), and QB Michael Vick has shown confidence going to Harbor across the middle. Harbor is expected to be used frequently subbing for Celek this year and in two-TE sets.
Footballguys' view: Harbor might have temporary value if Celek misses any time in the regular season, but he isn't worth drafting in typical leagues right now.
The Detroit Lions reportedly weren't interested in signing Green Bay Packers RB Cedric Benson but are looking at free-agent RB Ryan Grant (Packers).
Footballguys' view: This conflicts an earlier report that Benson turned down the Lions and Raiders. The Lions were linked to Grant and reportedly offered him a contract earlier this offseason. Grant would immediately have deep sleeper value if they sign him.
Seattle Seahawks WR Sidney Rice (shoulder) is now practicing in team drills and is diving for balls as he recovers from offseason shoulder surgery. However, he won't play in the preseason game Saturday, Aug. 11, but his progression in practice is a sign that he'll be ready to play in Week 1. WR Doug Baldwin (hamstring) was back at practice Tuesday, Aug. 14, and WR Ricardo Lockette (leg) and LB Barrett Ruud (knee) also were back.
Footballguys' view: Rice is one of the most injury-prone receivers in the league, but he's also one of the best in the air. His 9th/10th round ADP has priced in his risk. He could be a value pick if he successfully returns to the field for the third preseason game and looks good.
New England Patriots OG Logan Mankins (knee) participated in practice in pads for the first time Tuesday, Aug. 14. However, FB Eric Kettani, CB Alfonzo Dennard, FB Spencer Larsen, OG Brian Waters, LB Tracy White, OT Markus Zusevics, OT Matt Kopa, OT Kyle Hix, OT Sebastian Vollmer, TE Aaron Hernandez, TE Visanthe Shiancoe, WR Brandon Lloyd, TE Daniel Fells, TE Rob Gronkowski, TE Jake Ballard and DLs Myron Pryor, Gerard Warren and Jonathan Fanene sat out. CB Malcolm Williams and S James Ihedigbo returned.
Footballguys' view: The Patriots offensive line is the only concern in a year setting up to be their best on offense since 2007. Mankins return to practice is reassuring for anyone planning on taking Tom Brady in the first round.
San Francisco 49ers QB Josh X. Johnson, not QB Scott Tolzien, will serve as the No. 3 quarterback in the team's preseason game against the Houston Texans Saturday, Aug. 18. Tolzien was the third QB in the team's preseason opener. QB Colin Kaepernick has emerged as the backup to QB Alex Smith so far.
Footballguys' view: The 49ers have four viable quarterbacks, and Tolzien is performing well enough to not make it through to the practice squad. They could look to trade him before the final cutdown.
Seattle Seahawks TE Zach Miller (concussion) was not taking part in practice Tuesday, Aug. 14, after suffering a concussion in the team's preseason game Saturday, Aug. 11.
Footballguys' view: Miller has suffered four concussions in his career now, so it's time to start asking if this is an issue that shorten his career. Kellen Winslow could have decent fantasy value this year if Miller is sidelined by yet another concussion.
Detroit Lions WR Nate Burleson, noticeably lighter this training camp, is working extremely hard this summer to prove he still belongs on the roster. Burleson has been motivated by the team selecting wide receivers in the last two drafts, and he is working harder than he ever has this offseason. He is down to 194 pounds after playing around 205 pounds last season, and he said he is a step quicker as a result. 'I just tightened up on my diet and lifted a little bit harder, ran a little bit more,' Burleson said. 'I figure if I gained weight, I'm going to solidify myself as a slot for the rest of my career. If I lose a little bit of weight and show my agility and my speed, I still have the versatility to help this offense on the outside.'
Footballguys' view: Burleson actually finished as a strong WR2/WR3 play in PPR leagues in the second half of the year, but his playing time is being threatened by rookie Ryan Broyles. If Nate Burleson is the full-time slot receiver again this year, he'll be a steal in PPR leagues, where he is sometimes going undrafted.
Carolina Panthers RB DeAngelo Williams said he's happy with his role in the team's crowded backfield this year. He averaged less than 10 carries per game last season, largely due to the presence of RB Jonathan Stewart and surprising rookie QB Cam Newton. Williams' workload could be even less in 2012 with the addition of RB Mike Tolbert.
Footballguys' view: Williams is only worth carrying as a bench running back that you break out for great matchups or if Jonathan Stewart misses time.
The Pittsburgh Steelers activated OT Max Starks (knee) from the Physically Unable to Perform list Tuesday, Aug. 14. The team also signed free-agent RB Jason Ford (Texans) and put RB John Clay on the Waived/Injured list.
Footballguys' view: Starks could be the stopgap at left tackle once again if Mike Adams doesn't improve from his week 1 preseason performance.
Cincinnati Bengals OG Travelle Wharton (knee) will need season-ending surgery to fix a torn right anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee.
Footballguys' view: The Bengals were smart to draft Kevin Zeitler in the first round to hold down one guard spot. The other will be manned by the unproven Clint Boling for now.
Baltimore Ravens QB Joe Flacco said he would love it if the team used more of a no-huddle offense this season. 'I love the no-huddle,' Flacco said. 'We've got to get quicker and quicker at it. I like to go up there and run a play, run a play, run a play. That's what we're going to be, and I think we have to make sure we get it as fast as we can.'
Footballguys' view: The Ravens offense has sputtered when they have given Flacco more responsibility and gone away from Ray Rice. Don't expect him to get a lot of chances to run the no huddle this year. Flacco is still only a backup quality fantasy quarterback with limited upside.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers WR Mike Williams has picked up his work ethic this year after a disappointing 2011 season in which he reported to training camp out of shape and had only three touchdowns all year. 'His work ethic has definitely picked up,' receivers coach P.J. Fleck said. 'And he's reaping his rewards.' Williams showed impressive will taking an interception away from SS Mark Barron in practice Tuesday, Aug. 14.
Footballguys' view: Williams is still only worth drafting as depth as a number two receiver on a team that will try to lean run-heavy on offense.
New York Giants head coach Tom Coughlin said DT Shaun Rogers' (calf) blood clot situation is a season-ending injury.
Footballguys' view: Tough break for Rogers and the Giants here.
That'll do it for it today, Folks. Thanks for reading and thanks for being a part of Footballguys. We'll see you tomorrow with the update.
Peace,
J