Showing posts with label Kevin Kolb. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Kevin Kolb. Show all posts

December 16, 2011

December 16th Injury Report

By Christian Hardy


Quarterbacks
-The Browns ruled out quarterback Colt McCoy (concussion) on Friday. He is still feeling headaches, and other concussion-like symptoms. He will not make the trip to Arizona.
- Dolphins quarterback Matt Moore (concussion) is listed as questionable and is expected to play.
- Titans quarterback Matthew Hasselbeck (calf) practiced and is expected to play this week, despite being listed as questionable.
- Chiefs head coach Romeo Crennel confirmed that Kyle Orton (finger) will start for the Chiefs this weekend.
- Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (ankle) was limited in practice on Friday.
- Cardinals quarterback Kevin Kolb (concussion) is questionable for Sunday's game, but Arizona Republic writer Kent Somers predicted that Kolb will not play. John Skelton would be the starter if Kolb were to sit.
- Rams quarterback Sam Bradford (ankle) is listed as doubtful for Sunday's game. AJ Feeley (thumb) missed practice and has been ruled out for week 15. Looks like it could be Tom Bradstater taking the reigns this week.


Running Backs
- Browns running back Montario Hardesty (calf) did not participate in team drills on Friday, per Nate Ulrich. However, Montario Hardesty is likely to play this week.
- Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw (foot) returned to practice on Friday and is listed as probable on the Giants official injury report.
- Packers running back James Starks (ankle) returned to a limited practice today and it listed as questionable for Sunday. As for Packers other running back Brandon Saine (concussion), he will be a game-time decision for this Sunday. Ryan Grant will get his second consecutive start.
- Saints ruled out rookie running back Mark Ingram for the second consecutive week with turf toe.
- Raiders running back Darren McFadden (lisfranc) has been ruled out for Sunday's game.
- Adrian Peterson (ankle) was a full participant in practice on Friday and is officially listed as probable.
- Lions running back Kevin Smith (ankle) is expected to start. Stay away from all Detroit running backs, as I expect them to all split carries (Smith, Morris, and Williams).
- Bengals running back Cedric Benson (back) was limited in practice, but is listed as probable and will play on Sunday.


Wide Receivers
- Texans head coach Gary Kubiak has yet to rule out wide receiver Andre Johnson (hamstring), but it is very unlikely that we see Andre Johnson on the field this Sunday. UPDATE: Johnson has officially been ruled out for Sunday's game.
- Eagles wide receiver Jeremy Maclin (hamstring) said that he was a "full-go" at practice today. He also mentioned that he does not know who will be covering him in Sunday's game against the Jets.
- Raiders wide receiver Jacoby Ford (foot) has been ruled out for week 15.
- Buccaneers wide receiver Arrelious Benn (concussion) has been officially ruled out for Saturday's game against the Cowboys.


Tight Ends
- Browns tight end Benjamin Watson (concussion) did not practice on Friday, and is not expected to play on Sunday. I moved Watson out of my rankings, and moved Greg Little and Evan Moore into the lower tier of their respective positions. UPDATE: Ben Watson will land on IR today, according to head coach Pat Shurmur.
- Colts tight end Dallas Clark (neck) has not practiced all week and is listed as doubtful for Sunday's game.
- Bills tight end Scott Chandler (ankle) did not practice and has been ruled out for week 15.


Defense/Others
- Eagles head coach Andy Reid does not know if Brandon Graham (knee) will play this week, but he is unlikely to. Reid did indicate that he will not be placed on IR, although Graham indicated that he might be done for the season earlier in the week.
- Giants DE Justin Tuck (toe) is questionable for Sunday's game. Safety Kenny Phillips (knee) is listed as probable after missing week 14.
- Lions CB Chris Houston (knee) is listed as probable. Nick Fairley (foot) and Louis Delmas (knee) are both questionable.

December 1, 2011

It's DECEMBER: Injury Report

By: Christian Hardy

Quarterbacks
- After the Texans signed two veteran quarterbacks in the past week, the Dolphins decided to release Sage Rosenfels from the non-football illness list. I do not expect him to be claimed on waivers, but could see a team signing him after he goes through the NFL's waiver process.
- Buccaneers QB Josh Freeman (thumb on throwing hand) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice and he was never seen throwing the football. Coach Raheem Morris said that this situation will go all the way up to game-time. Freeman has a great matchup against Carolina this week, so it would be a shame, should he have to miss it. If Freeman were to miss it, Josh Johnson would be the starter at quarterback for the Bucs.
- Per ESPN's Adam Schefter, Kevin Kolb (toe, foot) will start this week against the Cowboys, despite John Skelton going 3-1 as a starter.
- Sam Bradford missed practice on Thursday after suffering a setback with his injured ankle. He is "day to day", according to the Rams official Twitter account.
- Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger did not finish practice today after taking a bad snap that hit his fractured right thumb in the wrong spot. After practice he said that he is "OK".
- Former Eagles, Redskins, and now Vikings quarterback Donovan McNabb was released by the Vikings on Thursday. As of now, Leslie Frasier said he does not know a team that will take McNabb on waivers. I do know, however, that the Cowboys, who put a claim in on Kyle Orton last week, are not interested, according to multiple sources. Looks like the Vikings will stick with their rookie Christian Ponder for the rest of the year.
- According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Peyton Manning's doctor said that Manning is ready to move onto the next stage of his rehab. He also stated that his neck fusion has "achieved firm fixation." Manning is still waiting on nerve regeneration before he can return to football.


Running Backs
- The player of the day: Lesean McCoy. He was talked about all day long, leading up to Thursday Night Football, because of his sprained toe. He was listed as questionable and was determined to be a game-time decision for the game. It held up in warm ups and he was named the starter just about an hour before the game. Seattle has a tough run defense, but there is no way that I would even consider benching McCoy, not even with an injury that could limit him.
- Darren McFadden and Adrian Peterson both did not practice. They are both not expected to play this week, and their status for week 14 is in question.
- Ahmad Bradshaw did not practice and will likely miss this week's game, at the least. The foot still does not feel completely healed, and the Giants know that they have to be real careful with an injury like this; once rumored to be gone for the season. Looks like Brandon Jacobs will continue to fill in for Bradshaw, with DJ Ware taking a back seat.
- Michael Turner did not practice on Thursday, and he has not all week. His groin, that was surgically repaired in the offseason, has bothered him all season, but it has gotten worse and worse. Definitely keep an eye on Turner's status for Sunday.
- Lions running back Kevin Smith was a limited participant in practice on Thursday, but multiple beat writers reported that he ran very well on his sprained ankle.
- Cedric Benson (groin) missed practice on Thursday, but Joe Reedy, beat writer for the Bengals, said that Benson will likely be probable for Sunday.
- Cowboys FB Tony Fiammetta is still down with an illness and missed practice on Thursday.


Wide Receivers
- Miles Austin was not at Thursday's practice and is not expected to play this week.
- Hakeem Nicks did not participate in Thursday's practice but is expected to be back for Friday.
- Playing opposite of Nicks, Mario Manningham also did not practice. He acknowledged that he could be done for the season due to a swollen knee that feels "weak and not stable," according to Ralph Vacchiano on Twitter. Sounds like Manningham is going to at least miss this week, and as he said, could be done for the season. It's a good thing they found another gem (Victor Cruz) in the wide receiver corps.
- Texans WR Andre Johnson was a limited participant in practice for the second consecutive day on Thursday with a knee injury. Johnson returned from a hamstring injury in week 12 that had kept him out for six weeks.
- Falcons rookie wide receiver Julio Jones did not practice today with a hamstring injury.
- Denarius Moore (foot) did not participate in practice. Jacoby Ford, also, did not practice.
- Patriots wide receiver (if you still call him that) Chad Ochocinco (hamstring) was limited in practice, as was WR Taylor Price.
- After missing practice on Wednesday, Victor Cruz (hip) returned to limited practice on Thursday.
- 49ers WR Braylon Edwards did not practice today with a knee injury.


Tight Ends
- Dallas Clark was ruled out for this week's game against the Patriots.


Defense/Others
- Ravens LB Ray Lewis (turf toe), you might of hear of him, sat out practice again on Thursday.
- Lions CB Chris Houston (knee) did not practice for his third consecutive day on Thursday.
- Cowboys CB Mike Jenkins and S Gerald Sensabaugh were both limited in practice on Thursday.
- Patriots S Patrick Chung was limited in practice, as was WR/DB Julian Edelmen.
- Packers LBs AJ Hawk and Desmond Bishop both did not practice, as expected, on Thursday.

November 30, 2011

November 30th Injury Report

By Christian Hardy


Quarterbacks
- Jay Cutler said that he could be very well done for the season. He has pins and screws in his thumb that could be removed in anywhere from 3-10 weeks. He said that he will likely miss the remainder of the season. This means that Caleb Hanie will replace Cutler as the starting quarterback for the last five weeks of this season.
- Kevin Kolb took all of the first team reps at practice today and he plans to start against the Cowboys on Sunday. John Skelton has started the last four games for the Cardinals (3-1), while Kolb has recovered from a turf toe/right foot injury.
- Michael Vick (ribs) threw the ball some in practice today, but was never able to put a helmet on. He was ruled out by head coach Andy Reid earlier today. Vince Young will get his third straight start.
- Chiefs head coach Todd Haley said that Tyler Palko will start one more game at quarterback for the Chiefs while Kyle Orton continues to learn the Chiefs' offense.


Running Backs
- Montario Hardesty did not practice today, Peyton Hillis did practice. I do not expect Hardesty today, and I did not rank him.
- Lions RB Kevin Smith (ankle) did not practice today. It is unlikely that he returns to the field this week.
- Lesean McCoy (sprained toe) has been limited in practice all week and is officially listed as questionable for Thursday Night's game. Both Dion Lewis and Ronnie Brown would split carries if McCoy were to miss Thursday's game.
- Michael Turner miss practice with a groin injuries. He has had some groin injuries in the past.
- Ahmad Bradshaw is unlikely to play in week 13.
- Raiders RB Darren McFadden (foot) did not practice today. It is clear that the Raiders are going to hold him out until he is 100 percent, especially the way that their offense has been operating without him. McFadden can be considered "doubtful" for this week, as of now.
- Willis McGahee (illness) did not practice today, per Lindsay Jones.
- Adrian Peterson is not expected to play this week. He did not practice on Wednesday. Looks like Toby Gerhart will make his second consecutive start.


Wide Receivers
- According to head coach Pete Carrol, the team will place Sidney Rice (head injury) on IR. He was already ruled out for week 13, but earlier today in a press conference, Carrol said that Rice will miss the rest of the season. Doug Baldwin, Ben Obomanu and Mike Williams will take over at the wide out position. If I am picking one for my fantasy team, it is Doug Baldwin.Tough break for Rice, who has been through multiple tough injuries in his career.
- Stevie Johnson was fined $10,000 for his illegal celebration.
- Jeremy Maclin (hamstring) was ruled out for Thursday's game. This will be his third consecutive game that he has missed.
- Jaguars WR Jason Hill was waived by the team today. Hill has been speratic in his career, but has never lived up to his draft value as a third round pick by the 49ers. Only eight touchdowns in his first four season (including 2011) and he has been very disappointing this season for the Jaguars, who desperately need a playmaker who catches the ball.
- Victor Cruz was listed on the injury report today with a hip injury. Should be nothing serious, and I fully expect him to play this week. The injury is expected to "slow him down for a day", but he should be fine for this coming week.
- Jerome Simpson did not practice on Wednesday.
- Mario Manningham has some sweling in his knee. His status for Sunday is up in the air.
- Cowboys WR Miles Austin, who has missed all of November with a hamstring injury, did not practice today. Jerry Jones insists that he will play this week, but if I had to guess, I would say he is a no-go for Sunday against the Cardinals. Looks like both Laurent Robinson and Dez Bryant will stay top 20 wide receivers for at least one more week.
- Denarius Moore did not practice today, and nor did Jacoby Ford. However, Ford did do some light jogging on the side, and I think it is likely that he plays this week.


Tight Ends
- Colts TE Dallas Clark (leg) did not practice today.
- Titans TE Jared Cook (concussion) did not practice today.


Defense/Others
- Ndamukong Suh's appeal hearing will be tomorrow at 3 PM EST, according to NFL Network's Jason La Canfora. His initial suspension was two games without pay for his outburst against the Packers.
- Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (ankle) was ruled out for Thursday's game. He has been in and out of practice in the last two weeks, but has not yet had a full practice. Nnamdi Asomugha (knee) will be a game-time decision tomorrow and is listed as questionable.
- Packers linebackers Desmond Bishop and AJ Hawk, who both suffered calf injuries in Thursday's game against the Lions, did not practice today, will not practice Thursday, and will both be evaluated on Friday. In terms of Erik Walden who was arrested on charges of suspicion of domestic violence over the weekend, is expected to play this week according to head coach Mike McCarthy. This, all according to NFL Network's Michelle Beisner.
- Falcons' top corner Brent Grimes has been ruled out for week 13 already. It's a good thing for both TJ Yates and the rest of the Houston Texans pass game. The corners behind Grimes (Dominique Franks and Dunta Robinson) shouldn't even be able to compete with Andre Johnson this weekend.
- Osi Umenyiora is not expected to play against the Packers this week. Other than Umenyiora, OT Will Beatty was placed on Injured Reserve. Beatty underwent surgery on the retina of his right eye and is unable to return to the playing field this year. Huge blow for a Giants team that is reeling right now.
- The Chargers placed OT Marcus McNeil on injured reserve and claimed Jared Gaither who was cut by the Chiefs on Tuesday morning.
- Ray Lewis (turf toe) was the only Raven who did not participate in practice today.

Fantasy Advice
- With Sidney Rice now out for the season, Doug Baldwin is a sure pickup. Tarvaris Jackson hasn't been awful this year, and Baldwin has been a factor of this offense at times in this season. This week, taking on the depleted Eagles' secondary, he is a high-end flex option. Also look for Zach Miller to possible get in the mix with Rice out for the year.
- I don't expect Kevin Smith to play this week with an ankle sprain. The Saints defense (who go up against the Lions this week) has let up big fantasy games to running backs before, but I don't think either Maurice Morris or Keiland Williams are worth a play this week in a standard ten-team league.
- Even if Lesean McCoy were to sit out week 13 (which is unlikely), Ronnie Brown and Dion Lewis aren't even worth a roster spot. If I had to pick one, it would be Brown who I would play this week against the Seahawks. Seahawks have a  very underrated run defense that allows just over three yards per carry. Don't like Brown or Lewis this week.
- Jason Hill being cut has no fantasy value to me. It might up Marcedes Lewis' value, but he has also been a disappointment this year.
- I do not expect Darren McFadden to play and did not rank him.
- Toby Gerhart against the Broncos would be a real nice play if Adrian Peterson sits out again. The Broncos allow just over 15 points per game to opposing running backs. 15 isn't all that much, but when Gerhart is getting almost every touch out of the backfield, you can't go wrong.



October 11, 2011

Let Them Preach: Week 5

by: Christian Hardy

Week five has breezed right by us and it certainly didn’t live up to my expectations; but hey, it was football, and football is good. I mean, there was Tebow tantrum in Denver,  a Jackson explosion in Buffalo, and a Buccaneers implosion. Sounds like it was a pretty good week, but it was no Week 4, or even Week 3 for that matter. Enough of this, let’s get to the good stuff: all of the things I learned in week five of the 2011 NFL season.

Tennessee Titans @ Pittsburgh Steelers

1. The Steelers know how to play at home: They have won five of their last six games at Heinz Field. The Terrible Towel really is terrible, for their opponents.

2. Hines Ward! Heath Miller! Fantasy zombies! The two of these guys had three touchdowns combined in Sunday’s game against the Titans! Do I buy it? Well, it's hard to believe in these guys at this point. I think Heath Miller (one touchdown on three receptions in this game) deserves a roster spot, but should stay on the bench, and we all need to see more from Hines Ward (two touchdowns along with seven catches).

3. I wouldn’t be at all surprised if Jonathan Dwyer steals the number two running back spot in Pittsburgh when Mendenhall and Redman are healthy. He was extremely explosive on Sunday (11 for 107) and he burst through the holes like Adrian Peterson (did I take that too far? Oh well.). Of course, Dwyer's 76 yard run helped his stats, but hey, that's what happens when you find and then burst through the hole.

Philadelphia Eagles @ Buffalo Bills

1. The Eagles have one of the best wide receiver corps in the National Football League: Jackson is the big play guy that is going to take the safety deep, Jeremy Maclin is the dependable guy that can also run the sidelines, and Avant is the possession receiver who is going to stay in the middle of the field. 

2. Fred Jackson isn't a fluke. He is running like a mad man right now (3rd in the league) and who would of expected this. The Bills offense is at it's peak, and I'm honestly wondering who can stop them right now. Only time will tell.

3. The Lions aren't the "Dream Team"; only the 2008 Lions would dream of being 1-4. 

New Orleans Saints @ Carolina Panthers

1. At this point. Darren Sproles is one of the best running backs to have on your fantasy team. Consistency is everything at this point in the season, and consistency is Darren Sproles. He has put up nine points or more in every game this season: it doesn't get more consistent than that. Sproles is a must start in all formats right now.

2. While Sproles has been showing up, Jimmy Graham, one of my favorite stories in football, is doing it through the air. He is the top fantasy tight end right now, and who didn't see this coming? He was everyone's fantasy sleeper (including me).

3. The Panthers are legit, but they have to learn to play all four quarters. They can't start slow or finish the game sloppy on either side of the ball. Despite only one check in the "win" column, I think the Panthers are going to compete this year, but I don' think they climb back over .500.

Oakland Raiders @ Houston Texans

1. Darrius Heyward-Bey really made Al Davis look good, as he went for seven catches, 99 yards and a touch: not too shabby. While others aren't jumping on the bandwagon, I am on, and I have been on for the ride. I picked this guy up in multiple leagues in week one, and he is still doing. Pick up Darrius Heyward-Bey while you still can.

2. I was way off with my Matt Schaub, and I greatly over-estimated the Raiders pass defense. Schaub is going to do it with or without Andre Johnson.

3. Everyone was asking the question, "Who is going to replace Andre Johnson?" The only two people that I know were right were The Fantasy Football Guys and this guy. It was Kevin Walter; not Owen Daniels (he had a good game here too), not Jacoby Jones; just Kevin Walter on his way to a 15 point fantasy day.

Kansas City Chiefs @ Indianapolis Colts

1. Todd Haley, Chiefs of his coach, is a man of his word.After saying earlier in the week that Jackie Battle would get more work for the Chiefs, he got 19 carries and ran with it for 119 yards, which was half of the team's carries. Sounds like a good pick up to me, and it also sounds like time to drop Dexter McCluster.

2. Like I have said in weeks past, Dwayne Bowe, even with the Chiefs' struggles, is going to perform on a week to week basis. He is a touchdown machine again this year (call him "Bumblebee") with four touchdowns in the last four games. How impressive is that? Now let's take this a step further: do you sell high on Dwayne Bowe? I am selling high for the right price. He has played two very weak pass defenses, and when Matt Cassel gets into a tougher matchup, he is going to struggle. If I own Dwayne Bowe, I am selling high.

3. I was right! Pierre Garcon is this master athlete! Him and Curtis Painter are hooking up non-stop during the game. It is almost unbelievable. Every time Painter completes a pass I feel like there is a number 85 on his back, and I'm not talking about Ochocinco. Whatever you have to do, go get Pierre Garcon this week if he is available. With all of that, Austin Collie is a drop, and to be honest, Dallas Clark is a drop too. I approve of both of those moves, but drop Clark with caution.

Cincinnati Bengals @ Jacksonville Jaguars

1. AJ Green continues to be Andy Dalton's favorite targets, but Jermaine Gresham is the one who stood out to me. Gresham now has a touchdown in each of his last two games, as well as another touchdown in week one.

2. My Cedric Benson love didn't pay off and he did very little with his carries (24 for 53). The Jaguars front is better than most people think, but if these running backs can get in the open they are going to have a huge run. Unfortunately, Cedric Benson never got that, and he finished with a very disappointing game, especially for me who was so high on him.

3. Although I hate to admit it, the Bengals defense is quite potent. They have only allowed more than 300 yards of total offense to their opponent one time this year (Broncos, 318 yards).

Arizona Cardinals @ Minnesota Vikings

1. The Vikings can play in the second half! They just need 28 points in the first quarter to do it!

2. Emerging from those 28 points was Adrian Peterson: he is a man. Peterson scored three (yes, three) touchdowns in one quarter. I think he quieted all of his haters for now.

3. Kevin Kolb is in the gutters right now. He has hit an all-time low, and he isn't getting anything done; you can feel free to drop him from your fantasy team at any time. The Cardinals are really resorting to Beanie Wells and the run game and since week one, Kevin Kolb has looked absolutely terrible. In the last three weeks combined his has 20 fantasy points combined. There are 31 quarterbacks I would rather have than Kevin Kolb at this point.

Seattle Seahawks @ New York Giants

1. Doug Baldwin isn't going away. The Seahawks' quarterbacks seem to love to throw this guy, and they continue to find him. In this game he went for 136 on eight catches and a touchdown.

2. There is not doubt that Victor Cruz has replaced Mario Manningham, just like I thought he would. The Giants and Eli Manning have made it very clear that Cruz is the guy.

3. As Matthew Berry and I have preached and preached on, the Seahawks run defense is better than most people think, and it was seen here against Ahmad Bradshaw who should of has a great game with Jacobs out. Bradshaw did everything but that with only 2.8 yards per carry in this game, and he finished with a mediocre game.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ San Francisco 49ers

1. Alex Smith is playing top notch right now. He continues to put up above-par fantasy numbers, and in this game he continued that streak as he went 11/19 with 170 yards and three touchdowns--yes, Alex Smith. He is the reason that the Niners are winning at this point. Smith continues to take care of the ball: he has only thrown one interception this year, and that was his only turnover of this year.

2. Frank Gore, when he gets those legs churning, is one of the most brilliant running backs in the NFL. He is one of the most dynamic backs; he is agile, yet he can still truck over defenders. He is a great pass blocker, but he can also catch a ball or two in the flat. Even with all of the injuries he has had, he is still an elite running back, and a dynamic one at that.

3. Even though I already knew this, I thought I would mention that the 49ers have a more than impressive run defense. They continue to shut guys down, and in this game the held the red hot LeGarrette Blount to only 3.4 yards per carry, and they have allowed only 3.6 yards per carry on the year. 

San Diego Chargers @ Denver Broncos

1.How do you have 40% completion percentage (4 0f 10 complete) and still have a passer rating of over 100? You have to be the biggest, the baddest, you have to be the Tim Tebow. When Orton had nothing going for him, Tebow stepped up and took advantage of his opportunity. Enough said: Tebow is my pickup the week, considering that he can run the ball and he is probably going to be the Broncos' new goal line back.

2. Even before Mike Tolbert's in this game, we all knew who the head guy in the backfield for the Chargers is: that'd be Ryan Matthews. He is running as good as any other back in the NFL right now and he ran the ball 24 time (!) for 125 yards but he did not find the endzone. I really like Matthews going forward, and love him from a dynasty league standpoint.

3. McGahee is the guy in Denver, and Moreno is absolutely non-existent in the run game. He had no carries in this game, and only two carries in his last two. The only reason he deserves a roster spot right now is because he found the endzone in this game. If he disappears next game too, then you might as well free up a roster spot.

New York Jets @ New England Patriots

1. BenJarvus Green-Ellis appears to be the guy; he had 27 carries in this one, and he has been getting the majority of the carries. Ridley is definitely still worth a roster spot, but right now he is just a handcuff, and nothing more. 

2. I have said this before, but Ladanian Tomlinson is completely non-existant. Shonn Greene has taken over the role as the running back with 21 carries in this game. The best you are going to get out of Ladanian Tomlinson is around 50 receiving yards and maybe 50 yards rushing, but it is very possible that he could explode at any given time, just a heads up.

3. You know that Wes Welker guy? Yeah, he is kinda good. I mean, he's the only fugitive of "Revis Island", he has to be a beast. But realistically speaking: Welker is poised for the most receptions and yards ever in a single season by a wide receiver. What do you have to say about his knee now?


Green Bay Packers @ Atlanta Falcons

1. There is not one running back you want on your fantasy team from the Packers. Neither James Starks or Ryan Grant is getting enough work to really have an impact. For each of them you are banking on a touchdown, but Mr.Rodgers takes care of that.

2. James Jones! Another fantasy zombie! He was finally revived after getting seven targets and five of them coming as catches, including a 70 yard bomb for a touchdown. Not that he has any huge value yet, but keep your eye on this guy.

3. I don't put any value in this game for Julio Jones. He injured the hamstring late, and he has had two huge games before this. I don't think this means anything for Julio Jones, sometimes you just have one of those games.

Chicago Bears @ Detroit Lions

1. Calvin Johnson is a machine! Nine touchdowns in five games!? That is the most any receiver in the history of the NFL has scored in that span! It's absolutely incredible, and if you have Calvin Johnson on your fantasy team then I'm sure you are doing well.

2. Like I said last week, when Matt Forte gets the touches he deserves he is going to take them and run with them. In this game he had 22 carries for 116 yards. In his last two games, Matt Forte has averaged 6.83 yards per carry. That's how you run the football. And he wasn't playing just any run defense..he has had to run against the Panthers and the Lions: two decent run defenses. That only makes it more impressive.

3. Jahvid Best isn't the kind of running back you want on your fantasy lineup. He can easily drop a huge goose egg, or he can explode that one time that you decide to put him on your bench. His average yards per carry was just over three before the 88 yard touchdown run. I know you have to include the huge run into his average, but he isn't going to do that every game and that means that you are really depending on that touchdown.

Thanks for reading. I'll be back with my Bank and Tank on Thursday, and look for my rankings on Thursday. Don't forget to check me out on Twitter with all of your questions (I mean all of them), or you can also email me.

August 31, 2011

Overvalued QBs and Undervalued RBs

After a day off (do you consider a night full of homework a night off?) I have completely prepared my blog for today and I think I found the best candidates. I think you might be surprised. Let's run over some news real quick so we can move to the undervalued/overvalued.

The story that every fantasy owner seems to be fretting about is Arian Foster's hamstring. ESPN's John Clayton said he is expected to miss 3-4 weeks because in the MRI there was a small tear. Before you go drop James Starks and go get Ben Tate let me tell you: this is not as serious as the media and others are making it. Arian Foster is still not taking it seriously and thinks he will play in week one. He might not be full health but he should be 90% for week two. Even if you are going to pick some one up, I'm not sure you want to grab Ben Tate. Many people around the Texans think that Derrick Ward will be the guy in Houston if Foster misses a game despite Tate's great preseason. I would stay away from the Houston backfield completely in week one. In the long run, if Foster performs like last year, he will still be far ahead (fantasy points wise) of any running back at the end of the year, even with sitting out a game or two. Don't worry about this injury; if Arian himself isn't taking it seriously (check out his twitter) then neither should you.

Arian Foster went down with a hamstring injury in Saturday's game. It was later found to be a small tear.

Another rather small story out Jacksonville: after Rashad Jenning's knee sprain in the Jaguars game on Saturday, he was seen at Tuesday's practice on crutches. So unfortunate for the Jaguars because right as Maurice Jones-Drew is ready to go, Jennings goes down. There is not much news on Jennings but if he is to miss a game (he will miss the final preseason game) then Deji Karim will be the Jaguars backup running back.

Rashad Jenning (knee) was seen on crutches on Tuesday.

Now for my first overvalued quarterback I present to you: Kevin Kolb. As of now, he is being drafted in the 11th round, which is way too high for Kolb. He has yet to really prove himself, and he really hasn't shown us much. In the 11th round he is going over guys like: Kyle Orton who we talked about on Monday, as well as Jay Cutler and Joe Flacco. This is ridiculous. I know he was covered a lot by the media, and that is probably a big factor. But drafting him over proven quarterbacks is not a smart move. I wouldn't take Kolb until the 13th or 14th round, just let some one else take that risk.

I'd rather let someone else take Kevin Kolb in the 11th/12th rounds.
Since there really aren't many overvalued quarterbacks this year, let's just move on ahead to the undervalued running backs, then I will give you a really deep guy, just like I did on quarterbacks. My first undervalued guy in Tim Hightower. Many people are against this guy since he is part of a three-headed Shanahan monster. I know it is a reach, but I would take Hightower in the sixth or maybe even fifth round if you are in a standard non-PPR league. Redskins say he is the guy for week one (still, Shanahan is the coach I mean come on) . I really like the guy if he stays in that role. Just a side note on the Redskins: I think John Beck will be the starting QB and I think he will be fairly decent. Not as bad as others think, at least.

My second guy is Reggie Bush. People are worried about injury concerns, I know, I know; but this guy is very explosive and if he stays healthy I think he will have 1,500+ all purpose yards., mark my works. The guy has looked great in preseason and I think he has found new life in Miami. He is being drafted in the eighth round right now, I think that is about right, but a lot of the time you can wait and grab him in the ninth or tenth rounds. That being said, do not go off and draft him in the sixth or seventh round like some people do because of the name. If you use a pick like that you put your trust that he will not get injured, and, well, that is just plain stupid.

But you know what's not stupide final round? Grabbing a deep sleeper at RB in ths of your draft. The guy I'm grabbing? It has to be LaRod Stephens-Howling. He is going to be backup to an injury machine, Beanie Wells. LaRod can catch the ball better than Beanie meaning he is going to find time on the field for that, but it's not just his pass receiving skills. We have seen Beanie get benched by Coach Ken Whisenhunt in the past. Of course, it wasn't for Stephens-Howling, but it does tell you that Beanie could get benched sometime before this season is over. I would be taking Stephens-Howling in the third to last round before you grab your defense or kicker.

Hope you guys enjoyed. Come back tomorrow for my overvalued RBs and my undervalued WRs. Until then you can follow me on Twitter: @TheFFAddict. Thanks for reading!