Week One NFL Game Picks

Us fans have been through a near detrimental lockout, an agonizing off-season, and a frustrating wait, but Thursday we got back to football. The words we have been waiting to hear for seven months: back to football. Oh, the sweet sound. Every fan making their picks, setting their line ups, scanning the waiver wire, asking the fantasy gods their start/sit questions, but now it is a reality. Sunday is the day. I have done almost all of that. I sit here and rank my players time and time again, pick who I would start/sit, and just talk about football. But now I have one last thing to do before football gets to a start: make my picks. I know I missed one game already, but with the Packers being my Superbowl pick I figured that you guys might now that I was going with the Pack.

Now that that game is in the past we can move on to Sunday. I'm going to give you my pick for every game, including my pick with the line, and the O/U. Not only that but I will also post the score and the fantasy impact in every game.


Pittsburgh Steelers @ Baltimore Ravens

You've gotta start your studs in week one

ESPN Preview
CBS - 1:00 PM EST
Line: Ravens by 1
Over/Under: 36
My Preview: I think the Ravens win this one although I have the Steelers winning the North. If Ravens can prevent turnovers then I think they will prevail, and I would take them with the spread too. I'm going to take the under on this game. The Steelers and Ravens always play very tight low scoring games, I would expect a little less than 36.
Fantasy Impact- I wouldn't like to have either one of these QBs this week, most people usually have better options. As for the running backs, I think everyone needs to start their studs and stop worrying about the bad match up. My sleeper for this game is Emanuel Sanders. I think he is going to find some holes in the defense and have a nice game. Also, those worried about Boldin, forget about it. He is still a decent flex play this week.
Prediction: Ravens 20, Steelers 13


Detroit Lions @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ESPN Preview
FOX - 1:00 PM EST
Line: Buccaneers by 1
Over/Under: 41
My Preview: Believe it or not, this (in some people's minds) is a playoff match up. Neither one of these teams weren't in my playoffs, but I think both are very solid contenders. The Lions have a healthy Matthew Stafford, and for the Bucs it's another year of experience for quarterback Josh Freeman. This should be a good offense game, and I am going to go against the line and say that the Lions win this one. I think their offense is going to really impress a lot of people. I will also take the over on 41. Lions 30 - Buccaneers 24

Matthew Stafford is healthy, and ready to roll.

Fantasy Impact- Look for both QBs to have a nice one in this game, but I think Stafford will fare better than Freeman. For RBs, I like Blount a lot this week. He is a guy I will be watching to see if he is the workhorse that many have said that he may be. For the wide receivers you are obviously starting Megatron. In a deeper league I think Burleson could be interesting this week. Williams is a solid WR2 this week too, but I will be keeping my eye on Benn to see what kind of role he plays in this offense. As for the TE's, both are pretty good plays.


Atlanta Falcons @ Chicago Bears
ESPN Preview 
FOX - 1:00 PM EST
Line: Falcons by 2.5
Over/Under: 40.5

Matt Forte is a must start in all fantasy football formats this week

My Preview: This game consists of two playoff teams from 2010. Both teams had a first round bye in the playoffs, and the Bears hosted the NFC Championship in that loss to the Green Bay Packers. The Bears might be a little bit underrated in this match up, just like they were all of last year. I think Bears will have a solid outing in this game, but I'm going to go with Matty Ice in this one. I'll take the Falcons with and without the spread. I will go under on the over/under.
Fantasy Impact:  Matt Ryan should be a good fantasy option for this game, but Jay cutler might not. Both teams have good defenses, but are better in the rushing/pass rush game and don't have strong secondaries. I don't think I am starting any Bears WRs, while I would start Roddy White and possibly Julio Jones in the flex in a deep league. I'm starting both RBs. Barber may be held out of this games, which guarantees goal line carries for Forte, and a heavy load. I really like Forte this week. Neither TE should be in your starting lineup.
Predictions:  Falcons 24 - Bears 16

Buffalo Bills @ Kansas City
ESPN Preview
CBS - 1:00 PM EST
Line: Chiefs by 5.5
Over/Under: 40

Charles had a great game against the Bills last year

My Preview: Bills may not be there ye, but they are rising. I think they will compete in nearly every game this year, and also have a fair record. Kansas City is going to have to beat San Diego for the division and they need a strong start. Cassel says he will play this game. I think Bills are going to hang in this game until the end just like they did all of last year. Charles will end up being the difference maker in this game.
Fantasy Impact: Both QBs should not be in a standard league lineup. Charles had a very good game last year against the Bills, and I would expect another one this year. Bowe on the other hand did not, with only seven fantasy points. I am still starting Bowe this week no doubt. As for the Bills, I think you are starting Fred Jackson in your flex and playing Steve Johnson as a WR2. Both should be good options for week one. I think everyone should keep their eye on Ryan Fitzpatrick, a QB that is very far under the radar this year.
Prediction:  Chiefs 27 - Bills 23


Indianapolis Colts @ Houston Texans
ESPN Preview
CBS - 1:00 PM EST
Line: Texans by 8.5
Over/Under: 43.5
My Preview: No Manning. No glory for the Colts. This team is formed around Manning and without Peyton under center, things could get ugly for the Colts. This is definitely the chance for the Texans to end the Colts streak of playoff appearances at nine. I think the Texans have an extremely favorable match-up against 38 year old Kerry Collins, Peyton Manning's replacement. I know you are saying to yourself, "Manning? Replacement? Those don't belong together," But that's what the Colts have been forced to do in Indianapolis. Houston is going to spread the ball around and embarrass these Colts on Sunday.

Andre Johnson should have a good game.

Fantasy Impact: I ranked Andre Johnson as my #1 wide receiver this week for a reason: Foster is injured, and the Texans are going to air it out against a sub-par Colts' pass defense. Another thing, even though my rankings say differently, I think the Texans are going to be cautious with Foster and sit him out for this game. I think Ward and Tate are going to handle the load just fine. As for the Colts' well, it's going to be all about Kerry Collins performance. I think Kerry Collins hurts the value of Wayne and Garcon. But I can see Addai getting more of a load, Clark getting more targets, and Collie just being the kind of receiver that Collins can trust. I think Schaub, Andre Johnson, Clark, Wayne, Collie, and Addai are the guys that deserve a starting spot this week.
Prediction: Texans 38 - Colts 17.

Philadelphia Eagles @ St.Louis Rams
ESPN Preview
FOX - 1:00 PM EST
Line: Eagles by 4
Over/Under: 44

Keep Lance Kendricks on the bench for now.

My Preview: Can the "Dream Team" show up in week one? If the Rams can put the pressure on Vick then  the Eagles might have a hard time, but if they don't get any pressure on Vick, then he is going to absolutely shred this Rams defense. Sam Bradford is going to have a lot of trouble with this defense as well. We also get to see how this Eagles secondary is going to do in a real game situation, so this should be a good one to watch.
Fantasy Impact: This game has a lot of fantasy studs you are probably going to want to start. On the Eagles side you have Mike Vick playing a weak Rams pass defense; I ranked him #1 this week. You also have McCoy who may get a lot of catches because the rush that the Rams will be putting on Vick, and then Desean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin as well. For the Rams, fantasy owners should be keeping their eyes on Sam Bradford and Mike Sims-Walker, as well as up and coming tight end Lance Kendricks. The only guy I am starting for the Rams this week though is Steven Jackson.
Prediction: Eagles 30, Rams 20

Cincinnati Bengals @ Cleveland Browns
ESPN Preview
CBS - 1:00 PM EST
Line: Cleveland by 6.5
Over/Under: 35.5

Will Jerome Simpson pick up where he left off?

My Preview: Both of these teams are seen by gutter teams by almost every analyst, but I tend to think otherwise. I don't think that Browns are all that bad. They are a team on the rise right now, and they have a lot of young talent. The Bengals on the other hand, well, they are the Bengals. They could be one of the worst teams in the NFL this year, and this is a game that rookie QB Andy Dalton can come out and show everyone that they can play.
Fantasy Impact: There really aren't many guys to start in this game besides Peyton Hillis. The main thing I am watching is who the two quarterback's are going to target the most. I think for the Browns Brian Robiskie is going to get a lot of looks, and for the Bengals I think it will be Jerome Simpson. I think Jermaine Gresham will get quite a few looks from Dalton as well. The only two guys I am starting are Hillis and Cedric Benson. Everyone else has potential, but they aren't there yet.
Prediction: Browns 23, Bengals 10 - Browns are my Eliminator Pick of the Week


Tennessee Titans @ Jacksonville Jaguars
ESPN Preview
CBS - 1:00 PM EST
Line: Jaguars by 1
Over/Under: 35.5

Kenny Britt is a must start this week.

My Preview: A lot of new faces in new places in this game. We're going to see Matt Hasselbeck in a Titans jersey, Chris Johnson on the field, Mike Thomas as a #1 wide receiver, and Luke McCown starting at quarterback. The Titans are going to be packing eight men in the box very often to stop the Jags only weapon: Marice Jones-Drew. I think Kenny Britt may have a nice game, but we will have to see how him and Hasselbeck connect. The Titans may actually fare well in this one, and they might even make a run at the division title early in the year.
Fantasy Impact: Unless Luke McCown can step up, I don't expect MJD to have a great game. You still have to start him, but don't expect too much. I think Marcedes Lewis value should stay the same, and he is still a top ten tight end, but it hurts the little value that Mike Thomas had, as well as Jason Hill. For the Titans, I think both Chris Johnson and Kenny Britt will have really good games against the weak Jaguars defense. I will also be watching tight end Jared Cook, and wide receiver Nate Washington.
Prediction: Titans 20, Jacksonville 10


New York Giants @ Washington Redskins
ESPN Preview
FOX - 4:15 PM EST
Line: Giants by 3
Over/Under: 38

You can expect to see a lot of this on Sunday.

My Preview: Redskins decided to go with Grossman over Beck for the starting QB job, and it was very apparent that he was having a better preseason. However, this Redskins team is not going to fare well this year. And with injuries in the secondary (even though they acquired OJ Atogwe) Eli Manning could throw all over this already bad pass defense. But speaking of pass defenses, the Giant's isn't all that great either. Washington isn't going to hang around long in this game, and I think the line is way too far off.
Fantasy Impact: Hakeem Nicks is going to go off this week, I really like him against the weak pass defense of the Redskins. Manningham should have a nice game as well. Although it is unknown how Coughlin is going to use Jacobs, I think Bradshaw is a must start, and Jacobs should be held on the bench, at least for now. For the Reskins, I think that Fred Davis (if Chris Cooley sits) and Moss could both have nice games this week, Grossman isn't awful, and those guys should still get targets. Hightower is worht a flex spot this week, but stay away from the other two (Helu and Torain) if you can.
Prediction: Giants 27, Redskins 16

  
Carolina Panthers @ Arizona Cardinals
ESPN Preview

FOX - 4:15 PM EST
Line: Cardinals by 6.5
Over/Under: 37

I'm excited to see how Roberts does with Kolb.

My Preview: There are two new quarterbacks under center for both of these teams. One has a lot more experience than the other, but they are both new to their respective teams. I still don't think either offense is going to have a great game here. Kevin Kolb has to deal with Carolina's above-par secondary, and the Panthers are led by Cam Newton who has looked ugly in the preseason in terms of passing. Panthers have the better RBs, but without a passing game to back it up, DeAngelo Williams and Johnathan Stewart may not be all that productive
Fantasy Impact: Kolb may be in some team's lineup this week, he is a very low end QB1, but Cam Newton should not be in any lineup and should be on the bench. Fitzgerald has a quarterback now and it will be good to see how he fares with Kolb, as well as my sleeper wide receiver Andre Roberts. For the Panthers, I want to see how their offense is going to do with Cam Newton. People should be starting Steve Smith, Larry Fitzgerald, DeAngelo Williams, and Johnathan Stewart and Beanie Wells should be decent flex plays this week.
Prediction: Cardinals 24, Panthers 13


Seattle Seahawks @ San Francisco 49ers
ESPN Preview
FOX - 4:15 PM EST
Line: 49ers by 5.5
Over/Under: 37.5

This guy's gotta be in your line up.

My Preview: There really isn't much to say here. I think this game is going to be bad: a very low scoring affair for both teams. The 49ers quarterbacks couldn't produce in the preseason to save their lives and the Seahawks have Tavaris Jackson under center, enough said. This game is not going to be pretty. I think Frank Gore will actually shine some light on the 49ers pass defense though, and the Seahawks aren't going to have much of an answer for him.
Fantasy Impact: Neither QB is going to have much of a game and neither one should even be on a fantasy rosters. For the wide receivers, the only one I might be starting is Braylon Edwards. Sidney Rice is listed as doubtful and looks like he is going to sit this one out. I wouldn't start any Seattle wide receivers. I am starting both starting running backs though. Davis is an obvious start at TE, and Miller is a decent start at TE.
Prediction: 49ers 17, Seahawks 14


Minnesota Vikings @ San Diego Chargers
ESPN Preview
FOX - 4:15 PM EST
Line: San Diego by 8.5
Over/Under: 41.5
My Preview: One of the biggest and most predictable moves in the off-season was Donavan McNabb heading to Minnesota. Even without Sidney Rice there anymore, I think McNabb could have a decent season, and I know he can have one better than he did in Washington. Phillip Rivers is a lot of people's MVP pick right now. And I wouldn't doubt it considering he led the league in passing yards without his two top targets for a lot of the season. In this game, I am really looking for how Mike Tolbert and Ryan Matthews are going to be used in this offense. I'll also be watching how McNabb and Harvin connect in their first NFL game together. I think the Vikings might contend with this team for a while, but the Chargers are just too powerful for the
Fantasy Impact: With Kevin Williams out, I think both Chargers running backs are good starts this week. Antonio Gates looks like he will be ready to go, and Vincent Jackson is always a must start. I think everyone who has Floyd should wait and see how the Chargers are going to use their WR2 this year, and then maybe activate him in weeks to come. For the Vikings I would play Harvin with a flex spot, and you are obviously going to be starting Adrian Peterson.
Prediction: Chargers 30, Vikings 20


Dallas Cowboys @ New York Jets
ESPN Preview
NBC - 8:20 PM EST
Line: Jets by 5.5
Over/Under: 40.5

Watch for this guy on Sunday Night

My Preview: The way the Cowboys secondary reacts to the injury of Terence Newman is going to leave a major impact on this game. If Orlando Scandrick can come up and perform (like his contract says he should) then Cowboys will be fine, but if not, it could be an ugly game for the Cowboys defense. The Jets are going to have to find a way to shut down the Cowboys passing attack if they want to have a chance in this one. Romo will likely go to Witten, or expose Cromartie whether than going Darelle Revis' way. I'll be watching to see how Plaxico Burress fares against the Cowboys, and also who the Cowboys true third wide receiver is going to be this year.
Fantasy Impact: A couple of the people I am sitting in this game may surprise you. I am going to sit both of the running backs. I think both will probably get shut down by the opposing defense. I am starting Austin, Dez Bryant, and Santonio Holmes. The best performance from this game will probably by Jason Witten because the Jets just don't have the linebackers to cover him. I am sitting Plaxico Burress and Dustin Keller until they can prove to me they are start-worthy. I think both of the quarterbacks are decent options this week, but Sanchez has the most upside as this may not be Romo's week.
Predictions: Cowboys 27, Jets 24 - Game of the Week


New England Patriots @ Miami Dolhpins
ESPN Preview
ESPN - Monday 7:00 PM  EST
Line: Patriots by 6.5
Over/Under: 45.5

The off-season acquisition is going to payoff in week one

My Preview: Patriots were the #1 seed in last year's playoffs, and all they did was improve this off-season with the addition of Ochocinco and Albert Haynesworth. Both could, and should, benefit the team. They did recently release Brandon Meriweather, but it shouldn't be a huge factor for the Patriots. Brady is going to jump on the Dolphins on Monday night, and the Dolphins are going to get crushed. Patriots defeated the Dolphins by an average of 29 points in two games last year. Twenty-nine. With a better offense, I think the Patriots are going to be all over the 'Phins
Fantasy Impact: The Dolphins have a pretty mediocre pass defense, so I think Ochocinco and Welker are both starts. I expect the Dolphins to go down early, and then start throwing the ball a lot. That's why I like Chad Henne if you are scrambling for a quarterback this week. I also like Reggie Bush since Daniel Thomas is not going to play in this one, as well as Brandon Marshall. For the Patriots tight ends that went back and forth last year, I would try to stay away from both of them this week. Until you know who Brady is targeting more often then I think you can probably find better options. And last but not least I am also starting BenJarvus Green-Ellis because I think the Patriots are going to resort to the ground game in the second half.



Oakland Raiders @ Denver Broncos
ESPN Preview
ESPN - Monday 10:15 EST
Line: Broncos by 3
Over/Under: 40.5
My Preview: The last game of the week, and the second half of a two game Monday Night Football on ESPN. These two teams are unpredictable with a lot of questions coming into the season. Can Kyle Orton start how he started last year? Can Brandon Lloyd be what he was last year? Can Knowshon Moreno stay healthy? Is Dumervil ready? What about the Raiders? Can Jason Campbell be what he was supposed to be last year? Can Jacoby Ford be a #1 wide receiver, or anyone else on the team for that matter? Is McFadden for real? Can Asomugha come close to being replaced? All of these are questions that can't be answered until we get to game time. They are also things that I will be looking for in this game.

Can he perform at Mile High again?

Fantasy Preview- Let's just run through these real quick. Most of it is covered in the questions I am asking up above, but I'll just go position by position. I think Orton is a start this week against a very weak Oakland Raiders defense, as well as his favorite target Brandon Lloyd. There aren't any tight ends that are interesting in this match up, but I think that both running backs are must starts. We all know what Moreno did when he was healthy last year, and we also know how badly McFadden shredded this defense last year. Jacoby Ford may be a flex play if you need the upside, but in most cases he should be on your bench. And last is Willis McGahee who should find a spot on the pine this week until you see what kind of role he is going to have with his new team.
Prediction: Denver 23, Raiders 17

 Thanks for reading everyone. I hope you enjoy the games this weekend. If you have any questions about your fantasy football team, or maybe you just want to talk football then shoot me an email or follow me on Twitter, @TheFFAddict. Enjoy your Sunday full of football!

2011 NFL Predictions: Stat Leaders

Yesterday I said I wouldn't be back on the holiday but here I am. I have some more NFL Predictiuons today and I just want to make it short sweet. Like I said in the last blog, I recommend doing this yourself. It's a fun little thing to do that you can look back on in February and say,"Wow, did I really pick Mark Ingram to finish top three in rushing TDs," Or look back on the good/bad predictions you made. That being said, this will be my second of three blogs on my predictions for the 2011 NFL season. This one, as seen in the title, is about stat leaders and who will lead the league in pretty much every stat category. Let’s get this show on the road

Passing Yards

1. Aaron Rodgers

2. Tom Brady

3.  Phillip Rivers

Passing Touchdowns

1. Aaron Rodgers

2. Tom Brady

3. Tony Romo

Passer Rating

1. Tom Brady

2. Aaron Rodgers

3. Ben Roethlisberger

Most Interceptions

1. Jay Cutler

2. Eli Manning

3. Chad Henne

Rushing Yards

1. Jamaal Charles

2. Chris Johnson

3. Arian Foster

Rushing TDs

1. Peyton Hillis

2. Adrian Peterson

3. Michael Turner

Receptions

1.  Larry Fitzgerald

2. Roddy White

3. Jason Witter

Receiving Yards

1. Andre Johnson

2. Mike Wallace

3. Hakeem Nicks

Receiving Touchdowns

1. Calvin Johnson

2. Larry Fitzgerald

3. Hakeem Nicks

Most Tackles

1. Lawrence Timmons

2. London Fletcher

3. Jerod Mayo

Most Interceptions

1.  Joe Haden

2. Ed Reed

3. Tramon Williams/Brent Grimes

Most Sacks

1. Demarcus Ware

2. Shaun Phillips

3. Trent Cole

4. Tamba Hali

5. Clay Matthews

Forced Fumbles

1. Osi Umenyiora

2. Dwight Freeney

3. Tamba Hali

After all of that, I always choose who I think will win certain awards, including the runner-up. So let’s take a look at that.

League MVP

Aaron Rodgers, QB, Green Bay Packers

Runner-Up: Phillip Rivers, QB, San Diego Chargers

Offensive Player of the Year

Aaron Rodgers, QB, Green Bay Packers

Runner-Up: Jamaal Charles, RB, Kansas City Chiefs

Defensive Player of the Year

Demarcus Ware, OLB, Dallas Cowboys

Runner-Up: Joe Haden, CB, Cleveland Browns

AP Offensive Rookie of the Year

Mark Ingram, RB, New Orleans Saints

Runner-Up: Cam Newton, QB, Carolina Panthers

AP Defensive Rookie of the Year

Marcel Dareus, DT/DE, Buffalo Bills

Runner-Up- Von Miller, LB,  Denver Broncos

Comeback Player of the Year

Tony Romo, QB, Dallas Cowboys

Thanks for reading. Tuesday afternoon my bold predictions will come out, three from each team, and then on Wednesday my week one fantasy football rankings come out. One last thing I was wondering from all you readers, do you guys think a friend and I should start a podcast? If so, leave a comment with ideas or suggestions for the podcast. Be sure to follow this blog, follow me on Twitter @TheFFAddict, and feel free to email me cshardy@att.net.

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!

Wednesday, August 24th, 2011 NFL Fantasy Football Wrap-Up

Today was a busy (but certainly not hectic) day in the NFL, from Kerry Collins to Orlando Scandrick, I'm going to wrap it all up and put into a fantasy football owner's perspective for you. Furthermore, let's look at the biggest moves as this Hump Day comes to an end.

Let's start off with Peyton Manning injury saga. And let me start by saying, unless you live under a rock, you probably know that Peyton Manning had neck surgery in the offseason. With him being a question mark for week one, the Colts went out and signed Kerry Collins out of retirement. Now this flashes obvious signs that Manning may not be ready for week one, and possibly even more. It all depends how the nerve in the neck repairs, there is really no timeline for that kind of injury.

Now before we move on through this saga, we need to get one thing straight; even if Peyton Manning does come back week one he probably won't be ready to hit an NFL field. He could be out of shape, and out of sync. In fantasy drafts, he is usually going around the third and fourth rounds. I think this is a ridiculous place to draft him. I mean he has all of the weapons around him, including his favorite target Dallas Clark (fresh off a season-ending wrist injury), but if they guy hasn't played football in months I would rather take guys like Phillip  Rivers (who often goes later than Manning) who has Vincent Jackson back for the entire season. Or maybe even Tony Romo who is a fantasy star when he is healthy (majority of the time he is). I wouldn't take Manning until the late fifth round, where, in most drafts, he is already gone

Now after that you have to ask yourself,"Do I downgrade all of my Colts players in my rankings?" And the answer is no. Not yet atleast. I mean, until the season gets closer you aren't going to know if this nerve is going to heal in time or not. Granted, Manning is the Colts and they look pitiful in the preseason without him, but downgrading Colts players is ridiculous at this point because Manning still has that chance that he could play week one. Like I said before, even if Manning is back, I wouldn't expect him to have a stellar performance. Eventually (probably just days from the season) we will have more news on Manning to judge all of the Colts fantasy players. For now, if you want my opinion, I would just stay put and wait it out. Maybe try trading Colts players if you have already drafted. But look, the fantasy value of these players will not decrease that drastically. After all, his last name is still Manning.

Enough Manning Injury Saga talk: let's move on to Saints offensive guard Carl Nicks who injured his knee in Saturday night's game. It first appeared Nicks had a knee contusion and it continued bothering Nicks on Monday.  The Saints decided to take him in for further tests but the tests came back negative. Coach Sean Payton said he will be sidelined for a week but he should be back in practice next week. This will obviously hurt the Saint's run game if this injury continues into the regular season, although that is highly unlikely.

Another Saint is experiencing some difficulty with his knee, but this time it was no offensive lineman this time, it was rookie running back Mark Ingram. He had some swelling in his knee on Tuesday. Payton said Ingram should be sidelined for a couple days, meaning that it shouldn't cause problems in the future for the young back.

And my last news story, which I like to call my "Not so Important Fantasy News but Still Big News" segment, is Cowboys corner Orlando Scandrick getting a five-year, worth $27 million including $10 million guaranteed. Rob Ryan is said to have love the guy, and the Cowboys think they have a top three Nickel formation corner in the NFL. Newman is always injured so you can expect to see Scandrick a lot this year with the love from management and the oppotunities he will get.

Thanks for reading. Just for the heads up: I will be doing a daily recap, with all of the biggest NFL news. There will be one one Monday, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays. Every Friday or Saturday I will repost my rankings. So check back every night to get your fix of fantasy news. You can also find me on Twitter, just tweet any fantasy questions you have to @TheFFAddict, and I will get back to you as quickly as possible.