Fantasy drafts are similar to the old saying about the Thursday of a Major golf tournament. You cannot win your Fantasy League on draft night, but you might draft so badly that you are never a factor in your Fantasy League. Players are going to get injured or benched and you are going to have to make trades or waiver wire pick ups in order to make the playoffs and win your league. However, a draft with value players sets you up for a great start to the season.
For reference, I play in a couple of different 12 team leagues with a 16 round draft. We do not use flex players or Individual Defensive Players, so those are not covered in this article. Here are five quick draft tips that I use in my Fantasy Draft preparation.
1. Check out the Average Draft Positions for your main player targets. If you are like me, you do not have time to research all kinds of statistics before your draft. I usually spend about two or three hours actually making draft lists. ADP, Average Draft Position, is the best indicator of where players are going all over the country. You see the value that many other people are putting on each player.
In 2008 Fantasy drafts, Kurt Warner probably was not drafted in many leagues, but you might have had a gut feeling he was going to start for the Arizona Cardinals. It would have been a bad pick to draft Warner high, but if you knew you wanted him in round 14 as your backup quarterback, you could wait and fill out your roster with better players at the other positions. ADP is available on nearly all quality Fantasy Football web sites. If you only look at a couple statistics (touchdowns scored last year, total yards, etc.), ADP definitely needs to be one of them.
2. Make your own player Sleeper list with a concentration on some rookies. Everyone knows the best players, but you have to separate yourself by getting value in the later rounds. I make myself a list of 20 players that I know will be available in the later rounds. Every year there are rookies that make a big impact on Fantasy Football. Last year, Chris Johnson of the Tennessee Titans was a major contributor. Matt Forte, the Chicago Bears’ running back, was a Sleeper pick that helped someone win their league. One guy I really like this year is Jeremy Macklin of the Philadelphia Eagles. On offense, the Eagles spread the football around to all of their skill players, so Macklin is going to get some touches in the Red Zone.
3. Do a mock draft by positions like RB, QB, or TE. You really cannot do a mock draft by player, because of the unpredictability of other people in your Fantasy league. Someone may take a kicker in the first round! I saw that happen once. Plus, time is a factor. Very few people have the time to do an entire mock draft for Fantasy Football, but you quickly can do a round by round player position draft. This gives you a simple draft strategy to follow.
You should think unconventionally with your position order. Running backs are very important, but quarterbacks have led my leagues in scoring the past few seasons. If you have a middle pick in the first round, I definitely consider taking Tom Brady or Drew Brees. If you have bookend picks at the end of the first and beginning of the second round, you might take the best two running backs available or throw in one of the best wide receivers. Getting your top four draft selections correct is vital to having a winning Fantasy team.
For example, figure out in which round you want to take a QB, RB, or Wide Receiver. You may think that the wide receiver position is deeper than running back. If so, you might want to draft four running backs in the first six rounds of the draft. Make a list for all twelve rounds and try to stick to it. In later rounds, you can have RB/WR. Save your kicker for last, but I like to draft my starting defense in an earlier round, because I just take one defense. I know they are going to play each week. No chance of injury! This will help you focus and fill out your roster with quality players at ever position.
4. Know the Vultures and Handcuffs of your starting running backs. Handcuffs are back up running backs that can step right in for an NFL team, start, and produce Fantasy points. Vultures are other running backs on the same team as your starter that steal touchdowns away from your player. Running backs with known Vultures might lose some of their Fantasy impact.
The Carolina Panthers’ Jonathan Stewart is a big time Vulture. The Titans Lendale White is a touchdown Vulture. Teams that go with a bigger goal line running back are dangerous to your starter. Michael Bush of the Oakland Raiders is sure to steal some TDs from Darren McFadden. You might remember Jerome Bettis as the ultimate touchdown stealer for the Steelers a few seasons ago.
If you have the first pick and draft Adrian Peterson, you should look to draft Chester Taylor as Peterson’s handcuff in a later round. Peterson is going to miss a few games with injury. Another running back whose back up will earn a bunch of touches is the Colts’ Joseph Addai. If you draft Addai and are expecting to start him every Sunday, you need to know who is back up is. You might have to take the handcuff running back earlier than you want to but it will be worth it.
5. Pay attention to the Offensive Coordinators and their reputations. Everyone knows that the Saints are going to throw a bunch and score a ton of points. For that reason, the Saints’ skill players have more value than say the Chicago Bears with Ron Turner calling the plays. The Bears’ conservative offense makes Jay Cutler’s Fantasy value much lower this year.
Another example is New England. The Patriots have a new O-Coordinator this year. Will the Patriots throw for touchdowns in the Red Zone like the past few years or will they run the ball more for touchdowns? Their offense should be more potent with QB Tom Brady back, but there is some doubt there. Some teams whose players are more valuable based on their coaching philosophy are the Saints, Patriots, Cardinals, Falcons, Eagles, Cowboys, and believe it or not the Kansas City Chiefs.
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Blogging from the Blackberry
I just got a new Blackberry and I want to post to blogger from this phone. Did it work?
Friday, January 30, 2009
Super Bowl Prediction: Steelers Defense Dominates
Steelers -7 Cardinals
Two weeks ago, I picked both NFL conference championship games correctly and I am now 8-2 on picks in the playoffs. This Super Bowl pick is very easy for me to make. I am taking the Steelers to win and cover the 7 point spread.
This pick is easy because I am a Steelers fan. Going into this season in my predictions column, I had the Steelers playing the Cowboys in the Super Bowl. Mostly that pick was based on my feeling that Ben Roethlisberger was going to have a monster season (I even took Big Ben as my starting quarterback in Fantasy Football and that did not go so well). In 2007, he was the 2nd best quarterback to Tom Brady in the NFL
The Patriots were the team that most worried me as a fan. During this decade, the Patriots have been the Steelers’ nemesis during a few playoff runs. In fact, the Patriots were able to beat the Steelers even when Brady was injured and Drew Bledsoe had to play in the 2nd half of the AFC championship game a few years back. When Brady was injured in Week 1, I felt good about the Steelers and their Super Bowl chances, if they could survive their brutal schedule and make the playoffs.
However, Big Ben had an okay if not mediocre season statistics wise. He played well in the 4th quarters of the big regular season contests, but he was not the decisive factor I thought he would be. Instead, the Steelers defense took their level of play to a whole different stratosphere this year. I argue that the defense is not getting enough respect and attention during the Super Bowl hype. This unit only gave up 300 yards in a game once during the season. That is unprecedented in NFL history.
James Harrison, the NFL defensive player of the year, barely has been mentioned by any analysts as a factor for this game. He has had a quiet playoff run, but look for him to have a prominent role in Sunday’s game. Harrison will team up with Lamar Woodley and Lawrence Timmons to harass and sack Kurt Warner all afternoon. If it was not for the expert blitz pick ups by Willis McGahee of the Ravens, Timmons would have killed Joe Flacco on a couple of plays in the AFC championship game. Timmons is one player that the Cardinals have to account for on obvious blitzing and passing downs.
Big Ben will play well and the defense will dominate. My prediction is the game is close in the first half, but the Steelers win the game 34-14.
2008 Playoff Picks: 8-2
2008 Regular Season Picks: 134-114-8
2008 Fantasy Player Picks: 90-62-5
Two weeks ago, I picked both NFL conference championship games correctly and I am now 8-2 on picks in the playoffs. This Super Bowl pick is very easy for me to make. I am taking the Steelers to win and cover the 7 point spread.
This pick is easy because I am a Steelers fan. Going into this season in my predictions column, I had the Steelers playing the Cowboys in the Super Bowl. Mostly that pick was based on my feeling that Ben Roethlisberger was going to have a monster season (I even took Big Ben as my starting quarterback in Fantasy Football and that did not go so well). In 2007, he was the 2nd best quarterback to Tom Brady in the NFL
The Patriots were the team that most worried me as a fan. During this decade, the Patriots have been the Steelers’ nemesis during a few playoff runs. In fact, the Patriots were able to beat the Steelers even when Brady was injured and Drew Bledsoe had to play in the 2nd half of the AFC championship game a few years back. When Brady was injured in Week 1, I felt good about the Steelers and their Super Bowl chances, if they could survive their brutal schedule and make the playoffs.
However, Big Ben had an okay if not mediocre season statistics wise. He played well in the 4th quarters of the big regular season contests, but he was not the decisive factor I thought he would be. Instead, the Steelers defense took their level of play to a whole different stratosphere this year. I argue that the defense is not getting enough respect and attention during the Super Bowl hype. This unit only gave up 300 yards in a game once during the season. That is unprecedented in NFL history.
James Harrison, the NFL defensive player of the year, barely has been mentioned by any analysts as a factor for this game. He has had a quiet playoff run, but look for him to have a prominent role in Sunday’s game. Harrison will team up with Lamar Woodley and Lawrence Timmons to harass and sack Kurt Warner all afternoon. If it was not for the expert blitz pick ups by Willis McGahee of the Ravens, Timmons would have killed Joe Flacco on a couple of plays in the AFC championship game. Timmons is one player that the Cardinals have to account for on obvious blitzing and passing downs.
Big Ben will play well and the defense will dominate. My prediction is the game is close in the first half, but the Steelers win the game 34-14.
2008 Playoff Picks: 8-2
2008 Regular Season Picks: 134-114-8
2008 Fantasy Player Picks: 90-62-5
Friday, January 16, 2009
NFL - Conference Championship Games
My Picks
Eagles -4 @Cardinals – Cardinals
Last week, I just had a feeling that the Cardinals were going to win that game and I actually picked them to win. Kurt Warner and Larry Fitzgerald are the best passing combination left in the playoffs. The Arizona crowd was a factor in the Wild Card round against Atlanta and the crowd will be even louder this week. If I were an Eagles fan, I would be worried about Brian Westbrook. He struggled last week and now he is not practicing again. Westbrook was the best player on the field when these teams played on Thanksgiving Day. With Edgerrin James running hard, Tim Hightower, and J.J. Arrington, I think the Cardinals have the better running backs at this point. The Cards are way better at wide receiver. Eagles’ safety Brian Dawkins is the X factor. He has been all over the field in their last four games. The Eagles defense is better, but the Cardinals are athletic on that side of the football. In the playoffs, the Cardinals have beaten the better teams. The biggest key is if Kurt Warner has some time to throw the football. I think he will. Look for Warner to have a big day and to pass for over 300 yards in an amazing, improbable Cardinals victory, 31-21.
@ Steelers -6 Ravens – Steelers
Although I think this spread is way too high for this third match up of the season, I am sticking with the Steelers. In the previous two games this season between these teams, the Steelers won on a field goal in overtime and on a questionable touchdown call by the officials in the final minutes of the game. The teams could not have played much closer. I am picking the Steelers because I give them the edge over the Ravens in several areas. The Steelers are better at quarterback, running back, wide receiver, and tight end. The Ravens’ offensive line is better.
On the defensive side of the ball, I think the teams are even except that Baltimore has a better secondary. In the Special Teams phase, I give a slight advantage to the Ravens, but I like Jeff Reed over Matt Stover, because of how tricky it is to kick longer field goals at Heinz Field. Reed has a 50-yarder at Heinz and I think that is way out of Stover’s range at this point in his career. The cold weather will not affect either team. After watching the Ravens play the Titans, the Steelers can run the football on this team. The Titans moved the football up and down the field, but their turnovers killed them. Look for the Steelers to limit turnovers, score a few touchdowns, and win this game, 27-13.
Playoff Picks: 6-2
Regular Season Picks: 134-114-8
Fantasy Player Picks: 90-62-5
Eagles -4 @Cardinals – Cardinals
Last week, I just had a feeling that the Cardinals were going to win that game and I actually picked them to win. Kurt Warner and Larry Fitzgerald are the best passing combination left in the playoffs. The Arizona crowd was a factor in the Wild Card round against Atlanta and the crowd will be even louder this week. If I were an Eagles fan, I would be worried about Brian Westbrook. He struggled last week and now he is not practicing again. Westbrook was the best player on the field when these teams played on Thanksgiving Day. With Edgerrin James running hard, Tim Hightower, and J.J. Arrington, I think the Cardinals have the better running backs at this point. The Cards are way better at wide receiver. Eagles’ safety Brian Dawkins is the X factor. He has been all over the field in their last four games. The Eagles defense is better, but the Cardinals are athletic on that side of the football. In the playoffs, the Cardinals have beaten the better teams. The biggest key is if Kurt Warner has some time to throw the football. I think he will. Look for Warner to have a big day and to pass for over 300 yards in an amazing, improbable Cardinals victory, 31-21.
@ Steelers -6 Ravens – Steelers
Although I think this spread is way too high for this third match up of the season, I am sticking with the Steelers. In the previous two games this season between these teams, the Steelers won on a field goal in overtime and on a questionable touchdown call by the officials in the final minutes of the game. The teams could not have played much closer. I am picking the Steelers because I give them the edge over the Ravens in several areas. The Steelers are better at quarterback, running back, wide receiver, and tight end. The Ravens’ offensive line is better.
On the defensive side of the ball, I think the teams are even except that Baltimore has a better secondary. In the Special Teams phase, I give a slight advantage to the Ravens, but I like Jeff Reed over Matt Stover, because of how tricky it is to kick longer field goals at Heinz Field. Reed has a 50-yarder at Heinz and I think that is way out of Stover’s range at this point in his career. The cold weather will not affect either team. After watching the Ravens play the Titans, the Steelers can run the football on this team. The Titans moved the football up and down the field, but their turnovers killed them. Look for the Steelers to limit turnovers, score a few touchdowns, and win this game, 27-13.
Playoff Picks: 6-2
Regular Season Picks: 134-114-8
Fantasy Player Picks: 90-62-5
Monday, January 12, 2009
Wrap Up - Week 19
My Picks
@Titans -3 Ravens
Give Titans’ running back Chris Johnson the first 100 yard game against the Ravens this year, and give Tennessee the win.
Ravens win this one 13-10. During the first half of this game, I thought this sentence from my preview of this game was going to be prophetic. Then, the Ravens got physical on defense and Chris Johnson disappeared. He was huddled in his parka on the sideline for the entire 2nd half. The Titans dominated this game in total yardage and other statistics, but it was the ability of the Ravens’ defense to force turnovers. Algae Crumpler’s fumble near the goal line was a back-breaker for the Titans.
@Panthers -10 Cardinals
Kurt Warner and company will have no fear. It sounds like Anquan Boldin is going to play. Edgerrin James is happy again. I am starting to feel the Cardinals’ momentum. There is always an exception that proves a rule and a Cardinals’ win will prove that they cannot win on the East Coast.
Cards win this game 33-13. I felt good about this pick on Friday night, but I felt great about the pick when I saw that no one on Fox or CBS picked the Cards. Boldin did not play, but the Cardinals’ Larry Fitzgerald more than made up for his absence. Kurt Warner played his normal game, but Jake Delhomme was out of sync the whole game. He was awful. Once again, turnovers were the big story of this game and Delhomme had a fumble and five interceptions. A remarkable win for the Cardinals.
@Giants -4 Eagles
The Eagles are the flavor of the month in these NFL playoffs. Forget about it. Forget about the absence of Plaxico Burress. The Giants are going to manhandle these guys.
I am not sure I could have been more wrong about this game. The Eagles won 23-11. Eli Manning played about as well as Jake Delhomme played last night. Manning could not throw into the wind at all. The Eagles’ defensive line played better than the Giants’ offensive line. The Eagles stopped them on short yardage several times in the 4th quarter. Eagles play at the Cardinals next week. Are you kidding me?
@Steelers -6 Chargers
The key match-up in this game is not one player versus another player. The Steelers’ Defensive Coordinator Dick LeBeau has to find a way to stop Chargers’ running back Darren Sproles. LeBeau only has about 50 years of experience in the NFL, so I believe he will come up with a game plan to stop Sproles.
The Steelers won this game 35-24. I have been watching the NFL for about 25 years and I have never seen a quarter like the 3rd quarter in this game. The Steelers ran every play except one. Sproles was held in check until a long TD pass in garbage time. The Chargers had two turnovers--a muffed punt and an interception. The most valuable player for the Steelers was running back Willie Parker. Parker had over 130 yards rushing. He looked better and healthier in this game than he has looked all season. Next week’s game with the Ravens is going to be fun to watch.
Playoff Picks: 6-2
Regular Season: 134-114-8
Fantasy Player Picks: 90-62-5
@Titans -3 Ravens
Give Titans’ running back Chris Johnson the first 100 yard game against the Ravens this year, and give Tennessee the win.
Ravens win this one 13-10. During the first half of this game, I thought this sentence from my preview of this game was going to be prophetic. Then, the Ravens got physical on defense and Chris Johnson disappeared. He was huddled in his parka on the sideline for the entire 2nd half. The Titans dominated this game in total yardage and other statistics, but it was the ability of the Ravens’ defense to force turnovers. Algae Crumpler’s fumble near the goal line was a back-breaker for the Titans.
@Panthers -10 Cardinals
Kurt Warner and company will have no fear. It sounds like Anquan Boldin is going to play. Edgerrin James is happy again. I am starting to feel the Cardinals’ momentum. There is always an exception that proves a rule and a Cardinals’ win will prove that they cannot win on the East Coast.
Cards win this game 33-13. I felt good about this pick on Friday night, but I felt great about the pick when I saw that no one on Fox or CBS picked the Cards. Boldin did not play, but the Cardinals’ Larry Fitzgerald more than made up for his absence. Kurt Warner played his normal game, but Jake Delhomme was out of sync the whole game. He was awful. Once again, turnovers were the big story of this game and Delhomme had a fumble and five interceptions. A remarkable win for the Cardinals.
@Giants -4 Eagles
The Eagles are the flavor of the month in these NFL playoffs. Forget about it. Forget about the absence of Plaxico Burress. The Giants are going to manhandle these guys.
I am not sure I could have been more wrong about this game. The Eagles won 23-11. Eli Manning played about as well as Jake Delhomme played last night. Manning could not throw into the wind at all. The Eagles’ defensive line played better than the Giants’ offensive line. The Eagles stopped them on short yardage several times in the 4th quarter. Eagles play at the Cardinals next week. Are you kidding me?
@Steelers -6 Chargers
The key match-up in this game is not one player versus another player. The Steelers’ Defensive Coordinator Dick LeBeau has to find a way to stop Chargers’ running back Darren Sproles. LeBeau only has about 50 years of experience in the NFL, so I believe he will come up with a game plan to stop Sproles.
The Steelers won this game 35-24. I have been watching the NFL for about 25 years and I have never seen a quarter like the 3rd quarter in this game. The Steelers ran every play except one. Sproles was held in check until a long TD pass in garbage time. The Chargers had two turnovers--a muffed punt and an interception. The most valuable player for the Steelers was running back Willie Parker. Parker had over 130 yards rushing. He looked better and healthier in this game than he has looked all season. Next week’s game with the Ravens is going to be fun to watch.
Playoff Picks: 6-2
Regular Season: 134-114-8
Fantasy Player Picks: 90-62-5
Friday, January 9, 2009
NFL - Divisional Playoff Games
My Picks
@Titans -3 Ravens – Titans
I like almost everything about the Ravens. Their running back tandem of McClain and McGahee is formidable. Their run defense and the playmakers they have on defense are unbelievable. They have played a tough schedule and their only losses all year are to the best teams in the NFL. The two problems I have with them are that they are starting a rookie quarterback and that they are playing the early game on Saturday after a short work week. The lack of preparation time and rest is going to come back to haunt them in this game. I am not a big fan of Kerry Collins, but he has played better than Joe Flacco this season. Give Titans’ running back Chris Johnson the first 100 yard game against the Ravens this year, and give Tennessee the win.
@Panthers -10 Cardinals - Cardinals
Surprisingly, this game is the hardest to pick. That 10 point spread is daunting in an NFL playoff game. The Panthers should blow the Cardinals out. They are undefeated at home this season. WR Steve Smith is playing at an All Pro level (does anyone even remember or care that he punched a teammate in training camp and missed two games?). The problem for the Panthers is that they played the Cardinals a few weeks ago. The Cardinals really should have won that game. Kurt Warner and company will have no fear. It sounds like Anquan Boldin is going to play. Edgerrin James is happy again. I am starting to feel the Cardinals’ momentum. There is always an exception that proves a rule and a Cardinals’ win will prove that they cannot win on the East Coast. Take the Cards and do not forget about the 10 points.
@Giants -4 Eagles - Giants
The Eagles are the flavor of the month in these NBA playoffs. Forget about it. Forget about the absence of Plaxico Burress. The Giants are going to manhandle these guys. The key player to me is the Giants’ Brandon Jacobs. In limited time in the last game against the Eagles, he averaged over 5 yards per carry. When intra-divisional teams play that know each other so well, offensive execution is vital. The Giants offensive line is a disciplined unit. They will make their blocks and Jacobs will pound the ball between the tackles.
@Steelers -6 Chargers – Steelers
The key match-up in this game is not one player versus another player. The Steelers’ Defensive Coordinator Dick LeBeau has to find a way to stop Chargers’ running back Darren Sproles. LeBeau only has about 50 years of experience in the NFL, so I believe he will come up with a game plan to stop Sproles. Sproles reminds me of old school Browns’ running back Eric Metcalf. Fast and elusive in space, but if you can get a hand on him he will go down. The Steelers are the best tackling team in the NFL. Sproles might find out exactly what it means to be a featured back in the NFL. Plus, I cannot take another week of Philip Rivers. Rivers needs to look out for linebackers James Harrison and Lamar Woodley.
Playoff Picks: 4-0
Regular Season: 134-114-8
Fantasy Player Picks: 90-62-5
@Titans -3 Ravens – Titans
I like almost everything about the Ravens. Their running back tandem of McClain and McGahee is formidable. Their run defense and the playmakers they have on defense are unbelievable. They have played a tough schedule and their only losses all year are to the best teams in the NFL. The two problems I have with them are that they are starting a rookie quarterback and that they are playing the early game on Saturday after a short work week. The lack of preparation time and rest is going to come back to haunt them in this game. I am not a big fan of Kerry Collins, but he has played better than Joe Flacco this season. Give Titans’ running back Chris Johnson the first 100 yard game against the Ravens this year, and give Tennessee the win.
@Panthers -10 Cardinals - Cardinals
Surprisingly, this game is the hardest to pick. That 10 point spread is daunting in an NFL playoff game. The Panthers should blow the Cardinals out. They are undefeated at home this season. WR Steve Smith is playing at an All Pro level (does anyone even remember or care that he punched a teammate in training camp and missed two games?). The problem for the Panthers is that they played the Cardinals a few weeks ago. The Cardinals really should have won that game. Kurt Warner and company will have no fear. It sounds like Anquan Boldin is going to play. Edgerrin James is happy again. I am starting to feel the Cardinals’ momentum. There is always an exception that proves a rule and a Cardinals’ win will prove that they cannot win on the East Coast. Take the Cards and do not forget about the 10 points.
@Giants -4 Eagles - Giants
The Eagles are the flavor of the month in these NBA playoffs. Forget about it. Forget about the absence of Plaxico Burress. The Giants are going to manhandle these guys. The key player to me is the Giants’ Brandon Jacobs. In limited time in the last game against the Eagles, he averaged over 5 yards per carry. When intra-divisional teams play that know each other so well, offensive execution is vital. The Giants offensive line is a disciplined unit. They will make their blocks and Jacobs will pound the ball between the tackles.
@Steelers -6 Chargers – Steelers
The key match-up in this game is not one player versus another player. The Steelers’ Defensive Coordinator Dick LeBeau has to find a way to stop Chargers’ running back Darren Sproles. LeBeau only has about 50 years of experience in the NFL, so I believe he will come up with a game plan to stop Sproles. Sproles reminds me of old school Browns’ running back Eric Metcalf. Fast and elusive in space, but if you can get a hand on him he will go down. The Steelers are the best tackling team in the NFL. Sproles might find out exactly what it means to be a featured back in the NFL. Plus, I cannot take another week of Philip Rivers. Rivers needs to look out for linebackers James Harrison and Lamar Woodley.
Playoff Picks: 4-0
Regular Season: 134-114-8
Fantasy Player Picks: 90-62-5
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Wrap Up - Wild Card Weekend
My Picks
Falcons -2 @Arizona – Arizona
*Michael Turner has not played great on the road this year. If the Cardinals can stop the run and contain Turner, they will win this game.
Arizona did exactly what I thought they needed to do to win the game. Turner only had about 40 yards rushing. Matt Ryan made a few costly mistakes. Arizona won this game 30-24 behind Kurt Warner and a great performance from running back Edgerrin James.
Colts -1 @Chargers – Chargers
*The Chargers’ familiarity with Peyton Manning is vital. I am not a big fan of Philip Rivers, but I like the dynamic duo of Tomlinson and Sproles.
Chargers won this game 23-17 with a touchdown in overtime. I definitely am glad that I mentioned Sproles in my preview of this game. Sproles was the best player on the field. I also thought the crowd would be a factor. Despite Manning’s post game assertion that the crowd did not affect the Colts, the offense had several penalties in the first half.
Ravens -3 @Dolphins – Ravens
*Usually, I would go with the better quarterback, Chad Pennington of the Dolphins, but I still believe in the Ravens’ defense. Safety Ed Reed always makes big plays.
Behind a stifling defense, the Ravens won this game 27-9. Ed Reed made two huge interceptions. The Dolphins seemed like they were going to make a comeback, but Pennington fumbled a hand-off on a reverse. That play stopped a potential touchdown drive. The Titans are in real trouble against these Ravens next week.
Eagles -3 @Vikings – Eagles
*The Eagles have a huge advantage at quarterback, and surprisingly, the Eagles have a better group of wide receivers and pass catching running backs.
The Eagles won this game 26-14. Donovan McNabb was not great today. The Eagles really made a lot of mistakes, but they were clearly the best team on the field. In the 2nd half, the big play was 71 yard touchdown on a screen pass to Brian Westbrook.
Playoff Picks: 4-0
Regular Season Picks: 134-114-8
Fantasy Player Picks: 90-62-5
Falcons -2 @Arizona – Arizona
*Michael Turner has not played great on the road this year. If the Cardinals can stop the run and contain Turner, they will win this game.
Arizona did exactly what I thought they needed to do to win the game. Turner only had about 40 yards rushing. Matt Ryan made a few costly mistakes. Arizona won this game 30-24 behind Kurt Warner and a great performance from running back Edgerrin James.
Colts -1 @Chargers – Chargers
*The Chargers’ familiarity with Peyton Manning is vital. I am not a big fan of Philip Rivers, but I like the dynamic duo of Tomlinson and Sproles.
Chargers won this game 23-17 with a touchdown in overtime. I definitely am glad that I mentioned Sproles in my preview of this game. Sproles was the best player on the field. I also thought the crowd would be a factor. Despite Manning’s post game assertion that the crowd did not affect the Colts, the offense had several penalties in the first half.
Ravens -3 @Dolphins – Ravens
*Usually, I would go with the better quarterback, Chad Pennington of the Dolphins, but I still believe in the Ravens’ defense. Safety Ed Reed always makes big plays.
Behind a stifling defense, the Ravens won this game 27-9. Ed Reed made two huge interceptions. The Dolphins seemed like they were going to make a comeback, but Pennington fumbled a hand-off on a reverse. That play stopped a potential touchdown drive. The Titans are in real trouble against these Ravens next week.
Eagles -3 @Vikings – Eagles
*The Eagles have a huge advantage at quarterback, and surprisingly, the Eagles have a better group of wide receivers and pass catching running backs.
The Eagles won this game 26-14. Donovan McNabb was not great today. The Eagles really made a lot of mistakes, but they were clearly the best team on the field. In the 2nd half, the big play was 71 yard touchdown on a screen pass to Brian Westbrook.
Playoff Picks: 4-0
Regular Season Picks: 134-114-8
Fantasy Player Picks: 90-62-5
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