Pimp My Fantasy Ride

Aaron Stecker - I told people last week on the show to put him on your radar and here’s why: in 2004 when Poop McAllister went down with an injury, Stecker stepped into the starting RB role on the road vs. the Rams and broke off 106 yards rushing on 18 carries and had 1 TD, and threw in four receptions for 20 yards for good measure. Stecker followed those receiving numbers the following week with six receptions for 71 yards. The problem here is that only Barry Sanders could make chicken soup out of the Saints Chicken poop O-Line. They’re horrible right now.

Brian Leonard - My apologies to my father who dropped him last week. I drafted him in the WCOFF and the timing is awesome with Santana Moss out on bye and Deuce going bye-bye. The former Rutgers back is used to winning and runs angry. There’s no reason why he can’t have a solid showing against the Cowboys, especially in PPR leagues. I’m expecting 80 yards on the ground, 1 TD and 4 receptions for 30 yards. Believe it!

Kenny Watson - with as good as the Bengals O-Line looked against the Seahawks, Watson could help fantasy owners in a pinch with the bye weeks and all. Watson put up 60 yards and a TD on only nine carries. Me likey.

Andre Davis - He plays for the Houston Texans for those of you who don’t know who he is. He was targeted five times (the most of any Texans WR vs. the Colts) and hauled in 4 balls for 70 yards.

Cedric Wilson/Nate Washington - Wilson would be a gutsy start vs. the Cardinals, but could actually be a starter if Hines Ward doesn’t play. He would be sharing time with Nate Washington though.

Demetrius Williams - Williams just needs targets. He caught three balls on four targets, for a scintillating 17.3 yards per reception. If Todd Heap gets hurt, or Mason, or Clayton, he’s got value.

Earnest Graham - This Buccaneer was great after contact, ran hard and put up 75 yards and two TD’s on only eight carries. One of the TD’s was from 28 yards out, so he’s no fluke. With Cadillac on the injury report virtually every week, I think Graham would be a nice little pick up.

Welcome to Must Win Town - Population 1

Week 3 is almost upon us and it's always fun to find yourself in a must win situation after two heartbreaking losses. Better still, is the fear factor of knowing that I will be going against LaDanian Tomlinson, who seems due for a breakout game. Last year Red Ryder and I stared down LT in the playoffs of our WCOFF satellite league, in route to our championship victory - so I take heart in knowing that it can be done. The over/under on LT's point total for week three in ppr leagues is 30 points and the smart money is on the over.

This is what I expect to see in week three of the NFL - lots of impact injuries! Where are the injuries that change the fantasy landscape as quickly as a Donovan McNabb torn ACL, or Randy Moss hamstring tear? Make no mistake, like cocaine residue in Lindsay Lohan's purse, it might not be seen by the naked eye, but it's there. The injury bug is waiting to sink it's disease ridden teeth into your fantasy team, so the question you have to ask yourself is - "do you feel lucky punk? Well do ya?" Do you have the depth to handle the losses of early producers like Randy Moss, LaMont Jordan, Braylon Edwards and Plaxico Burress?

Teams that have been living high off the Randy Moss, Braylon Edwards and LaMont Jordan hog, have to ask themselves how long that gravy train will last. Conversely, Reggie Bush, LT, Steven Jackson and Peyton Manning owners' will at some point get the pendulum swing of production come flying back towards them. Willie Parker, Travis Henry, Frank Gore, Steve Smith, Chad Johnson and Rudy Johnson owners should continue to see a steady stream of consistency - as long as these studs stay healthy. Peyton Manning doesn't miss starts, but can the same be said for Randy Moss and LaMont Jordan? There is a ticking timebomb in Randy Moss' hammy and only God knows when that baby will detonate.

Keep in mind that impact injuries, combined with brutal bye week losses, will ultimately tell the story in your fantasy league - despite how the first two week prologue has read.

If you are also entering must win town, you can join me in the bar. I'll be the guy yelling for Peyton Manning and the Colts to get their redzone act in gear, Santana Moss to finally find the endzone and Detroit to keep hucking the ball around the field like recess football.

Bad Calls, Bad Beats, and Bad Lineup Decisions

The Bengals Defense killed me by allowing Braylon Edwards to look like the second coming of Michael Irvin. The worst defensive effort I think I’ve ever seen. Actually, defensive effort would be an oxymoron for this pathetic unit - since their "effort" was a bad joke.

Kellen Clemens is the real deal. His live arm kept putting the ball in an area where his receivers could make plays. I just don’t think McCareins was used to that velocity and he really had no business on the field. "Hey Justin, you eat with those hands?"

Harrington has been sacked 13 times in the last two games. The Dirty Birds have Lost 9 of their last 11, going back to last season. Pick up defenses that play the Falcons.

Anthony Gonzalez was looking like a baller - catching the ball with his hands at its highest point and then coming right back with a tough slant catch in coverage.

Adalius Thomas - Nobody that big, should be able to move that fast. Wow! As long as he stays healthy and the Pats have an axe to grind, they are the odds on favorites to secure home field advantage in the AFC. Remember, they are doing this sans Seymour and Harrison.

Am I the only one feeling like he goes up against fantasy players that have their career day when they play me? This is getting outright disgusting. Braylon Edwards?!! That second TD catch of his was a joke - there wasn’t even a defender in the camera shot until he was rolling into the endzone.

New Orleans - The good news is you are deep at WR, but the bad news is you can’t rotate guys in and out constantly, because Brees can’t develop any rhythm or chemistry with them. Put Colston and Henderson in and leave them there for now. One of them will be hurt soon enough, then Patten and Copper, et. all will see the field.

More Saints - With :49 seconds to go in the third quarter, the Saints got their first offensive TD OF THE SEASON to fullback Mike Karney. I don't really know what to make of this, except to write that the Saints need a home game in a bad way. McAllister should have been in the goal line package on Karney's TD. Putting in McAllister over Calvin Johnson in my flex position is looking like one of the worst fantasy lineup decisions I've ever made. Deuce, you are about to find your overweight ass on my bench.

Lions - Martz's decision to call a pass play for O'Sullivan on third and eleven, when the Lions were already in field goal range was typical of Martz's throw first, ask questions later. O'Sullivan throws an interception and the Vikings give the ball right back, courtesy of Tavaris Jackson - allowing the Lions to steal a win from the cookie jar in overtime. The Vikings couldn't move the football Martzie! A field goal there would've been huge. Martz needs to see the whole chess board, not just the move he's got his head in at the moment.

Steven Jackson owners are befuddled right now and rightfully so. The fact that he didn't go off for a career day against me this past sunday should be a warning sign, since everyone else has a hall of fame day against me fantasy wise. Braylon freakin' Edwards?!

Jamal Lewis ran like a man with something to prove, while the Bengals D tackled like they had money on the Browns.

Kyle Boller - I said it on the podcast before and I'll write it again here - Boller CAN play. He's not Joe Montanna, Roger Staubach, or Brett Favre, but with a healthy Todd Heap, Demitrius Williams, Mark Clayton and Derrick Mason in the lineup, the weapons are there for solid fantasy production. Put him on your radar.

Derrick Ward averaged six yards per carry against the new, tough look Packers D. It will be hard to show this guy the bench when Brandon Jacobs returns to practice.

Lito Sheppard is out tonight for the Eagles on the MNF tilt versus the Skins - if Santana Moss can't deliver a six catch 100 yards receiving and one TD performance tonight, he might find his non producing ass on my bench. No joke Santana!

Shaun McDonald quitely went out and put up seven receptions for 71 yards. He is the new Bobby Engram in point per reception leagues.

Peyton Manning played exceptionally well against the Titans, but his fantasy numbers aren't warranting a first round, or even second round pick at this stage in the fantasy season. Waiting on a QB for fantasy drafts is still the way to go - i.e. Tony Romo, Big Ben Roethlisberger, or Jon Kitna. The guys in my league that own these QB's, just have that little extra depth afforded to them at RB by patiently waiting on their QB.

Relax LT owners, I play LT in week 3 this Sunday, so he's guaranteed to go off for 37 fantasy points. He always chews me up and spits me out crying like a little girl. How great would've it been to play him last night against the Pats though! I love LT and he's on the mantle, but if he could put together one more piss poor performance, that would be....never happen, he goes off this Sunday and I cry like a little girl.

Steve Smith could be pound for pound, the best player in the NFL. His third TD was just sick. What's it like to own a player who scores 41 fantasy points? I haven't had a player on my roster do it for so long I can't even remember. Take your 41 points and choke on 'em!

Roy Williams is showing why I took him as my first receiver in both high stakes drafts at the WCOFF in Vegas. Running without the helmet! Sweet Roy, super sweet.

Somebody unfroze Joey Galloway just in time for the beat down versus the New Orleans Aints. Yes, the Aints tag applies until they can get some fantasy production from Brees, Bush and McAllister who looks very uninspired on the football field. Did the Aints actually have two extra days to prepare for this woodshed beating?

Favre hasn't looked this good for three years. James Jones is developing nicely at WR and if they could get Koren Robinson reinstated at some point, that would only help. Favre utilized his Tight Ends well also, showing patience in not forcing the ball when his receivers where covered.

Rex Grossman is just not the guy for the job in the windy city. Grossman makes games far too interesting by letting his ego throw passes into tight spaces, when a punt, or sack would be the better part of valor. The Bears need to find an offensive identity, because unless they think Hester can return punts and kickoffs with regularity, then they will struggle against good defenses.

Week 1 - Thinking Out Loud.

Saints - Body language told the story. Reggie Bush hanging his head, DB’s with their heads down. Let’s not forget the Saints are still a young team and when faced with adversity on the road, they need a leader to step up. Thursday night, nobody did.



Saints - Not Reggie’s week. Fantasy Freakin Football loyalist/correspondent Mike "the Unabeekler" Buechler was wearing his fantasy freakin football shirt at Jinky’s restaurant on Sunset Blvd. Sunday morning, when he spotted none other than Jesus in cleats - Reggie Bush. With a gorgeous woman in tow, Reggie asked when his table would be available, to witch the Maitre’ D asked, "what’s your name?" And people wonder why there’s no football team in Los Angeles.



Jacksonville - WR Broussard - who is this guy? Nice TD catch.



Bills D/Special teams - Roscoe Parrish. Run Forrest, run!


Denver - Travis Henry looked great, racking up 139 yards on the ground. Nobody is more money when it comes to grabbing first down receptions than Javon Walker. Clutch!


Last on Denver - Our prayers are with reserve TE Kevin Everett, who underwent spinal chord surgery to remove bone chips in his neck. As much as we all love the great game of football, seeing Everett lying motionless on the field is a sobering reminder of how brutal and physical the game can be.


Patriots - Wes Welker - hate to say we told you so.....but (fill in congratulatory pat on the back here for Red Ryder and me) Welker filled it up with six receptions for 61 yards and a touchdown. Great move by the Miami front office letting Welker go. The guy they brought in to replace him in Tedd Ginn Jr., caught....um, ugh....well he did have 70 return yards.



Houston Texans - QB Matt Schaub was steady and Andre Johnson brought home the fantasy football bacon with seven receptions for 142 yards and one TD.



Houston Texans D - hate to say we told you so.....but (play any defense against KC in your fantasy league).



Texans D - Mario Williams scored more fantasy points than Reggie Bush this week. The Texans front office is finally vindicated.



KC Offense - hate to say we told you so......but (LJ not looking like a top 3 pick behind that line).

More KC - They had balance on offense - couldn’t run, couldn’t pass.

Pitt - Big Ben/Santonio Holmes - told you so.



Minnesota D - Drafted them in both Draft Masters high stakes leagues (NFFC/WCOFF), but had to go up against them in my main event league this week. Now I’m fighting for my fantasy life heading into the MNF double header.



Minnesota Offense - It appears to be Adrian Petersen and Ryan Longwell. Oh, and thanks for nothing in my flex position Chester Taylor.



Green Bay D - Jules and I both drafted them and love their ball hawking and linebacker speed.


Philly - The muffed punt was bigger than the dissapearance of Reggie Brown. Philly is out of synch, but Green Bay defense didn't help them any.



Skins - Jason Campbell played tight and missed a wide open Santana Moss. Luckily they were playing the Dolphins, or as I like to call them - the Chiefs of the sunshine state.


Patriots D/Special Teams - Congrats to return man Ellis Hobbs, on his record setting 108 yard kickoff return. Welcome to the majors Mr. Hobbs.



Pats - The demise of Randy Moss has been greatly exaggerated.


Panthers - Who said Jake Delhomme would go off in week one? Jeopardy answer: Who is Wonderboy. I can't stress this enough - THE RAMS DEFENSE SUCKS.


Eagles - Jason Avant. Who’s Jason Avant?


More Packers - Favre took a lot of hits in the backfield.



Cleveland - L. Vickers is now on the radar at the RB position. Kellen Winslow Jr. is showing why we have him projected for 75 receptions and the number two TE overall for 2007.



Titans - Chris Brown, not Vince Young was the story in Jax with 175 yards rushing. Wow! What happened to the Jags run D?



More Green Bay - Huge win for this young team that will only get better.



Still More Green Bay - Mark of the Beast line: Donald Driver 6 receptions for 66 yards (666).



Oakland - If you drafted TE Zach Miller like I did in competitive, 20 plus round, l2-14 team leagues, then you are a happy camper with the targets he was seeing. He didn’t put up big numbers, but the sleeper potential is there.



Oakland - New, 31 year old Head Coach Lane Kiffin has his USC fingerprints all over the Raiders new look offense. Sweeps, passes to the fullback, passes to two different tight ends, targets to Curry, Porter, Mike Williams (yes, that Mike Williams) and LaMont Jordan. This will be a much improved team on the offensive side of the football. LaMont Jordan had nine receptions for 89 yards. Where the hell was this last year?! Ronald Curry was huge and made Red Ryder and I look good for pimping him (he was the first player mentioned on FFF's "Two Minute Warnings" segment on Youtube this pre-season.



Detroit - Six rushing attempts in the first half. That’s what I like to see as both a Roy Williams and Calvin Johnson owner. A special thanks to all the owners in my league who passed on Calvin Johnson. Super sweet.



Cowboys - Terry Glenn owners' loss, is Jason Witten owners’ gain. Romo put up 345 yards passing on only 15 completions. Is that a record? He looked like Dan Fouts out there.



Cowboys Defense - Isn’t Wade Phillips a defensive guru? The 35 points his team surrendered makes me think otherwise. It’s official, Roy Williams is the worst cover safety in the NFL - I don’t think he could cover a bed.



Giants -Eli Manning's interception was not his fault as Plaxico Burress slipped and hung the young Eli out to dry. Let’s hope the injury he sustained on his throwing shoulder is just soft tissue damage and will heal up this week with treatment. Seriously, he’s my back up quarterback.



Cowboys - Jason Witten kept me alive with his monster -116 yard, six catch and one touchdown performance, heading into tomorrow's MNF games. This will allow me to go into work tomorrow and not punch somebody in the face.


Giants - Plaxico just caught another TD on the Giants plane ride home home.

Giants - It didn't take long for Brandon Jacobs to answer the highly debated topic of weather or not he could handle the load for the Giants at RB, with his upright style of running. Ward looked fantastic in relief. Go get him.


Quote of the week comes from my girlfriend Rebecca, when told that LaDanian Tomlinson (whose picture and football card reside on our mantle) threw a touchdown pass - "that’s why he’s on the mantle."



Runner up quote of the week from Philip Rivers - "we got a little frustrated, because we had some opportunities and field position and failed to capitalize and you hate to do that against a good dufus - defense." Yes, the Bears are a good dufus indeed.

Fantasy Redemption

Jackson Brown wrote a line in his profoundly deep song "Barricades of Heaven," that aptly describes my annual fantasy football pilgrimage to Vegas - "Better bring your own redemption when you come."

2006 for my Co-Manager and myself was piss poor to say the least. I can still hear the words of my first round selection (I say "my" and not "ours" - because my Co-Manager wanted Rudi Johnson) LaMont Jordan resonate in my ears. The 3-8 record that our team managed was the worst fantasy football team that I've ever assembled. There were plenty of excuses to be offered up - poor draft spot, difficult league in regards to value that just wasn't present like in other leagues, etc. and so forth and blah, blah, 3-8. Scoreboard. We sucked. The sucktion of our team would actually pull me towards the television on Sundays and by the afternoon games, we were usually out of it.

"There's always next year," I would say. Well f'en A - next year is here! In the six years that my Co-Manager (who I like to call dad) and I have been in the WCOFF, this is our highest draft position ever.......fourth! And we'll take it. We'll take it all the way to the league championship, because we've already excepted that owning LaDanian Tomlinson just isn't in the cards for us, but drafting fourth, given the crap drafting spots we've had at the back of the bus, might as well be first.

These snake drafts, given the high level of competition isn't really a fair format. C'mon, who are we kidding? Who goes into a fantasy football draft and says, "hot damn! I'm drafting 12th?" The experience of spending a weekend in Vegas with people who share the same passion for football as we do and more importantly, the hobby of fantasy football - coupled with the fact that you are all playing for big dollars ($7000.00 for the league champion and $300,000 for the overall champion) make up for any structural flaws of the contest. I apologize for that last run on, poorly structured sentence, but it's 3:12am the night before Christmas - I mean the NFL season opener and I'm exhausted.

I have a plan for redemption in place. First - control the draft by ignoring ADP (Average Draft Position) and go back to my drafting philosophy of "Target Drafting". In short, this is where I make a list of the players that I want and simply go after them. If it means taking Wes Welker in the eight round, when he's going in the 10th round in most drafts, then damn the torpedos! My goal this year is to turn last year's 3-8 record on it's head and post eight wins this season in the eleven game format. I've never had a losing record in fantasy football, so to post such a humbling record has forced me to focus and reclaim the eye of the fantasy football tiger.

If you're in Vegas this weekend at the South Point Hotel and Casino, I'll be the guy wearing the fantasyfreakinfootball.com shirt and hat, with a Bill Cowher like determination. Somewhere between Frank Gore, Joseph Addai and Reggie Bush (sorry LJ), lies our first round pick. And this year, I guarantee that the L.A. Knights will smash down the Barricades of Heaven with some fantasy football rolling thunder.