Did you miss my weekly segment on ESPN 1530 Thursday at 4:40? Here's what you missed:

Get your free football picks againt the spread and live football odds from our friends at Doc's Sports

CREAM OF THE CROP
--Andre Johnson: The Texans’ wideout is the only player at any position that is a unanimous No.1 choice. He has the led the league in receiving yards in back-to-back season, has played in every game in three of the last four seasons, and had more catches (22) of 20+ yards of any receiver in the NFL. He is the only wide receiver that should go in Round 1.

--Randy Moss: It’s hard to project who slides in at No. 2, but Moss is my man! Not only is he in a contract year, but with teammate Wes Welker making a speedy recovery from his ACL injury it will be tough for defenses to focus on him. Expect big things from him if you grab him in Round 2 or later.

--Dallas Clark: It’s hard to expect him to duplicate last year’s 100 receptions, 1106 yards and 10 touchdowns. Still, playing with Peyton Manning makes Clark a lock for elite production. Expect him to go as early as Round 4.

--Antonio Gates: Right behind Clark on my list is the Chargers’ tight end. With the Chargers moving on without top wideout Vincent Jackson look for Gates’ targets to expand. Like Clark, he’ll be one of the first tight ends to go sometime in Round 4.

OVERHYPED
--Larry Fitzgerald: Few receivers possess the skills that Fitzgerald flashes on weekly basis that the Cards’ top wideout does. However, the loss of quarterback Kurt Warner and stable mate Anquan Boldin raises some questions. With Derek Anderson likely starting under center in Arizona and Fitzgerald missing most of the preseason with a minor knee injury he makes for a risky pick in Rounds 1 or 2. If he slides to late Round 3 or Round 4 grab him, but don’t jump too early.

--Percy Harvin: With teammate Sidney Rice out for at least half of the season with a hip injury, many expect Percy Harvin to emerge as a top 20 wideout and he easily could. However, huge red flags surround the second-year wideout’s migraine issues and that could present weekly fantasy headaches with game-time decisions. He carries too much risk to overspend on him.

--Tony Gonzalez: Despite not showing many signs of aging in his first season with the Falcons, Gonzalez is no longer in my top 5. His name recognition will cause to go off the board earlier than he should. You may want to consider younger options or waiting until later in the draft to grab a player as tight end depth is as deep as ever in fantasy football.

--Heath Miller: Miller has been a solid borderline option as a low-end starting tight end in years past, but with Ben Roethlisberger out for the first portion of the season you may want to consider a few other players as a mid-to-late round option such as Kellen Winslo, Chris Cooley, or even Visante Shiancoe.

UNDERVALUED
--Terrell Owens: Few websites have T.O. higher than we do at GetSportsInfo.com where he comes in as our No. 25 wide receiver. Though many leagues in the Queen City will have you going higher, the fact he’s lasting to the 90th overall draft pick in the latest Average Draft Position reports from thousands of drafts around the web suggests that he is sliding a bit. He should be drafted as a high-end WR2, but could prove to put WR1-type stats as a Bengal.

--Malcom Floyd: It appears as if Vincent Jackson’s days are over with the Chargers and that makes Malcom Floyd a great mid-round choice with a ton of upside. He slid under the radar in 2009, but at 6-foot-5 and big play ability he should emerge as a decent weekly WR3 option with big time upside.

--Jermichael Finley: The Packers’ tight end put up more fantasy points than any other tight end in the league over the last five games of ’09 and could prove to be the best produced at the position in 2010. The fact he is going at least a round later than Clark and Gates suggests he could be the best value pick at the position.

--Owen Daniels: No tight end was putting up more points early on last season than the Texans’ big man. However, he blew out his knee in Week 8 and missed the rest of the year. He may start off slow this season, but will deliver numbers in the end and should fall at least four rounds down past the top guys on the list for a 9th or 10th round pick.

LISTEN TO SEGMENT (Homer247.com)

Fantasy Football fantasy advice, wr sleepers, wr busts, te sleepers, te busts, 1530 homer, fantasy segment

Did you miss my weekly segment on ESPN 1530 Thursday at 4:40? Here's what you missed:

Get your free football picks againt the spread and live football odds from our friends at Doc's Sports

CREAM OF THE CROP
--Drew Brees: Aside from being on the Madden cover I can’t find anything wrong with a signal caller that has a 68:28 TD-to-interception ratio over the past two years. He’s finished as a top-two fantasy QB in three of the last four years and there’s no reason not expect that in 2010.

--Aaron Rodgers: Rodgers actually finished ’09 as fantasy top-scoring passer despite taking a league-high 50 sacks. He threw for multiple scores in 10 of Green Bay’s last 14 contests while leading all quarterbacks in the league in rushing touchdowns and ranking second in rushing yards. He’s a safe bet in late Round 1 into early Round 2.

--Peyton Manning: Perhaps fantasy’s safest bet, Manning is an annual lock for to pass for 30+ plus touchdowns and 4,000 or more yards. He finished last year second in the league in both passing yards and passing TD’s.

OVERHYPED
--Jay Cutler: There’s no doubt that the arrival of Mike Martz as offensive in coordinator will increase Cutler’s pass attempts. However, it seems to being blown a bit out of proportion. The fact he has thrown 45 interceptions over the past two years and the lack of a legitimate No.1 wideout to throw the ball to raises serious flags. Keep in mind the Bears play in cold weather games in all but one week after No. 1, making the elements a factor too.

--Brett Favre: Last year was one of the best statistical seasons of Favre’s career, but now he’s 40, getting a late start to the season and coming off ankle surgery. Adding fuel to the fire, he will also be without last year’s top target, wide receiver Sidney Rice, who is expected to miss at least half of the season following hip surgery. This could be the year the bottom finally falls out for the future Hall of Famer.

--Donovan McNabb: I still can’t believe the Eagles traded McNabb inside the division to the Redskins. While I firmly believe that the veteran has a few good years left in the tank, the lack of talent around him D.C. is likely to lead to some mediocre numbers. Avoid drafting him as your QB1, but don’t be afraid to go after him as an early backup option.

UNDERVALUED
--Matt Ryan: A sophomore slump is causing Ryan to slip down in many drafts, but there is still a ton of upside. Last year’s struggles can be attributed to injuries and now Ryan and many of the team’s other weapons are healthy. His schedule is extremely favorable as well. If you miss out on the top guys and decide to wait until later to get a QB go with upside and draft Ryan.

--Ben Roethlisberger: The fact that he is suspended for at least four games is scaring many owners away from Big Ben altogether, but he is still a savvy pick as a QB2, particularly in keeper formats. He finished last season with career-highs in passing yards and passing attempts and could bring great trade value later in the year for your team if nothing else.

--Matthew Stafford: If you looking for late-draft value for a backup quarterback look no further than the former No. 1 overall pick of the Lions. Injuries hurt his production as a rookie and making through 16 games behind Detroit’s porous offensive line will be a challenge. He’s certain to be inconsistent, but with his arm and the talent around him expect 4 or 5 monster weeks from Stafford.

LISTEN TO THE SEGMENT (Homer247.com)

Fantasy Football fantasy advice, quarterback sleepers, quarterback busts, 1530 homer, fantasy segment

Did you miss my weekly segment on ESPN 1530 Thursday at 4:40? Here's what you missed:

CREAM OF THE CROP
--Chris Johnson: While I don’t expect him to hit 2009’s record numbers I do anticipate the Titans’ star running back to be fantasy’s top producer and a near consensus No. 1 overall fantasy pick. Look for his touches to go down slightly as the team tries to conserve him, but his receptions and touchdowns are likely to see a slight increase.

--Adrian Peterson: Assuming he can avoid the fumble problems that plagued him late in the season a year ago, Peterson remains a must-have fantasy option. Though he could lose some goal line touches to rookie Toby Gerhardt, AP is likely to become more involved in the Vikings’ passing attack with Chester Taylor no longer in the mix.

--Ray Rice: I favor Rice over Maurice Jones-Drew and Frank Gore at No. 3 on the GSI Cheat Sheet. Recent trade talks around backup Willis McGahee make the young back even more appealing. The Ravens made major upgrades in their passing attack in the offseason and that may mean a bit fewer receptions for Rice, but it should also help keep defenses more honest, leading to bigger plays from scrimmage.

OVERHYPED
--Ryan Grant: The Packers’ running back lacks the elite talent or big-play ability to be a top RB, but his inconsistency scares me away.

--Cedric Benson: His 320 carries last year were 100 rushes more than he’s ever had before and while he will still get the bulk of the Bengals’ touches in 2010 that workload concerns me. Drafts here in Cincinnati are likely to see him go much earlier than he should.
 
--LaDainian Tomlinson: LT is at least two years past his prime, but his name will still fool some owners into thinking he has value. He shouldn’t be considered anything more than a RB4 as he moves to the Jets, where Shonn Greene is poised for a breakout campaign.

UNDERVALUED
--Pierre Thomas: Mike Bell left via free agency to Philly. Lynell Hamitlon suffered a season-ending injury and Ladell Betts was signed, but won't be much of a factor. While Reggie Bush will still have a role, this is the year that Thomas finally cracks the top 10 fantasy running backs, if not top 5.

--Jonathan Stewart: He shares carrues with DeAnglelo Williams, but expect it to be more split this season; Williams gets the catches out of the backfield, but Stewart will get the yards on the ground and the goalline carries.

--Matt Forte: Officially a bounce back candidate in my book; Mike Martz’ arrival in the Windy City should only help make that a reality. I am a bit concerned about Chester Taylor's presence, but Forte is falling in drafts and has a ton of upside entering his third season.

LISTEN TO THE SEGMENT (Homer247.com)

Fantasy Football fantasy advice, running back sleepers, running back busts, 1530 homer, fantasy segment

Press Release from Clear Channel:

On Monday, February 15 Cincinnati sports radio brands will be realigned both on air and online.  All ESPN radio programming will be moved to WCKY-AM (1530), teaming the Mike and Mike Morning Show, which features Mike Greenberg and Mike Golic, with Mo Egger and local sports talk each afternoon. With this move, Cincinnati sports fans will enjoy popular drive time programming in one place on the 50,000 watt signal of “ESPN1530” and online at espn1530.com.

Along with the move of ESPN programming to the more powerful signal, the station will also broadcast Major League Baseball games, the MLB play-offs and World Series, NBA games and play-offs. It will continue to be the Cincinnati radio home to the University of Kentucky and the University of Louisville football and basketball broadcasts. ESPN1530 will also continue as the Home of the Cincinnati Bengals, carrying all Bengals’ broadcasts, pre-season, regular season and post-season.

Fox Sports Radio programming will now be heard fulltime on WSAI-AM (1360). Popular personalities, including Ohio native Dan Patrick, Jim Rome and Tony Bruno will all be heard on WSAI-AM (1360) as the station is rebranded as “Fox Sports1360.”

Online, one of the most visited websites in Cincinnati media, 1530homer.com will be rebranded as homer247.com. The new site will continue to be the go to website for all things sports and the lifestyle of a young male consumer. The very popular blogs of Lance McAlister, Mo Egger and Nick Brunker will continue on this rebranded website, along with breaking sports and lifestyle news.

“The most powerful brand in sports, ESPN, is now combined with the most popular afternoon drive sports talk show in the Cincinnati market,” said ESPN1530 program director Tony Bender. “Plus, some of the biggest events in sports will be combined in one place, on ESPN1530! New ratings research has shown the Mike and Mike Morning Show to be one of the top shows in the market each morning for male consumers. This move gives the sports’ fan access to Mike and Mike on a much more powerful signal,” concluded Bender.

The moves of the Fox Sports Radio and ESPN programming will take place beginning at 6am Monday, February 15, as the Mike and Mike Morning Show will be simulcast on both ESPN1530 and Fox Sports1360. At 10am the final switch of programming will take place.

****
MY TAKE: This is a great move for Clear Channel and local sports radio listeners. "Mike & Mike In the Morning" is the best sports talk show on. While I personally watch it on ESPN2, it will now be nice to know that I have an option. In addition, I for one am getting tired of Jim Rome and his "have a take, don't suck" attitdue. "The Herd" with Colin Cowherd is more refreshing and thought provoked. The lost hour of programing (2p-3p) with the "Scott Van Pelt Show" seems like a wasteland, but in syndicated radio that is sometimes with what your left for. The real question becomes how long 1360 stays a sports station.

College Football, College Hoops, MLB, NBA, NFL cincinnati sports radio, 1530 homer, espn1530, lance mcalister, mo egger

Due to Chris Henry's death the Fantasy Playbook on 1530 Homer was cancelled. Here are my notes...

MANAGING THE SITUATION
GO WITH GOT YOU THERE – Just because the stakes on higher than they have been all season, you shouldn’t get hasty when setting your lineup. It’s tough to play one of your struggling studs over a waiver wire gem with the world’s best match-up. But I am not sitting Randy Moss this week for Hakeem Nicks, regardless of what happened last week. You invest highly in guys for a reason. Benching a high-draft pick in the playoffs and watching him blowup is a mistake I’m not willing make.

START 'EM
QB Kurt Warner (ARI @ DET) – Those fantasy owners that were fortunate enough to survive the dud laid by Warner last week at San Fran, will be rewarded this time around. The Cardinals still need a win to wrap up the NFC North and they are looking for someone to take it out on. Who better for Warner than a Lions’ defense that has allowed a league-high 29 passing touchdowns and 272 yards per game through the air?

RB Knowshon Moreno (DEN vs. OAK) – The rookie runner just keeps getting better and now he gets a Raiders defense that has given the fourth most fantasy points to running backs this season. Add to it that Correll Buckhalter, who splits carries with Moreno, is likely to miss the game with an ankle injury and the sky is the limit for the Broncos’ running back in Week 15.

SIT 'EM
RB Marion Barber (DAL @ NO) – After watching him getting plugged three times from 1-yard out in last week’s game vs. San Diego, I no longer consider Barber a decent RB2 option.  He hasn’t seen the end zone in six straight and still has just one 100-yard effort on the season.  He’s headed to the bench until further notice.

WR Dwayne Bowe (KC vs. CLE) – The gifted Chiefs’ wideout is set to return from his league-issued four-game suspension and has a stellar match-up with the Browns. He could find the end zone and post decent numbers. However, I am not confident enough with the stakes so high in recommending for your lineup. Owners need to take a wait-and-see approach.

FANTASY INFIRMARY
QB Tom Brady (finger/ribs/shoulder) – A week after being a game-time decision, the dinged up Patriots’ QB returned to practice on Thursday and appears to be set to face Buffalo. Start him with confidence.

QB Vince Young (hamstring) – Young also returned to practice on Thursday with a nagging hamstring injury. He’s expected to Sunday vs. Miami and is a borderline option as a QB1 in that match-up.

WR Larry Fitzgerald (knee) – The elite receiver was limited in practice again on Thursday as he deals with a MCL sprain suffered in Monday night’s loss to the 49ers. Barring a setback all signs point to him playing in Sunday’s tilt with the Lions.

WR Mike Sims-Walker (calf) – After being a full participant in Wednesday’s practice, the Jaguars’ wideout is listed as probable for tonight’s game against the Colts. Still after mustering just six catches for 64 yards over his last four games combine he’s nothing more than an average flex play.

WR Nate Burleson (ankle) – He’s been ruled out for Week 15 and may not play the rest of the season.  Give teammate TJ Houshmandzadeh a slight boost in value.

HANDING OUT THE HARDWARE
With the fantasy season winding down it’s time to hand out our awards, this week we look at the candidates at RB…

MVP – Chris Johnson - Eight straight 100-yard games; Became only the fifth back in NFL history to reach 2,000 yards from scrimmage in 13 games. Now on pace for 2,001 rushing yards and 2,482 yards from scrimmage, the latter of which would break Marshall Faulk's record.

Biggest Surprise – Cedric Benson - The workhorse has rewarded the owners that invested an early pick in a big way. With a strong finish the Bengals’ back could finish with 1,500 yards and 10+ touchdowns on the ground, making him a first round pick in 2010.

Biggest Bust – Matt Forte – PPR owners still are clinging on, but those that drafted Forte in standard leagues are likely out of the playoffs. He’s managed just one 100-yard game, has scored in just three games, and has yet to catch a touchdown. He’ll need a big finish to get to 1000 yards rushing. Not what you were hoping for with your first round pick.

Most Improved – Ray Rice – He’s already rushed for 1000 yards and has a team-high 68 catches for 652 yards and eight total TD’s. Rice is a top five RB heading into next year’s draft.

Next Year’s Breakout Candidate – Chris Wells - The Cards’ top pick is slowly becoming their option in the backfield. Wells will emerge as a solid fantasy starting option during his sophomore campaign.

Fantasy Football fantasy advice, week 15, fantasy playbook, 1530 homer

Catch me every Thursday at 4:30 p.m. on 1530 Homer (1530AM) w/Mo Egger:

MANAGING THE SITUATION
(Weekly tip to manage your fantasy team)

GO WITH THE GUNS: You drafted players that high for a reason! It’s pretty hard to prognosticate what is going to happen in Week One of the NFL season. Don’t over think it! There’s no reason to bench guys that you drafted with your first few picks before they’ve even played a snap as a member of your fantasy team.

LINE-UP LOCKS
(Who to put in and who to keep out of line-up…not meant to be Tom Brady and Adrian Peterson types)

LOCK ‘EM IN
RB Fred Jackson (at NE) – With Marshawn Lynch serving the first of his three-game suspension expect Fred Jackson to take full advantage of his opportunity. He finished the 2008 season with 136 yards against the Patriots, who have had a high amount of turnover heading into ’09. I am not expecting him to run for as many yards this time around, but 90 yards and a score seem likely.

WR Anthony Gonzalez (vs JCK) – Look for Peyton Manning to establish Gonzalez early and often against a Jaguars’ defense that is a shell of its former self.

LOCK ‘EM OUT
QB Jay Cutler (at GB) – The jury is still out on Cutler and what his fantasy impact will be in the Windy City, but his Week One match-up vs. the Packers on Sunday Night Football at Lambeau Field is one that doesn’t sound appealing. He’s a borderline starting option at best.

TE Vishante Shiancoe (at CLE) – The Browns only allowed 3.5 receptions to tight ends a year ago and tied with three other teams for the fewest touchdowns allowed to the position. I thought Shiancoe was a bit overhyped leading into the season and I am not crazy about his outlook this week.

FANTASY INFIRMARY
(A few key injuries for owners to keep their eyes on)

WR Anquan Boldin (hamstring) – been limited this week, but expecting to play. He’s worth keeping an eye on.

RB Pierre Thomas (knee) – was not able to participate in a full practice on Thursday and it is looking more and more likely he won’t play on Sunday. Reggie Bush will see a heavy load with Mike Bell getting into the mix if he’s out.

QB Matt Cassel (knee) – appears he will try to play despite not being 100 percent. With a trip to Baltimore ahead stay away from the Chiefs’ fantasy options altogether if possible.

WIRE WATCH
(Next week’s hot free agent pick-ups today)

QB Shaun Hill (SF) – scored two or more touchdowns in six of the nine games he played in last season.

RB Justin Forsett (SEA) – will get more looks than people realize in the Seahawk’s running back-by-committee.

TE Anthony Fasano (MIA) – With David Martin out for the season, Fasano will emerge as a legitimate fantasy starting tight end.

LISTEN TO WEEK 1 SEGMENT ON-DEMAND

Fantasy Football 1530 homer, fred jackson, anthony gonzalez, anquan boldin, pierre thomas, matt cassel

Did you miss this week's Fantasy Playbook as I go on with Lance McAlister on 1530 Homer the Sports Animal? Either way here's my notes from the show...

LESSONS LEARNED - Things I will take with me into next season
First Round Picks Are No Longer Locks – From L.T. to Tom Brady, there are plenty of examples of first round disappointments. In fact, if you look at the top fantasy players at each position from this season many of them were taken in the third round or later…LESSON – LEAGUES ARE NOT WON IN ROUND 1.

There Are Plenty Of Good QB’s – After watching Tom Brady and Carson Palmer go down, owners were left scrambling but guys like Kurt Warner, Matt Cassel, Jay Cutler, Brett Favre, and even rookie Matt Ryan were able to carry owners deep into the playoffs…LESSON – YOU CAN AFFORD TO WAIT ON DRAFTING A QB.

Young Running Backs Produce – It becomes more evident to me every year that the younger the back the better. This year’s crop of rookies offered some mid-to-late round gems in Matt Forte, Steve Slaton and Kevin Smith. In addition, younger backs like DeAngelo Williams and Adrian Peterson took their games to another level…LESSON – ONLY DRAFT RB’S 26 AND YOUNGER.

Auction Style Format Is Worth Considering – I had done mock auctions, but for the first time this year did a real auction league. It’s takes draft night to another level and for guys like me that have been playing for over a decade has brought a breath of fresh air to fantasy football…LESSON - DON’T BE AFRAID TO TRY SOMETHING NEW.

IDP Is Better Than Using Team Defenses – Team defenses can make a huge difference in many fantasy leagues. However, I still think there is more luck involved with team defenses and there are only a couple of units that are weekly locks. Playing with Individual Players not only do you put more skill into it, but you welcome in a whole new mix of games weekly that impact your fantasy match-up…LESSON – THE MORE FANTASY PLAYERS GOING IN YOUR LINE-UP THE BETTER.

**STAY TUNED FOR ALL MY LESSONS LEARNED COMING NEXT WEEK**


INJURIES TO WATCH
Reggie Bush (knee) – Bush is headed to the I.R., making Pierre Thomas a top-five option over the season’s final two weeks in including this week’s match-up made in heaven against the Lions.

Frank Gore (ankle) – He didn’t play last week and will be a game-time decision here. If he goes, Gore is a great option against the Rams. If he sits, DeShaun Foster becomes relevant.

Joseph Addai, Marvin Harrison (shoulder, hamstring) – Harrison did not make the trip to Jacksonville with the team and Addai is iffy at best. That should translate into strong fantasy performances from Reggie Wayne, Dallas Clark, and even Dominic Rhodes.

Brandon Jacobs (knee) – He looks better than Gore, but he is certainly questionable. I’m not crazy about the match-up with the Panthers and even if Jacobs goes it is unclear how much of the workload he would carry. He has headache written all over him this week.


WEEK 15 VALUE PACK
QB – Matt Cassel (vs. Ari) – Arizona gave up four touchdowns to Tavaris Jackson last week and Cassel is much more capable. He threw for a career-high four scores himself last week against the Raiders. I’m not expecting quite that many TD’s this week, but he’s more than capable of having a nice game on Sunday.

RB – Steve Slaton (@Oak) – Slaton has run for more than 100 yards in four of his last five games, including a 100-yard effort against the Titans. This week he gets the Raiders who allow 26.4 fantasy points per game to RB’s.

WR – Lance Moore (@Det) – One of fantasy’s streakiest receivers is due for a big game. I look for it to come in the dome this week against the Lions. Moore will catch at least one of Drew Brees’ multiple TD’s.

TE – Dustin Keller (@Sea) – Seattle has allowed about 60 yards per game to tight ends over the past month and no team has allowed more points to the position in that span than the Seahawks. Look for a bounce back from the rookie this week.

DEF – Jets (@Sea) – The Seahawks are hurting. Matt Hasselbeck is out again and Walter Jones’ season is also over.  Seattle has allowed the third most sacks in the league over the past month and the Jets are coming off a four turnover, three-sack effort last week and are a solid option this week too.

**CATCH THE SHOW ON 1530HOMER.COM - Click on Thursday's 4:00 hour (4:30 weekly). This was the final show of the season. It wraps up my sixth year on with Lance. I can't thank him enough for making me a part of the show and the friendship he has shown.**

Fantasy Football 1530 homer, lance mcalister, fantasy playbook

Did you miss this week's Fantasy Playbook as I go on with Lance McAlister on 1530 Homer the Sports Animal? Either way here's my notes from the show...

WHERE WILL THEY FALL? (Draft Outlook) – Some Intriguing Options In ’09?
Matt Ryan (ATL) – The rookie has impressed for sure. He has given owners multiple TD’s in 5 of his last 7, but he’ll need to get more consistent to join the elite. I will have somewhere between No. 8 and No. 12 on the Cheat Sheet which makes him next year’s Jay Cutler and somewhere around a late 4th to 5th round pick.

Pierre Thomas (NO) – The 23-year old has a bright future and has blown up with 6 touchdowns over the past 4 weeks and can take over the job in New Orleans if he finishes strong. The jury is still out, but if I were drafting today I wouldn’t be afraid to pull the trigger on him in Round 3.

Cadillac Williams (TB) – The Bucs’ system can produce fantasy success and his progress back to this point has been amazing. Williams has the potential to be a steal anywhere after the fourth round, particularly if the Bucs do little in the off-season to change the landscape of their backfield.

Braylon Edwards (CLE) – Coming off a season in which he made 17 trips to the end zone, Edwards has easily been one of the biggest busts in fantasy football this year. Still, I like his upside and the idea of Brady Quinn developing more chemistry with him. He could be a steal in the mid-rounds of the draft next year.

Dustin Keller (NYJ) – The rookie has gotten better as the season has progressed. Since week 9 Keller has 31 receptions for 346 yards. With a full season under his belt he could emerge as a top 5 player at the position in ’09, particularly if Brett Favre, who loves throwing to tight ends, returns to the Jets.

INJURIES TO WATCH
Clinton Portis (knee, hip, neck) – Amazingly Portis is not on the Redskins’ injury report and appears ready to run against the Bengals. The ‘Skins offensive line is hurting, but No. 26 is still a No. 1 option in Week 15 at RB.

Frank Gore (ankle) – Gore missed practice for the second straight day on Thursday and is a full-fledged game-time decision for Sunday’s 1:00 start at Miami. If he starts, he’s safe to play. If not, DeShaun Foster will try to shoulder the load for San Fran. I find a better option though if that happens.

Joseph Addai (IND) – the Colts’ running back could play, but with the Lions paying a trip to Indy why risk it? Look for Dominic Rhodes to see the bulk of the workload in this match-up.

Marion Barber (toe, calf) – making progress, but still not 100% and very much a game-time decision for Sunday night’s showdown in the Big D with the Giants. Tashard Choice will get the call again if Barber sits.

Brandon Jacobs (knee) – it’s looking more and more as if the Giants will take caution and sit Jacobs. The official word won’t come to later this weekend, but I am expecting Derrick Ward to get the call on Sunday night.

WEEK 15 VALUE PACK
QB – Tyler Thigpen (vs. SD) – He threw for 266 yards and three touchdowns in Week 10’s match-up with the Chargers and  9 TD passes over his last five games. Another good effort appears to be in order this time around.

RB – Maurice Morris (@StL) – Morris was given the bulk of the carries in Week 14 for the Seahawks and if that happens again in Week 15, the veteran makes for a sneaky flex play against a Rams’ defense that cedes 30.4 fantasy points per game to running backs. Don’t get crazy with him, but if you are in a pinch grab him.

WR – Davone Bess (vs. SF) - Over the past three games, Bess has caught 20 passes for a combined 245 yards, including a 9-catch performance in last week against the Bills. I like his chances as the Dolphins host a San Fran defense that has allowed 24.9 fantasy points per game to wideouts.

TE – Donald Lee (@Jax) – He has caught a touchdown in three of his last four games, including a 20-yard strike in Week 14. If you are looking for a waiver wire pickup to start look no further than the Packers’ tight end.

DEF – Redskins (@ Cin) – It’s not rocket science, but any defense match-up against an injury-plagued Bengals’ offense equals fantasy success. The Redskins should continue that trend in Week 15.

**CATCH THE SHOW ON 1530HOMER.COM - Click on Thursday's 4:00 hour (4:30 weekly)**

Fantasy Football 1530 homer, lance mcalister, fantasy playbook, fantasy advice, matt ryan, pierre thomas, cadillac williams, braylon edwards, dustin keller, clinton portis, frank gore, deshaun foster, joseph addai, dominic rhodes, tashard choice, brandon jacobs, derrick ward, tyler thigpen, maurice morris, davone bess, donald lee, week 15

Did you miss this week's Fantasy Playbook as I go on with Lance McAlister on 1530 Homer the Sports Animal? Either way here's my notes from the show...

FIVE THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND FOR FANTASY PLAYOFFS
1. Pay close attention to the weather – December weather can be brutal, particularly with kickers and quarterbacks. At the same time it could help defenses and running backs. If you ignore it on game day chances are it’s going to burn you.

2. Handcuff your top players w/backups – Now that bye weeks are over, your bench isn’t as important as before. However, with games now be played every Thursday and soon on Saturdays too it’s not a bad idea to handcuff your better players with their backups, just in case something comes down to a game-time decision.

3. Know division winners (who will clinch early) – This holds true especially for those leagues that still are playing their championship games in Week 17, which I highly recommend against. The Giants and Titans are just two teams that are enjoying large leads and could easily decide to sit some of their star players down the stretch.

4. Watch the waiver wire like a hawk – Every year there is a player or two that emerges from nowhere to be a fantasy playoff star. Also, you will have disgruntled owners dumping players after they fall out. Being the first one to jump on these players could be the difference between winning and losing.

5. Go with match-ups over star status – Fantasy owners have a tough time sitting their high draft picks even when the match-up says otherwise. That might work in the regular season, but in the playoffs there are no second chances. I go for the player that I think has the best chance to score points.


FAVORABLE/UNFAVORABLE PLAYOFF SCHEDULES
Quarterbacks
--EASIEST –  Kansas City (@Den, SD, Mia); Next up – Buffalo and San Francisco
--TOUGHEST – Dallas (@Pit, NyG, Bal); Next up – Pittsburgh and Houston

Running Backs
--EASIEST – Indianapolis (Cin, Det, @Jax); Next up – San Diego and Atlanta
--TOUGHEST –  Dallas (@Pit, NyG, Bal); Next up – Baltimore and Pittsburgh

Wide Receivers
--EASIEST – St. Louis (@Ari, Sea, SF); Next up – NY Jets and Minnesota
--TOUGHEST – Houston (@GB, Ten, @Oak); Next up – Cincinnati and Pittsburgh


WEEK 14 VALUE PACK
QB – Matt Cassell (@Sea): After throwing for 400+ yards in back-to-back games in the previous two weeks, he was limited to 169 yards, 0 TD’s and four turnovers last week vs. the Steelers. Look for a big bounce back this week as the Pats face a Seahawks’ D that is ranked 30th against the pass over the past month.

RB – Peyton Hillis (vs. KC): He has improved his yardage total in each of the last four weeks while scoring four times in his last four games and this week he faces Kansas City and they are allowing 31.3 fantasy points per game to running backs.

WR – Lee Evans (vs. Mia): Consider that 16 of his 32 career TDs have come in the month of December and that he’s facing a Dolphins’ team that he’s scored eight times in eight games against and Evans is getting in my lineup this week.

TE – Zach Miller (@SD): No team gives up more fantasy points to tight ends than the Chargers and Miller is actually finding ways to be productive in the Oakland passing game. He should have a nice game on Thursday night.

DEF – Colts (vs. Cin): Coming off a huge effort last week, the Colts make a nice play again this week as they face a Bengals' offense that mustered just six first downs last week. Go with Indy again here!

**CATCH THE SHOW ON 1530HOMER.COM - Click on Thursday's 4:00 hour (4:30 weekly)**

Fantasy Football 1530 homer, lance mcalister, fantasy playbook

Did you miss this week's Fantasy Playbook as I go on with Lance McAlister on 1530 Homer the Sports Animal? Either way here's my notes from the show...

TREND OR MIRAGE
QB Tyler Thigpen (multiple TD’s in 3 straight) – TREND – With the Saints, Broncos, Raiders, Chargers, and Dolphins still on the slate expect the surprising Chiefs’ QB to continue to be a factor.

RB Marshawn Lynch (Has not topped 70 yards in 4 straight games ) – MIRAGE – If he stops losing touches to Fred Jackson he should enjoy prime matchups ahead with the Browns, Chiefs,  49ers, Dolphins and Broncos in Week 16, I like his chances for a turnaround.

RB Matt Forte (Avg under 3.6 ypc over last 7 games) – TREND – The rookie has been a great surprise and is a stud in league’s where you get receiving yardage and PPR leagues, but he’s not going to ever shoulder a huge workload.

WR Marvin Harrison (Scoreless in 4 straight ) – TREND – To make matters worse the veteran has only eclipsed 50 yards twice all year. He’s no longer worth putting in the lineup.


INJURY REPORT
Reggie Bush (knee) – It appears as if he suffered a setback after practicing Wednesday he took park in no phases of practice on Thursday. With his status in doubt owners are best to look elsewhere in Week 11. Even if Bush plays he could be limited and likely will not be at 100%.

Larry Johnson (suspension) – LJ is expected to return and get the start this week vs. the Saints. The Chiefs’ offense is looking better and the match-up is favorable enough for me to tab him a solid RB2 option.

Clinton Portis (MCL) – He has a Grade 2 sprain of his medial collateral ligament, which could require a recovery time of three to four weeks. However, at this point, the team has not yet ruled him out of this week's game. Ladell Betts, who’s recovering from an injury of his own, is a good bet to get the nod in Portis’ absence.


VALUE PACK
QB – Jake Delhomme (vs. DET):  Look for a big bounce back last week against the Raiders as the Raiders host the Lions who are giving up well over 30 points per week over the past month. Every gets healthy against the Lions.

RB – Deuce McAllister (@KC): With Reggie Bush still not back at 100%, the Deuce should get loose against a Chiefs’ D that gives up 21.5 fantasy points per game to running backs, more than any other team. Enjoy using McAllister in your line-up while you can!

WR – Mark Bradley (vs. NO): He has been solid over the past three games, catching 18 passes for 188 yards and two touchdowns. Look for that to continue on Sunday against a banged up Saints’ D that will be too focused on Tony Gonzalez, Dwayne Bowe, and Larry Johnson.

TE – Bo Scaife (@Jck): Scaife led the Titans in both receptions (10) and receiving yards (78) in Week 10 while adding his second touchdown of the season and in Week 1 vs. the Jaguars he posted a season-high 105 yards on six catches. All that adds up to a nice week ahead.

DEF – Jets (@NE): The Jets have only allowed 12 points per game over their last four contests and are averaging 2 turnovers and 3.5 sacks per game. Rain is likely on Thursday night in Foxboro and that should only help their cause.QB Eli Manning (0 200+-yard games, 3 TDs, 3 INTs over last 3) – MIRAGE – He’s struggled a bit of late, but he has tossed a TD in each of those games and will prove worthy down the stretch.

**CATCH THE SHOW ON 1530HOMER.COM - Click on Thursday's 4:00 hour (4:30 weekly)**

Fantasy Football 1530 homer, lance mcalister, fantasy playbook