Fantasy Sports Girl Andrea has the Miami Dolphins camp preview...

fantasysportsgirl.com, fantasy advice, miami dolphins, chad pennington, ronnie brown, ricky williams, ted ginn jr, anthony fasano

Some parting shots from the first weekend of the NFL playoffs:

*I forgot what is was like to watch commericals during NFL games, oh how I already miss the NFL Ticket and the Red Zone Channel

*Matt Ryan had a great season and has single-handedly turned out the fortunes of the Falcons' franchise, but stopping RB Michael Turner is still the key to beating Atlanta. The Cardinals' defense suprisingly held him to 42 yards on 18 carries. For the record Ryan finished the game 26 of 40 for 199 yards and 2 TD's, but he also threw two big picks.

*Larry Fitzgerald is the best receiver in the NFL...period. The TD catch he made was amazing, but it is just one of many he had during the season.

*The Colts can't win playoff games without a running game. Joseph Addai only mustered 44 yards on 16 carries. Running the football is a must in winning come playoff time.

*L.T. is done. I don't see him ever returning to his former self. Do you think the Chargers would like to have Michael Turner back now?

*Darren Sproles is the man - and was a stellar sleeper pick in my playoff fantasy football lineup! He produced the third most total yards in playoff history, including 105 yards rushing on 23 carries and 2 TD's!

*How did Phillip Rivers miss the Pro Bowl?

*The Ravens were my sleeper pick of all of the wildcard teams. Their defense is nearly as good as their 2000 unit that won the Super Bowl. Their running game can wear any team down and rookie quartberback Joe Flacco is much better than Trent Dilfer. Can you say Super Bowl? Let's not get too carried away yet, but it wouldn't suprise if it happened.

*Flacco became the third rookie QB to win their first post-season start. Everybody knows Ben Roethlisberger did it, but I completely forgot about Shaun King (Tampa Bay 2001), where did he go?

*Chad Pennington had a great season and certainly deserved his second Comeback Player of the Year award, but on Sunday he remembered that he indeed was Chad Pennington.

*If the Vikings are serious about winning they cannot go in to next season with Tavaris Jackson and Gus Frerotte as their quarterbacks.

*It's hard to believe that a little more than a month ago the Eagles actually benched Donovan McNabb. Expect both him and head coach Andy Reid to return to Philly in '09.

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Just a few observations from the final Sunday of NFL regular season action:

• DETROIT FIRST EVER TO GO 0-16 - The Lions did it! We finally have an 0-16 team. One year after we witnessed our first 16-0 team ever, we now have an 0-16 team as the Lions lost in Green Bay 31-21. The Lions haven't won since Dec. 23, 2007, actually, when they beat the Kansas City Chiefs. And Green Bay is where this woeful streak began at the end of last season. Since then, the Lions have lost 17 straight and been outscored 551-281.
  
  
• PENNINGTON GETS LAST LAUGH - I am a big Brett Favre fan and I really do think that I saw him play his last game ever today. Still, I was rooting for Pennington to come back to the Meadowlands and claim the division title in front of the fans that were so happy to replace him with the future Hall of Famer to start the season. The bonus came with Miami's win also eliminating the Patriots from the playoffs for the first time since 2002. Tony Romo proves once again that he can't handle the pressure of a big game.
  
  
• COWBOYS SUFFFER WORST LOSS IN FRANCHISE HISTORY - After both the Bucs and Bears blew their chances to put pressure on the Cowboys, the Eagles learned just before the kickoff of their game that a win over Dallas would give them the NFC's final playoff berth. The Eagles embarassed the Dallas Cowboys, who I've said all year long is the league's most overrated team. They proved it on Sunday as they lost 44-6 with their season on the line.
  
  
• BLOWING IT DOWN THE STRETCH - If you look at the four teams that missed out on the playoffs on Sunday that at one point looked like a lock - the Cowboys, Bears, Bucs, and Jets - you see one consistent trend. Disappointing finishes. Over the last five weeks of the season the teams mentioned above went 6-14. Enough said. I don't think Lovie Smith or Jon Gruden are going anywhere, but it wouldn't surprise me to see the ax come down with any of these teams.
  
  
• RESTING STARTERS NOT A BAD IDEA - I am not a big fan of how it robs me of a good week of fantasy football, but you can't argue with coaches that sit their players with the playofs in hand. Mike Tomlin is wishing he would have pulled the plug on Ben Roethlisberger before he got knocked out of the game with a concussion. The look on Tomlin's face when his franchise quarterback was on the turf for nearly ten minutes said it all. Big Ben suffered a concussion and should be alright in two weeks when the Steelers next play.
  
  
• FALCONS, RAVENS RIDE THEIR ROOKIE QB'S - Nothing is more impressive than the 1-15 turnaroud Miami had to win the AFC East. Still, I couldn't end this blog post without mentioning how amazed I am that both Matt Ryan and Joe Flacco led the Falcons and Ravens to wildcard berths respectively. I didn't give either team much of a chance to compete this year, especially with rookie quarterbacks. I don't expect either team to go too deep into the playoffs, but I learned my lesson and won't take them for granted either. Both teams are very much capabale of beating their first round opponents next.

NFL lions, packers, dolphins, jets, chad pennington, brett favre, cowboys, eagles, tony romo, buccaneers, bears, lovie smith, jon gruden, falcons, ravens, matt ryan, joe flacco

Le'Ron McClain, RB, Baltimore - 22 carries, 139 yards, 1 TD
A few years ago the Ravens won it all with a solid running game and an excellent defense. They may be on track to do it again. Not only did McClain have a huge night against the Cowboys on Saturday, Willis McGahee added 108 yards of his own thanks to a 77-yard touchdown run. Joe Flacco threw for just 149 yards but did not turn the ball over. On the defensive side of the ball, Ed Reed stole the show with two interceptions. The Ravens still need one more win the clinch a playoff berth and if they do it, I wouldn't want to be the team to have to face them.

Phillip Rivers, QB, San Diego - 21/31, 287 yards, 4 TD
The Chargers kept their playoff hopes alive with a big win in Tampa. Rivers had another big game with two touchdowns to Antonio Gates. Darren Sproles and Brandon Manumaleuna each scored on screen plays while Vincent Jackson led the team with 111 yards on seven catches. Once again LaDainian Tomlinson had a disappointing day with 90 yards rushing and 20 receiving and did not score.

Jason Jones, DE, Tennessee - 4 Tackles, 3.5 sacks, 3 FF
In the absence of Albert Haynesworth the rookie Jones stepped up today for the Titans. Jones hit Ben Roethlisberger hard and often who in turn lost two fumbles and two interceptions. Justin Gage had the big day on offense for Tennesse with five catches for 104 yards and a touchdown. LenDale White and Chris Johnson combined for 117 rushing yards and each scored. The Titans win over the Steelers give them a much deserved home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.

Chad Pennington, QB, Miami - 26/34, 235 yards, 3 TD, 1 Int
Brett Favre may be going to the Pro-Bowl but it looks like it's Pennington that will be taking his team to the post-season. The Dolphins won a tough game in Kansas City thanks to the arm of their quarterback. Pennington found Anthony Fasano late in the fourth quarter for his second touchdown of the game and the defense held on for the teams' tenth victory. Pennington will have a chance to show the Jets the error of their ways next week when his team visits New York to play for the AFC East title. Stay tuned.

Cedric Benson, RB, Cincinnati - 38 carries, 171 yards
With a final score of 14-0 it may be suggested that the Bengals and Browns engaged in a defensive struggle. But in reality, it was more of a couple of inept offenses playing touch football in an empty lot. Benson nearly totalled more yards than the entire Browns offense which finished with 182. He did more than triple his quaterback's passing total of 55 yards. Cornerback Leon Hall deserves credit with three interceptions and running one of those back for a score.

Maurice Morris, RB, Seattle - 29 carries, 116 yards
In a season that has been lost for a while, the only thing the Seahawks have left to play is the role of the spoiler. And that's exactly what they did on Sunday. Seattle beat the Jets by holding them to just three points and then running the ball with Morris. Seneca Wallace was servicable with 175 yards and a score. But those numbers were better than the Jets' QB. Favre finished with 187 passing yards yards, no touchdowns, two interceptions and was sacked four times.

Jay Cutler, QB, Denver - 25/45, 359 pass yards, 8 carries, 30 rush yards, 2 TD
Cutler did all he could to beat the Bills and clinch the AFC West crown. He rushed the ball more times than any Bronco back. He hooked up with his pro-bowl receiver, Brandon Marshall, 10 times for 129 yards. But he also threw a late interception ending the Broncos chances to beat the Bills. It also did not help that he can't play defense as the Broncos continue to allow big points to their opponents. But they will have one more chance next week in San Diego to win the crown and move on to the playoffs.

Visanthe Shiancoe, TE, Minnesota - 7 ctaches, 136 yards, 2 TD
Shiancoe has a huge game against the Falcons but it was not enough to pull out a victory. Atlanta capitalized on Minnesota mistakes and clinched a playoff spot thanks the Bucs loss to the Chargers. The Vikings are still very much alive, however, and should not be too discouraged. Despite some fumbles and poor clock management, Tavaris Jackson did fairly well throwing for 233 yards and running for 76 more. The rest of the running game was shaky with Adrian Peterson finishing with just 76 yards.


The Game Used Sock Award
Kurt Warner, QB, Arizona - 6/18, 30 yards
Yes, there are a number of excuses for the play of Warner and the Cardinals in New England on Sunday. First, there's the whole 'west coast traveling to the east coat' thing. Then the couple of inches of snow and low temperatures didn't help. And, of course, Arizona already wrapped up a playoff berth and don't have much to play for. Oh yeah, Warner was without Anquan Boldin too. BALONEY. Fine, don't bring your 'A' game. Rest some players. Play some back-ups. And don't risk injuries. But 30 passing yards in two and a half quarters is pathetic in any scenario. And by the way, the other quarterback on the field threw for 345 yards and three touchdowns and his team may miss the playoffs. So Warner gets to fly back to the desert wearing his dirty socks. Hopefully they're those thermal-heated socks that hunters wear - not that it made a difference.

Fantasy Football, NFL leron mcclain, ed reed, joe flacco, phillip rivers, antonio gates, vincent jackson, jason jones, ben roethlisberger, justin gage, lendale white, chris johnson, chad pennington, anthony fasano, brett favre, cedric benson, leon hall, maurice morris, jay cutler, brandon marshall, visanthe shiancoe, tavaris jackson, adrian peterson, kurt warner, anquan boldin

Here's some notes on the Pro Bowl selections (from Rotoworld.com):

--The Jets led all teams with seven players (Brett Favre, Thomas Jones, Alan Faneca, Nick Mangold, Leon Washington, Kris Jenkins, Darrelle Revis). Favre makes it despite -- brace yourselves now -- leading the league with 17 picks.

--Giants' Kicker John Carney (44) is the oldest Pro Bowler ever.

--After sending eight players last year, only two New England Patriots made it (first-timers Wes Welker and Stephen Gostkowski).

--Tennessee's Chris Johnson was the only rookie selection.

--You may think Joey Porter is a mouthy knucklehead, but he and his AFC-leading 17.5 sacks deserved a spot, while Dolphins teammate…

--...Ronnie Brown simply didn't. 10 TDs (4 in that fluky 'Wildcat-gone-wild!' game) were nice, but he has only three 100-plus-yard games and only one other game topping even 70 yards. Steve Slaton, Marshawn Lynch and even LaDainian Tomlinson deserved it more.

--The Bengals, Jags, Rams and Lions had zero reps. Shocker.

--Notable snubs: Atlanta's John Abraham (3rd in sacks with 15), Philip Rivers (#1 in passer rating/tied for #1 with 28 TDs, and Cutler goes?), Matt Ryan (Eli?), DeAngelo Williams (1,229 yards/14 TDs and they choose Portis?), Calvin Johnson, Brandon Jacobs, Chad Pennington (The Matt Ryan of the AFC…c'mon, Favre?). And Dallas Clark should have edged Antonio Gates.

COMPLETE PRO BOWL ROSTERS

NFL pro bowl, jets, brett favre, thomas jones, alan faneca, nick mangold, leon washington, kris jenkins, darrelle revis, giants, john carney, patriots, wes welker, stephen gostkowski, titans, chris johnson, dolphins, joey porter, ronnie brown, bengals, jags, rams, lions, falcons, john abraham, chargers, philip rivers, broncos, jay cutler, matt ryan, panthers, deangelo williams, clinton portis, redskins, calvin johnson, brandon jacobs, chad pennington, colts, dallas clark, antonio gates, ladainian tomlinson

Here is our Line-Up Locks for Week 12. Thursday's night match up will not be included. Here's a quick look at those who has favorable matchups (LOCK IN) and those who deserve a spot on your bench this week (LOCK OUT):

QUARTERBACKS
Lock In:
--Matt Cassel @ Mia
My take: 400+ yards last week. You probably had him on your bench. Don't make that mistake this week in a great match up.

--Aaron Rodgers @ NO
My take: This is a very sexy match up for the Packers QB who has been very consistent of late.

--Tony Romo vs. SF
My take: He looked a little rusty last week, but the Cowboys were playing a much better opponent last week. This week Romo and the Boys get healthy quickly versus a vulnerable 49ers defense.

Fantasy Football matt cassel, aaron rodgers, tony romo, jake delhomme, brett favre, chad pennington, steve slaton, warrick dunn, marshawn lynch, thomas jones, maurice jones-drew, tim hightower, dwayne bowe, bernard berrian, donald driver, desean jackson, donnie avery, laveranues coles, owen daniels, chris cooley, greg olsen, lj smith, todd heap, anthony fasano

Here is our Line-Up Locks for Week 11. Bye weeks are finally over and this week's games have a lot of great match ups. I only list three, but there are plenty of good options this week. Here's a quick look at those who have favorable matchups (LOCK IN) and those who deserve a spot on your bench this week (LOCK OUT):

QUARTERBACKS
Lock In:
--Matt Ryan vs. Den
My take: Ryan has performed like a veteran for the very underrated Atlanta Falcons. This week his match up is so good, you have to consider Ryan a top 10 QB this week. Expect a couple of scores and at least 200 yards from him.

--Donovan McNabb @ Cin
My take: McNabb should have time to shred the Bengals defense, and can still scramble away from any pressure the defense might put on him.

--Trent Edwards vs. Cle
My take: Edwards has been hot and cold but is poised for a very nice week in what could be an offensive shootout.

Fantasy Football matt ryan, donovan mcnabb, trent edwards, chad pennington, eli manning, david garrard, deangelo williams, tim hightower, marshawn lynch, maurice jones-drew, earnest graham, justin fargas, santana moss, steve smith, roddy white, vincent jackson, bernard berrian, marvin harrison, chris cooley, owen daniels, kellen winslow, greg olsen, todd heap, kevin boss

Here are a few trends to think about before tuning into the games on Sunday:

After getting off to a slow start, Jamal Lewis has been a pretty good running back as of late. In the last four games he is averaging 82 yards and scored three times. But that trend may end on Sunday against his former team, the Ravens. In two games last season Lewis ran pretty well against Baltimore with 64 yards in one game and 92 in the other, and scoring in each. But earlier this year the improved Ravens D held him to just 56 yards and it is doubtful he'll do much better this time around. The Ravens give up just 64 yards on the ground per game and have allowed just one rushing touchdown this season.

While the Bills' success has been a pleasant surprise for many this season, the same can't be said for the play of their stud running back Marshawn Lynch. In his rookie season last year, Lynch averaged 21.5 carries per game and was given the ball at least 18 times in each start. This year he is averaging just 17.6 carries and just 64.1 yards per game. Sure, his touchdowns are way up - six so far this year compared to seven all of last year. But touchdowns can be hit or miss and the fact is, Lynch is not gettting the same opportunities. In the last two games Fred Jackson has gotten the ball 19 times. There may not be a battle for running back in Buffalo but it seems as if Jackson will continue to take carries away from Lynch. Regardless, the Bills could have a tough time running the ball against a Jets D that allows just 82.6 yards per game.

The Rams are back. Okay, they aren't the Greatest Show on Turf anymore, but they are playing competitive football, especailly on offense. One of the guys that has stepped it up has been rookie wide receiver Donnie Avery. In the last three games Avery has 14 catches for 291 yards and two touchdowns. In that same span Torry Holt had just 11 catches for 102 yards and did not score. It would appear that teams are doubling up on the veteran and the rookie is taking advantage of it. Expect both to do well against an Arizona defense that has allowed 14 receiving touchdowns this season - the most in the NFL.

The Dolphins have been another surprise team this season. They have a solid defense and two veteran backs leading the charge. But lately it has been the arm of Chad Pennington leading the team. In the last three weeks he has had games of 284, 295 and 314 yards. He has not thrown for 300 yards in back-to-back games since the beginning of the 2006 season but he should be able to match that feat this week against a Broncos team that is ranked 28th against the pass.

Quick Hits:
Jason Campbell has not thrown an interception this year. The Steelers have not intercepted a pass in thier last four games.
Joey Porter leads the league with 10.5 sacks. Jay Cutler has only been sacked four times this season.
Terrell Owens scored five times in three games against the Giants last year. He has found the endzone in six of his last seven games against New York.

Fantasy Football, NFL jamal lewis, marshawn lynch, fred jackson, donnie avery, torry holt, chad pennington, jason campbell, joey porter, jay cutler, terrell owens

Here is our Week 9 edition of Line-Up Locks. Here's a quick look at those who have favorable matchups (LOCK IN) and those who deserve a spot on your bench this week (LOCK OUT):
 
QUARTERBACKS
Lock In:
--Kurt Warner @ StL
My take: This game could be a real shootout. Warner should be one of the top performing quarterbacks of the week.

--Chad Pennington @ Den
My take: The Broncos allow the second highest amount of points in the NFL AND they will be without Champ Bailey. Pennington will light up the Broncos this week.

--David Garrard @ Cin
My take: Garrard has really turned up his play of late and that trend will continue against a Bengals defense that is injury-depleted.

Lock Out:
--Derek Anderson vs. Bal
My take: Expect a low-scoring effort from everyone in this game. Anderson might get a TD, but he will be pressured and confused which will lead to low yardage totals and turnovers.

--Jason Campbell vs. Pitt
My take: Campbell will be tested in this game. With their confusing schemes and blitz packages, the Steelers will keep Campbell’s production to a minimum.

--Brett Favre @ Buf
My take: This could be one of the best games of the week. Buffalo is stinging from their first conference loss and will look for revenge against the Jets. Favre has not looked like himself lately, which is reason for concern if you’re a Favre owner.


RUNNING BACKS
Lock In:
--Earnest Graham @ KC
My take: Warrick Dunn is injured which means Graham will get almost all the carries against the league’s worst run defense. Graham will go off this week.

--Maurice Jones-Drew @ Cin
My take: You invested in an early pick for MJD and this will be the week you’ll be glad you did. Jones-Drew will exploit a porous Bengals defense.

--Matt Forte vs. Det
My take: Forte is pretty much an every week starter as it is, but if somehow you play matchups with him, the match up doesn’t get any better for this rookie stud.

Lock Out:
--Cedric Benson vs. Jax
My take: Benson has looked better than Chris Perry, but he’s still not worth a start, especially this week.

--Steve Slaton @ Min
My take: Slaton will face the toughest match up of his NFL career this week and likely will be unproductive.

--Edgerrin James @ StL
My take: It’s a nice match up for James, but he’s been losing carries and TDs to rookie Tim Hightower. James is not really a viable fantasy starter any more.


WIDE RECEIVERS
Lock In:
--Roddy White @ Oak
My take: If you haven’t been paying attention, Matt Ryan and Roddy White have become quite a duo. White has to be an every week starter at this point. Get him in your lineup.

--Donnie Avery vs. Ari
My take: Last week I mentioned that I still wasn’t sold on Avery. I am now ready to say that he has convinced me that he’s worth starting; this week especially in what could be a shootout.

--Anquan Boldin @ StL
My take: Along with Larry Fitzgerald, a healthy Anquan Boldin must be in your lineup and in a potential shootout, expect lots of looks and lots of potential TDs.

Lock Out:
--Terrell Owens @ NYG
My take: (This is the same thing I said last week, but it says it all, so I’ll copy and paste it) Did you see how bad the Cowboys offense looked without Tony Romo? They will be without him again this week, and that means, it's time to put TO on your bench. He'll probably whine about it, but do it anyway.

--Santana Moss vs. Pit
My take: Usually Moss is a worthy starter, but this week, play the match up and move him to your bench as Pittsburgh’s defense should keep the scoring low.

--TJ Houshmandzadeh vs. Jax
My take: In a PPR league, Housh still has value, but otherwise, it might be time to consider trading him or benching him, especially this week.


TIGHT ENDS
Lock In:
--Greg Olsen vs. Det
My take:  The Bears, all Bears, have a great match up. Olsen makes for a fantastic this week.

--Anthony Fasano @ Den
My take: As mentioned earlier, the Broncos defense is susceptible and Pennington will have time to throw the ball and Fasano could benefit from that.

--Kellen Winslow vs. Bal
My take: Winslow has stunk as a fantasy option this year, but expect him to step up his performance. While it’s a tough, low-scoring match up, Winslow could find the end zone.

Lock Out:
--Heath Miller @ Was
My take: The Redskins will keep Roethlisberger from having time and Miller will not be a factor in this game.

--Tony Gonzalez vs. TB
My take: The Bucs defense is very undervalued. They are stout and face Tyler Thigpen. As a result, I just don’t see any Chiefs receiver being worth a start.

--Chris Cooley vs. Pit
My take: Cooley might still be your best option, but keep your expectations to a minimum for him this week.


TEAM DEFENSE/ST
Lock In:
--Minnesota vs. Hou
--Jacksonville @ Cin
--Tampa Bay @ KC

Lock Out:
--Miami @ Den
--Arizona @ SL
--St. Louis vs. Ari

Fantasy Football line-up locks, kurt warner, chad pennington, david garrard, derek anderson, jason campbell, brett favre, earnest graham, warrick dunn, maurice jones-drew, matt forte, cedric benson, steve slaton, edgerrin james, roddy white, donnie avery, anquan boldin, terrell owens, santana moss, tj houshmandzadeh, greg olsen, anthony fasano, kellen winslow, heath miller, tony gonzalez, chris cooley

When looking ahead to some Week 8 fantasy match-ups history suggests the following….

GOOD WEEK AHEAD
--L. FITZGERALD (@Car) –He’s averaged 7 rec, 108 ypg in last 3 vs. CAR with 2 TDs in span
--D. WILLIAMS (vs. Ari) – 121 yards and a TD on just 10 carries last year against the Cardinals
--T. EDWARDS (@Mia) – Threw for 4 TDs in his start vs. Miami last December
--J. GARCIA (@Dal) – Has tossed 10 TD’s in 5 career games vs. Dallas
--T. OWENS (vs. TB) – 14 receptions for 259 yards and 2 TDs in 2 career match-ups w/TB
--F. GORE (vs. Sea) – Has averaged 5.5 ypc during 5 career games vs. SEA
--J. CAMPBELL (@Det) – Had big day in ’07 vs. DET – 23/29 for 248 yards, 2 TD’s

BAD WEEK AHEAD
--K. WARNER (@Car) – In 4 career games vs. Panthers he has thrown for 3 TD’s and 9 INT’s
--B. WESTBROOK (vs. Atl) – Has yet to run for 100 yards or a TD in 3 games against Falcons
--C. PENNINGTON (vs. Buf) – Has 0 multiple TD efforts in 8 career match-ups vs. Bills
--J. LEWIS (@Jax) – In 5 games vs. JCK, he’s managed only one 100-yard day and 0 TD’s
--P. MANNING (vs. Ten) – Just 2 TDs and 3 INTs over his past 3 meetings with Titans
--D. CLARK (vs. Ten) – Has found the end zone once in 6 career games vs. TEN
--B. ENGRAM (@SF) – Despite playing 10 games vs. SF only 1 TD and no 100-yard games

MORE PLAYER HISTORY (FFToday.com)

Fantasy Football larry fitzgerald, deangelo williams, trent edwards, jeff garcia, terrell owens, frank gore, jason campbell, kurt warner, brian westbrook, chad pennington, jamal lewis, peyton manning, dallas clark, bobby engram