FantasySportsGirl.com: Chargers Preview

17. August 2009  - Published by Dan Clasgens
Fantasy Sports Girl Lana has the San Diego Chargers camp preview...

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GSI Mock Draft: Rounds 10-12

11. August 2009  - Published by Dan Clasgens

We have finally completed our GSI Mock Draft. Here are the final few rounds:

RECAPS: Round One | Round Two | Round Three | Round Four | Round Five | Rounds 6-7 | Rounds 8-9

ROUND 10
109. BROERING - D/ST BEARS (CHI)
110. SIMON - TE H. Miller (PIT)
111. DINSMORE - WR T. Ginn Jr (MIA)
112. BRYANT - RB L. McCoy (PHI)
113. WETZEL - WR D. Hixon (NYG)
114. SCHMITT - WR J. Galloway (NE)
115. SIMS - WR M. Clayton (BAL)
116. MURDICO - TE J. Carlson (SEA)
117. ANSELMO - RB S. Greene (NYJ)
118. CLASGENS - RB L. McClain (BAL)
119. FISCHER - QB B. Roethlisberger (PIT)
120. HUMBERT - WR S. Smith (NYG)
ROUND 11
121. HUMBERT - D/ST VIKINGS (MIN)
122. FISCHER - RB R. Williams (MIA)
123. CLASGENS - WR C. Chambers (SD)
124. ANSELMO - WR J. Morgan (SF)
125. MURDICO - D/ST TITANS (TEN)
126. SIMS - D/ST EAGLES (PHI)
127. SCHMITT - D/ST JETS (NYJ)
128. WETZEL - QB M. Cassel (KC)
129. BRYANT - QB M. Hasselbeck (SEA)
130. DINSMORE - QB E. Manning (NYG)
131. SIMON - D/ST PACKERS (GB)
132. BROERING - RB K. Faulk (NE)
ROUND 12
133. BROERING - WR D. Henderson (NO)
134. SIMON - QB T. Edwards (BUF)
135. DINSMORE - D/ST PANTHERS (CAR)
136. BRYANT - D/ST CHARGERS (SD)
137. WETZEL - D/ST REDSKINS (WAS)
138. SCHMITT - QB K. Orton (DEN)
139. SIMS - QB T. Thigpen (KC)
140. MURDICO - QB D. Garrard (JCK)
141. ANSELMO - TE K. Boss (NYG)
142. CLASGENS - RB C. Buckhalter (DEN)
143. FISCHER - WR N. Washington (TEN)
144. HUMBERT - RB E. Graham (TB)

MY PICKS: I was hoping to do better than LeRon McClain, but really he is my RB4 and though he won't be featured as much as he was in '08 you can expect to be the goalline back in Baltimore. I could easily see him putting him 8-10 TD's. Chris Chambers is overvalued by most and I am not that crazy about his outlook for the 2009 season. Still with the 123rd pick in the draft you can do much worse for your WR4. Already having Knowshon Moreno in the fold, I took Correll Buckhalter with the draft's third-to-last pick. He will provide nice insurance and could have value here in Josh McDaniels' system.

BEST VALUE PICKS: Domenik Hixon (chance to be Giants #1 WR); John Carlson (further evidence you can wait on a TE); Matt Hasselbeck (best backup taken in these rounds); Kevin Faulk (will be a factor in NE)

MOST LIKELY TO DISAPPOINT: Joey Galloway (too old to be counted on); Ricky Williams (expect to see a decreased role); Tyler Thigpen (drafting a backup as your backup not a smart move)

FINAL TAKE: The draft is over and the teams look pretty good. Rounds 10-12 are when most fill out their rosters with defenses, kickers (not included in this draft) and deep backups. I prefer to take younger players at this point rather than aging veterans. I skewed away from that a bit, but overall that is the best route to take. This is really the only point of your draft to begin to think about handcuffs.

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Playoff Picks: Divisional Round

8. January 2009  - Published by Dan Clasgens

Man each week the NFL season draws closer to an end, and each week the depression kicks in a little more. Still, there are some great games on tap this weekend and I am going to try to enjoy them to the fullest. Let's take a look each game as I tell you how I see things unfolding and give you my picks.

BALTIMORE (12-5) at TENNESSEE (13-3) - Titans favored by 3
Outlook: The Titans won the Week 5 meeting 13-10 in Baltimore and this one promises to be another slugfest. Baltimore comes into the game off an impressive opening-round victory and seem to be clicking on all cylinders. In the Week 5 meeting the Ravens controlled the clock and limited Tennessee to 47 yards rushing. Tennessee will need more effective running the ball this time around. Ravens' QB Joe Flacco threw two picks in the first meeting, but hasn't been turning the ball over as much of late. The two teams are extremely similar statisically in PaYd per game, RuYd per game, points scored, points allowed, give-aways, and take-aways. The game could easily come down to which team can put points on the board with their defense of special teams.

My Pick: Ravens 20, Titans 16...The one underdog I like to win straight up this week.

Fantasy Clicks: PLAY - Chris Johnson, LeRon McClain, Derrick Mason, Bo Scaife, Rob Bironas, Matt Stover, Ravens DEF, Titans DEF; DON'T PLAY - Joe Flacco, Kerry Collins, LenDale White, Any Titans' WR, Todd Heap.


ARIZONA (10-7) at CAROLINA (12-4) - Panthers favored by 10
Outlook: Talk about two teams that are completely different, the Cardinals and Panthers have gotten to this point in completely different manners. The Panthers have a top-notched running game and an above average defense. The Cardinals boast the league's most prolific passing attack, but struggle to move the ball on the ground and has played inconsistent this year on defense. The game is in Carolina and that could be the difference. Arizona is just 3-5 away from the friendly confines of the desert and and the Panthers are a perfect 8-0 at Bank of America Stadium. Kurt Warner has passed for twice as many TD's as Jake Delhomme (30:15), but Edgerrin James and Tim Hightower collectively were nearly outproduced by the Panthers' No. 2 running back Jonathan Stewart on the ground (913 yards to 836 yards). DeAngelo Williams finished thrid in the NFL in rushing with 1515 yards.

My Pick: Carolina 31, Arizona 20...The Cards will have some success on offense, but will not be able to stop the run this week.

Fantasy Clicks: PLAY - Jake Delhomme, Kurt Warner, DeAngelo Williams, Edgerrin James, Jonathan Stewart, Steve Smith, Larry Fitzgerald, Steve Breaston, Anquan Boldin (game-time decision), Mushin Muhammad, John Kasay, Neil Rackers; DON'T PLAY - Tim Hightower, Stephen Spach, Donte Rosario, Panthers DEF, Cardinals DEF.


PHILADELPHIA (10-6-1) at NY GIANTS (13-3) - Giants favored by 4.5

Outlook: I am still trying to figure out the Eagles even got this point. It wasn't too long ago I went and watched them tie the Bengals. Much has happened since then and the Eagles have won 4 of their last 5 games to get to this point. The Giants are the defending champs and come into the game well rested. While the Eagles finished the season red hot, the Giants were a bit sluggish down the stretch as they dealt with problems on and off the field. The two teams split in their head-to-head match-ups with Philly, winning 20-14 in Week 14 at the Meadowlands. Eli Manning has looked rough down the stretch (only averaging 153 PaYd per game w/out Plaxico). The G-Men will enjoy a healthy return of Brandon Jacobs.

My Pick: Giants 20, Eagles 14...the rubber match should be a good one, but I still like the champs coming off two weeks of rest.

Fantasy Clicks: PLAY - Donovan McNabb, Brian Westbrook, Brandon Jacobs, Derrick Ward, DeSean Jackson, Kevin Curtis, Domenik Hixon, Kevin Boss, Brent Celek, Eagles DEF, David Akers, John Carney; DON'T PLAY - Eli Manning, Correll Buckhalter, Amani Toomer, Giants DEF.


SAN DIEGO (9-8) at PITTSBURGH (12-4) - Steelers favored by 6

Outlook: A little over a month ago I pegged the Chargers as the most overrated team and declared Norv Turner one of the worst coaches in the league. It's amazing what five straight wins can do for job somebody's job security. Behind the Pro Bowl caliber play of Phillip Rivers and the speedy Darren Sproles San Diego has caught a bolt of lightning. Pittsburgh's defense is as good as ever and quarterback Ben Roethlisberger continues to find ways to win. The Steelers' ground attack has been disappointing, but it hasn't matter much as they've continue to beat good team after good team. They have the best homefield advantage of any team in the playoffs and that could make the difference here. San Diego lost at Pittsburhg in Week 11 in the first 11-10 game in NFL history.

My Pick: Pittsburgh 21, Chargers 14...as much as I hate them the Steelers are my Super Bowl pick right now and I am sticking with it!

Fantasy Clicks: PLAY - Ben Roethlisberger, Willie Parker, Hines Ward, Santonio Holmes, Vincent Jackson, Antonio Gates, Heath Miller, Steelers; DON'T PLAY - Phillip Rivers, Darren Sproles (fear the Steelers' D), LaDainian Tomlinson (hurt), Chris Chambers, Chargers DEF, Nate Kaeding, Jeff Reed.

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Game Time Decisions: Week 10

8. November 2008  - Published by Dan Clasgens

Here are some injuries fantasy owners need to know about:

QUARTERBACKS
B. Roethlisberger (shoulder) - full participation on Friday; probable
K. Orton (ankle) - limited in practice on Friday; unlikely to play
J. Russell (knee) - did not practice Friday; may miss game vs. CAR
K. Collins (ankle) - practiced without limits on Friday
A. Rodgers (shoulder) - listed as probable for meeting w/MIN
M. Hasselbeck (back, leg) - ruled OUT for Week 10
M. Schaub (knee) - expected to miss 2-4 weeks

RUNNING BACKS

S. Jackson (groin) - ruled OUT for Week 10 and maybe longer
W. Parker (shoulder) - did not practice all week; doubtful for Week 10
J. Stewart (heel) - practiced Friday, but status still questionable
W. McGahee (ankle) - listed as probable after full practice Friday
D. McFadden (toe) - did not practice Friday; true game-time decision
S. Morris (knee) - doubtful after missing practice again on Friday
T. Minor (concussion) - ruled OUT for Week 10

WIDE RECEIVERS
C. Chambers (ankle) - practice without limits on Friday
J. Cotchery (shoulder) - expects to start vs. STL
L. Coles (thigh) - probable, despite being limited Friday
D. Branch (thigh) - returned to practice Friday; questionable

TIGHT ENDS
H. Miller (ankle) - ruled OUT for Week 10's match-up w/IND


COMPLETE INJURY REPORT

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Game Time Decisions: Week 7

18. October 2008  - Published by Dan Clasgens

Here are  some injuries for owners to be aware of for Week 7. Be sure to come back Sunday for our FANTASY FRENZY - Live Game Day Blog:

QUARTERBACKS
Tony Romo - Could be active, but Dallas is not giving any indication
Carson Palmer - Out this week again; could be headed to I.R.

RUNNING BACKS

Clinton Portis - Expected to start and carry the load for WAS
Reggie Bush - Listed as probable for Sunday's tilt @CAR
LaDainian Tomlinson, Darren Sproles - Both will go against BUF
Jonathan Stewart - Illness had him appear on Friday's injury report
Chris Perry - Cedric Benson may start in his place vs. PIT
Laurence Maroney, LaMont Jordan - Both listed as doubtful; stay away

WIDE RECEIVERS

Marques Colston - Expected to make return vs. CAR
T.J. Houshmandzadeh - Practiced fully Friday; appears to be a go
Laveranues Coles - Appears to be safe and should start vs. OAK
Chris Chambers - Doubtful and unlikely to face BUF
Deion Branch - Don't expect him to be in action on Sunday night
Bernard Berrian, Sidney Rice - Both could start against CHI
Joey Galloway - Could make first appearence since Week 2
Brandon Stokley - Concussion could linger; likely out here

TIGHT ENDS

Kellen Winslow - Hopeful to play, but late start could be risky
Jeremy Shockey - Likely to play; could be limited
Tony Scheffler - Game-time decision
Ben Utecht - Listed as doubtful

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GSI Injury Report: Week 5

6. October 2008  - Published by Dan Clasgens

Sunday brought plenty of injuries for fantasy owners to have to deal with:

QUARTERBACKS
Matt Hasselbeck, Seattle Seahawks - hyperextended right knee
Brian Griese, Tampa Bay Buccaneers - shoulder
Trent Edwards, Buffalo Bills - concussion
Jon Kitna, Detroit Lions - back spasms

RUNNING BACKS

LaDainian Tomlinson, San Diego Chargers - aggrevated toe injury
Brian Westbrook, Phildaelphia Eagles - fractured ribs
Selvin Young, Denver Broncos - strained left groin
LaMont Jordan, New England Patriots - left leg

WIDE RECEIVERS
Chris Chambers, San Diego Chargers - lower leg
Eddie Royal, Denver Broncos - sprained left ankle; may miss a few games
Deion Branch, Seattle Seahawks - heel -

TIGHT ENDS

Tony Scheffler, Denver Broncos - strained left groin
Randy McMichael, St. Louis Rams - broken tibia; headed to I.R.

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GSI Mock Draft: Round 7

19. July 2008  - Published by Dan Clasgens
The 7th Round of the GSI Mock Draft officially marks the midway point. Now is the time to build depth and fill out the starting line-up.

RECAP: ROUND 1 | ROUND 2 | ROUND 3 | ROUND 4 | ROUND 5 | ROUND 6

Here's Round 7:
61. PREUTH - Santana Moss - WR
62. CLASGENS - LenDale White - RB
63. HUMBERT - Fred Taylor - RB
64. BOLTON - Chris Chambers - WR
65. DINSMORE - Chris Cooley - TE
66. MURDICO - Matt Forte - RB
67. SIMS - Calvin Johnson - WR
68. SIMON - Hines Ward - WR
69. WETZEL - Dwayne Bowe - WR
70. FISCHER - Kevin Smith - RB

My Pick: LenDale White became my fourth RB. With my top tight ends off the board and with two WR's already in my line-up, I opt to build depth at running back, by following up last round's pick on Selvin Young with White. That gives me Adrian Peterson, Maurice Jones-Drew and the two back-ups. Either player makes an ideal flex and could easily catapult into my line-up. I am not crazy about White's 3.7 YPC in last year and he's nearly a non-factor in the passing game, but his 303 attempts last year was sixth best in the NFL and with Chris Brown out of the equation he should continue to shoulder the bulk of the load.

Biggest Reach: This may have been the best all-around round of the draft. There is not a single player that was taken out of position. In fact, many of the picks have a tremendous amount of upside for the spot - Taylor, Forte, Johnson, Bowe, and R. White.

Final Take
: I am a big fan of building depth at the most coveted of positions - RB and WR - rather than going after DEF and second-tier TE's just to fill out a line-up. In this round at least, my fellow owners followed suit. Through seven rounds we have yet to see a DEF or PK, but that is about to change.

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