The Seattle Seahawks siged free agent running back Edgerrin James to a one-year, $2 million deal.

To clear a path for James the Seahawks cut veteran T.J. Duckett, according to ProFootballTalk.com.

James, 31, ranks 11th in career rushing in the NFL, but he is coming off the least productive season of his career. He started seven games for Arizona last season, gaining 514 yards as rookie Tim Hightower took more of the workload.

Julius Jones appears to be set to be the team's starting running back, but James will get into the mix along with camp star Justin Forsett.

The Seahawks reportedly also considered adding Warrick Dunn, who like Duckett played under new head coach Jim Mora Jr. in Atanta, but in the end the team opted for James.

FANTASY SLANT: Jones is still the best option, but James could be worth a stab in the late rounds. Forsett is looking like a deep sleeper, particularly in PPR formats. Duckett was projeted for about 8-10 touchdowns and was likely selected in deeper leagues that already have drafted. He no longer warrants any fantasy consideration.

Fantasy Football, NFL seattle seahawks, edgerrin james, julius jones, tj duckett, justin forsett

The Arizona Cardinals made it official on Tuesday, parting ways with former Pro Bowl running back Edgerrin James.

The 31-year old running back had brief moments of hope in Arizona's Super Bowl, but mostly was a shell of his formerself in 2008. James ($5 million salary) arrived in Arizona in 2006 as the highest-paid free agent signing in team history, and rushed for more than 1,000 yards his first two seasons. But his role was reduced with the presence of Tim Hightower last season, he didn't play for three games and finished with a career-low 514 yards rushing.

Once the Cardinals drafted Ohio State's Chris "Beanie" Wells in the first round, James' fate was sealed.

Look for a few teams to look at James as a potential backup to work in the mix at running back, but a starting job seems highly unlikely. With over 12,000 carries to his credit, James simply has too much mileage and no longer possesses the speed and quick-cutting ability that made him so good in his prime with the Colts.

It's going to be real interesting this summer to watch how the backfield battle shakes down in the desert between Hightower and Wells. Look for both to see plenty of action in 2009.

Fantasy Football, NFL cardinals, edgerrin james, beanie wells, tim hightower, chris wells

Let's check out some of the latest headlines from around the league...

HOUSMANDZADEH INTERESTED IN PHILLY (from Philadelphia Inquirer)
Pending free agent wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh had some interesting things to say about the Eagles yesterday during an interview with Mike Missanelli on ESPN 950. Houshmandzadeh, considered the top free-agent receiver on the market, said he could potentially be interested in playing in Philadelphia. "If the Eagles are interested in me, let's put it like this. If they'll be interested in me, I'll be interested in them," he said when asked if the Eagles would be his top choice...MORE

PATS READY TO TAG CASSEL (from Boston Globe)
The question no longer seems to be if the Patriots will designate quarterback Matt Cassel their franchise player, but when. It could come as early as today. NFL teams can use the franchise tag - which helps retain top players and limits a player's ability to fully experience free agency - on one player today through Feb. 19...MORE

JAMES ALREADY OUT IN ARIZONA (from ProFootballTalk.com)
In an interview on Dan Patrick’s radio show, Dan Bickley of the Arizona Republic and XTRA Sports 910 said in no uncertain terms that Cardinals running back Edgerrin James is already gone. Bickley said that James didn’t return to Arizona with the team, and that he fully expects James not to be back in 2009. James is entering the final year of his contract, at a base salary of $5 million...MORE

CABLE OFFICIALLY RAIDERS' COACH, FINALLY (from Sacramento Bee)
The method wasn't conventional. Interview for head coach of the Raiders. Recruit assistant coaches. Then watch those assistant coaches get hired before you. But that's how Tom Cable became the 17th head coach of the Raiders. Cable was introduced at the team's training facility Wednesday after "interim" was removed from his title Tuesday...MORE

GONZO WILLING TO SEE WHAT HAPPENS IN KC (from FoxSports.com)
In an exclusive interview with FOXSports.com, Gonzalez said that a Yahoo.com story published Wednesday morning misrepresented his stance toward the organization. Gonzalez said he is amenable to returning for a 13th NFL season in Kansas City and won't know whether he will ask for a trade until seeing what personnel and coaching moves the franchise makes this offseason...MORE

NO REUNION FOR REEVES, COWBOYS (from San Antonio Express-News)
There will be no reunion for Dan Reeves and the Dallas Cowboys. Reeves, 65, who played and coached for the Cowboys, had been at the team's facility this week in anticipation of joining the organization in some capacity. But the team said Wednesday night that wasn't happening...MORE

bengals, eagles, t.j. houshmandzadeh, patriots, matt cassel, cardinals, edgerrin james, raiders, tom cable, chiefs, tony gonzalez, cowboys, dan reeves

Three more freakin' games, that's all we have left of the NFL in 2008. This weekend's slate looks nothing like I predicted in the NFC, but I pretty much nailed it in the AFC. Either way it makes for an interesting  Sunday of football. Here's how I see the games unfolding this weekend:

PHILADELPHIA (9-7) at ARIZONA (9-6-1) - Eagles favored by 4
Outlook: For the thrird straight week it's hard to find anybody that wants to pick the Cardinals, but they just keep finding ways to win. In my mind they've already beaten two teams that are just as good as Philly.

The Eagles are riding high, but outside of drilliing an overrated and unfocused Cowboys' team to get into the playoffs, outlasting a Tavaris Jackson-led Vikings' squad, and a Giants' offense that failed to find an idenity what have the Eagles done? All that's right, they tied the freakin' Bengals, got drilled by the Ravens, and blew a must-win game late in the year to a weak Redskins' team.

Arizona looked terrible down the stretch of the regular season, but post-season surge of the defense and the committment to get a running game going has breathed life into the Cardinals at the perfect time. They looked impressive against Atlanta and shut down Michael Turner. Then they went to Carolina and did something eight other teams couldn't do this year as they beat the Panthers. And not just beat them, but drill them.

The Eagles jumped out to a 21-0 lead before rolling the Cards on Thanksgiving Night, but this time its in Arizona and believe it or not I am going to think that makes a difference.

My Pick: CARDS 24, EAGLES 20

Fantasy Clicks: PLAY - Donovan McNabb, Kurt Warner, Brian Westbrook, Edgerrin James, Tim Hightower, Anquan Boldin, Larry Fitzgerald, DeSean Jackson, Brent Celek, David Akers, Neil Rackers; DON'T PLAY - Correll Buckhalter, Kevin Curtis, Reggie Brown, L.J. Smith, Eagles DEF, Cardinals DEF

BALTIMORE (11-5) at PITTSBURGH (12-4) - Steelers favored by 6
Outlook: The Steelers have already beaten the Ravens twice this season and beating a team three times in one season is a tough task, but it's not unheard off. Just ask the 1999 Jaguars, they went 14-2 before with both losses coming to the Titans, then they lost to Tennessee in the playoffs. It happens. Baltimore has had quite a run to get this point, but they look tired. They haven't had a bye since Week 2 and the veterans on the defense have played at such a high level I think that could hurt them.

Meanwhile, Pittsburgh is enjoying fresh life in the running game as Fast Willie Parker finally gets to 100%. His speed to the outside could present problems for the Ravens, who are likely to be without linebacker Terrell Suggs. Ben Roethlisberger is going to be playing looser than Joe Flacco, but that could lead into turnovers. To me that is the key to this game. If Baltimore is going to have a chance they will need to limit Big Ben and capitalize on mistakes. I don't see the Steelers, who have the best homefield advantage in the league, making too many mistakes though.

My Pick: STEELERS 20, RAVENS 13

Fantasy Clicks: PLAY - Ben Roethlisberger, Willie Parker, LeRon McClain, Santonio Holmes, Hines Ward, Derrick Mason, Heath Miller, Jeff Reed, Matt Stover, Steelers DEF, Ravens DEF; DON'T PLAY -Willis McGahee, Mewelde Moore, Mark Clayton, Nate Washington, Todd Heap

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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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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

Here is our Week 5 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:
--Trent Edwards @ Ari
My take: The Cardinals gave up 6 TDs to Brett Favre. Edwards is good for at least two, maybe three against that kind of defense.

--Matt Schaub vs. Ind
My take: Schaub had two TDs last Sunday and I expect much of the same against an Indy defense that is vulnerable without Bob Sanders.

--Eli Manning vs. Sea
My take: Teams always seem to do better after a bye week. Be slightly concerned about Plaxico Burress' suspension this week, but I don't think it holds Eli's stats down much as I think Plax needs the Giants more than they need him.

Lock Out:
--Jason Campbell @ Phi
My take: This should be another great game in the NFC East, but unlike against Dallas last week, I expect the Eagles to pressure Campbell all day.

--Carson Palmer @ Dal
My take: I don't think he's going to play again this week, after last week's surprise inactive. Even if he plays, this match up could be a train wreck.

--Ben Roethlisberger @ Jax
My take: He's hurt and so is his offensive line who can't keep him healthy. Oh, and he's now having to rely on Mewelde Moore and Najeh Davenport to run the ball. The Jaguars are going to try to take Big Ben out of the game and make the Steelers beat them on the ground.


RUNNING BACKS
Lock In:
--Matt Forte @ Det
My take: Forte is going to be a force all game against the worst rush defense in the NFL. I expect Forte to be one of the top scorers of the week. He's even catching passes now. 

--Earnest Graham @ Den
My take: The Broncos defense is non-existent and Jon Gruden is going to attack the Broncos on the ground and Graham owners will be the beneficiaries.

--Jonathan Stewart vs. KC
My take: Expect a nice Daily Show from this John Stewart as he will once again score at least once versus a lousy Chiefs rush defense.

Lock Out:
--Reggie Bush vs. Min
My take: If you're in a points per reception league, you'll want to keep Bush active, but from a rushing, yardage, scoring standpoint, the Vikings defense is still stout.

--Maurice Jones-Drew vs. Pit
My take: This will be a low-scoring affair and as always, you never know who's going to scalp a score away from MJD, including somebody named Montell Owens last Sunday. Frustrating.

--Edgerrin James vs. Buf
My take: Yes, he scored a couple of TDs last week, but he gained only 30 yards rushing. Take those TDs away and you have a risky pick. Don't risk it this week.


WIDE RECEIVERS
Lock In:
--Terrell Owens vs. Cin
My take: You likely weren't going to bench him, but this week, his frustrations will be over as the Bengals will cure all that ails him.

--Lee Evans @ Ari
My take: Did I mention that Brett Favre lit the Cardinals secondary up and so did Lavernues Coles (who by the way I picked as a lock in last week). I can't promise 3 TDs, but I can tell you to lock in Evans.

--DeSean Jackson vs. Was
My take: This guy has shown me enough and produced enough to convince me that he's worthy of a lock in, especially this week. Tougher matchup, but he'll still get his.

Lock Out:
--Chad Johnson/TJ Housmanzadeh @ Dal
My take: If Carson Palmer plays, play TJ for sure, if Fitzpatrick is under center, stay away altogether.

--Donald Driver vs. Atl
My take: Aaron Rodgers is very questionable. If he doesn't play, bench Driver, for sure. Even if he plays, I don't like his chances this week.

--Santonio Holmes @ Jax
My take: As I mentioned, the Jags are likely to shut down the passing game because the Steelers are decimated with injuries in their backfield and on offensive line.


TIGHT ENDS
Lock In:
--Jason Witten @ Cin
My take:  You know to start Witten every week, but this match up doesn't get any better than this one. If you have another solid TE and can move Witten to a flex or WR spot, do it because he will produce like an elite WR this week.

--Kevin Boss vs NyG
My take: Plaxico Burress' suspension helps Boss' value, plus Manning has started targeting his big TE more and more.

--Heath Miller @ Jax
My take: While I think the Steelers will struggle to score, they will at least get one TD and I think Miller will be the likely candidate for it.

Lock Out:
--Vernon Davis vs. NE
My take: Not only should he not be in your lineup, he should be on your waiver wire, because he's done absolutely nothing and that trend will continue.

--Todd Heap vs. Ten
My take: He was on this list last week, and he deserved it. Dan Clasgens said it well, Heap belongs on the scrap heap.

--John Carlson @ NyG
My take: With Bobby Engram and Deion Branch back and with a tough match up against the Giants, I don't like Carlson too much this week.


TEAM DEFENSE/ST
Lock In:
--Dallas vs. Cin
--Chicago @ Det
--Jacksonville vs. Pitt.

Lock Out:
--Tampa Bay @ Den
--Buffalo @ Ariz
--Minnesota @ NO

Fantasy Football trent edwards, matt schaub, eli manning, jason campbell, carson palmer, ben roethlisberger, matt forte, earnest graham, jonathan stewart, reggie bush, maurice jones-drew, edgerrin james, terrell owens, lee evans, desean jackson, chad johnson, tj housmanzadeh, donald driver, santonio holmes, jason witten, kevin boss, eath miller, vernon davis, todd heap, john carlson, cowboys def, bears def, jaguars def, buccaneers def, bills def, vikings def

Back by popular demand, here is our Week 3 edition of Line-Up Locks. Some players are lineup locks every week (i.e. Terrell Owens, Adrian Peterson, Antonio Gates), but there most players require you to make some decisions on who to LOCK IN and LOCK OUT of the line-up. Here's a quick take on this week's options:

QUARTERBACKS
Lock In:
--Eli Manning vs. Cin
--Kurt Warner @Was
--J.T. O'Sullivan vs. Det

Lock Out:
--Carson Palmer @NyG
--David Garrard @Ind
--Marc Bulger @Sea


RUNNING BACKS
Lock In:
--Michael Turner vs. KC
--Sammy Morris vs. Mia
--Maurice Jones-Drew @Ind

Lock Out:
--Willis McGahee vs. Cle
--Edgerrin James @Was
--Chris Perry @NyG


WIDE RECEIVERS
Lock In:
--Steve Smith @Min
--Wes Welker vs. Mia
--Bryant Johnson vs. Det

Lock Out:
--Marvin Harrison vs. Jck
--Laveranues Coles @SD
--Chad Johnson @NyG


TIGHT ENDS
Lock In:
--Dallas Clark vs. Jck
--Chris Cooley vs. Ari
--John Carlson vs. StL

Lock Out:
--Alge Crumpler vs. Hou
--Kevin Boss vs. Cin
--Vernon Davis @Det


TEAM DEFENSE/ST
Lock In:
--Giants vs. Cin
--Bucs @Chi
--Titans vs. Hou

Lock Out:
--Jaguars @Ind
--Steelers @Phi
--Packers vs. Dal 

 
MORE FANTASY HELP:
--GSI.com Week 3 Cheat Sheet
--Weekly Average Cheat Sheet (10+ websites)
--GetSportsRadio.com: Fantasy Playbook Podcast
--Fantasy Points Allowed By Position (AskTheCommish.com)
--Fantasy Football Player Trade Analyzer (KFFL.com)
--NFL Player Targets And Utilization Report (KFFL.com)
--Latest Injury and Player News (Rotoworld.com)
--Will Carroll's Injury Analysis (SI.com)
--Weekly Projections (FoxSports.com)

Fantasy Football week 3, line-up locks, eli manning, kurt warner, j.t. o'sullivan, carson palmer, david garrard, marc bulger, michael turner, sammy morris, maurice jones-drew, willis mcgahee, edgerrin james, chris perry, steve smith, wes welker, bryant johnson, marvin harrison, laveranues coles, chad johnson, dallas clark, chris cooley, john carlson, alge crumpler, kevin boss, vernon davis, giants, buccaneers, jaguars, steelers, packers

I have always been a big proponent of taking RB/RB with my first two picks, but that train of thought may no longer be wise. Here's some trends that can't be ignored. 

from ESPN Researcher Jason Vida:

Last season, the player who led his team in rushing attempts accounted for fewer than 54 percent of his team's attempts, the lowest percentage in the past 10 NFL seasons. At the same time, a team's second-leading ball carrier (the player with the second-most rushing attempts on a team) got the ball on more than 23 percent of team rushing attempts, the highest percentage in the past 10 NFL seasons. The bottom line: In 2007, NFL teams gave fewer carries to their leading rusher and more carries to their second backfield option than in any of the past 10 seasons.

Futhermore, only three running backs averaged 20 carries a game last year (Willie Parker, Clinton Portis and Edgerrin James). In the previous four years, at least seven runners got at least 20 carries a game.

Meanwhile, in 2007, LaDainian Tomlinson led the league with 1,474 rushing yards, and Clinton Portis led the league with 325 carries. These totals are the lowest for a league leader in each category since 1990.

Fantasy Football strategy, willie parker, clinton portis, edgerrin james

The annual GSI Blog Mock Draft is cruising right along, and you can really start to see who the "experts" are:

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

Here's Round 6:
51. FISCHER - Ben Roethlisberger - PIT
52. WETZEL - Kevin Jones - CHI
53. SIMON - Julius Jones - SEA
54. SIMS - Rudi Johnson - CIN
55. MURDICO - Tony Gonzalez - KC
56. DINSMORE - Edgerrin James - ARI
57. BOLTON - Marvin Harrison - IND
58. HUMBERT - Greg Jennings - GB
59. CLASGENS - Selvin Young - DEN
60. PREUTH - Lee Evans - BUF

My Pick: With Travis Henry out of the picture in Denver, the job belongs to Selvin Young. He showed flashes of greatness during 2007, but he also gaves owners a reason to question his durability. Veteran Michael Pittman is going to have role in the offense for sure. Young will serve as my RB3 and could wind up being a potential RB1. His upside at this spot is too good to pass up.

Biggest Reach: I am not trying to pick on WETZEL, but the Kevin Jones pick is terrible. I can see how he got caught up in the moment after KJ landed with the Bears earlier this week, but he's likely to start the year on the P.U.P. List. Even after he gets back to action he's still sharing too many carries in what I expect to be a cluttered Bears' backfield. Every RB taken after him in this round is a safer and better pick.

Final Take: When you get to Round 6 every player has their baggage. Ultimately, though when in doubt I go with upside (players who are young and on the rise). That philosophy speaks well for those that took Roethlisberger, Jennings, and Young but not as much for Edgerrin James and Marvin Harrison.

Fantasy Football mock draft, ben roethlisberger, kevin jones, julius jones, rudi johnson, tony gonzalez, edgerrin james, marvin harrison, greg jennings, selvin young, lee evans