INSIDE THE NUMBERS
Over the past two seasons wide receiver Kenny Britt has missed 17 games due to injury, including 13 last year after suffering an ACL injury. While his durability has been a concern there’s never been a doubt around his talent. Britt has found his way into the end zone 15 times in 31 career games and has averaged over 70 yards per contest during his limited action the past two campaigns. Before going down early in Week 3 in 2011, Britt opened eyes with 14 catches for 271 yards and 3 TD’s during the first two weeks. When healthy, Britt has top 15 fantasy wideout potential.

SCHEDULE
The Titans square off with four playoff teams from 2011 in its first six games of 2012. The bye week doesn’t come to Week 11 which will keep owners from worrying too much about covering the bye week for their Titans’ players on draft night. Tennessee will play six of the 10 teams that allowed the fewest points to fantasy running backs in 2011, including the Texans (No. 2) twice. The tough schedule is even tougher come fantasy playoff time with Houston in Week 13, the Jets in Week 15 and at the Packers in Week 16.

STUD
Chris Johnson was one of the biggest disappointments in fantasy football for much of 2011. He followed up the NFL lockout by holding out, missing nearly the entire preseason. It resulted in him being out of shape and unprepared. While he did recover to post his fourth straight 1000-yard campaign, Johnson’s touchdown total dipped from 28 total scores the previous two seasons to just four scores a year ago. A strong finish to the year coupled with a strong commitment to the team’s offseason program leave room for optimism entering 2012.

DUD
After scoring five times during an eight-game stretch Damian Williams popped up on fantasy owners radar midway through the 2011 campaign and proved to be a dependable option at times at a WR3 or flex option in deeper leagues. Entering his third season would suggest that he still has some upside. However, with Britt returning from an injury and the team investing a first-round pick in another wideout it’s hard to imagine Williams carrying much fantasy value entering 2012 unless someone else goes down.

SLEEPER
One of favorite sleepers from a year ago, Jared Cook got off to a slow start before a monster finish in 2011. During Weeks 15 and 16, key weeks in most fantasy leagues, Cook rewarded those that exercised patience by grabbing 17 balls for 273 yards and a touchdown.  The talent is there, but for Cook to emerge as a fantasy option he needs to find more consistency. He’s not a bad option for those owners that opt to wait around until the late rounds to worry about a tight end, but he’s far from a proven commodity.

NEW ADDITION
The explosive Kendall Wright can stretch defenses with the best of them and that was something that the Titans’ passing attack was desperately missing when they spent a first-round pick on him in April’s draft. He figures to slide into the slot right out of the gate for the Titans. He’ll need to pick up on the offense quickly to make an immediate impact and will benefit greatly if Britt is completely healthy and Cook can keep defenses honest over the middle. He’s a nice late-round pick in yearly leagues and much more in dynasty formats.

POSITION BATTLE
Veteran Matt Hasselbeck enjoyed a decent first season in the Music City, but many close to the organization favor second-year slinger Jake Locker as the team’s quarterback. Expect Hasselbeck to start the season as the starter, yet it is only a matter of time before the Titans get an extended look at last year’s first-round selection. Locker has even more fantasy appeal when you consider his ability to run the football. Hasselbeck is a risky option even as a backup as he may not be starting by time you need him as a bye-week filler. Locker is worth stashing.

BENCH BUILDER
With so much attention being shined on Britt’s return to health and the arrival of Wright to the team, Nate Washington is likely to fall through the cracks in most fantasy drafts. While he’s not likely to match 2011’s career-high numbers (74 receptions for 1,023 yards and 7 TD’s), owners need to remember that he averaged 44 catches for 628 yards and six TD’s per years during his previous two seasons as a Titan. Even with his targets going down Washington will make for a solid backup WR on nearly any roster.

NFL 2012 nfl preview, tennessee titans, kenny britt, chris johnson, damian williams, jared cook, kendall wright, matt hasselbeck, jake locker, nate washington

QUARTERBACKS
Michael Vick (PHI) – Suffered a broken right hand; his status for Week 4 unclear
Kerry Collins (IND) – Forced from game with concussion; Days as starter could be over

RUNNING BACKS
Frank Gore (SF) – Limited by sprained ankle; severity of injury unclear
Darren McFadden (OAK) – Aggravated his hamstring, but didn’t appear to be major issue

WIDE RECEIVERS
Kenny Britt (SF) – Carted off with knee injury; could be an ACL – MRI on Monday
Jerry Maclin (PHI) – left loss to Giants with hamstring issue and did not return to game

TIGHT ENDS
Antonio Gates (SD) – Problems have resurfaced with plantar fascia that sidelined him last year

MORE PLAYER NEWS (KFFL.com)

Fantasy Football, NFL nfl injury report, postagme injuries, week 3, michael vick, kerry collins, frank gore, darren mcfadden, kenny britt, jerry maclin, antonio gates

FANTASY 101

--Desperation Breeds Opportunity: With many owners sitting at 0-2, now is the time to test their patience.

SETTING YOUR LINEUP

START 'EM
WR Anquan Boldin (@STL) – After a dismal three-catch effort last week versus the Titans, expect the Ravens’ wideout to bounce back on Sunday in St. Louis where he faces a Rams’ secondary that allowed  a league-high13 touchdowns to opposing WR1’s in 2010 and already has ceded a pair of TD’s to top receivers this year.

TE Vernon Davis (@CIN) – With the 49er’s receiving corps decimated by injuries look for even more action for Vernon Davis in the team’s passing game. He gets to face a Bengals’ defense that has struggled to stop over time. Davis could get double-digit targets on Sunday and that makes him a must start.

SIT 'EM
QB Josh Freeman (vs. ATL) – After watching the Bucs’ quarterback toss just two touchdowns over his first two games, I’m not crazy about his matchup with the Falcons. In two matchups against Atlanta during his breakout 2010 campaign Freeman was held to less than 200 yards passing each time and only totaled three touchdowns to go along with three picks.

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS – The loss of Jamal Charles for the season to an ACL injury put the nail in the coffin to the Chiefs’ season after just two weeks. Matt Cassel has looked terrible and should be cut in most leagues. I am not excited about either of the team’s running backs left, Thomas Jones and Dexter McCluster, and am going to sit Dwayne Bowe until further notice.

FANTASY INFIRMARY
DALLAS COWBOYS – Tony Romo (ribs/lung), Felix Jones (shoulder), and Dez Bryant (thigh) are all questionable for against Washington and Miles Austin (hamstring) is likely out. With the game on Monday night it’s going to be very tough for owners to risk waiting around for playing decisions. I avoid all Cowboys aside from Jason Witten in Week 3.

QB Michael Vick (concussion) – Vick was a full participant at practice on Thursday and all signs are starting to point to him playing this week versus the Giants barring any setbacks. Owners will want to stay tuned to this situation leading up to game day, but this is clearly good news.

RB Arian Foster (hamstring) – Foster’s hammy continues to be a fantasy headache entering Week 3 of the season. His status is up in the air for this week, but with head coach Gary Kubiak hinting that the team will continue to lean on Ben Tate until Foster is 100 percent healthy Foster’s value is limited.

WR Kenny Britt (hamstring) – Britt, who has been a top five fantasy wideout through two weeks this season, left practice early on Wednesday due to a quad injury. The move is believed to have been cautionary but one that owners will certainly want to stay abreast to the situation on.

BUY LOW CANDIDATES
QB Matt Schaub (HOU) – With Texans running rapid, Schaub’s numbers are down through two weeks as he has yet to eclipsed 230 yards passing and has only three TD’s and two picks. While he may not be amongst the elite fantasy quarterbacks any more, Schaub is still a low-end QB1 capable of big games. 

RB Chris Johnson (TEN) – No high-end player has brought more disappointment to this point than Johnson has to his owners. He’s averaging just 2.1 yards per carry and 4.1 yards per catch through the first two weeks. Still with a favorable schedule ahead and an immense amount of talent I’m still confident that Johnson will finish as a solid fantasy RB1 with huge upside.

WR Reggie Wayne (IND) – There’s no doubt that Wayne, along with the rest of the Colts, has seen a big drop in his fantasy value with Peyton Manning sidelined. However, his value has fallen as far as many think. Wayne has 11 targets and a score already and is going to continue to get looks. Consider him an OK option as a WR2, even without his stud quarterback.

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QB Game Ball - Cam Newton, Carolina - 24/37, 422 yards, 2 TD, 1 Int, 1 rush TD
No rookie made a bigger impact this weekend than the Panthers new quarterback. Newton set records for a debut performance by a QB with those impressive stats. With continued support from veterans like Steve Smith (178 yards, 2 TD) and Greg Olsen (4 catches, 78 yards) he should continue to put up solid numbers.

QB Honorable Mention - Tom Brady, New England - 32/48, 517 yards, 4 TD, 1 Int (Peyton who????)

 

RB Game Ball - Ray Rice, Baltimore - 19 carries, 107 yards, 1 TD, 4 catches, 42 yards, 1 TD
The Ravens pounded the Steelers on Sunday and it all began with their stud running back. Rice took the first play from scrimmage 36 yards and Baltimore never looked back. They capped that first drive with a TD catch by Anquan Boldin. Rice went on to score two more times in the first half leaving the Steelers reeling. Other running backs may have had better numbers in week one but no one sent a stronger message against a tougher team than Rice.

RB Honorable mention - Mike Tolbert, San Diego - 12 carries, 35 yards, 1 TD, 9 catches, 58 yards, 2 TD (may be splitting carries but he's the one finding the end zone.)

 

WR Game Ball - Kenny Britt, Tennessee - 5 catches, 136 yards, 2 TD
With a revolving door at QB for the Titans the last few years, no one may be happier to see veteran Matt Hasselbeck take over than Britt. While the running game was shut down on Sunday, Tennessee took to the air with Britt leading the way. And even when the run gets going and the defense shows up, Britt should continue to flourish. Expect him to have a career year for the Titans.

WR Honorable Mention - Steve Smith, Carolina - 8 catches, 178 yards, 2 TD (just what a rookie QB needs)

 

TE Game Ball - Aaron Hernandez, New England - 7 catches, 103 yards, 1 TD

On a team that thrives on spreading the ball to as many players as possible, the last thing a defense wants to have to face is a stud TE. But that's what the Patriots have in Hernandez. Actually, the Pats have two awesome TE's with Rob Gronkowski playing on the other end of the line. The problem for fantasy owners is you never know when one star shines over the other. Monday was Hernandez's night - just ask the Dolphins.

TE Honorable Mention - Ed Dickson, Baltimore - 5 catches, 59 yards, 1 TD (filling in big shoes nicely)

 

THE GAME USED SOCK AWARD
Ben Roethlisberger, QB, Pittsburgh - 22/41, 280 yards, 1 TD, 3 INT, 2 FUM

Things could not have gone worse for the Steelers on Sunday. While teams around the league were putting up monster offensive numbers Pittsburgh could barely move the ball against the Ravens. Sure Big Ben finished with 280 passing yards but most of that came late and was much too little. Yes, the Steelers will rebound and Ben will have better days. Heck, last season he didn't even get to play the first couple of games! I wonder if they made him take off those stinky, nasty smelling socks before heading to the 'Gentleman's Club' after the game?

Stinky Sock Honorable Mention - Chris Johnson, RB, Tennessee - 9 carries, 24 yards, 6 catches, 25 yards (That's with wearing a $56 million pair of socks)

Fantasy Football, NFL fantasy advice, week 1, game balls, cam newton, ray rice, kenny britt, ben roethlisberger

The Tennessee Titans have turned the page on Vince Young officially this offseason by drafting Jake Locker in the first round of the draft and signing veteran Matt Hasselbeck in free agency this week. The signing of the former Seahawk will leave its fair share of fantasy ripples:

MATT HASSELBECK – At 35 he’s far from his prime, but Hasselbeck could still prove to be a nice fantasy backup in nearly any format. With a pass-catching playmaker like Chris Johnson in the backfield he could rack up a ton of fantasy points on 2-yard screen passes. He’s still not a top 15 option, but don’t be afraid to fire a late-round pick on Tennessee’s new starter.

CHRIS JOHNSON – Aside from the talks of a potential holdout, Johnson gets the biggest boost in the move. Towards the end of last season Johnson struggled to find the open running lanes that make him such a dangerous weapon as the Titans’ passing game was a non-factor. Hasselbeck will keep defenses more honest and allow CJ200K. Already a top three pick in any format, Johnson can once again be considered a potential No. 1 overall pick.

KENNY BRITT – Despite an off-the-field issues fantasy owners have to view Britt’s stock on the rise. Entering the highly-touted third year for a receiver, Britt should build on his 9 TD’s in 12 games from last season if he can stay on the field.

JARED COOK – Tight end is as deep as ever in fantasy football this season, but count on Cook as being one my deep sleepers. He came on late last season and gets a boot with a proven quarterback under center.

Fantasy Football tennessee titans, matt hasselbeck, chris johnson, kenny britt, jared cook

QB Game Ball - Ryan Fitzpatrick, Buffalo - 29/43, 374 yards, 4 TD, 2 INT
Most of the time any player that is looking at an 0-6 record doesn't deserve a Game Ball. But this was not a typical loss for the Bills. Fitzpatrick flung the ball around againt one of the toughest defenses in the league - the Baltimore Ravens. It helps to have more than one receiver to throw the ball to. Lee Evans had 105 yards and scored three times. And if you haven't heard about Steve Johnson yet, check your league's waiver wire. All he has done is score five times in the last four games and posted 158 yards on Sunday. Sure, the Bills aren't about to turn into the 'Greatest Show' since the Rams, but given their defense and shady running game, all three of these guys should continue to put up nice numbers.

QB Honorable Mention - Todd Bouman, Jacksonville - 18/34, 222 yards, 2 TD, 2 Int (not bad for a guy that hasn't thrown a ball in a real game since 2005.)

RB Game Ball - Darren McFadden, Oakland - 16 carries, 165 yards, 3 TD, 2 catches, 31 yards, 1 TD
Not only did the Raiders spank the Broncos on Sunday, they were very happy about it! Oakland set a team record by scoring 59 points against their arch-rivals and McFadden did most of the damage. After missing a few games with hamstring issues, he showed no signs of slowing down on Sunday. He also doesn't seemed worried about Michael Bush who had one less carru but managed just 52 yards and a score. Either way, it was a crazy win for the Raiders and anyone who started McFadden on their fantasy team.

RB Honorable Mention - Thomas Jones, Kansas City - 20 carries, 125 yards, 1 TD (on his way to his 6th 1000-yard season.)

WR Game Ball - Roddy White, Atlanta - 11 catches, 201 yards, 2 TD
White set the tone early against the Benglas with a big catch in the first quarter and a score in the second. Then he put the nail in the coffin with a TD and a 2-pt. conversion in the fourth. Obviously White was out to prove a point with Chad Ochocinco and Terrell Owens on the other side of the ball. And, well, mission accomplished. But for those that have been following football closely for the past few years, this game was no fluke. Over the last three years White averaged 1246 receiving yards and eight touchdowns. This year he should top both of those numbers.

WR Honorable Mention - Kenny Britt, Tennessee - 7 catches, 225 yards, 3 TD (not bad for a guy that was nearly benched for a bar fight.)

THE GAME-USED SOCK AWARD
Brett Favre, Minnesota - 16/29, 212 yards, 1 TD, 3 INT
It's one thing to have a bad outing. It's another thing to have a bad season. It's even another thing to have a really bad game in the place where you spent most of your career. It also doesn't help to be under investigation for some strange text messages. And finally it doesn't help at all to have a fractured ankle and be walking around in a boot after one of the worst losses of your career. Brett, you can still wear your Packers jersey when you walk into the Hall of Fame but this week, along with that boot, you have to live a pair of nasty, stinky socks.

Stinky Sock Honorable Mention - Jay Cutler, Chicago - 26/40, 281 yards, 1 TD, and 4 Int (maybe you can share the sock with Mike Martz.)

Fantasy Football, NFL ryan fitzpatrick, todd bouman, darren mcfadden, thomas, jones, roddy white, kenny britt, brett favre, jay cutler

It’s Tuesday and that means it’s time to go to the waiver wire…

PICKUP OF WEEK
Kenny Britt (TEN) – He’s been on our report a couple times already this year, but in many leagues he remains a free agent. Hurry up though because he won’t be much longer.  The second-year wideout has now scored in three straight weeks and has a season-high 86 yards in Week 5.  There are favorable match-ups ahead.

QB
Josh Freeman (TB) – most-underrated QB in fantasy
Vince Young (TEN) – could be worth a spot start vs. JCK
Max Hall (ARZ) – Worth a stab in larger or keeper leagues

RB
Donald Brown (IND) – Back from injury just in time to fill in
Tashard Choice (DAL) – Due for a breakout

WR
Deion Brach (NE) – the reunion with Tom Brady is appealing
Danny Amendola (STL) – role will only grow with Mark Clayton out
Golden Tate (SEA) – with Branch out of the picture his role will increase
Robert Meachem (NO) – impatient owners may have let go of him too soon

TE
John Carlson (SEA) – a capable starter still out there in many leagues
Marcedes Lewis (JCK) – putting up consistent numbers
Andrew Quarless (GB) – filling in for Jermichael Finley in Green Bay

Fantasy Football fantasy advice, fantasy waiver pickups, kenny britt, donald brown, deion branch, tashard choice, john carlson

It’s Tuesday and that means it’s time to go to the waiver wire…

PICKUP OF WEEK
Ryan Torain – We told to you get him last week and hopefully you listened. Torain put up 70 yards and a touchdown on 18 carries in Week 4 and with Clinton Portis (groin) unlikely to play this weekend expect those numbers to go up.

QB
Ben Roethlisberger - suspension has ended
Kevin Kolb - got job back due to Vick rib injury
Sam Bradford - rookie continues to shine
Josh Freeman - a ton of upside

RB
Tashard Choice - will get shot sooner rather than later
Mike Bell - could benefit if McCoy's injury lingers
LeGarrette Blount - role growing in Bucs' offense

WR
Kenny Britt - scored in back-to-back weeks
Davone Bess - a PPR hidden gem
Julian Edelman - will benefit if Moss indeed gets dealt

TE
Brandon Pettigrew - 21 receptions over last 3 weeks
Tony Moeaki - a sneaky play for a a bye-week filler

DEF
Panthers - gets to go against Cutler this week

Fantasy Football fantasy advice, fantasy waiver pickups, ryan torain, kevin kolb, tashard choice, brandon pettigrew, kenny britt

We had Lou Pickney of DraftKing.com on Tuesday's Daily Dose on GetSportsRadio.com (LIVE weekdays 1-2pm Eastern/On-Demand Anytime). He provided some great insight. In his latest mock draft he has OT Eugene Monroe going to the Bengals at No. 6.

After the show he e-mailed me some additional notes of interest...

One point I'd hoped to get to today but didn't due to time constraints is Cincinnati CB Mike Mickens.  He ran a 4.53 40 while still recovering from a torn meniscus in his left knee, he's 6'0" so he can compete with most WRs, and he is a GREAT tackler.  If he falls to day two he'll be a major steal.

Also, I heard that Cleveland has booked a workout with Rutgers WR Kenny Britt for Friday.  I don't know if that's a smokescreen, but particularly with the Braylon Edwards mess (that you guys were discussing in the segment before mine), clearly Cleveland needs to have plans in place at WR in the draft -- particularly if they don't get a shot at Michael Crabtree at #5.

NFL nfl draft, ray mickens, kenny britt, michael crabtree, browns

The Bengals tagged Shayne Graham on Monday, leaving TJ Houshmandzadeh free to flee town via free agency. In addition, Chad Ocho Cinco wants to be traded and I think the team will make a deal if they can. So it does that leave in the mix and what players might be available???

CURRENTLY UNDER CONTRACT
Andre Caldwell
Antonio Chatman
Chris Henry
Chad Ocho Cinco
Maurice Purify
Jerome Simpson
Mario Urruti

TOP FREE AGENT OPTIONS (complete list)
Antonio Bryant (TB)   
Jerry Porter (JAX)   
*Lance Moore (NO)   
Reggie Williams (JAX)   
Amani Toomer (NYG)
Bryant Johnson (SF)   
Bobby Engram (SEA)
Devery Henderson (NO)   
*Hank Baskett (PHI)   
Nate Washington (PIT)

ON THE TRADING BLOCK (stay away please...Drew Rosenhaus)
Anquan Boldin (ARI)
Terrell Owens (DAL)
Plaxico Burress (NYG) - assuming he's not in jail

IMPACT ROOKIES IN DRAFT (complete list)
Michael Crabtree (Texas Tech)
Jeremy Maclin (Missouri)
Percy Harvin (Florida)
Kenny Britt (Rutgers)
Darrius Heyward-Bey (Maryland)

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