Waiver Wire Watch: Week 2

11. September 2012  - Published by Jimmy Dinsmore

Week one is in the books. Many fantasy GMs are reacting (or overreacting) to their team's performance this week. Where are their deficiencies? Is it time to trade? Usually, I'm a proponent of holding pat, and not overreacting after one week. But, that does not mean you should ignore players who might be on your waiver wire. Here's a few players to watch and grab that might be on your waivers.

QB
Mark Sanchez, NYJ - I'm in four fantasy leagues, and Sanchez only got taken in one, and that's my deep 16-team league. Even Tim Tebow got taken before Sanchez. Everyone believed the inept performance of the preseason, and passed on Sanchez. If you need a backup QB (I still can't recommend starting Sanchez), I'm on board with picking up the Jets QB, especially after his 266 yards, 3 TD performance. Now, just be prepared for inconsistent play and know that he plays the Steelers this week.

RB
Alfred Morris, Was - Morris rushed for 96 yards and two TDs in his NFL debut. And head coach Mike Shanahan (who breaks the hearts of fantasy football owners) said that Morris is officially the starter, but then finished it off with "right now." Pay extra mind to those last two words. Shanahan cannot be trusted to care about your fantasy team, and Morris, can, at any time, lose touches to any of the other Redskins running backs. It is safe to pick up Morris, and start him - - - for now.

C.J. Spiller, Buf - Like GSI's own Dan Clasgens frequently said, Spiller should not have been considered merely a backup or handcuff option. Spiller showed why with a phenomenal week one performance. With Fred Jackson for a while, Spiller is the best waiver wire grab of the week, at a postion so thin as running back. Grab him and start him.

Dexter McCluster, KC - You gotta love when a waiver wire gem leads his team in targets. That's what McCluster did last week as he was targeted 10 times with 6 catches for 82 yards. He's qualified as a RB and a WR in most leagues. McCluster has value in deeper PPR-only leagues. In non-PPR formats, his value will be very limited.

WR
Kevin Ogletree, DAL - Remember how good Laurent Robinson was last year as Dallas' third WR? Yeah, well meet the new Robinson as Ogletree racked up 8 catches for 114 yards and 2 TDs versus the Giants. Most didn't have him, and even less started him. Owners will run to the wire to grab him, and may have already processed the claim, since he played nearly a week already. Expect more of the same from Ogletree who is now a WR3-type of fantasy player.

Stephen Hill, NYJ - Week one was the time for rookie WRs to break out. Hill busted out for the previously impotent Jets. He had two TDs, and 6 catches. He averaged 17.6 yards per catch, which shows his big-play potential. But, be weary of Hill. He's still an inexperienced rookie, who has a history of dropping passes even collegiately. His opponent gets much tougher this week. Hill has immense value in keeper leagues though as he has the makings of a future NFL talent.

Randall Cobb, GB - In my fantasy preview of the Green Bay Packers I touted Cobb as a nice bench builder. We saw flashes of his greatness last year. In week one, he had 9 catches for 77 yards and also returned a punt to the house. If your league rewards individuals for special team performances, Cobb is the guy to grab, and if you drafted someone like the over-hyped Devin Hester, go ahead and drop him, and pickup Cobb. In PPR formats, Cobb has more value.

Alshon Jeffery, CHI - As the Bears offense finally came alive, so did this rookie who went mostly undrafted in fantasy football. Jeffery had a 42-yard TD catch, 5 targets and 3 catches for 80 yards. I'd like more targets before I get excited for Jeffery, but owners who are desperate could do worse than snagging Jeffery. In dynasty leagues, Jeffery is a great grab. Do it now, before he breaks out again. But I'd hold off on starting him until he shows he can do it again, and more regularly.

Honorable mention (put on your watch list, but don't grab yet): Andrew Hawkins, WR Cin, Jeremy Kerley, WR NYJ, Knowshon Moreno, RB, DEN, Dennis Pitta, TE, BAL

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Look Ahead: New York Jets

19. June 2012  - Published by Dan Clasgens

INSIDE THE NUMBERS
Quarterback Mark Sanchez posted career highs by passing for 26 touchdowns and 3,474 yards. With his six rushing touchdowns added (second in NFL by QB), Sanchez finished 2011 as a top 10 fantasy producer at the position. While he did have nine multiple TD pass games and eclipsed 300 yards passing three times, the Jets’ signal caller also have eight games where he failed to throw for at least 200 yards and a couple of scoreless efforts. He was intercepted 18 times during in the season and at least once in all but four games.

SCHEDULE
The Jets have the 20th ranked schedule in the league and only six matchups out of 16 come against teams that finished 2011 with a winning record. The bye week don’t come until November which should give fantasy owners time to deal with lineup quandaries. The first half is favorable with a stretch of 4 out 5 games at home included. The December slate of games vs. Arizona, at Jacksonville, at Tennessee, and vs. San Diego (Weeks 12-16) is fantasy friendly down the stretch.

STUD
While Shonn Greene lacks the break-away speed to be viewed as an elite playmaker or fantasy running back, he will be a workhorse in the Jets’ attack in 2012. He rushed for a career-high 1,054 yards a year ago despite another slow start to the season and caught a surprising 30 balls out of the backfield. The arrival of new offensive coordinator Tony Sparano suggests an even bigger workload for Green in the season ahead. His 10 rushing touchdowns through three seasons of play is a minus, but he should be viewed as a solid RB2 in 2012.

DUD
After coming into 2011 as a top 20 fantasy wideout in nearly everyone’s rankings, Santonio Holmes produced career lows in receiving yards (654) and receiving average (12.8 ypc). Part of that could be blamed on the inconsistency at the quarterback position, but Holmes also needs to shoulder some of the blame. His off-the-field antics and locker room squabbles have been a huge distraction. He did catch eight touchdowns last season, but failed to have a single catch of over 40 yards after posting six such receptions in the previous two years.

SLEEPER
Joe McKnight
is the odds-on-favorite to be the Jets’ No. 2 runner after LaDanian Tomlinson’s retirement. He’s athletic and has the ability to be a nice change-of-pace back in a Jets’ system that could yield him 8-10 touches per game. He has the potential to be a RB4 or RB5 on any roster and will see his value skyrocket should Greene go down with an injury or struggle mightily.

NEW ADDITION

The Jets desperately needed a vertical threat in their passing attack and got one when they drafted wide receiver Stephen Hill with their second-round pick in April’s draft. His 4.3 40-speed at the combine coupled with his 29.3 yards per catch as a senior at Georgia Tech made him a logical choice for the Jets. His 6-4 frame makes him logical replacement for Plaxico Burress in the red zone and he’s expected to start opposite of Holmes in the team’s passing game. He’s a bit raw so his production may be limited as a rookie, but the upside is definitely there long term.

POSITION BATTLE
The team gave up a fourth-round pick to acquire Tim Tebow from the Broncos after they signed Peyton Manning free agency. With Sparano, who was the first to implement the “Wildcat” offense while the head coach in Miami, now the team’s offensive coordinator Tebow likely couldn’t haven’t found a better fit. Sanchez is still the starter and will get the bulk of the snaps under center, yet Tebow is going to get on the field. If the team flourishes under Tebow and Sanchez struggles a controversy could quickly develop in the Big Apple.

BENCH BUILDER
Dustin Keller
enjoyed career highs last season with 65 receptions for 815 yards and five touchdowns. However, for the second straight year he started off hot before sputtering down the stretch. The off-season additions made by the Jets did little to help his value.  The potential has always been there for Keller, but for the most part he’s been viewed as a disappointment by owners. Still, if you miss out on one of the big name tight ends early on in your draft, you can get a low-end TE1 for next to nothing later on that will offer production in Keller.

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Postgame Injury Report: Week 15

19. December 2011  - Published by Dan Clasgens

QB
Michael Vick (N/A)
– was not injured just rested during fourth quarter in blowout
Mark Sanchez (neck) – played through injury without missing time

RB
Willis McGahee (hamstring)
– left game and did not return early in second half
Shonn Greene (finger) – popped a tendon in pinky finger; a non-issue

WR
AJ Green (shoulder)
- has been diagnosed with a Grade 3 sprain of his right shoulder
Steve Johnson (groin) – left with minor injury during fourth quarter vs. MIA
Johnny Knox (back) – suffered season-ending back injury on his first catch of game
DeSean Jackson (elbow) – returned to game; injury doesn’t appear to be serious
Mike Williams (ankle) – the Seahawks’ wideout is out for season with fractured ankle

TE
No major injuries

Other
Brian Bulaga (knee)
– Packers’ RT headed for MRI on Monday; his backup was also hurt
Asante Samuel (hamstring) – the Eagles’ cornerback appears to have pulled a hammy

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Game Balls: Week 11

22. November 2010  - Published by Jim Humbert

RB Game Ball - Maurice Jones-Drew, Jacksonville - 23 carries, 133 yards, 1 TD, 3 catches, 87 yards
While David Garrard and the Jags passing game has been getting a lot of credit for the teams recent success, super-stud MJD has been more than doing his share. Jacksonville notched its third straight victory on Sunday and Jones-Drew rushed for more than 100 yards in each of the wins. And, three of his four touchdowns for the season came in those games. Jacksonville is now looking forward to the post-season and MJD should continue to put up some excellent numbers.

RB Honorable Mention - Mike Goodson, Carolina - 22 carries, 120 yards, 5 catches, 31 yards (impressive stats in a loss to the Ravens.)


QB Game Ball - Mark Sanchez, NY Jets - 22/38, 315 yards, 3 TD, 1 INT
Despite a winning record, the Jets have struggled on offense in recent weeks. That changed on Sunday versus the Texans. It took some amazing late heroics but the J-E-T-S snagged a victory thanks to Sanchez and Santonion Holmes. The New York wideout made an incredible touchdown catch with less than a minute to go to beat Houston. Sanchez showed great poise through the end and may have finally eased worries regarding his inexperience.

QB Honorable Mention - Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh - 18/29, 275 yards, 3 TD, 3 carries, 55 yards, 1 TD (and he took a pretty good punch.)


WR Game Ball - Steve Johnson, Buffalo - 8 catches, 137 yards, 3 TD
The Bills won their second game of the season on Sunday thanks to a huge performance from Johnson and his QB Ryan Fitzpatrick. Sure, it came against a reeling Bengals squad but the Bills offense has been moving the ball all season long. Don't be surprised if they shock a few more teams the rest of the way with Johnson and Fitzpatrick putting up solid stats.

WR Honorable Mention - Greg Jennings, Green Bay - 7 catches, 152 yards, 3 TD (think Brett misses him?)


GAME-USED SOCK AWARD
Vince Young, QB, Tennessee - 12/16, 165 yards, 0 Int, 0 TD
Those are some pretty weak numbers even after supposedly getting hurt in the third quarter. Sure the fans are booing your every move. But then after a tough overtime loss you rip off your jersey and throw it into the crowd? Then you start arguing with your coach who kicks you out of the press conference. Hmmm. Not good. It looks as if Vince Young's chances of playing for the Titans ever again are less than Reggie Bush personally handling him the Heisman Trophy. But hey Vince, maybe they'll let you leave town with a pair of stinkin' socks.

QB Honorable Mention - Peyton Manning, Indianapolis - 38/52, 396 yards, 4 TD, 3 Int (it's bad for ratings when a stud doesn't lead his team to victory on the final drive.)

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Fantasy Impact: Edwards Dealt To Jets

7. October 2009  - Published by Dan Clasgens

Wide receiver Braylon Edwards got his wish and got traded out of Cleveland. The Browns dealt the disgruntled wideout to the Jets on Wednesday morning in exchange for Chansi Stuckey, Jason Trusnick, and two mid-draft picks.

Edwards has failed to live up to his potential after breakout 2007 campaign in which he scored 17 touchdowns. This move brings an immediate boost to his fantasy value, but don't think he's suddenly going to re-emerge as an elite fantasy option any time soon.

The fifth-year veteran was terrible last year and his stats so far this season (10 catches for 139 yards with no touchdowns) are mirroring that disappointing campaign. 

With Edwards' contract expiring at the end of the year, there is reason though to think that the fresh start with a playoff contender will be a huge boost to his production.

It is going to take time for Edwards to develop chemistry with Jets' rookie quarterback Mark Sanchez, but the offense in New York is very similar to the one Edwards has been a part of with the Browns and that will help.

Jerricho Cotchery, who was on pace to challenge to be a top 10 fantasy wideout, now will more than likely fall in as a decent No. 2 option as we expected. Though at least in the short-term, Cotchery remains the better fantasy option.

As for the impact in Cleveland, Mohammad Massaquoi becomes an even better pick-up than he was yesterday (one of my favorite waiver wire options this week).

Jets GM Mike Tannenbaum says Edwards is being prepared to start Monday night's game against the Dolphins, according to ProFootballTalk.com

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Fantasy Rookies - First Take (QB/RB)

30. April 2009  - Published by Dan Clasgens

Here's my first fantasy take on this year's NFL Draft (all info based on non-keeper leagues for 2009 only)...

QUARTERBACK
Matthew Stafford (DET) - Going to the Lions didn't help Stafford. Throwing to Calvin Johnson will, however. I don't anticipate Daunte Culpepper as being too much of a hurdle and Stafford's strong arm and accurate passing make him appealing. Still, the Lions went 0-16 last year and I don't care if it is Dan Marino coming in as a rookie, I'm going to recommend him only as a free agent pick-up until further notice.

Mark Sanchez (NYJ) - Of the rookie QB's, Sanchez has the most appeal to me. It is not as much as his talent or ability, rather the enviroment he is in. Like Stafford, there isn't much veteran competition for him to compete with. Unlike Stafford he was drafted by a playoff-caliber football team. I would take a late-round flyer on him if I have a solid QB1 already in the fold.

Josh Freeman (TB) - Freeman declared himself the best at the position in his draft class, but he has to prove it before I am ready to agree. Expect Byron Leftwich and Luke McCown to battle for the job early, but Freeman will take advantage if he ever gets a shot. Of the three listed here, he has the least fantasy value at this point heading into next year.


RUNNING BACK

Knowshown Moreno (DEN) - Being the first rookie RB taken doesn't always guarantee instant success. Moreno will be closer to Adrian Peterson than he will be Darren McFadden. Going to Denver is a great fit for the dynamic playmaker. There is a ton of depth in the Broncos' backfield, but anticipate Moreno getting the bulk of the load early in the season. I'm not ready to tab him a RB1, but he is nice pick as a RB2 with great upside.

Donald Brown (IND) - The Colts wanted Brown and didn't waste anytime going after when he was there near the end of the first round. With Dominic Rhodes out of the picture and Addai injury prone, Brown will be good for 10+ touches per game in one of the league's best offenses. That number goes up if Addai goes down. He's not a lock for playing time early though, so he should only be considered as a backup initially. A nice find in the mid-to-late rounds of your draft.

Beanie Wells (ARI) - Playing in a good offense won't be the problem, though I am still not convinced that Arizona possesses that great of a run-blocking line. There is also second-year running back Tim Hightower to consider. I look for the two of them to approach a 50/50 split by season's end. There is some durability concern with Wells and I still would much rather have Hightower at this point.

LeSean McCoy (PHI) - I love what the Eagles did in the draft and McCoy is a big reason why. He's the perfect fit in the offense and with the team wanting to ease Westrbook's worlkoad he's going to have a great chance to prove himself early and often. With him falling to Round 2 he will likely provide more value this coming August in your draft and outside of Moreno has just as much upside of any rookie back long-term.

Shonn Green (NYJ) - I like him as my "darkhorse pick". He scored 14 touchdowns in finals six games last year at Iowa and with the Thomas Jones' contract talks souring, Green's future in the Jets' backfield may take off sooner than others think. He's a guy to stash away in the back of your mind and steal on draft day.

**COMING SOON: Wide Receivers/Tight Ends**

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College Fish Wrap: Power Rankings Week 1

2. September 2008  - Published by Jeremy Fischer

I'm back, baby!  That's right.  This is your buddy, JFish, back for another season of college football.  However, I'll be in a bit different capacity this season.  Some of you may know that I host the wildly popular (or so I like to think) show, Fantasy Fastball, on GetSports Radio.  Due to the fact that the Fastball show will be popping in from time-to-time throughout baseball's offseason, making it a year-round commitment, and some other writing commitments I have, I'm leaving the in-depth college writing to newbie, Scott Heckle, and others.

I'll be popping in once a week to deliver my personal Top 10 rankings (let's face it, if you're not in the Top 10 in the Bowl Crap System, you don't have a chance), and I'll also be reviving a segment from a show I used to host in the early days of GetSports Radio (College Football Weekly) called Dorm Room Notes.  As always, no wagering.  Enjoy.

Top 10 Power Rankings

1. USC: Sanchez's knee is fine.  They rolled a very good defensive team in Virginia in their house. 

2. Oklahoma:  It was just Chattanooga, I know.  But they have the best offensive and defensive line in college football.  That will carry them through.  As a Texas graduate, that hurt to write.

3. Georgia:  Anymore injuries and these guys are toast.  Look for them to fall as their brutal schedule kicks in.

4. Ohio State:  With or without Beanie, they won't beat USC. 

5. Missouri:  Hanging 52 on Ron Zook's boys is no small feat.  Giving up 42 worries me though.

6. Florida:  Looked very good without Percy Harvin.  Should be an interesting game this Saturday with in-state rivals, The "U".

7. LSU:  Crowd didn't have the typical rowdiness, due to the early start time because of The German Hurricane.  But the defending champs looked as rowdy as ever on the field.

8. West Virginia:  Still have a big question about their defense.  We all know they can score.  They will get a great test Saturday vs. potential BCS buster East Carolina.

9. Alabama:  That dominant display against a good Clemson team was impressive.  We'll see if they can keep it up when SEC games begin.

10. Texas:  Colt McCoy accomplished something only one other QB at Texas has accomplished:  Passing for 200 yards, Running for 100 yards in multiple games.  The other QB?  "He who walks on water"; Vince Young.  Horns should be undefeated until the Oklahoma game, as usual.  Then all bets are off.

Dorm Room Notes

Congrats to ECU for outbeamering, beamer-ball

Clemson still can't win when it matters. 

Pittsburgh continues to underwhelm, no matter how much preseason hype they get.

Auburn's offense still stinks, which is why they are not in my Top 10

Top 4 Potential BCS Busters:  BYU, Utah, Fresno State, East Carolina

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