Fantasy Draft Master

Using Tweets to Predict Fantasy Production

doyadoya — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 01:34:10 +0000

In this new world of fantasy football that has banished the white board to the closet under the stairs, made magazines obsolete and allows you to set up news alerts for every player on your team, it is hard to believe that you can get even closer to the daily behavior of NFL players. But this season twitter will allow you to be closer to Chad Ocho Cinco that even his closest friends.

Twitter gives a whole new insight into the day to day comings and goings of your favorite players. Since the vast majority of players have public twitter feeds and love to tweet every aspect of their lives, you get to take a look at the real person. This of course answers the real questions of player work ethic, behavioral problems and friendships. You find out if the player is a gym rat (good), club hopper (bad), spends most weekends at his grandma’s (good) or spends every weekend in Vegas (bad). If you are not on twitter yet, open an account today, just so you can spy on your prospective fantasy studs.

Justin Forsett, RB Seattle Seahawks:

Up early headed to Stockton for Lavelle Hawkins football camp if your out that way come out 9:35 AM Jul 17th via mobile web
The verse for tonight is 1 Corinthians 6:18 Goodnight & God Bless!! 1:06 AM Jul 17th via mobile web
Having lunch watching Lean on Me its a classic 1:23 PM Jul 14th via we
Good pool workout this morning got to rest up for this Pilates class later today 11:46 AM Jul 14th via API The verse for tonight is Romans 4:17 Goodnight & God Bless!! 11:19 PM Jul 13th via web

Justin does nothing but watch movies, workout and read the bible! This is a guy you want on your team. He is not going get caught in a meth lab and he will not show up to camp out of shape!

Aaron Rodgers, QB Green Bay Packers:

Another great day in Tahoe. Hoping to shoot a score around 75 tomorrow. I’ll let u all know how it goes Friday, July 16, 2010 12:10:07 AM via Twitterrific
I’m in Tahoe loving Edgewood and seeing some good friends. Best week of the summer Wednesday, July 14, 2010 11:13:00 PM via Twitterrific
Excited about the best week of the offseason in beautiful tahoe. If ur a betting person it’s probably not a safe bet to put $ on me golfing Tuesday, July 13, 2010 4:18:03 PM via Twitterrific
At the store n the lady in front of me just told on the lady at the front of the line who was trying to shoplift! They got her Tuesday, July 13, 2010 1:07:20 PM via Twitterrific
@PURPLEDRANK128 what’s up beach bum. See u up there Tuesday, July 13, 2010 1:20:05 AM via Twitterrific in reply to PURPLEDRANK128
@scoobydiesel much appreciated. Loved my time at PV and BC so much Monday, July 12, 2010 6:16:25 PM via Twitterrific in reply to scoobydiesel
@MrMichael_Smith I could honestly care less about rankings and top 5′s n all that. I just retweet my fans when they say something funny Monday, July 12, 2010 5:20:21 PM via Twitterrific in reply to MrMichael_Smith
RT @TrippHardin @AaronRodgers12 Hasselbeck isnt a top 5 analyst for ESPN….and they only have 3.(hahahahahaha) Monday, July 12, 2010 3:46:31 PM via Twitterrific

Aaron spends his time quoting movies, talking about the beach and junk food and retweeting trash talk from his followers. Not one mention of the gym or off season work outs. He will most likely not violate the NFL ethics rules, but he will be the kind of guys that team mates don’t really like, kind of like Barry Zito. He is on a good team and he is fairly talented so he will be productive but he will not last forever on the Packers. (this is of course just me reading tea leaves via tweets.)

Maurice Jones-Drew, RB Jacksonville Jaguars:

RT @JohnVetsch: @Jones_Drew32 I did a mock draft yesterday and people trippin when I took u 1 over AP and CJ. (cont) http://tl.gd/2k8r4n about 8 hours ago via UberTwitter
@Treenie5 I don’t do clubs anymore I got kids now… Lol but the a shooting now man… about 8 hours ago via UberTwitter in reply to Treenie5
Done wit my workout… Beast as usual… Its great when u can workout wit the best…. Greatness here I come!!!!! about 9 hours ago via UberTwitter
Rise and grind… Another day another chance to become great….. Use ur time wisely tweeps. about 14 hours ago via UberTwitter
@MIKESPN lebron whoop both wade and bosh tho Sunday, July 18, 2010 4:55:33 PM via UberTwitter in reply to MIKESPN
RT @Fantasy_Guru: @Jones_Drew32 You won’t find our mag this year; after you graced the cover in ’09 and did (cont) http://tl.gd/2jml3e Sunday, July 18, 2010 4:51:48 PM via UberTwitter
College football is about to start and I think my bruins are gonna do work this year…. UCLA is where its at (cont) http://tl.gd/2jlt83 Sunday, July 18, 2010 3:15:11 PM via UberTwitter
@iNkEdUp03 man grinding like last year getting reggie for the season to begin… How about u? Sunday, July 18, 2010 3:11:39 PM via UberTwitter in reply to iNkEdUp03
I’m on my way to winn dixie to check out their magazine section so I can prepare myself for the big XM draft on july 21st…. teamgreatness Sunday, July 18, 2010 3:05:41 PM via UberTwitter
RT @Donny_Moore: Over last 4 seasons, the Jaguars rushing offense and @Jones_Drew32 are one of only 2 teams with (cont) http://tl.gd/2jlpt6 Sunday, July 18, 2010 3:03:39 PM via UberTwitter
RT @pammyb29: @Jones_Drew32 http://bit.ly/cIJ5Ls My 48 yr old cyclist brother in law died of bowel cancer. Thanks Saturday, July 17, 2010 6:31:25 PM via UberTwitter
Good morning tweeps what do u have on ur agenda today Saturday, July 17, 2010 11:33:26 AM via UberTwitter
Up and at em Saturday, July 17, 2010 11:27:37 AM via UberTwitter
@chitownforte22 where r u at brother Saturday, July 17, 2010 12:59:52 AM via UberTwitter in reply to chitownforte22
RT @ITSNEB: @Jones_Drew32 u going to have time to murk on black ops while u scoring 30 tds?<— always got time Friday, July 16, 2010 3:40:31 PM via UberTwitter
RT @nate_robinson: @Jones_Drew32 good luck this season bro…<—- thanks bruh u were balling this year.. I’m (cont) http://tl.gd/2i9dsd Friday, July 16, 2010 3:29:13 PM via UberTwitter
RT @imJmi: just scored a touchdown with this one! NFL Pro Bowler and Jacksonville’s starting RB @Jones_Drew32 (cont) http://tl.gd/2i9ck3 Friday, July 16, 2010 3:25:24 PM via UberTwitter
RT @ChrisB357: hey @Jones_Drew32 wanna help with a noble cause? tweetout for my twin 3yr olds with SMA www.byrdsforacure.org Friday, July 16, 2010 3:21:45 PM via UberTwitter
Todays workout was a beast…. Sled pulls and conditioning then to the weight room for a monster leg workout. (cont) http://tl.gd/2i9b1v Friday, July 16, 2010 3:21:00 PM via UberTwitter
RT @MsTerryMcMillan: Black people kill each other more than white people do. Who’s racist? Friday, July 16, 2010 12:20:47 PM via UberTwitter
Good night tweeps 9:45 PM Jul 15th via UberTwitter
@MikeSimsWalker my man owns bella limo 8:51 PM Jul 15th via UberTwitter in reply to MikeSimsWalker
LA its been great now time to get back to grind mode. South florida hear I come 11:07 AM Jul 15th via UberTwitter

MJD is a superstud. He gauges his worth by how hard his workouts are. He goes to bed early. He has a lust for greatness seen in few players. His only short coming is his choice in BFFs (Mike Sims-Walker the same guy that missed a game last year for a booty call).

Chris Johnson is Not the #1 Pick for 2010 Fantasy Football

Pretzel — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 22:00:25 +0000

When we look back at the 2009 fantasy football season one thing stands out above the rest, Chris Johnson had over 2500 total yards and 16 total TD. This automatically makes him the number one pick in 2010 right? I am here to tell you no. He should be your number 3 pick. If we take a look at week 2 of the 2009 season, Chris Johnson became the first player in NFL history to record a 90-plus yard rushing touchdown, 50-plus yard rushing touchdown, and 60-plus yard receiving touchdown in one game. Seven of Johnson’s touchdowns were for 50+yards and 10 were for 25+ yards. If you are sitting there first overall and expecting these types of results again you will be very disappointed with your pick.

But let’s not just focus on last year’s numbers for Johnson, let’s look at what history has taught us. Five other players have rushed for over 2000 yards in a season and their follow up year was nowhere close to as spectacular. OJ Simpson had 1,125 yards and 3 touchdowns, Eric Dickerson went for 1,234 and 12 touchdowns and Barry Sanders (the best yardage season following 2k) almost cracked 1500 at 1491 yards and only 4 touchdowns. The other 2 players to run for 2000 yards in a season failed to play the entire next season with Jamal Lewis playing 12 games for 1,006 yards and 7 touchdowns, and Terrell Davis only able to muster 4 games for 211 yards and 2 touchdowns. If we combine these stats for the best possible season you are still looking at losing 500+ yards and at least 2 touchdowns, meaning your fantasy team loses 70+ points on the season from this one player, not a good way to start your draft.

Let’s also look at your 2 better options for drafting first over all. Adrian Peterson was considered by most to have a down year last year with 1,383 yards and 18 touchdowns. 18 Touchdowns and a down year!?!? With Chester Taylor gone, AD will get more of the carries, all the goal line carries and plays behind one of the better lines in football. Whether Favre is back or not look for Minnesota to rely more and more on the running game and for Peterson to produce big for your team. Maurice Jones-Drew has a similar situation in Jacksonville. MJD has had to share the load up until last year and still produced 9+ touchdowns every year. In his first full year as a starter MJD over 1750 total yards (in a down receiving year) and 16 total touchdowns; with no competition for MJD and a struggling passing game look for MJD to get more of the workload this season putting him in a position to better last year’s numbers and be your number 2 runningback in Fantasy Football for 2010.

Finally we add to all this a holdout for a new contract that looks to be in a stalemate at this point in time and if no movement is made promises to last into the season as Johnson “Can’t play for $550,000.” CJ is holding out for a well deserved raise and I feel the Titans should give him what is coming to him. With Players like CJ Spiller and Jahvid Best looking to make more than Johnson and have never played a down in the NFL I feel for him and agree with his stance but don’t let that pull at your heart strings on Draft Day. Make the smart decision and choose AD or MJD. Put your team in the best position to win.

You May Want to Avoid These Players…even if they helped you win last year

doyadoya — Sat, 19 Jun 2010 21:40:19 +0000

As with every fantasy football season there are going to be players that appear out of nowhere and explode (Miles Austin) and there will be players who everyone expected big things from who disappear (Matt Forte). In many of these cases, you can’t anticipate the change, you simply have to keep your ear to the ground and react quickly when you see someone blow up or blow apart. This is not always the case however. In many instances you can see the writing on the wall if you pay attention. Some indicators are huge red flags, others are a little more subtle. Being aware of these subtle changes and moving these players up or down on your prospect list can be the difference between a good draft and a draft day that is an unmitigated disaster. In our never ending effort to put our followers in the best position to win your fantasy football leagues, here is a list of players that have produced in the past but you might want to hesitate on a little bit on draft day. Some are obvious and some…not so much. Since we know that some of our clients pay for our service so that they don’t have to pay attention in the off season (or the season for that matter) we are going to list even the ones that you would have to be a potato to have missed. (the song titles for titles was something that just happened…don’t read too much into it)

You Outta Know ( Alanis Morrisette)

Kurt Warner, Arizona Cardinals – He has been a fantasy stud for most of the time he has been on the field as a starter, but he RETIRED!!! This is not a move him down your list situation, this is a move him off your list situation!

Terrell Owens, Free Agent – Owens has been a guy you could count on for consistent fantasy football production for many years. Last season however, he was invisible in Buffalo with the exception of a couple of weeks and this year he cannot find a gig. T.O. is going to be 37 this year and his skills has diminished noticeably. Look for him to be signed at some point in the preseason by a team that loses a wide out to a season ending injury. Don’t look for him to be much help in the fantasy department at any point in whatever is left of his career. (if Vincent Jackson holds out until week 11 like he is threatening to he might land in San Diego)

Ben Rothlisberger, Pittsburgh Steelers – Ben has a terrible off season on a personal level, which has resulted in a 6 week suspension handed down by “General Goodell”. Although Ben will be a very good fantasy quarterback for years to come, you will not be able to count on him this season until week seven. If you can get him in the spot you would usually draft you back up quarterback, he is a steal, but don’t reach for him early. Even when he does get back on the field, the Steelers offense is not what it was.

Don’t Let Me Be the Last to Know (Brittney Spears…sorry the song title fit)

Steve Slaton, Houston Texans – Slaton was one of the pre draft darlings last year. I saw some lists that had him ranked as high as 10th overall. Slaton rewarded all of his promoters with 437 yards, 4 touchdowns and 7 fumbles. ( a 75% drop off in yards and a 105% increase in balls on the turf) He also lost his job to Ryan Moats. Heading into this season, the coaching staff in Houston has already said that Adrian Foster is the starter and the Texans drafted a running back early. I am not a genius but all this added up equal a short career as fantasy stud for Steve Slaton.

Clinton Portis/ Willie Parker/ Larry Johnson Washington Redskins – Since what I am going to say applies to all of these former fantasy studs, you can apply it to which ever one you are thinking about drafting. Fantasy running back x, has a lot of mileage on him and although he was once a player you could anchor your fantasy team around, those days are over. He (Clinton Portis/ Willie Parker/ Larry Johnson) has lost much of his ability to hit the holes with gusto and break tackles in the open field. He (Clinton Portis/ Willie Parker/ Larry Johnson) is not nearly as fast as he once was and he is now playing in a Mike Shanahan offense which is loyal to no running back under any circumstances. I am avoiding him completely.

Wes Welker New England Patriots – Although Welker is still young and playing in a high powered offense, he is coming off a major knee injury. Modern medicine has allowed many quarterbacks to come back from this type of injury and be the same as they were before but the same cannot be said for wide receivers who depend on speed, quickness and the ability to take big hits across the middle. All indications point to Welker making a full recovery but that doesn’t mean that he will be the player he once was. If Welker was the type of player who depended on his size and his hands to make his living I would feel for more confident, but he depends on his legs and speed. If you can get him late he is worth a flyer, but again, don’t reach for him.

What You Don’t Know (Expose)

Joseph Addai, Indianapolis Colts – Addai came on so strong early in his career that he ousted Edgerrin James from the team entirely. He became a sure top ten fantasy running back for several years because he played for a high powered offense, he caught balls out of the back field and he rarely put the ball on the ground. In the last couple of seasons however, Addai has had some serious durability problems and it has forced the Colts to look for the next RB1. Last year Donald Brown looked good in his replacement of Addai during injury time and will undoubtedly take even more of Addai’s livelihood this season.

Steve Smith Carolina Panthers (calm down Pretzel, I am not saying he isn’t good)– Steve Smith has been the little engine that could on an offense that could not for a couple of seasons now. Unfortunately for Steve, the uncertainty at quarterback and the emergence of the power running game in Carolina has eaten up most of his prime years. Although there are many fantasy wide receivers who go on producing well into their mid 30’s most of them are not burners who have built a career playing like they 4 inches taller and 25 pounds heavier than they actually are. The Quarterback uncertainties remain in Carolina and although Smith is still likely to out produce every non running back on the Carolina roster from a fantasy football perspective, he is no longer the top 5 guy he once was, he may not be a top ten guy. In fact, if Carolina’s passing attack is as sad as it was last year, he may not even be the best Steve Smith.

Free Agency – Fantasy Impact Part 2

doyadoya — Sun, 25 Apr 2010 17:19:54 +0000

As everyone knows this year is functioning without a CBA. As a result a lot of impending unrestricted free agents have instead become restricted free agents, so the “free agency” part of the free agency period hasn’t really offered the fantasy football impact we were hoping for an “uncapped” season. The trades side of the business however have been a force impacting fantasy in a huge way but we will get that is a moment. Let’s look at free agents first.

Signings
Real Story, Terrell Owens, still unsigned!

Arizona Cardinals – The only signings to note for the Cardinals are QB Derek Anderson and LB Joey Porter. Both of these players have had success in the past and have the possible of a resurgence and big upside. However, Porter is getting really long in the tooth and always a head ache from an attitude standpoint and Anderson has only ever had one good fantasy football season. Anderson is intriguing because he had success on an awful Browns team, it will be interesting to see what he can do with protection and weapons. Keep in mind though that he does have really big feet, I mean really huge.

Atlanta Falcons- Dunta Robinson…that’s it. Is he enough to make a difference in the Atlanta from a fantasy football perspective? Probably not.

Cleveland Browns – Jake Delhomme, yes the same one that has been ineffective for several years in Carolina. He signed a big contract with the Browns after looking awful for a few years in Carolina, no idea why, oh ya it is the Browns, they are ridiculous. Seriously, if he does not hit Steve Smith for the 80 yard TD in the NFC championship game in overtime against the Rams, he is a valet attendant by now. If he is named the starter, that is a hit to the fantasy value of any skill players on the Browns. If you don’t believe me see Steve Smith’s numbers fantasy numbers for the last couple seasons. (although if you have Browns skill players on your fantasy team you are probably in trouble anyway).
Ben Watson – K2 (Kellen Winslow Jr. for the uninformed) was able to put up good fantasy numbers in Cleveland . . . Watson isn’t Winslow, I am just saying.

Houston Texans – Neil Rackers – Wait, isn’t he a kicker? Never mind

New England Patriots – Torry Holt – Holt seems like he has been around forever. He is the oldest 33 year in history and isn’t even close to the form he was in St. Louis but he may get some looks in New England. He is probably a non-factor, but with Randy Moss taking away all of the coverage, Holt has a chance to make some noise. He has amazing hands, he is one of the greatest route runners in history (thanks to tutelage by Isaac Bruce) and unlike Moss, he goes hard every play. If Welker show signs of linger effects of his surgery look for Holt go catch a lot of balls.

NY Jets – Jason Taylor – The Jets defense which was the best in football last season, just got better. These guys are going to be good on both sides of the ball. With Sanchez having Edwards, Cotchery and now Santonio Holmes to throw to will be a top 10 fantasy QB. No I am not joking.

Seattle Seahawks – Charlie Whitehurst – Heir apparent to Matt Hasselbeck?? Will it be this year? Maybe.

St Louis Rams – A.J. Feeley – Only on here because the Rams need a veteran to take some licks while Bradford gets used to the NFL game. Feeley is a perfect 2nd string guy to sit on the bench with a clipboard when Bradford take the field in about week 5.

Washington Redskins – The skins have been soooo busy this offseason. Signed Larry Johnson, Willie Parker and Ryan Torain (2 effective runners with a lot of wear on their tires and a full back the Shanahan once got production out of). With Shanahan in town you can be sure there will be a stock pile of horses in the stable with enough inconsistency to be pulling your hair out if you have anyone of these guys on your team.

Now let’s get to where the real action has been

Trades
Donovan McNabb to the Redskins I know, this sounds crazy for the Eagles, trading the best QB in franchise history to a division rival. Deon Sanders actually invented a word to describe it “Shibacle” ( I think he is just not that sharp and meant to say debacle). For Washington this trade is spectacular, finally they have someone that can run an offense and make good decisions, McNabb has never thrown more than 13 interceptions in a season. Now all they need to do is get him some weapons. To aid in that quest, rumors have McNabb suggesting to management that they sign free agent Terrell Owens. Yes the same one who was McNabb’s BFF and then they hated each other and then T.O. was doing sit ups in his driveway. That might work, it would give Santana Moss room to fly which is what he does best. Except for the fact that TERRELL OWENS IS A TURD! He is a cancer on ever team he gets near and his hands suck so he cannot be the possession guy they would need him to be. Even without the T.O. factor McNabb was able to get Philly to the NFC Championship 3 time with no one around him so this may work out after all. I am not sure if this trade will affect McNabb’s fantasy value but it definitely improves Santana Moss.

Tony Scheffler to the Lions, Ernie Sims to the Eagles – So I am not sure what or why the Eagles were in this trade. Why would a team that has terrible defense trade their most talented defensive player ? Especially for yet another tight end. Hey Lions, going all offense hasn’t worked for the last 10 years, try a different philosophy!!!!

Santonio Holmes To the Jets – Holmes is suspended for the first 4 games but when he comes back he should help Mark Sanchez become a top 10 fantasy QB (see above).

Brandon Marshall – So we have a T.O. type talent with a T.O. type head on a Bill Parcells run team . . . can anyone else hear “the player” being referenced. Marshall should help Chad Henne for years to come and make it so Ronnie Brown doesn’t have to take all the snaps. Look for this trade to upgrade the fantasy football value all of the offensive players on the Fins.

Jason Campbell to the Raiders – This will upgrade the value of the Raider WRs slightly but they don’t really have a player on the team, so it won’t matter. Jason Campbell fantasy value will drop greatly. Remember, Campbell had more fantasy points last year than Matt Ryan and Joe Flacco (don’t believe me, look it up). Oakland it an abyss for QBs, the last fantasy football quarterback to have any impact in Oakland was Rich Gannon (yes the commentator from NFL Blitz, same guy)

Free Agency, Fantasy Impact – 2010

doyadoya — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 15:45:49 +0000

It is the time of year once again where players who are at the end of their contracts or unhappy with their current situation empty their lockers and hit the road. In most cases the addition and subtraction of free agents will affect an NFL team but usually has little effect on the fantasy value of the player. This is not always the situation however, look at the case of Edgerrin to the Cardinals. James became a fantasy irrelevant the second he left Indianapolis. Chester Taylor and Lamont Jordan became top 10 fantasy backs when they got out of the shadow of Jamal Lewis and Curtis Martin respectively. As always, it is our job to make sure you are in the best situation to dominate your fantasy league, this time of year we do that by letting you know how all the player movement will alter the fantasy values of the players on the move and the players on their new teams and old teams. Here is a look at free agency 2010 and how it will affect your fantasy players.

Anquan Boldin, Baltimore Ravens- Although this was technically not a free agent move, it is the biggest move of the off season so far. Boldin has been one of the most productive wide receivers in the NFL over the last few seasons, when healthy. He has also been one the most unhappy and most vocal about his unhappiness. It appeared that the only person who could keep Boldin focused on football was Kurt Warner and with his retirement, it was only a matter of time before Boldin signed with anyone besides the Cardinals. If Boldin stays healthy, we will be a legit first string Fantasy football wide receiver in a system that sorely needs a WR1, this definitely elevates his status. His departure from Arizona leaves Larry Fitzgerald open to a lot more double teams since Steve Breaston is no Anquan Boldin, and with Matt Leinart at the helm in Zona, buyer beware on Fitzy. This signing also has an effect on the ageless wonder Derrick Mason who has re-signed with the Ravens. Mason has been Baltimore’s most productive guy forever his fantasy production will drop off substantially this season.

Nate Burleson, Detroit Lions- Nate Burleson is yet another fantasy Wide Receiver in the NFL who has a world of talent and cannot stay healthy long enough move into the elite. Burleson had a great start in Seattle last season but dropped off greatly as the year went on. His move to Detroit will not help his stats but it shouldn’t hurt them greatly either. The biggest effect of the Burleson signing in Detroit will be felt by Megatron. With a healthy legit WR2 on the team, Calvin Johnson might finally get some room to move out there. In addition, the lions will have a healthy and more experienced Jason Stafford to air out some serious bombs to both Burleson and Calvin Johnson. The Lions might not be a contender this season but if these three stay healthy, they will be fun to watch if nothing else. Upgrade Burleson, Johnson and Stafford slightly.

Larry Johnson, Washington Redskins – Larry Johnson proved a couple of things last season, 1) It does not matter where he plays, he cannot make friends. He was productive with the Bengals in limited action and even they didn’t want to keep him…The Bengals! 2) Johnson may actually still have some gas in the tank. He got some action with Cedric Benson sidelined with injury down the stretch and actually produced. We all know that the new sheriff in DC, Mike Shanahan can get the absolute most out of running backs, he got 1000 yards out of Olandis Gary! Shanahan also likes to play the hot hand so if Portis has anything left (unlikely but possible) there could a dreaded timeshare situation in the capital next season which is a fate worse that death for fantasy football owners. Both Johnson and Portis should be viewed as fantasy football flex players at best and not likely even that.

Thomas Jones, Kansas City Chiefs – Thomas Jones will be 32 this year and if we have an absolute truth in the NFL and in fantasy football it is that 32 year old running backs disappear off the face of the planet and it does not seem to matter how high a level they were playing at. If you don’t believe me, see Eddie George, Shaun Alexander, Marshall Faulk, Curtis Martin, etc, etc, etc all fantasy studs and then….gone. Watching Thomas Jones play last year, you might not have noticed his production diminishing but history is pretty clear on this one. You might see Jones remain a factor in KC as a goal line back. Marcus Allen and Emmit Smith extended their careers with a similar role change, but if you are looking for Jones to take over the starting role from Jamaal Charles and repeat his 1400 yard production, you will be sadly disappointed. Charles should be downgraded slightly from a fantasy perspective because he will lose some work. Shonn Green of the Jets should be moved into the top 10 fantasy football running backs with young legs great vision and that huge Jets offensive line to run behind, he is the big winner here.

Irrelevant Moves:

Chester Taylor to the Bears – Taylor will continue his role as player teacher, but now it will be for the Bears instead of the Vikings. The Vikings will most likely sign a veteran back up to take Taylor’s role as sideline cheerleader.

Atwaan Randle El, Pittsburgh Steelers - Randle El was irrelevant in Pittsburgh the first time, he was irrelevant in D.C. and he will continue his perfect streak with his Pittsburgh stop part 2.

Antonio Byrant, Cincinnati Bengals – Bryant has had one great season in the last 9 and although he is might be in a better system in Cincy, his numbers will not change. WR3 or flex player.

Stay Tuned for more off season activity…….

Kurt Warner Retires. How will it affect your fantasy team?

doyadoya — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 14:05:59 +0000

With the retirement of Kurt Warner, there has been a void created in the fantasy football universe. Kurt Warner was a legit fantasy stud and one that could be counted on to consistently slip into the third round of the fantasy draft. As long he was surrounded by quality weapons and secured with good pocket protection, Warner continued to surprise fantasy owners and pundits year after year, game after game, with a level of play the helped many owners over the last few seasons ride deep into the playoffs. The true surprise and absolute travesty is that even with his elite ability and elevated stats, every team he played for tried to give his job to someone else. So the initial impact your fantasy team will take is that you will no longer be able to wait until the 10th quarterback selected in your draft to secure a top 3 guy, but the tremors do not stop there.

The Cardinals have tried on a couple of occasions to give Warner’s position to the heir apparent Matt Leinart and they would have done just that if Leinart’s interceptions and bad decisions had not proved beyond a shadow of a doubt that he was not ready for the job. Regardless of Leinart’s on field ineptness the Cardinal brass was still bent on him being the guy and it was not until Ken Wisenhunt took over the helm and stated without reservation that Kurt would lead this team, that the Cardinals started to produce for their fantasy owners. However, because of the insistence on Leinart we did, as a fantasy industry, get a good look at the future and it spells a diminishment in the production of the red bird supporting cast.

I am not going to say that the Matt Leinart is going to a worthless fantasy quarterback. It is my guess that his extended time with a clipboard and opportunity to learn from a veteran who is notorious for being generous with his knowledge and wisdom has allowed Matt to improve on the things that led to his removal, reading defenses, decision making and patience. I am going to say that even an improved Matt Leinart, is not Kurt Warner.

This will have a trickle down effect across the entire team. The value of Larry Fitzgerald will slip slightly, although Fitzy was Leinart’s favorite target when on the field so Larry should still be a top 8 wide out. The impact of Anquan Boldin will be greatly reduced. Boldin has been almost invisible in the majority of Leinart starts. The greatest impact however will be in the running game. Beanie Wells showed some flashes of greatness as his rookie year wore on. The loss of Warner will have an immediate impact on the win/loss column for the Cardinals because Kurt was the unquestioned leader of this team, Leinart is not. If the Cardinals trail in more games than not, the running game will be completely ineffective, leaving Beanie wells where Edgrerrin James was, 65 yards a game, no touchdowns.

Although I am not saying dismiss Leinart or the Cardinals in your fantasy draft next year, I am saying tread lightly. As the second installment of the Matt Leinart era in Arizona begins again, the hopes of Cardinal fantasy owners everywhere is dependant on Matt Leinart’s maturation, an assumption of which there is no evidence whatsoever.

Pretzel’s Picks Week 17

Pretzel — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 13:43:02 +0000

Carolina Panthers by 7 at home over the New Orleans Saints

The Panthers seem to be playing for John Fox’s job. With the Saints resting their stars I expect the Panthers to take this one easily. Carolina by 14.

Cleveland Browns by 1 at home over the Jacksonville Jaguars

This one we have 2 teams going in opposite directions. The Browns have won 3 in a row and the Jaguars have lost 3 straight. Browns take this one by a touchdown.

Dallas Cowboys by 3 at home over the Philadelphia Eagles

The Cowboys have actually managed to put together a couple of wins in December which automatically have all “experts” putting them as Superbowl champs and proclaiming all their late season woes behind them. I am not convinced. The Eagles have won 6 in a row and will make it 7 today.

Tennessee Titans by 6 at the Seattle Seahawks

This game we get to see if Chris Johnson can over take Eric Dickerson. I predict he will get to 2000 but not quite to 2105. Tennessee takes it by 14

Eliminator

For my eliminator this week I will take the Vikings over the Giants. With everything to play for last week the Giants laid an egg against the Panthers. I can’t imagine how bad they are going to play this week with nothing at stake.

Pretzel’s Picks for Week 16

Pretzel — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 06:33:25 +0000

Cincinnati Bengals by 13.5 at home over the Kansas City Chiefs

I think the Bengals will take this one at home the Chiefs will keep it within 10.

Pittsburgh Steelers by 3 at home over the Baltimore Ravens

In the last few weeks the Steelers have lost to the Browns and the Raiders. Baltimore should be able to take this one.

Arizona Cardinals by 15 at home over the St Louis Rams

Cards at home against a rookie QB? 15 should be a joke. Card by a ton.

Indianapolis Colts by 4 over the New York Jets

Colts take this one by a touchdown to stay undefeated.

Eliminator

For my eliminator I will take the San Francisco 49ers over the Detroit Lions. Anyone over the Lions is a sure thing right?

Top Targets for Week 16 (Free Agents dummy)

doyadoya — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 22:36:14 +0000

It is finally here. Championship Week!!!!!! If you are still playing, you do not need help with free agents, your team is STACKED. What you may need though is some insight into who is going to go off this weekend. The chances are that you have a team of super studs and you can play any of them at this point, but…there is a chance that you happened to have both Brandon Marshall and Jerome Harrison on your team and now you are terrified because you know you have no business being here and now you need help figuring out who is going to save your ass this week!!!!! Well we at FDM have always said that our only mission is to help you win, and that is what we are going to do. Here are some players that may be on your team, have great match ups and should put up numbers you can count on to keep you competetive, even this week.

Jason Snelling, Atlanta- Snelling is going to be the ground artillery this weekend against the Buffalo Bills worst run defense in the league and with Turner out and Norwood limited, Snelling should have no one poaching carries goal line or otherwise.

Cedric Benson, Cincinnati- You probably rode this horse from week 1 through injury and then you sat and watched Bernard Scott and Larry Johnson get all the carries in his stead. But Ced-Ben is back and the Chiefs are TERRIBLE against the run. Play him with confidence.

Malcolm Floyd, San Diego- The double coverage in San Diego goes to Vincent Jackson, this will leave Floyd one on one all the time. He is definitely not as talented Jackson but it is easy to be as productive when Jackson has to carry 2 or 3 guys on his back all the time. Look for 6-8 receptions from Floyd this weekend and since the Titans have the 30th ranked pass defense in the league it is not out of the realm of possibility for him to find the endzone as well.

Alex Smith, San Francisco- Alex Smith has been one of the great comeback stories of 2009. Since he took the starting job and transitioned into a lot more shotgun formations Smith has started the conversation that maybe he can be the franchise quarterback he was supposed to be in the first place. Look for him to tear up the happless Lions this weekend. He should throw a couple TDs to Vernon Davis and maybe even one to Michael Crabtree.

Good Luck this week champions! follow us throughout the offseason and we will keep you up to date on any movements of big names and players who are not yet big names but you should know them.

Look for our email in the spring to take advantage of our earlybird specials on the UberRank for 2010!!!!!!

Pretzel’s Picks for Week 15

Pretzel — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 07:04:52 +0000

Tennessee Titans by 5 at home over the Miami Dolphins

After a slight hiccup in Indy the Titans destroyed the Rams. Don’t look for that big of game this week but they will take it by 10.

Kansas City Chiefs by 2 at home over the Cleveland Browns

Two bad teams going at each other. Chiefs get the upper hand in this one. Win a tight one by afield goal.

San Diego Chargers by 7 at home over the Cincinnati Bengals

Chargers are unstoppable right now. San Diego by 14.

New York Giants by 3 at the Washington Redskins

The Giants have looked suspect lately but I look for them to get back in the win column in a good divisional battle. Giants by a touchdown.

Eliminator

For my eliminator I am taking the Arizona Cardinals over the Detroit Lions. Arizona will want to make up for their poor showing last week against the Niners.