Friday updates and injury news

Here are a few updates from my Sporting News Fantasy Source column today:

Michael Vick will suit up in Miami on Sunday, wearing a vest to protect his ribs. There is obviously some risk of re-injury, and the Dolphins are playing good pass defense lately. But Vick remains a more viable starting option than all but a handful of elite passers. Especially since Jeremy Maclin (shoulder, hamstring) is also expected back on the field.

I hope you aren’t counting on Christian Ponder as your fantasy QB. But those banking on Percy Harvin should know that a hip injury could keep the rookie out of the lineup this weekend. Joe Webb is his backup, and we saw last year how that played out. (Two rushing TDs for Webb; no passing scores.) Harvin owners should root for Ponder’s speedy recovery.

The Rams will likely be piloted by Tom Brandstater on Monday night, while Sam Bradford (ankle) and A.J. Feeley (thumb) are sidelined. Say a prayer for the good people of St. Louis. It’s been a rough sports week for them, and it won’t get any better soon.

Adrian Peterson (ankle) is back at practice, but his playing status will likely go down to the wire on Sunday. Fortunately, Toby Gerhart is providing decent production in his stead, for those who secured his handcuff.

Mark Ingram could sit out this week with a turf toe injury. If he does, Pierre Thomas will vault back up the rankings and Chris Ivory will likely be active (but not startable for fantasy purposes).

Michael Bush was a dud last weekend in Miami, but don’t let that scare you off from starting him against the Packers. Darren McFadden is almost certainly out again, and Bush has proven that he is a very capable fantasy producer. One false start doesn’t change that.

Don’t expect much out of Kevin Smith (ankle) against the Vikings, if he plays. He would probably be used sparingly, with Maurice Morris getting the bulk of the carries.

Cedric Benson is taking it easy on his injured foot this week, but he should play Sunday. He has a rough matchup against the Texans, however. Benson is a low-level RB2 or flex play at best this week.

Andre Johnson (hamstring) is expected to be a game-time call, but it’s probably wisest to make other plans regardless of his status. With T.J. Yates at the helm, the Texans are an even more run-dominant team, and Johnson’s snaps could be limited.

Look for Miles Austin (hamstring) finally back in action on Sunday night. He comes with some risk of limited reps, but the tantalizing matchup with the Giants should outweigh those concerns. Though there will be fewer balls for both Dez Bryant and Laurent Robinson, I wouldn’t sit any Dallas wideout in this matchup.

2010 Biro’s Heroes and Zeros Awards

As we are shoved, kicking and screaming, into another interminable fantasy offseason, with the specter of a possible lockout draining us of our will to live (uh, perhaps I’m speaking only for myself here), we have some unfinished business left to wrap up from the season just concluded.

After all, it’s the awards season across this great land of ours, and I can only take so much Taylor Swift, Katy Perry and Lady Ga-Gag.

So let’s take a quick stroll back through 2010 to examine the players we rooted for and against and – with as much objectivity as we can muster – give credit where credit is due.

Our annual accolades (and condemnations) have but a few important criteria:

1. Consistency on a weekly basis is next to godliness.
2. Performances during the fantasy playoffs – for our purposes, NFL Weeks 14 through 16 – are given extra weight. Players who let their owners down at the worst possible time earn our eternal scorn. (Hear that, AP?)
3. Week 17 performances are disregarded since most fantasy leagues hold their championship in Week 16, per the wishes of the late, great Don Meredith.
4. As always, I’m open to your feedback on these awards, including those that cause you heartburn. Feel free to email me, and be sure to begin your message with “You’re an idiot because…”

Without further ado, I am pleased to present the 2010 Biro’s Heroes & Zeros Awards:


Most Valuable Player: Michael Vick. If you disagree with this selection, you either didn’t own him or didn’t play against him. Tom Brady was awesome, particularly down the stretch; but Vick’s rushing exploits made him Top Dog on a week-to-week basis. Runner-up: Brady.

“Peerless Price Memorial” Bust of the Year: Randy Moss. Over the last nine games of the season, the “elite” receiver accumulated a worthless seven receptions for 88 yards and no TDs. He had just four decent games prior to that (two apiece with New England and Minnesota). Brandon Gibson, Louis Murphy and about 60 other wideouts delivered more fantasy value. Runner-up: DeAngelo Williams.

Surprise of the Year: Brandon Lloyd. In his seven previous seasons, with four different teams, Lloyd cracked the Top 40 just once (2005) and consistently ranked outside the Top 80. In 2010, he was the No. 1 receiver in the land. What a country. Runner-up: Stevie Johnson.

Rookie of the Year: Mike Williams. He reached the end zone in a whopping 10 games and was among the most consistent players at any position all season. Tampa Bay’s stellar fourth-round pick ranked among the Top 12 fantasy wideouts by season’s end. Runner-up: LeGarrette Blount.

Comeback Player of the Year: Vick. No one else even comes close. Runner-up: Matt Forte.

Best Waiver Wire Acquisition: Peyton Hillis. This could also go to Vick, but let’s spread the love to the Cleveland workhorse, who scored in all but one of his first dozen games as a Brown. Hillis carried his mediocre team on his back all season, and paid the price when his battered body simply wore down. Runner-up: Vick.

Mr. Big Play: DeSean Jackson. He scored on a 31-yard run, a 65-yard punt return and on receptions of 9, 34, 45, 61, 88 and 91 yards. Since this category was created for him last year, the award will carry his name in 2011. Runner-up: Mike Wallace.


Most Devastating Injury Loss: Ryan Grant. Plenty of candidates here – including Tony Romo, Pierre Thomas, Sidney Rice, Austin Collie, Antonio Gates, Jermichael Finley and Dallas Clark – but Grant (a second or third-round fantasy pick) was lost in the opener after gaining just 45 yards. Runner-up: Frank Gore.


Steal of the Draft: Arian Foster. Depending on when you drafted, you could have nabbed the former practice squad player anywhere from the fourth to the 10th round. Either way, you were rewarded with fantasy’s top tailback. Runner-up: Darren McFadden.

Most Overrated Player: Beanie Wells. Would it surprise you to learn that Wells played in all but three games this season? Yet you would have regretted starting the injury- and fumble-prone back in all but two of them. Runner-up: Ronnie Brown.

“Thomas Jones Memorial” Most Underrated Player: Joseph Addai. Jones could arguably rule this category again, but I’m going with Addai, whose injury in Week 6 left the Colts bereft of a rushing threat, particularly from a fantasy perspective. Indy doesn’t run particularly well to begin with; but without Addai, they are pathetic. (Don’t get me started on Donald Brown…) Runner-up: Derrick Mason.

Made Chicken Salad from Chicken Scratch: Hillis. Rising above the muck and mire that is the Cleveland offense, Hillis somehow emerged as an elite performer. None of his teammates – with the occasional exception of Ben Watson – merited a spot on any fantasy roster this season; yet Hillis was in the MVP conversation until the end. Runner-up: Steven Jackson.

Biggest Postseason Disappointment: Adrian Peterson. The Giants stifled him in Week 14 (26 yards), then he was a late and unexpected scratch the following weekend due to ankle and knee injuries. He delivered in Week 16, but that was too little, too late, for too many. Runner-up: Aaron Rodgers.


Too Little Too Late: Ryan Mathews. Over the first 15 injury-plagued weeks of his rookie season, Mathews amassed just 598 yards and two TDs, while Mike Tolbert stole the show. Not exactly what you bargain for from one of your top RBs. In his final two games, a healthy Mathews racked up 222 total yards and four TDs. Gee, thanks, Ryan. Runner-up: Vincent Jackson.

Most Spectacular Bench Performance: McFadden. He deemed himself just “70 percent” recovered from a bum hammy as Week 7 approached, leading us to believe that Michael Bush would carry the load. Instead, Run DMC amassed 196 combined yards and four touchdowns against the Broncos. Runner-up: David Garrard (260 passing yards, 5 combined TDs vs. Dallas, Week 8).

Lived Up to the Hype: Foster. He burst onto the scene out of nowhere during the preseason, but we’ve all seen shooting stars flame out when the games really matter (I’m looking at you, CJ Spiller). Foster never missed a beat. Runner-up: LeSean McCoy.

Most Marginalized by Pathetic QB Play: Larry Fitzgerald. With Kurt Warner under center, Fitz was arguably the best wideout in the land, fantasy and otherwise. This year? Not so much. Runner-up: Carolina’s Steve Smith.

“Frisman Jackson Memorial” Irrational Exuberance Award: David Gettis. Star-crossed fantasy owners flocked to the rookie after his 125-yard, two-touchdown “breakout” performance in Week 7, then realized they bought a big bag of nothing when he returned to obscurity immediately thereafter. Runner-up: Seyi Ajirotutu.

Worst Sophomore Jinx: Shonn Greene. With Thomas Jones banished to KC, and “over-the-hill” LaDainian Tomlinson expected to mentor from the sidelines, Greene was considered a steal in the second or third round. Instead, LT stole his job and Greene was essentially unstartable for his owners all year. Runner-up: Michael Crabtree.

Team Bust of the Year (aka “They Are Who We Thought They Were”): Carolina Panthers. DeAngelo Williams was awful before he landed on injured reserve, and Jonathan Stewart didn’t get rolling until his second chance late in the year. Four quarterbacks combined for a whopping eight passing TDs on the season, only two of which went to the wideout formerly known as Steve Smith. Best I can tell, they don’t even employ a tight end or kicker. What a mess. Runner-up: Arizona Cardinals.

“Plaxico Burress Memorial” Bonehead of the Year: Brett Favre. He had the chance to retire on a high note, but he just had to push it. Favre’s off-field antics proved even more embarrassing than his deteriorating skills. Runner-up: Vincent Jackson.


Most Likely to Succeed in 2011: Jimmy Graham. The former college basketball star posted four touchdowns over the final three weeks of the regular season, emerging as one of Drew Brees’ most reliable red-zone targets. Jeremy Shockey’s clock in New Orleans is ticking. Runner-up: Josh Freeman.

Until next year, I’ll see you at the Fantasy Fools blog. Happy 2011!

Perfect Draft: The Final Countdown

That sinking feeling I had in late August when I took Anquan Boldin near the end of the fifth round and gambled that Arian Foster would still be there on the swing-back could not have been more prescient. Not only did I miss out on fantasy’s top running back, but I lost in the first round of the playoffs by one stinking point to the jerk – I mean guy – who stole Foster out from under me.


A few days after the aforementioned draft, I refused to repeat the mistake in another league and grabbed Foster early in the fifth round. Thanks to him, and a certain electrifying quarterback I snared off the waiver wire, I now own the champion’s trophy.

But as solid as that team was, my draft was hardly perfect. I used a second-rounder on Miles Austin – who rode my bench down the stretch – and wasted later picks on Cadillac Williams, Jacoby Jones and the 49ers defense. Indeed, I’ve yet to see anyone have a “perfect” draft, so it’s comforting to know that perfection isn’t necessary to win a title.

But it sure would be nice, wouldn’t it?

That’s why I always wrap up the season by exploring what could have been had we made all the right moves during our preseason draft, with the oft-imitated, always-controversial, yet magically delicious 2010 Perfect Draft: The Final Countdown.

As usual, we operate under a few key assumptions:

1. We’re in a 10-team league using a standard scoring system that starts one quarterback, two running backs, three wide receivers, one tight end, one kicker and one defense/special teams.
2. We are drafting from the middle (fifth) position in a zig-zag format, meaning Chris Johnson and Adrian Peterson will be gone by the time we pick.
3. The preseason average draft position (ADP) of each player – according to multiple mock draft sites canvassed during early September – is used to determine the most valuable selections in each round;
4. Week 17 performances are disregarded and production during the fantasy playoffs (Weeks 14 through 16) is given extra weight, both positively and negatively; and,
5. Since all drafts play out differently, we’ll need a little luck along the way.

And finally, in the spirit of truth, justice and the American Way, our goal is nothing short of total domination and the abject humiliation of our opponents.

Now, with the fifth pick of the 2010 Fantasy Draft, we should have selected…

Round 1. Aaron Rodgers, QB, Packers. Drafting with 20/20 hindsight allows us to make this pick. Rodgers will help us dominate the first half of the season while we wait for Michael Vick’s ribs to heal. Vick will return the favor when Rodgers suffers his late-season concussion. Drew Brees was nearly as good, but had more than double Rodgers’ interceptions. Frank Gore was on track to be the most valuable first-rounder until his season-ending hip injury in Week 12. Steven Jackson offered steady, if unspectacular, production.


Round 2. Roddy White, WR, Falcons. He delivered virtually every week, while winning our Week 7 and 10 matchups nearly single-handedly. In point-per-reception (PPR) formats, White is the hands-down pick here. Otherwise, Calvin Johnson and Greg Jennings are equally valuable.

Round 3. LeSean McCoy, RB, Eagles. Tom Brady is arguably a better overall choice here, but he won’t help us much while Vick is out. Philip Rivers was stellar through Week 11, so teaming him with Gore, Jackson or another elite back from the first round works well, too. But for my money, I’ll take the steady and consistent Shady in a slight edge over Jamaal Charles, especially in PPR leagues.

Round 4. Antonio Gates, TE, Chargers. When he’s healthy, no tight end holds a candle to Gates. We’ll miss him during the playoffs, but he’ll play a key role in getting us there.

Round 5. Arian Foster, RB, Texans. The top back in Fantasyland moved up draft boards on a near-daily basis as the regular season approached, so early drafters could have secured him more cheaply. Foster was arguably the most important draft-day pick of the year.


Round 6. Dwayne Bowe, WR, Chiefs. Aside from a slow start and a devastating late-season stretch attributable mostly to Matt Cassel’s injury, Bowe was a fantasy beast. You could make the case that Hakeem Nicks offered more value in this round, since his two lost games were due to injury (and therefore manageable).

Round 7. Mike Wallace, WR, Steelers. He won’t crack our starting lineup most weeks, but we’ll take a Top 10 fantasy receiver in the seventh round any day.

Round 8. Jeremy Maclin, WR, Eagles. Here’s another luxury pick who will finish the season as a near-elite wideout but will arguably be the “worst” receiver on our roster. Don’t hate us because we’re perfect.

Round 9. LaDainian Tomlinson, RB, Jets. During the first half of the season, LT played like a young man again. We’ll rest him down the stretch (as the Jets did), but he deserves a spot on this roster.

Round 10. Darren McFadden, RB, Raiders. He’ll drive us crazy with his inconsistency, but RunDMC finally took his place among the elite fantasy RBs in 2010. Kellen Winslow is a nice backup TE option here, too.

Round 11. Steelers defense/special teams. Several units offered strong value, and could be taken much later. But why not grab the best while we can? Pittsburgh’s defense surrendered the fewest points of any team, and shared the NFL sacks lead (44).

Round 12. Peyton Hillis, RB, Browns. Here’s where we get a little wacky with our picks. Until he started breaking down in December, Hillis was among the most valuable, and dependable, fantasy players at any position. He reached the end zone in 11 out of the first 12 games. And to think he went undrafted in most leagues.

Round 13. Marcedes Lewis, TE, Jaguars. If not for a late-season surge by Jason Witten (driven by the near-sighted Jon Kitna), Lewis would be the ideal backup option to Gates. If we grab him here, we avoid the rush to claim him after the season opener.


Round 14. Brandon Lloyd, WR, Broncos. Raise your hand if you thought Lloyd would be a decent bench receiver this year, much less among the top two wideouts in the business. Yeah, that’s what I thought.

Round 15. Stevie Johnson, WR, Bills. Your friends will think you’re drunk when you call out his name. Frankly, who could blame them? Prefer BenJarvus Green-Ellis? Fine with me.

Round 16. Sebastian Janikowski, K, Raiders. Once again, owners who used an earlier pick on an “elite” kicker were out-gunned by those who waited patiently. Janikowski set the standard this year.


Round 17. Michael Vick, QB, Eagles. For the first time in, um, forever, the consensus MVP of Fantasyland went undrafted in most leagues. The only thing better than grabbing him off the waiver wire after Kevin Kolb went down in Week 1 is looking like a freaking genius for selecting him in the last round of the draft.

So…how perfect was your draft?

Coming next week: We’ll conclude the season with the 2010 Biro’s Heroes & Zeros Awards. Your nominations are welcome here. I'll post key awards categories this weekend.

The Most Interesting Man in Fantasyland

He can beat you with his rifle arm, or his rocket legs, but he refuses to use his laser vision in public.

Other rich and famous athletes ask for his autograph, even after he has humiliated them.

His Wikipedia entries have never been inaccurate.

When he is interviewed on television, he is speaking directly to you.


He knows the last digit of pi.

If you were to try to tackle him, the air you grasped would smell like freshly baked chocolate chip cookies.

He once won a punt, pass and kick competition, without using a ball.

When he calls time-out, the Earth stops rotating.

His awkward-looking slides are actually fundamentally perfect.

He owns several NFL records, which he plays on his turntable to relax.

He does not send Christmas cards. They send themselves.

They say he once got a concussion, then helped the trainers understand the meaning of life.

When he calls plays in the huddle, all his teammates hear is “I’ll find you.”

If he played soccer, Americans would watch.

You cannot say the word “victory” without uttering his name.

When he is penalized, the opposing team loses yardage.

School children have recited his snap counts as historic speeches.

When he scrambles, he can see the imaginary, yellow first-down line.

His fantasy owners have already won next weekend’s championship game.

It was he who let the dogs out.

He is…the Most Interesting Man in Fantasyland.

Says he: “I don’t always play fantasy football. But when I do, I prefer to start only myself.”

Stay sportsy, my friends.


FREE AGENT PICKS AND PANS

As you head into championship weekend, your starting roster should be fairly settled. But a little tweaking here or there, if only to keep your competition from improving, might still be in order. Here’s a look at a few players that could next weekend, and some that won’t.

Catch ‘em while you can


Tim Tebow, QB, Broncos. He racked up a passing and rushing touchdown in his first road start, and he will face the Texans’ historically inept secondary in his much-anticipated Mile High debut Sunday. Kyle Orton is not expected to return, even if healthy. If Knowshon Moreno’s rib injury keeps him sidelined, Tebow could again be Denver’s leading rusher. In leagues that start two QBs, the rookie is worth a look.

Michael Bush, RB, Raiders. Though Darren McFadden is the team’s most explosive tailback, Bush has emerged as the goal-line specialist. He’s scored three times over the past three weeks, and he’ll be facing Indy’s porous run defense next weekend.

Vincent Jackson, WR, Chargers. He is a free agent in roughly a third of all fantasy leagues. After his three-TD performance last Thursday, you can bet your opponents’ waiver-wire claims are already locked in.

Don’t be fooled

Matt Flynn, QB, Packers. He exceeded expectations in his first start, but Aaron Rodgers is likely to return in Week 16. Even if Flynn gets another chance, the unfavorable matchup with the Giants makes him an overly risky play.

Rex Grossman, QB, Redskins. Go ahead. Make your opponent’s day.

Lance Ball, RB, Broncos. After Moreno left the game early, Ball took 15 handoffs. Unfortunately, the undrafted rookie accumulated just 20 yards. Correll Buckhalter ran for a whopping three yards on six carries. In other words, avoid all Denver backs not named Moreno.

Dan Carpenter, K, Dolphins. He missed all four of his field goal attempts Sunday, any of which could have saved the day for Miami. Though each was from 48 or more yards out, Carpenter may have trouble shaking off this disaster. You don’t need a kicker with the yips in your title matchup.

Week 14 Heroes & Zeros

This was a great week to start…

Matt Schaub, QB, Texans – Notched 393 yards and 3 TDs, though he also tossed 2 costly INTs.
Michael Vick, QB, Eagles – Passed for 270 yards and 2 TDs, and ran for 16 yards and another score.
Tom Brady, QB, Patriots – Passed for 369 yards and 2 TDs, without any turnovers.
Kerry Collins, QB, Titans – Passed for 3 TDs and 244 yards.
Alex Smith, QB, 49ers – Threw for 255 yards and a TD trifecta.


Darren McFadden, RB, Raiders – Ran for 123 yards and 2 TDs, and caught 3 passes for 86 yards and a 3rd score.
Michael Turner, RB, Falcons – Rumbled for 112 yards and 3 TDs, plus a 12-yard catch.
Tim Hightower, RB, Cardinals – Ran for 148 yards and 2 TDs.
Chris Johnson, RB, Titans – Broke out of his slump with 111 rushing yards and 1 TD, plus 8 catches for 68 yards.
Ryan Torain, RB, Redskins – Ran for 172 yards and caught 2 passes for 10 more.

DeSean Jackson, WR, Eagles – Caught only 4 passes, but took them for 210 yards and a highlight-reel TD.
Andre Johnson, WR, Texans – Came through big on Monday night, with 9 receptions for 140 yards and 2 TD beauties.
Pierre Garcon, WR, Colts – Caught 6 passes for 93 yards and 2 TDs.
Derrick Mason, WR, Ravens – Torched the Texans with 6 receptions for 78 yards and 2 scores.
Malcom Floyd, WR, Chargers – His 4 catches produced 51 yards and 2 TDs.
Marques Colston, WR, Saints – Reeled in 5 passes for 46 yards and a pair of scores.
Deion Branch, WR, Patriots – Pulled down 8 passes for 151 yards and 1 TD.

Jason Witten, TE, Cowboys – Caught 7 balls for 69 yards and 2 scores.

Jay Feely, K, Cardinals – Kicked 4 field goals (23, 36, 48 and 55 yards), 4 extra points and ran for a TD on a fake field goal.

Steelers defense – Tallied 3 sacks, 3 INTs – 2 of which were returned for TDs - and held Cincinnati to 7 points.
Ravens defense/special teams – Amassed 2 sacks, 3 turnovers, and returned a kickoff and an INT for TDs.

This was a great week to play against…

Aaron Rodgers, QB, Packers – Passed for 46 yards and an INT and ran for 25 fateful yards before exiting with a concussion.
Ben Roethlisberger, QB, Steelers – Played mistake-free, and TD-free, while passing for 258 yards.
Jay Cutler, QB, Bears – Bad Jay returned to pass for 152 yards, no TDs and 2 INTs.
Kyle Orton, QB, Broncos – Passed for 166 yards with 3 INTs and no TDs.
Mark Sanchez, QB, Jets – Threw for 216 yards and no TDs, plus 2 turnovers.


Beanie Wells, RB, Cardinals – Just 16 rushing yards.
Adrian Peterson, RB, Vikings – 26 yards in the first week of the fantasy postseason? Ouch!
Tashard Choice, RB, Cowboys – Totaled 33 yards on the night.
Packers RBs – Brandon Jackson’s 28 total yards led the four rushers.
Chiefs RBs – Jamaal Charles ran for just 40 yards, which is a whole lot better than Thomas Jones’ 1 yard.
Dolphins RBs – Ronnie Brown ran for 55 yards (and fumbled) while Ricky Williams had 34.
Cedric Benson, RB, Bengals – Combined for 45 yards as a rusher and receiver.
Chris Ivory, RB, Saints – Took a hit with Pierre Thomas’ return and a bum hammy, running just 7 times for 47 yards.
LaDainian Tomlinson, RB, Jets – Ran for 49 yards and caught 2 passes for 5 yards.
Matt Forte, RB, Bears – Combined for 61 yards.
LeGarrette Blount, RB, Buccaneers – Just 68 rushing yards and lost a fumble.

Randy Moss, WR, Titans – Relegated to a spectator now.
Robert Meachem, WR, Saints – Posted a goose egg.
Michael Crabtree, WR, 49ers – Caught a measly 1-yard pass.
Mario Manningham, WR, Giants – So did he, thanks to the return of Hakeem Nicks.
Dwayne Bowe, WR, Chiefs – Shut down for a second straight week, with a 3-yard reception.
Davone Bess, WR, Dolphins – His pass went for 6 yards.
Jeremy Maclin, WR, Eagles – Just one 11-yarder.
Steve Smith, WR, Giants – Returned to catch a 12-yard pass, then promptly left again with a hamstring injury.
Braylon Edwards, WR, Jets – His reception amounted to 17 yards.
Steve Breaston, WR, Cardinals – Netted 18 yards on 2 balls.
Mike Williams, WR, Buccaneers – His sole catch netted 15 yards.
Terrell Owens, WR, Bengals – Held to a single 22-yard reception.
Johnny Knox, WR, Bears – Caught 2 passes for 16 yards and lost a fumble.
Steve Smith, WR, Panthers – Just 17 yards on 2 catches.
Donald Driver, WR, Packers – His 2 receptions only went for 12 yards.
Calvin Johnson, WR, Lions – Limited to a 44-yard catch and a 13-yard run.
Brandon Lloyd, WR, Broncos – His 3 catches went for just 32 yards.
Miles Austin, WR, Cowboys – Ran for more yards (26) than he had on 2 passes (22).

Brent Celek, TE, Eagles – Held catchless Sunday night.

Waiver-wire wonders prove title-worthy

It’s that magical time of year again, when Santa takes requests at the local mall, true characters are exposed at company holiday parties and fantasy owners lament the injuries and draft-day miscues that cost them a shot at postseason glory.

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but…Santa’s a bit over-extended on his credit cards, some people simply shouldn’t drink in public, and bad drafting wasn’t your problem.

Indeed, a quick scan over the rosters of most playoff teams reveals the indisputable truth about successful fantasy play: The real work begins after the draft.

Don’t believe me?

Tell me how confident you’d feel facing this lineup next weekend: Michael Vick, Peyton Hillis, LeGarrette Blount, Brandon Lloyd, Steve Johnson, Sidney Rice, Marcedes Lewis, Dan Carpenter and the Seahawks defense.

I manage three formidable, playoff-bound teams, with a few of these players sprinkled on each; but I’m not sure any of my rosters could take down that gang. Of course, the common denominator is that virtually every one of these fantasy sensations went undrafted in the vast majority of leagues.

That’s not all. You could easily contend for a title with a plethora of other waiver-wire wonders, such as Kyle Orton, Sam Bradford, Mike Tolbert, Chris Ivory, BenJarvus Green-Ellis, Marshawn Lynch, Tashard Choice, Jacob Tamme, Sebastian Janikowski and the Titans defense.

To be sure, none of the above is infallible. Orton, Bradford, Tolbert and Johnson each had lousy days at the office yesterday. But so did Peyton Manning, Philip Rivers and Chris Johnson. It happens.

So enough with the excuses, already. Frank Gore’s season-ending injury wouldn’t have been so devastating if you’d picked up Hillis after the season opener, would it? Stop poking holes in your Ryan Mathews voodoo doll, and blame yourself for not jumping on Tolbert when you had the chance. Heck, I don’t feel nearly as bad about taking Miles Austin in the second round, or Matt Schaub in the third, now that Johnson and Vick are in the fold.

We’d all love to set our starting lineups in Week 1 and never make anything but the occasional bye-week adjustments on our way to a 13-0 regular-season record and a first-round bye. But I haven’t seen that happen yet in my two-plus decades as a player. And I don’t think I ever will.

Just something to ponder for those of you whose fantasy season has come to an abrupt, and premature, end. There’s always next season.

FREE AGENT PICKS AND PANS

To win a fantasy championship, you need to start with a good draft. But filling in your roster throughout the season with the right free agents can also make a big difference. Here’s a look at a few players worth considering, and others who would look better in someone else’s line-up.

Catch ‘em while you can


James Starks, RB, Packers. The rookie bruiser was given the bulk of the backfield workload on Sunday, and he responded with 18 carries for 73 yards. Brandon Jackson saw four meaningless carries, and was relegated mostly to pass-catching duties. Starks is a big back whose talents will likely be utilized even more as the weather deteriorates up North. He could prove to be a genuine late-season gem.

Tashard Choice, RB, Cowboys. I urged you to grab him last week, but that advice went unheeded by many. In fact, Choice is still available in the vast majority of fantasy leagues. After Sunday’s 100-yard, one-touchdown performance, perhaps the doubters will be convinced that Choice is the best back in Dallas. Jerry Jones and Jason Garrett, in particular.

Roy Williams, WR, Cowboys. No, I’m not drinking the silver and blue Kool-Aid. But with Dez Bryant done for the season with a fractured ankle, Williams gets a new lease on his fantasy life. The Cowboys’ upcoming schedule offers favorable matchups with the Redskins and Cardinals, but Williams remains little more than a desperation play. Miles Austin and Jason Witten are more likely to capitalize on Bryant’s absence.

Don’t be fooled

Tarvaris Jackson, QB, Vikings. He looked sharp against the Bills in relief of the injured Brett Favre. Alas, the ageless one isn’t necessarily going to miss his first start since the Vietnam War with a sprained shoulder; and even if he does, the Giants won’t be as accommodating as the Bills were. At the postseason looms, I hope you’re not counting on either Minnesota passer.

Mike Williams, WR, Seahawks. A foot injury will cost the Seahawks’ leading receiver at least one game, and probably more. Though his renaissance is one of the most compelling stories of the NFL season, he’s not so valuable that you should keep him on your bench “just in case.” Feel free to make room for other potential contributors. Amazingly, Sidney Rice is a free agent in nearly half of all leagues.

Todd Heap, TE, Ravens. He won’t be available to help you in Week 14, and most likely not beyond that, either, thanks to a hamstring injury he incurred against the Steelers. You’ll need to go waiver-wire shopping if Heap’s your tight end.

Week 10 Heroes & Zeros

This was a great week to start…


Mike Vick, QB, Eagles – Who let the dogs out??? That’s pretty obvious, after Vick passed for 333 yards and 4 TDs and ran for 80 yards and 2 more TDs, without a turnover. Unbelievable.
Matt Cassel, QB, Chiefs – Kicked butt in garbage time, with a monstrous 469 yards and 4 TDs, plus a fumble.
Kyle Orton, QB, Broncos – Had 4 TDs in the same game, with 296 yards and no turnovers.
Tom Brady, QB, Patriots – No Moss? No problem. Tom Terrific passed for 350 yards and 3 TDs, and added a short rushing TD for good measure.
Ben Roethlisberger, QB, Steelers – Passed for 387 yards and 3 TDs, plus 1 INT.
Jon Kitna, QB, Cowboys – Shocked the Giants with 327 yards and 3 TDs, plus 1 INT.
Matt Ryan, QB, Falcons – Passed for 316 yards and a TD trifecta, with no turnovers.
Joe Flacco, QB, Ravens – Connected on 3 TDs while passing for 215 yards and 1 INT.
David Garrard, QB, Jaguars – Threw for 342 yards and 2 TDs, and ran for 35 yards.

Fred Jackson, RB, Bills – Led his team to their first victory with 133 rushing and 37 receiving yards, plus a TD each way.
Maurice Jones-Drew, RB, Jaguars – Rushed for 100 yards and 2 TDs, and added 3 catches for 23 more.
Knowshon Moreno, RB, Broncos – Ran for 106 yards and added 3 catches for 50 yards and 1 TD.
Frank Gore, RB, 49ers – Combined for 154 yards and 1 TD.
Steven Jackson, RB, Rams – Rushed for 81 yards and 1 TD, and reeled in 8 passes for 67 yards.
Felix Jones, RB, Cowboys – Ran for 51 yards and caught 3 passes for 85 yards and 1 TD.

Dwayne Bowe, WR, Chiefs – Collected 13 catches for 186 yards and 2 scores.
Roddy White, WR, Falcons – Started the week off with a bang, with a dozen receptions for 138 yards and 2 TDs.
Mike Wallace, WR, Steelers – Amassed 8 receptions for 136 yards and 2 TDs.
Brandon Lloyd, WR, Broncos – Scored twice on 6 catches for 90 yards.
Calvin Johnson, WR, Lions – Hauled in 10 passes for 128 yards and 1 TD.
Mike Thomas, WR, Jaguars – Pulled in 8 passes for 149 yards and 1 TD.
Andre Johnson, WR, Texans – Caught 9 passes for 146 yards and a score.
Mario Manningham, WR, Giants – His 10 catches produced 91 yards and a TD.
Mike Williams, WR, Seahawks – Golden in PPR leagues, with 11 catches for 145 yards.

This was a great week to play against…

Brett Favre, QB, Vikings – Threw 3 INTs and lost a fumble while collecting just 170 yards and 1 TD.
Peyton Manning, QB, Colts – Passed for a paltry 185 yards and no TDs.
Titans QBs – Kerry Collins managed just 51 yards without a score while Vince Young had 92 yards, a TD and 2 turnovers.

Jahvid Best, RB, Lions – Disappointed with just 35 rushing yards and 4 more yards on 4 receptions.
Thomas Jones, RB, Chiefs – Just 3 rushing yards and one 19-yard catch on the day.

Hines Ward, WR, Steelers – Left injured with nothing to show for himself.
Bernard Berrian, WR, Vikings – Never hit the field despite being declared active.
Jacoby Jones, WR, Texans – Caught a single 5-yard pass.
Reggie Wayne, WR, Colts – Caught 3 passes for 34 yards.
Randy Moss, WR, Titans – Just one 26-yard reception.
Mike Sims-Walker, WR, Jaguars – Only 3 catches for 26 yards against the lowly Texans.
Santana Moss, WR, Redskins – Just 3 catches for 28 yards.
Brandon Marshall, WR, Dolphins – 3 receptions for 34 yards.

Jason Witten, TE, Cowboys – Just one 7-yard catch.
Brent Celek, TE, Eagles – Somehow came away with a measly 2 catches for 8 yards.

I didn’t see that coming…

Jerome Harrison, RB, Eagles – When you score 59 points, the backup gets plenty of work. Like 109 rushing yards and 1 TD, plus a 15-yard reception.
Keiland Williams, RB, Redskins – Though Ryan Torain was active and expected to start, the rookie ran for 89 yards and 2 TDs, plus 4 catches for 50 yards and 1 TD.

Rob Gronkowski, TE, Patriots – Caught 5 passes for 72 yards and a trio of TDs.

Week 9 Starters & Benchwarmers

Wondering whether or not to start Aaron Rodgers and Adrian Peterson, or bench Matt Moore and Jerome Harrison? The network bozos specialize in that kind of advice. If you’re looking for real help with your starting lineup conundrums, read on.

Here are my picks to roll, and get rolled, in Week 9 of the 2010 season.

Watch ‘em roll

Michael Vick, QB, Eagles vs. Colts. You’ve held onto Vick
throughout his extended rehab for a reason. Now get him back in your starting lineup against an Indy defense that is vulnerable to mobile quarterbacks. All signs point to DeSean Jackson (concussion) re-joining him in the huddle as well, so we could be in for an old-fashioned shootout in the Indy-Philly contest.

Brandon Jackson, RB, Packers vs. Cowboys. Over the last several games, Jackson has distanced himself from John Kuhn as the primary ball-carrier in Green Bay’s offense, while Dallas’ defense has imploded. Jackson offers a nice change-of-pace for the Packers’ high-octane passing attack, and he should reach the end zone at least once.

BenJarvus Green-Ellis, RB, Patriots at Browns. He has scored six TDs over the past five games, including two last week against the vaunted Vikings run defense. Though Cleveland has allowed only a single rushing score all season, Green-Ellis could double that, especially if New England’s passing attack continues to struggle.

Mike Williams, WR, Buccaneers at Falcons. Atlanta has surrendered three passing scores apiece in their last two games. That’s great news for Josh Freeman and his favorite target, who just notched the first 100-yard game of his rookie season.

Davone Bess, WR, Dolphins at Ravens. Bess has produced consistently, if unspectacularly, over the past five games (33 receptions for 335 yards and 3 TDs during that span). Miami’s running game is struggling, so look for its No. 2 wideout to be a major part of the game plan against a Ravens secondary that coughed up four passing scores to the Bills prior to the bye.

More thumbs up (excluding the no-brainers): QBs Matt Ryan, Joe Flacco, Ben Roethlisberger, Jay Cutler; RBs LaDainian Tomlinson, LeSean McCoy, Fred Jackson, Matt Forte, Darren McFadden, Jamaal Charles, Thomas Jones, Peyton Hillis; WRs Greg Jennings, Patrick Crayton, Johnny Knox, Wes Welker, Steve Smith (NYG), Mike Wallace, Pierre Garcon, Steve Johnson.

Roll ‘em back


Matt Schaub, QB, Texans vs. Chargers. He has thrown for one or fewer TDs, and 201 or fewer yards, in four of seven games to date. Now Schaub faces the league’s top-ranked pass defense, which has also amassed 25 sacks (2nd most in the NFL).

Jahvid Best, RB, Lions vs. Jets. Kevin Smith and Best split carries evenly last week, despite assurances from the rookie that his turf toe had fully healed. Now Smith is dealing with soreness in the same knee that knocked him out of action last season, so Best should again get the lion’s share (get it?) of the carries this week. Still, in a shared backfield against one of the league’s stingiest run defenses, Best could be in for another rough outing.

Seahawks RBs vs. Giants. Both Marshawn Lynch and Justin Forsett were awful in Oakland last week, and neither is likely to penetrate a Giants run defense that has been playing lights-out recently. Don’t be surprised if Seattle is shut out completely in this contest.

Steve Smith, WR, Panthers vs. Saints. He shouldered the blame for Carolina’s loss to the Rams in Week 8, but it won’t be his fault this time around. New Orleans’ pass rush will smother Matt Moore, while its ball-hawking secondary blankets his best receiver all afternoon.

Braylon Edwards, WR, Jets at Lions. Detroit’s pass defense is a lot better than you think, while New York is coming off an embarrassing shutout by Green Bay. Edwards caught just one pass last week, and he should continue his struggles Sunday as the Jets focus on pounding the Lions with their running game.

More thumbs down: QBs Carson Palmer, Brett Favre, Ryan Fitzpatrick, Matt Stafford, Jon Kitna, Mark Sanchez, Jason Campbell; RBs Ronnie Brown, Cedric Benson, Beanie Wells, Jonathan Stewart, Felix Jones, Marion Barber, Chris Ivory; WRs Roy Williams, Mike Williams (SEA), Jerricho Cotchery, Jacoby Jones, Darrius Heyward-Bey, Lee Evans, Darrius Heyward-Bey.

TAKING A FLIER

James Jones, WR, Packers vs. Cowboys. With Donald Driver declared out due to his injured quad, Jones will start opposite Greg Jennings against a Dallas secondary that has surrendered 15 passing TDs to date (third most in the NFL) and was just torched by David Garrard for four TD passes. Heck, Jordy Nelson is a decent bet to excel Sunday night, too.

DON’T BE THE BONEHEAD WHO…benches Philip Rivers just because his receivers are dropping like flies. Even if Antonio Gates (plantar fasciitis) joins Malcom Floyd, Legedu Naanee and Vincent Jackson on the sidelines, the NFL’s leading passer will find someone (Patrick Crayton, Darren Sproles, even Seji Ajirotutu) with whom to torch the Texans’ atrocious pass defense.