Chief Fool named "Football Writer of the Year" (again)

Who says lightning can't strike twice?

I'm very proud and humbled to report that the Fantasy Sports Writers Association has voted me its "Football Writer of the Year," for the second consecutive year. Apparently, this is the first time anyone has won twice. I was also the first to be a finalist two years running.

In addition, one of my columns was voted "Best Humor Column" of the year, across all sports. If you're interested, it's this one. (It was funnier two months ago...)

I didn't prepare a speech, but I'd like to thank the FSWA, the Hollywood Foreign Press and all the little gurus out there who made this possible.

The official press release, which includes winners in other categories and sports, is here.

Hope you're having a great off-season! So far, so good, for yours truly.

Good morning, Cleveland!

Though I haven't been invited to write for the Plain Dealer all season (sigh), you'll find a special fantasy insert in today's Sports section with a column commissioned just for you.

I was asked to cover the fantasy prospects of the Browns players, so it was a tad short. (Sad but true.) So they ran my Sleepers column as well.

Call or write the sports editor and tell him you want more of the Fantasy Fool. Maybe they'll invite me back. (FYI, the Cleveland Plain Dealer was the second major newspaper to take my column back in 2003, when I started this gig. They dropped me a few years ago due to budget/page cuts. Been trying to get back ever since!)

Hola, Miami!

After a brief hiatus following the 2009 season -- thanks to the budget-cutters -- I am very pleased to announce The Fantasy Fool's return to the Miami Herald!


As a native of Coral Gables and a lifelong Dolfan -- I was a young lad in the Orange Bowl throughout the Perfect Season, and was there for The Greatest Game Ever Played (Dolphins vs. Chargers, 1981 AFC Divisional Playoff) -- I am especially proud to be back in the pages of my hometown paper.

Vamanos, South Florida Fools! And go Dolphins!

Find your sleepers, make them keepers

This time of year, fantasy enthusiasts tend to obsess over their first-round draft pick. Do you go with Adrian Peterson or Chris Johnson with the top pick? What about Arian Foster? Is the middle of the round too early for Aaron Rodgers? Should you grab an elite receiver at the end?

While these decisions are important, you’d be better served expending more mental energy on the middle rounds, where championship fantasy rosters are built. After all, while it’s interesting to debate whether Foster merits a top three pick this year, many of those who stole him in the fifth round or later last season rode him all the way to a title.

Fantasy veterans know the secret to great drafting is not simply selecting the best players available, but taking them no earlier than necessary. You may share my belief that Jacoby Ford is on the verge of a breakout season; but you’re hurting yourself – and, worse yet, begging for ridicule from your opponents – if you pull the trigger too early.

Who are this year’s hidden gems? Let’s take a look at my Sleeper Picks of 2011, broken down by position.

(Note: ADP means “average draft position,” and indicates where the player is typically selected in standard leagues, according to mock draft web sites. Compare this to their value in my Top 100 rankings, where applicable.)

Quarterbacks

Josh Freeman, Buccaneers (ADP: 70, Top 100: 33). There should be nothing sleepy about last year’s seventh-best fantasy quarterback, but Freeman is still flying under the radar in many circles. With a sterling TD:INT ratio, and a talented group of young receivers, the third-year passer has elite status in his sights.


Kyle Orton, Broncos (ADP: 148, Top 100: 66). First he was headed to Miami, then to the bench in favor of Tim Tebow. Now he’s locked into the starting job that made him a fantasy stud over the first half of last season. Though John Fox will run a more conservative offense, Orton should be money early on again, if not all season.

Running backs

LeGarrette Blount, Buccaneers (ADP: 33, Top 100: 15). He had a breakout rookie season, but Blount still represents excellent value at his current draft position. He faces virtually no competition for touches now that Cadillac Williams is a Ram, and he’s a bruising runner who should find the end zone nearly every week.


C.J. Spiller, Bills (ADP: 105, Top 100: 92). He disappointed a lot of owners who wasted an early pick on him after his sensational preseason run last year. But with only Fred Jackson standing in the way, the Bills’ 2010 first-round draft selection will get every chance to earn a full committee share, if not a starting job.

Bernard Scott, Bengals (ADP: 210, Top 100: N/A). Cedric Benson is not the runner he once was, and his understudy has been assured more touches this season. A changing-of-the-guard is underway in Cincinnati, so Scott is more than just a handcuff. He’s the future.

Wide receivers

Austin Collie, WR, Colts (ADP: 67, Top 100: 27). He was sitting atop the 2010 WR rankings when he was concussed in Week 6. The threat of another blow to the head has depressed Collie’s value significantly, but those who take the risk could be rewarded with an elite wideout.

Mario Manningham, Giants (ADP: 73, Top 100: 58). With Steve Smith wearing an Eagles jersey, Manningham ascends to the No. 2 job in a passing attack that has consistently produced valuable fantasy receivers.

Mike Sims-Walker, Rams (ADP: 113, Top 100: 69). With the dearth of talent and experience amongst St. Louis receivers, Sims-Walker can easily become Sam Bradford’s go-to guy. Given the young gunslinger’s potential, that could be a lucrative job.

Plaxico Burress, Jets (ADP: 122, Top 100: 78). He is the presumed starter opposite Santonio Holmes, and he could quickly become the team’s most prolific red-zone target. Burress should make an immediate impact in this offense.

Lance Moore, Saints (ADP: 118, Top 100: 79). While your competitors may be locked in on Robert Meachem, Moore is positioned to be the true No. 2 wideout in New Orleans. Marques Colston’s gimpy knee could even give Moore a shot at the lead role on occasion.

Jacoby Ford, Raiders (ADP: 112, Top 100: 84). Ford showed flashes of brilliance last season, and he is the only Oakland receiver worth drafting. If he gets decent quarterback play, he could vault up the ranks.

Tight ends

Owen Daniels, Texans (ADP: 77, Top 100: 40). Returning from his third torn ACL, the risk is obvious. But a healthy Daniels is clearly Matt Schaub’s second-favorite target, giving him perhaps the most upside among second-tier tight ends.

Brandon Pettigrew, Lions (ADP: 126, Top 100: 82). If Matt Stafford could just stay on the field, he and his young tight end could put up great numbers together. Pettigrew has all the tools to be an elite tight end.

Kickers

Alex Henery, Eagles (ADP: 196, Top 100: N/A). When perennial fantasy star David Akers became a 49er, he left his plum job to a rookie who set the NCAA record for career field-goal accuracy (89.5%) at Nebraska.

Dan Bailey, Cowboys (ADP: N/A). He hasn't seized the job from David Buehler yet; but if he does, he'll be kicking for a high-octane offense.


Next week: The original, oft-imitated, always-controversial Perfect Draft.

The Fool is coming! The Fool is coming!

That's right, Beantown...The Fantasy Fool has just been signed to contribute content to the Boston Globe, one of the great metro dailies in the USA (and the world, for that matter). You'll find my stuff online at Boston.com, starting next week (if not sooner).





Having worked and been "edumacated" in your fine city for three years many moons ago, it's exciting for me to finally break into the Boston market.

So here's to you, Pats fans! I can taste the chowder at Legal Seafood now...

2011 Rankings for QBs, RBs, WRs, TEs now posted

Greetings, patient Fools! I'm a day late and a dollar short in posting my first round of positional rankings. Sorry about that. It's been a busy month.

But alas, I've just posted the QBs, RBs and WRs here: http://www.scribd.com/laddbiro

(Update: TE rankings also posted 8/17 pm)

I'm aiming for posting the Ks, DEFs and Top 100 on Thurs.

As always, these lists will be updated at least weekly until a day or two before the regular season kickoff.

Enjoy!

Offseason player movements of note

As we settle in for what could be a very long, dry spell without significant fantasy football content, I thought the best service I could offer here is to keep a running tab of the offseason movement of key players.

The following list will be updated on an as-needed basis. If you notice that I've missed anything significant, please post a comment below and I will fix it.

As of March 11, the following players have been waived, traded or left their team via free agency:

RBs
Clinton Portis -- Cut by Redskins 2/28
Tiki Barber -- Un-retired 3/8. The Giants still hold his rights, but say they'll release him once the new CBA is settled. Who'll take a shot on him at 36 remains to be seen.

WRs
Mike Sims-Walker -- Cut by Jaguars 3/4.

TEs
Daniel Graham -- Cut by Broncos 3/2.
Donald Lee -- Cut by Packers 3/2.
Jeremy Shockey -- Released by Saints 2/2. Signed by Panthers 3/3.

Unrestricted Free Agents
Thanks to my colleague, Brad Pinkerton of the Sporting News, here's a list of likely unrestricted free agents we will be watching once the new CBA is in place:

QB Matt Hasselbeck

RBs DeAngelo Williams, Ahmad Bradshaw, Michael Bush, Cedric Benson, Joseph Addai, Ronnie Brown, Darren Sproles and Cadillac Williams

WRs Sidney Rice, Santonio Holmes, Braylon Edwards, Malcom Floyd, Steve Smith (NYG), Plaxico Burress, Mark Clayton, Jacoby Jones, James Jones, Randy Moss, Santana Moss and Terrell Owens

TEs Kevin Boss, Zach Miller (OAK)

Yes! Chief Fool named Football Writer of the Year!

I don't know how to break this to you, Fools; but the Fantasy Sports Writers Association just named me "Football Writer of the Year." This is the most prestigious award in the fantasy world.

For once, I'm a bit speechless, so I'll let the press release do the talking.

Wow!

This was such big news, my local papers even caught fantasy fever. Check out the coverage from The Dallas Morning News and the Flower Mound Leader.

Football Writer of the Year?

I'm pleased to report that your humble Chief Fool is one of three finalists for "Football Writer of the Year" honors from the Fantasy Sports Writers Association.

I figured I'd better crow about it now, before the winner is announced Jan. 25 in Vegas...

I was a finalist for "Best Humor Article" last year, but fell short of the prize. This year, though, I'm up for the Big Kahuna, the Top Dog, the Grande Enchilada!

It's an honor simply to be considered one of the top three writers in the business, so I'm happy just to be in the conversation.

Keep your fingers crossed, fools!

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!

Week 17 Heroes & Zeros

This was a terrible week to vie for a championship, but if you had to…

This was a great week to start…


Ryan Mathews, RB, Chargers – Paid off his high draft status a little late, with 120 rushing yards and 3 TDs, and 3 receptions for 19 yards.
Arian Foster, RB, Texans – Seized the NFL rushing title with 180 yards and 2 TDs, plus 2 catches for 10 yards.
Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Steelers – Ran for 36 yards and 2 TDs, plus a 24-yard catch.
Brian Westbrook, RB, 49ers – Scored twice while running for 79 yards, plus a 14-yard reception.
Michael Bush, RB, Raiders – Rushed for 137 yards and a TD, and caught 4 passes for 34 yards.
Joe McKnight, RB, Jets – Rumbled for 158 rushing yards, and added 2 catches for 15 yards, while LT and Shonn Greene were inactive.

Larry Fitzgerald, WR, Cardinals – Caught 11 passes for 125 yards and a score.
Jerome Simpson, WR, Bengals – Tallied a dozen catches for 123 yards and 1 TD.

Rob Gronkowski, TE, Patriots – Caught 6 passes for 102 yards and 1 TD.

Jets defense – Returned 2 of their 4 interceptions for TDs, added 3 sacks and 2 fumble recoveries, and held the Bills to 7 points.

This was a great week to play against…

Mark Sanchez, QB, Jets – Didn’t throw a pass on his only series.
Matt Cassel, QB, Chiefs – Passed for 115 yards and 2 INTs, without a score.
Joe Flacco, QB, Ravens – Played all game and only had 125 passing yards and 1 INT to show for it.
Sam Bradford, QB, Rams – Amassed only 155 yards and no scores, plus an INT.
Jay Cutler, QB, Bears – Threw 2 INTs without a TD, and just 168 yards.
Philip Rivers, QB, Chargers – Passed for 313 yards but no TDs, with an INT.

Peyton Hillis, RB, Browns – Wrapped up the season with a whimper, totaling just 16 yards against Pittsburgh.
Thomas Jones, RB, Chiefs – Had 17 rushing yards and lost 2 yards on his only catch.
Ahmad Bradshow, RB, Giants – Totaled 30 yards on the day.
Adrian Peterson, RB, Vikings – Ran for 31 yards and lost 2 yards on 2 receptions.
Jonathan Stewart, RB, Panthers – Just 31 rushing yards.
Chris Ivory, RB, Saints – He only had 33 yards.
Brandon Jackson, RB, Packers – Combined for 35 yards.
Joseph Addai, RB, Colts – Just 44 rushing yards against the Titans.


Johnny Knox, WR, Bears – Posted a goose egg in the finale.
Jeremy Maclin, WR, Eagles – Started, but held without a catch.
Mike Sims-Walker, WR, Jaguars – Same for him.
Robert Meachem, WR, Saints – Mustered just one 5-yard catch.
Anquan Boldin, WR, Ravens – Concluded a sorry second half of 2010 with 2 receptions for 9 yards.
Devin Hester, WR, Bears – Just one 16-yarder.
Jason Avant, WR, Eagles – Failed to capitalize on his starting opportunity, with a 21-yard reception.

Sunday morning updates - Week 17

Good morning, Fools. I hope you had a safe and enjoyable New Year's, and you're getting ready to settle in for a day of stress-free football. You shouldn’t be playing fantasy this week, unless it’s in something like a Free for All Bowl. That's what one of my leagues does in Week 17: Everyone, including those who sat out the postseason, sets one final lineup. Highest points for the week wins five percent of the pot. It’s a great way to keep hope alive a little longer, and it gives the losers a final shot at redemption.

So, for the crazies whose championships are on the line in Week 17, or the ones playing Free for Alls, here are a few updates to help you set the best final roster.

First, let's figure out which teams have postseason berths on the line and, therefore, something meaningful to play for.


Baltimore and Pittsburgh both have a shot at the AFC North and a first-round bye. Start your Ravens and Steelers with confidence.

The Falcons are vying for the NFC’s top seed, so expect their starters to lay the hurt on the visiting Panthers, who should already have Andrew Luck’s agent on speed dial. The Saints have a shot at the division, but only if the Falcons trip up. Brees & Co. will be trying.

The Rams, Seahawks, Packers, Giants, Colts and Bucs also have playoff berths and/or positioning on the line.

Meanwhile, all bets are off with the Eagles, Chiefs and Jets, who have nothing significant at stake this weekend. The Bears will know by the time they kickoff whether they have anything on the line (doubtful, since both New Orleans and Atlanta would have to lose).

Judging by recent history, it seems safe to assume that the Pats will play to win. I wouldn’t dream of benching Tom Brady or BenJarvus Green-Ellis against the visiting Dolphins, who will be playing out of their elements, literally. The starters may not get a full workload, but they'll be in long enough to rack up the points. (LATE UPDATE: Welker is inactive, along with Branch.)

For the first time in recent memory, Peyton Manning has something to play for in Week 17. Look for another solid performance from the gunslinger and his receivers, as well as good efforts from both Joseph Addai and, yes, Dominic Rhodes.

David Garrard has been placed on injured reserve, after surgery to repair his broken hand. Trent Edwards pulls a delicious start against the Texans secondary. Consider him an intriguing sleeper play with upside.

Meanwhile, look for Rashad Jennings to put up better numbers in Houston than he did in his first start last week. MJD is out again.

The Seahawks may be forced to roll with Charlie Whitehurst at the helm when they meet the Rams for all the NFC West marbles tonight. Matt Hasselbeck will be a game-time call, due to his hip injury. Whitehurst is not a safe play by any measure, and Hasselbeck isn't much better. I like Bradford in that game, though.

Kevin Kolb should post some serious stats against the Cowboys’ sieve-like secondary. With Vick (quad) out, Kolb will use the opportunity to audition for a starting job elsewhere in 2011. You have to like Jerome Harrison and Jason Avant in this one, too.

It’s hard to expect much out of Carson Palmer on the road against the Ravens, but after his masterful performance against the Chargers’ once-solid secondary, perhaps we shouldn’t be so pessimistic. With both TO and Ochocinco out of the picture, Palmer will try again to make stars out of his up-and-coming WR corps. Which one finds the spotlight this week is anyone’s guess. My pick: Jordan Shipley.

Assuming he starts with his tender knee, Ryan Fitzpatrick should be a solid play against a Jets defense that is expected to rest its starters (including Darrelle Revis and Antonio Cromartie) most of the game. (UPDATE: Fitz is out.)

Favre has passed his concussion tests and will be a game-time call, but I hope you're not counting on him.

Michael Bush could offer some upside despite a tough matchup on the road in Kansas City, as Darren McFadden (toe, ankle) will be a game-time call. Even if RunDMC suits up, he would not be expected to get many reps.

Don’t be surprised if rookie Joe McKnight is the Jets’ leading ball-carrier against the Bills. LT will sit this one out, while Shonn Greene may see only a handful of touches, along with the rest of New York’s key starters. McKnight is an intriguing flex play against the toothless Buffalo run defense.

Peyton Hillis (ribs) will be a game-time call but is expected to play against the Steelers; but as in recent weeks, you can’t count on much out of his battered body. Especially against that defense.

Ryan Mathews won’t have to yield goal-line touches to Mike Tolbert (neck), now that the latter is on IR. Darren Sproles will see more action today too, but Mathews is finally, belatedly, an excellent fantasy start.

Meanwhile, the Chargers should get Malcom Floyd (hamstring) and Legedu Naanee back in the starting lineup against the Broncos, who will probably be missing star CB Champ Bailey. You have to think Rivers & Company will want to wrap up their awful season by making a statement against their division rivals. Consider Rivers, Floyd and Vincent Jackson prime plays. Antonio Gates has been placed on IR.

Derek Hagan will replace Hakeem Nicks (toe) in the starting lineup in the Giants’ must-win contest at Washington. Mario Manningham is an excellent fantasy play, while Hagan should only be deployed by compulsive risk-takers.

Calvin Johnson (ankle) will be a game-time call.

Sidney Rice won’t be suiting up due to a concussion. Bernard Berrian probably will join him on the sidelines thanks to a quad injury.

Consider Jacoby Jones a solid sleeper option again, with Andre Johnson out due to a bum ankle.

Larry Fitzgerald suffered a concussion at the end of the Christmas night game against Dallas. Though his status for today's game has not been released, I can’t imagine the Cardinals risking their only superstar’s health in a meaningless finale.

Chris Ivory (hamstring) could return to action, but I like Pierre Thomas’ odds better against Tampa Bay’s weak run defense. Thomas tweaked his ankle in practice this week, but is expected to play. (UPDATE: Pierre is out.)

Marques Colston almost certainly won’t play after undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his knee earlier this week. Robert Meachem and Lance Moore are in a great position to deliver in Colston’s absence, along with talented rookie TE Jimmy Graham.

That's it for now. Follow my tweets for what is sure to be a long list of inactives. Good luck to those with something on the line.

Nominations now open for year-end awards

Next week I will publish my year-end "Biro's Heroes & Zeros Awards" column. Your nominations are welcome for the following categories:

MVP
The “Peerless Price Memorial” Bust of the Year
Surprise of the Year
Rookie of the Year
Comeback Player of the Year
Best Waiver Wire Acquisition
Most Devastating Injury Loss
Steal of the Draft
Most Overrated
The “Thomas Jones Memorial” Most Underrated Player
Most Spectacular Bench Performance
Biggest Postseason Disappointment
Worst Sophomore Jinx
“Plaxico Burress Memorial” Bonehead of the Year
Most Likely to Succeed in 2011

There will be other categories as well (feel free to suggest one). I look forward to reading your input.

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.

Week 16 Heroes & Zeros

This was a great week to start…


Josh Freeman, QB, Buccaneers – Passed for 237 yards and 5, count ‘em, 5 TDs, and ran for 23 yards more.
Aaron Rodgers, QB, Packers – Had a monster return, with 404 passing yards and 4 TDs, plus 26 rushing yards, without a turnover.
Carson Palmer, QB, Bengals – Proved he’s still got it, with 269 yards and 4 TDs, without a turnover.
Jay Cutler, QB, Bears – Passed for 215 yards and 3 TDs, plus an INT, and ran for a 4th score.
Matt Cassel, QB, Chiefs – Threw for 314 yards and 3 TDs, without a turnover.

Matt Forte, RB, Bears – Ran for 113 yards and a TD, and added 4 receptions for 56 yards.
Jamaal Charles, RB, Chiefs – Ran for 77 yards and caught 4 passes for 40 yards and 2 scores.

Johnny Knox, WR, Bears – Caught 4 passes for 92 yards and 2 TDs.
Dwayne Bowe, WR, Chiefs – Turned 6 catches into 153 yards and 1 TD.
Mike Williams, WR, Buccaneers – Caught 3 passes for 44 yards and 2 TDs.

Kellen Winslow, Jr., TE, Buccaneers – Caught 7 passes for 98 yards and 2 TDs.
Rob Gronkowski, TE, Patriots – Caught 4 passes for 54 yards and 2 TDs.

This was a great week to play against…

Ryan Fitzpatrick, QB, Bills – Tossed 3 INTs with just 251 yards and no TDs.

Mike Tolbert, RB, Chargers – Lost 2 yards before exiting with an injury.
Knowshon Moreno, RB, Broncos – Totaled just 41 yards in the first half before his sore ribs gave up on him.
Peyton Hillis, RB, Browns – Held in check by Ray Lewis & Co., with just 35 rushing yards.
Arizona RBs – Tim Hightower totaled 29 yards, while Beanie Wells had 47.
Brandon Jacobs, RB, Giants – Just 47 yards against the Pack.

Michael Turner, RB, Falcons – Limited to 48 yards on Monday night.


Marshawn Lynch, RB, Seahawks – Only 53 yards on the day.
Cedric Benson, RB, Bengals – Ran for 52 yards and lost a fumble.
Chris Johnson, RB, Titans – His 58 yards won’t cut it in the fantasy Super Bowl.

Earl Bennett, WR, Bears – Just a 14-yard catch before he left injured.
Anquan Boldin, WR, Ravens – Another awful day with just 2 catches for 15 yards.
Sidney Rice, WR, Vikings – A 16-yard reception was all he could muster.
Seahawks WRs – Nobody had more than Ben Obomanu’s 2 catches for 18 yards.
Steve Smith, WR, Panthers – His 3 catches netted 17 yards.
Wes Welker, WR, Patriots – Got just 19 yards from 3 balls.
Marques Colston, WR, Saints – Held to 2 catches for 21 yards.
Larry Fitzgerald, WR, Cardinals – Caught one big, 26-yard pass.
Mike Sims-Walker, WR, Jaguars – Limited to a single 31-yard catch.
DeSean Jackson, WR, Eagles – Thrown to several times, but caught just 2 for 32 yards.
Hines Ward, WR, Steelers – His 3 receptions went for 38 yards.

Tony Gonzalez, TE, Falcons – Just 2 catches for 12 yards.

I didn’t see that coming…

Correll Buckhalter, RB, Broncos – Rushed for 42 yards and a score, and added 3 catches for 50 yards and a 2nd TD.
John Kuhn, RB, Packers – Had a TD hat trick, despite just 29 combined yards.

Jerome Simpson, WR, Bengals – Caught 6 balls for 124 yards and 2 TDs, while Ochocinco and TO sat out.

Sunday morning updates - Week 16

Happy Championship Sunday, Fools! And Merry Christmas to all... I hope you had a wonderful day yesterday and you're relaxed and ready for a great day of title matchups. Congrats to all who are still playing, and to those who started Miles Austin last night (I didn't).

My lineup for the championship in one of my leagues: Vick, Foster, CJ, V-Jax, Nicks, Mike Williams (TB), Zach Miller (OAK), Chargers D/ST and Matt Bryant. Haven't started Miles in weeks, and I'm rolling with Williams over Ahmad Bradshaw in the flex spot. First time I can remember doing that. In any event, that's a pretty formidable crew if they show up, but my opponent is well-stocked as well. Should be an epic battle.

OK, let's get to the morning's news so we can make the pivotal calls for our most important starting lineups of the season...

Mark Sanchez (shoulder) and Santonio Holmes (turf toe) will start today for the Jets, but I'm worried about both of them in Soldier Field against the Bears. Snow is already coming down, but it's not expected to be a huge factor in the game.


Maurice Jones-Drew is officially OUT of today's game, according to reports. Rashad Jennings will be your lead RB today vs. the Redskins; and I expect good things from him. He could very easily be the latest in a long line of late-season fantasy heroes. If I wasn't rocking Foster and CJ today, I'd be picking up Jennings (who should already be on the bench of MJD's owners in all leagues; but isn't).

All signs point to a return to action for Joseph Addai (neck) today. Addai is my "Flier of the Week," which means he could come out of nowhere to have a big day. Then again, he might not. (That's quite a bold statement, huh?) Actually, assuming he plays, I like his chances better than most of the other gurus I've seen. The Colts have been waiting on his return for a long time, and they need him to perform well if they're going to close out the season on a high. Keep in mind, he's coming off a neck injury; not a leg/knee injury. Oakland has a terrible run defense, and Donald Brown just isn't cutting it (despite last week's fluke performance.) Mike Hart, by the way, did not travel to Oakland with the team.

Knowshon Moreno will likely give his sore ribs a go today vs. the Texans. Just don't expect a lot out of him if you start him. Hopefully a short TD run or reception to go with 50-60 yards. Just a hunch...but I betcha Tebow will be the team's leading rusher again.

Chris Ivory is 50/50 for Monday night. I think Pierre Thomas will get the bulk of the carries either way; but I wouldn't want to rely on him. He hasn't shown much since he returned from injury.

Roddy White has been doing some trash-talking about the Saints over the past week, but he's listed as questionable for the game. Don't worry about it. He'll have a chance to put his money where his Tweets are.

Andre Johnson could very well miss today's game against the Broncos. That will not only have a negative impact on Schaub, but it won't help Arian Foster either. Denver will be able to stack the line against the Texans with AJ out. That said, Denver's run defense is downright hopeless; so don't even think about benching Foster.

Rookie TE Aaron Hernandez will not play for the Pats today.

Winter weather advisory for Philly: They're expecting blizzard conditions for tonight's Eagles-Vikings matchup. So much so that the NFL is considering the possibility of postponing the game. Really? Whatever...I would never consider sitting AP, LeSean McCoy or The Most Interesting Man in Fantasyland. But I wouldn't complain if they decided to wait until the weather cleared up...especially if I was a DeSean Jackson, Jeremy Maclin or Sidney Rice owner.

OK, that's it for now. Follow my Tweets for the late-breaking news and inactive reports. Good luck, Fools. Claim that title!

Week 16 Starters & Benchwarmers

Wondering whether or not to start Michael Vick and Arian Foster, or bench Jerome Harrison and Terrance Copper? 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 16 of the 2010 season.

Watch ‘em roll

Matt Cassel, QB, Chiefs vs. Titans. He made it through last week’s game at the Rams without setback, and returns home for a tantalizing matchup against the Titans’ soft secondary. Cassel and Dwayne Bowe should have a field day, while Tennessee is forced to respect KC’s explosive backfield tandem.


Marshawn Lynch, RB, Seahawks at Buccaneers. Lynch has been up-and-down in recent weeks, but he’s a great bet against the league’s 29th-ranked run defense. The Bucs have given up 369 rushing yards over the past two games.

Felix Jones, RB, Cowboys at Cardinals. Only Denver has coughed up more fantasy points to opposing rushers than Arizona. Even if Marion Barber returns, he’ll poach carries from Tashard Choice, not Jones. The featured back should roll on Christmas night.

Pierre Garcon, WR, Colts at Raiders. With Austin Collie out for the season, Garcon will again be Peyton Manning’s No. 2 receiver. Oakland has surrendered the third-most passing TDs in the NFL, and shut-down corner Nnamdi Asomugha will be focused on Reggie Wayne.

Mike Williams, WR, Seahawks at Buccaneers. Despite the poor quarterbacking in Seattle, a healthy Williams is still getting a remarkable number of targets. The Bucs’ pass defense is vulnerable, making Williams a great start, especially in PPR leagues. For that matter, the Bucs’ Mike Williams is a solid play against Seattle’s porous secondary, too.

More thumbs up (excluding the no-brainers): QBs Matt Schaub, Aaron Rodgers, Jon Kitna, David Garrard, Ryan Fitzpatrick, Tim Tebow; RBs Mike Tolbert, LeGarrette Blount, Ryan Torain, Brian Westbrook, Ronnie Brown, BenJarvus Green-Ellis, Darren McFadden, Fred Jackson, Matt Forte, Rashad Jennings (if Jones-Drew sits); WRs Vincent Jackson, Steve Johnson, Hakeem Nicks, Larry Fitzgerald, Mike Sims-Walker, Brandon Lloyd, Jacoby Ford, Jeremy Maclin, Santana Moss, Brandon Marshall.

Roll ‘em back

Eli Manning, QB, Giants at Packers. In the bone-chilling conditions of the frozen tundra, Manning will face off against the NFL’s third-ranked pass defense. He was terrific last week against the Eagles, but that followed two games in which he had just one total TD pass and three interceptions.


Cedric Benson, RB, Bengals vs. Chargers. Coming off his best game of the season, it’s tempting to let Benson ride this week. But San Diego sports the league’s second-toughest run defense, and Benson is unlikely to get much cover from Cincinnati’s depleted air attack.

Peyton Hillis, RB, Browns vs. Ravens. He has missed practice time with a knee injury and his body appears to be breaking down due to the heavy workload. Even worse, Ray Lewis has vowed that Hillis’ huge game against the Ravens in Week 3 “won’t happen again.” Cleveland’s workhorse hasn’t scored in the past three games, so it’s not crazy to consider sitting him.

Santonio Holmes, WR, Jets at Bears. He’s dealing with a turf toe injury, while Mark Sanchez has a cartilage tear in his throwing shoulder. They’re both facing the swarming Bears defense at frigid and windy Soldier Field. No thanks.

Chad Ochocinco, WR, Bengals vs. Chargers. Ocho himself says he may only take half the snaps in Sunday’s game due to painful bone spurs in his ankle. He’s a risky start against the league’s top pass defense even without the injury; and especially with Terrell Owens sidelined and unable to distract the opposing secondary.

More thumbs down: QBs Mark Sanchez, Shaun Hill, Matt Hasselbeck, Kerry Collins, Jay Cutler, Carson Palmer; RBs Maurice Jones-Drew, LaDainian Tomlinson, Tim Hightower, Pierre Thomas, Anthony Dixon, Broncos RBs, Lions RBs; WRs Malcom Floyd, Sidney Rice, Johnny Knox.

TAKING A FLIER

Joseph Addai, RB, Colts at Raiders. He’s back at practice and has been targeting a Week 16 return from his neck injury since November. If Addai plays, he should be in line for plenty of carries, including those in the red zone, as well as passes out of the backfield. Oakland’s rush defense is nothing to write home about.

DON’T BE THE BONEHEAD WHO…forgets to set your lineup for Saturday’s game. You’ve gotten used to the Thursday night matchups by now, but don’t let the Yuletide gaiety distract you from assigning the appropriate spots to your Cowboys and Cardinals for the Christmas night contest.

Week 15 Heroes & Zeros

This was a great week to start…

Michael Vick, QB, Eagles – Another other-worldly performance, with 242 passing yards and 3 TDs, plus 130 rushing yards another TD. We’ll overlook the interception.

Eli Manning, QB, Giants – Passed for 4 TDs and 289 yards, plus an INT.
Rex Grossman, QB, Redskins – Passed for 322 yards and 4 TDs, with 3 turnovers.
Philip Rivers, QB, Chargers – Threw for 273 yards and a trio of TDs.
Drew Brees, QB, Saints – Racked up 3 TDs and 267 yards, plus an INT.
Matt Flynn, QB, Packers – Passed for 251 yards and 3 TDs, plus 1 INT and a fumble.

Ray Rice, RB, Ravens – Rushed for 153 yards and 1 TD, and caught 5 passes for 80 yards and another TD.
Cedric Benson, RB, Bengals – Rushed for 150 yards and a score.

Vincent Jackson, QB, Chargers – Started Week 15 off right with 5 catches for 112 yards and 3 TDs.
Mario Manningham, WR, Giants – Hauled in 8 passes for 113 yards and 2 TDs, plus a fumble.
Austin Collie, WR, Colts – Collected 8 receptions for 87 yards and 2 TDs before leaving with another concussion.
Santana Moss, WR, Redskins – Caught 8 passes for 72 yards and a pair of TDs.
Jeremy Maclin, WR, Eagles – Reeled in 7 passes for 59 yards and 2 TDs.
Devin Hester, WR, Bears – Scored on one of his 2 catches for 23 yards, and on a record-setting kickoff return.
Brandon Marshall, WR, Dolphins – Turned 11 catches into 106 yards and a score.

Jason Witten, TE, Cowboys – Hauled in 10 passes for 140 yards and a TD.
Jimmy Graham, TE, Saints – Scored twice while catching 5 passes for 29 yards.

This was a great week to play against…

Matt Hasselbeck, QB, Seahawks – Passed for just 71 yards, 2 INTs and a fumble before being benched.
Alex Smith, QB, 49ers – Just 165 yards and 1 INT, without a score.
Carson Palmer, QB, Bengals – Threw for 209 yards, and that’s it.


Adrian Peterson, RB, Vikings – A last-minute scratch that left many owners in the lurch at the worst possible time.
Knowshon Moreno, RB, Broncos – Left early with an injury after just 5 rushing yards.
Jahvid Best, RB, Lions – Just 12 rushing yards.
Pierre Thomas, RB, Saints – Held to 20 rushing yards, despite getting the start.
Tim Hightower, RB, Cardinals – Totaled just 28 yards rushing and receiving. Beanie Wells managed a paltry 11 rushing yards.
Brandon Jacobs, RB, Giants – Just 34 yards on the day.
Fred Jackson, RB, Bills – Limited to 36 rushing yards and no receptions.
LaDainian Tomlinson, RB, Jets – Held to 49 rushing yards and a 6-yard reception.

Terrell Owens, WR, Bengals – Pulled up lame before catching a pass.
Eddie Royal, WR, Broncos – Posted a goose egg.
Anquan Boldin, WR, Ravens – Caught a pathetic 2-yard pass.
Chad Ochocinco, WR, Bengals – Caught 2 balls for 36 yards.
Michael Crabtree, WR, 49ers – Pulled in 3 catches for 17 yards.
Robert Meachem, WR, Saints – Also had 17 yards, on just 2 catches.
Steve Smith, WR, Panthers – Continued his miserable year with 2 catches for 22 yards.
Sidney Rice, WR, Vikings – He got 23 yards with his 2 catches.
Deion Branch, WR, Patriots – Only 33 yards on 2 receptions.
Hines Ward, WR, Steelers – Just 2 receptions for 34 yards.
Earl Bennett, WR, Bears – His 3 catches amounted to 37 yards.

Vernon Davis, TE, 49ers – Caught a 4-yard pass.

Dan Carpenter, K, Dolphins. Missed all four of his field goal attempts.

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.

Sunday morning updates - Week 15

Good morning, Fools. Here we go again, and this time it's for keeps -- either Week 1 or Week 2 of the postseason for virtually every fantasy league. We've gotta get it right today, folks. Let's see wassup around the league...

First off, I hope you started V-Jax and/or the Chargers defense Thursday night, as I did. I'm up 47-1 already in one of my leagues, thanks to those decisions, and the play of Vernon Davis by my opponent. I'm not counting my winnings yet, but I feel a lot better in my shoes than his going into today's matchups...

You know Aaron Rodgers has been ruled out. Fortunately they didn't leave us hanging all day. Now you know you need to start someone else this afternoon. You sure don't want to rely on Matt Flynn outdoors at night against the hot Patriots defense.

And I wouldn't touch Jay Cutler on Monday night outdoors on the U of Minnesota's rock-hard turf. That's just asking for a concussion against the Vikings' pass rush. Temperature at game-time is expected to be in the mid-teens.

Rookie Joe Webb will start at QB for the injured Favre, who is already officially listed as out. Webb is listed as a WR in some leagues (including Yahoo's), so while I would never consider starting him as a QB, he's an intriguing option if you can list him as a third WR (or flex play). He could toss or run for a TD or two, which would make him one of the stronger WR plays of the weekend. Just saying...

The Chiefs are apparently planning to roll with Matt Cassel today. While I wouldn't want him in my lineup (no telling how long he lasts less than 2 weeks removed from an appendectomy), I'd feel a lot better about starting Bowe if Brodie Croyle isn't the QB.

The Tim Tebow Era will begin for the Broncos today. Kyle Orton (ribs) may be active, but Tebow is expected to get his first career start. No telling how he'll fare in the Black Hole, but I suspect he'll have more rushing TDs than passing scores over the next couple of weeks. Again, with a new QB at the controls, all bets are off for the Broncos' slumping receivers, including Brandon Lloyd. Frankly, I wouldn't have them much higher on my pecking order even if Orton was playing. Remember that Oakland shellacked Denver 59-14 in Week 7.

The Rex Grossman Era will begin today for the Redskins, with McNabb now relegated to 3rd string. (John Beck is No. 2.) Don't be surprised if the Beck Era begins next week in Washington.

It's John Skelton vs. Jimmy Clausen in Carolina today. Zzzzzzzz....

Signs are pointing to Chris Ivory sitting out the Ravens game with a bad hammy. That would leave Pierre Thomas as the primary rusher, with Reggie Bush presumably getting more touches as well. If it wasn't for the tough matchup on the road, I'd be intrigued by Pierre. But as it is, I think it's awfully risky.

Marion Barber will probably not play today, which helps uncomplicate the Dallas RB rotation. Felix Jones is a decent play, with Tashard Choice a bit of a wild card. We just don't know how many touches he will receive.

DeSean Jackson (foot) will play today as usual.

Dallas' Roy Williams (hamstring) is not expected to be active. But no official word yet.

Recently acquired WR Kevin Curtis is expected to be active for the Dolphins today. No, you shouldn't pick him up. Just thought I should let you know.

Heath Miller is out again due to his concussion.

Joe Nedney was just placed on IR. Jeff Reed will kick for the 49ers for the remainder of the season.

It's going to be wet in Oakland, and freezing in Cinci, Pittsburgh, Baltimore, New York, Minneapolis and New England. But it doesn't look like the weather will play as big a role in the outcomes of this weekend's games as it did last week.

Okay, that's it for today's blog updates. Be sure you're following my tweets for the game-day inactives and other breaking news, which will begin shortly. Good luck to all Fools!