Friday, October 22, 2010

Week 7 Rankings

Each week I will publish a new weekly ranking for the upcoming NFL games. The rankings will be based on standard non ppr formats but will be helpful in all. The difference in rankings from ppr or non ppr aren't huge and you should be able to determine the difference.

Be sure to check back each week for these rankings as a great guide to help you decide who to start or sit. These rankings will factor in all the components that make up a players value including the opponent, weather conditions, team conditions, and much more. If you ever have any questions I can be reached on here or on twitter @ Pwill12.


QB

1. Arron Rodgers
2. Drew Brees
3. Tony Romo
4. Klye Orton
5. Ben Roethlisberger
6. Tom Brady
7. Phillip River
8. Joe Flacco
9. Eli Manning
10. Matt Ryan
11. Matt Cassell
12. Brett Favre
13. Kevin Kolb
14. Carson Palmer
15. Jay Cutler
16. Josh Freeman
17. Donovan Mcnabb
18. Alex Smith
19. Sam Bradford
20. Chad Henne


RB

1. Ray Rice
2. Chris Johnson
3. Frank Gore
4. Adrian Peterson
5. Rashard Mendenhall
6. Steven Jackson
7. Peyton Hillis
8. Micheal Turner
9. Amhad Bradshaw
10. Maurice Jones-Drew
11. Cedric Benson
12. Jamaal Charles
13. DeAngelo Williams
14. Lesean Mccoy
15. Marshawn Lynch
16. Knowshon Moreno
17. Thomas Jones
18. Matt Forte
19. Ryan Torain
20 BenJarvus Green-Ellis
21. Ryan Mathews
22. Chris Ivory
23. Beanie Wells
24. Darren Mcfadden
25. Brandon Jacobs
26. Felix Jones
27. Johnathan Stewart
28. Danny Woodhead
29. Justin Forsett
30. Micheal Bush


WR

1. Roddy White
2. Miles Austin
3. Randy Moss
4. Anquan Boldin
5. Greg Jennings
6. Larry Fitzgerald
7. Brandon Marshall
8. Hines Ward
9. Dwayne Bowe
10. Brandon LLoyd
11. Terrell Owens
12. Percy Harvin
13. Mike Wallace
14. Jeremy Maclin
15. Marques Colston
16. Hakeem Nicks
17. Santana Moss
18. Chad Ochocinco
19. Wel Welker
20. Roy E. Williams
21. Deion Branch
22. Mike Williams (TB)
23. Steve Smith (Car)
24. Michael Crabtree
25. Steve Smith (NYG)
26. Donald Driver
27. Robert Meechem
28. Johnny Knox
29. Jabar Gafney
30. Patrick Clayton


T.E.

1. Vernon Davis
2. Tony Gonzalez
3. Zach Miller
4. Antonio Gates
5. Arron Hernandez
6. Benjamin Watson
7. Jason Witten
8. Brent Celek
9. Tony Maoeki
10. Kellen Winslow
11. Chris Cooley
12. Heath Miller

Tight End Troubles...

Coming into the 2010 season one position stood above the rest as a very top heavy and deep fantasy football position. That position, which is Tight End, is now very much in flux and has owners across the world clinging to waiver wire hopefuls and overpaying in trades to cope. First it was Jermicheal Finley. Every experts 'sexy' breakout pick, Finley was asserting himself well early on this season. Unfortunately Finley was lost for the year last week going down with a severe knee injury. There's one of the top 4 TE options gone for the year and things were just getting started. A week later it really got ugly.

First owners got a huge scare when fantasy football immortal Antonio Gates went down with what looked like a pretty serious injury. Follow that up with Vernon Davis getting shaken up on a TD reception and Dallas Clark leaving the Sunday night game with a wrist injury. Wow. The undoubtedly , hands down top 4 Fantasy Football TE's all out just like that. Thankfully for some owners, Davis looks OK and should be ready to go this week. Gates remains up in the air but the outlook for this week is not great. Even if he does manage to play in the next game or 2, there's a great chance hes not close to full speed. Clark owners (gulp) have a much more serious problem. After being re-evaluated by wrist specialist in Cleveland, Clark has been declared out for the season. He is safe to drop in all non-keeper formats.

Fortunately, most leagues waiver wire's should still have some viable replacements for the Finley and Clark owners. Some name's that could be available that you should give a serious look at are Kellen Winslow (getting more involved lately), Heath Miller (Ben's Back), Todd Heap, Arron Hernandez, and Browns T.E. Benjamin Watson. Another name to keep in mind and keep an eye on is Owen Daniels. Now 1 year since tearing his ACL Daniels finally looks like he may be ready to go back to the role he had prior to the injury. If he's heavily involved in the Texans offense next week when they come back from their bye, grab him fast. For this week I'd rank the T.E's available in this order: Hernandez, Watson, Winslow, Miller, and Heap.

Thursday, August 5, 2010

Fantasy Football Preview (Part 1)

"Give me 6 hours to chop a tree down, and I will spend 4 hours sharpening the axe." -Abraham Lincoln. No matter what your striving for, preparation is key. This is especially true when it comes to the game of Fantasy Football. Of course you have to execute and things sometimes still have to fall your way, but if you're not fully prepared going in, you're not going to be happy with the outcome. So for the 85% of you guys who year in and year out complain about coming up empty handed, DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT.

The biggest factor in a successful fantasy football season is obviously the draft. Don't get me wrong, there is still so much more you have to do to win other then a good draft, but you'll have no chance without a decent one. There are many factors that go into having a strong draft, and having a good strategy is the biggest. You have to know what you want to do depending on your draft position, league rules and scoring, and knowledge of the game. Have some sort of idea of what you might do when unexpected things happen, or you loose out on a guy or 2 you were ready to take. That's definately going to happen alot.

I'm a firm believer unless you have a no brainer pick fall into your lap, it's always smart to use some of the time you have been allowed when you're on the clock. Check the way your teams rounding out. See what you really need and not just what might look good. Make sure you're making the right situational pick as well. I mean you usually have to pick what your biggest need at the time is, but in the right situations (typically for me 8-10th round) it's a good idea to go with the best player available. It's never a bad idea to bolster your team with talent and it can also provide key trade value to strengthen your team throughout the season when things such as injuries, under performance, or just holes in your roster leave you in need.

In order to know which players fit these situations you must have basic NFL knowledge, but you also have to go the extra distance. Stay up to date throughout the off season on key players and their team's movements. Injuries (Dez Bryant), Suspensions (Vincent Jackson), Contract negotiations (Darrelle Revis), Changing teams (Brandon Marshall), or staying on a team that adds competition (Jamal Charles) are all factors that should be heavily taken into consideration when analyzing players. Another big thing that I personally take full advantage of are contract year players. If an under achieving or above average player are going in a contract year DRAFT THEM. You will not be disappointed. You should be able to figure out the reasons why on your own.

Okay I think I gave you enough of my secrets and tips for one piece. Actually before I go there is another big one I just can't hold back. Go into the draft with no emotional attatchments! Unless, that is, your just playing to have a good time which is absolutely fine seeing as it is just a game. But, if your playing for $$ and really playing to win, you can not let your heart get in the way. I'm a cleveland fan so its kind of easy for me to stay away, but even a guy that might of helped you win a big game 2 years ago or does really good for you in Madden, don't do it. Trust me unless he's the best pick for you at that time, you're going to regret it in the long run.

Well that's it for now, but be sure to check back in the next couple of days for part 2 of the series. Also follow me on twitter @pwill12 for all kinds of sports updates and live breaking news as it happens.

Thursday, July 22, 2010

Andd the drama continues...(Weclome CP3)

Chris Paul is to New Orleans what Derek Jeter is to NY. He is what Peyton Manning is to the Colts and what we thought LBJ was to the Cavs. You know the golden boy, the perfect superstar that seems too good to be true. You see him and how he has always carried himself and just think that's what a superstar is supposed to be like. Never complains, never tries to show anyone up even though he clearly could. Well something happened a couple weeks ago. CP3 signed with Lebron James' marketing company just before Lebron signed with the devil.



In Hindsight, when the signing was made Lebron was still MR. NBA, a Cavalier, and pretty much loved by everyone. Fast forward 2 days after CP3 signed with him and now hes part of a whole new marketing team that now has a very shaky rep at best. The way LBJ and his team were looked at before is out the window. The whole view of that camp has changed in some way or another in every ones view. Well I guess they are getting to their newest member. Now don't get me wrong its obvious CP3 sees hard times ahead for NO and just wants to be on a winner. No Knock there at all. I just never thought I'd see a Chris Paul headline at the bottom of ESPN saying how he is planning to demand a trade to NY, Orlando, or the Lakers. Chris Paul? Really?


Today new reports are saying that those statements were from a "source" in Lebrons camp and not officially from Paul. There were also reports today that indeed CP3 was leaning toward demanding a trade before the start of this falls N.B.A. season. On top of that, he had a couple other "preferred destinations". All this summers drama is starting to feel more like following the WWE than The League. I've never read or heard about so many sources, rumors, or "potential scenarios" in my life. I guess some drama is good for anything but at some point it has to end. I mean after all, this still is about the game of basketball right?

Don't get me wrong on this, I'm not downing CP3 one bit. To each their own and people can live they're life however they please. I just feel like this things getting a little out of control. Would I really hate it if this rumor from Carmello Anthony's wedding actually came to true? Could I really ever change the channel if the Knicks led by CP3, Mello, and Amare were tipping off against the "3 Kings"(sigh) down in South Beach? Not likely. That's just it though, I'm interested in what happens on the court and I think this new age NBA is forgetting at the end of the day that is what really matters.

I actually think its time some of these stars take note from the Kid Down in OKC. Its not so nad to be quiet, hard working, and humble. You can attract all the attention you want when your a star, but at the end of the day the brightest ones shine because of the hard work and effort they put in. Championships and greatness don't come from being in the headlines or having shows devoted to you. They come from the gym time on those summer mornings you could be anywhere in the world doing whatever you want. It come from perseverance, the will to succeed, and the drive to let nothing get in your way.

Here's to hoping we can leave all this drama to the Lohan's of the world and start focusing on that orange round thing that got you all here. Yeah that orange round thing you play with now is a lot nicer and the court that you left all those years of sweat and dreams on have turned into arena's with bright lights, but its still the same game. The game we all love and the game that no drama or person will ever big bigger than. October 30st please hurry.

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

THE summer of free agents almost complete..

After a long historical free agency summer for the N.B.A. the dust is finally beginning to settle. We have seen a few winners (Heat), Losers (Cavs,Nets), and some teams that quietly got allot better(Bucks,Bulls). The landscape of the league from just a year ago has done a 360. For the first time in over 6 years someone in the Central Division not named The Pistons or Cavs will likely take the crown this year. With the addition of Brad Miller along with a healthy Yao Ming and the re signings of Kyle Lowry and Luis Scola, Houston looks to regain its position as a top 5 team out west. The Raptors(signing M. Barnes and losing C. Bosh) and T'Wolves(signing Darko and losing Al Jeff.) continue to fade into obscurity.

Players like 2Nd year man Wesley Matthews (35m from Portland) and Travis Outlaw(42M from N.J) quietly struck jackpots more than tripling both of their previous salaries. Even teams who lost big pieces like Phoenix, were able to somewhat recover with additions such as Hedo Turkelo and Hakeem Warrick. The defending champs didn't make any splashes but the signing of pg Steve Blake was huge after losing Jordan Farmer. Blake will be a great fit and easy to plug in to The Lake show. Amare wound up with Ray Felton to start a new look Knicks team while some teams like the Pistons, Magic, Hawks, Spurs, Clippers, and Thunder stood pat.

There are still a few names out there in free agency (Shaq, Flip Murray) but most of the damage has been done. All in all this summer will never be forgotten and we will be seeing the results from this past month for years and years to come in the N.B.A. This is the type of thing in sports that 30 years from now we will all be able to say we witnessed the new age of basketball. Buckle up and enjoy.

Friday, July 16, 2010

Backlash of "The Decision"

When Lebron James finally gets a moment to his self to stop and think its undeniable his stomach begins to hurt a little. Mine hasn't stopped hurting. Something just isn't right, and right or wrong things will never be the same. Last week something happened in sports like nothing before. With a 1 hour special where no actual sporting event went on, The fortunes, futures, and legacies of so many cities and individuals were forever changed.

Not only did a small market city go from championship contender every year to um, well back to Cleveland, a player went from fighting to go down as the best ever to settling on being the best Scottie Pippen ever. Small market cities everywhere realized even more now than ever how big the odds are stacked against them. New York found out that they had sacraficed years of embarrassment for a pipe dream that never had a chance of coming true.

Alot of negatives came out of that horrendous Thursday night. What hurt me the most was seeing an athlete who I and so many others felt had it all, sale his self so short. No longer can you argue Lebron > Kobe. The argument has ceased. The puppets should fade into obscurity just like the late 90's Penny Hardaway puppets. Essentially what Lebron said when we all heard "Next fall I will be taking my talents down to south beach" was "I do not want to be the man. I can't do it myself. I am not Jordan. I'll never be Magic, Larry, or even Tim Duncan for that matter. That's not important to me. If I have to be Pippen to finally win a ring, sign me up." Now far be it for me to pass judgement on someone who just wants to win, but that's not the person who I myself and so many others have gotten to know over the years. "The Chosen One" doesn't apply anymore. Chosen for what? "The King"? Yeah Lebron you were "The King" but how could you even think of being called that anymore?

It doesn't even seem realistic watching Lebron stand on one side of D-Wade with Chris Bosh on the other. Lebron James playing the side role? Wow. Never thought I would see that day. Also theres no excuse in saying everyone has had help that have won titles. Yes they have had help. As did Lebron the last few years. You would be crazy to argue the championship Bulls , Spurs , Pistons, and Heat teams had far and away more talent than the most recent Cavaliers roster. Put M.J., Magic, or Bird on the 09-10 Cavs team and at worst they are losing in the finals. I don't recall Bird and Magic teaming up. Mike and Hakeem? They wouldn't even hug after a game let alone join forces to try and win. Now these guys are hugging during games and teaming up with their rivals for an easier way to succeed. My how the game has changed.

Maybe we should have seen it coming. Anyone who has vividly followed Lebron's career should have always knew something was missing from his game: The Killer Instinct. Do not get me wrong, the man has hit some big shots and made some big plays. Even when he did though at times it felt forced, sort of lucky, not the art we see in Kobe with 10 seconds left. You could always see LBJ did not want the pressure at the end of games. He didn't have the mind state, 'If we're going to lose this game, it's going to be in my hands'. Even when its the right "basketball play" (5 seconds left in a huge game down by 1) would Kobe or M.J ever hit Donyell Marshall in the corner for the last shot? That doesn't even sound right. Lebron just isn't cut from the same cloth as some of the true greats and this post season and "The Decision" really put a stamp on that.

No matter what happens these next 5,6,7,8 (as Lebron was saying about ships in MIA) years in the NBA, one thing is for sure, On July 8Th 2010 the NBA took a big hit and one of their brightest stars signed away the chance at TRUE GREATNESS. I guess there is nothing wrong with being Worthy or Parrish just thought you wanted so much more. Goodbye The Chosen one, The King.

Hello World..

Hello World!!

This has definetaly been a long time coming. First of all allow me to introduce myself. The name is Paul Williams. Inspiring sports writer out of the NE Ohio area. I am currently going to school for journalism as well as working a few side jobs. In my blog spot you will find everything that is sports. If there is a juicy rumor, check here first. Breaking news, I'll have it for you. Also, if you ever have an idea or a topic you would like me to expand on feel free to let it be known. Well I wanted to keep this intro short and sweet so there it is. Follow me, get to know me, and I promise you will enjoy and appreciate all of the hard work I plan to put into this.... Catch you all soon!