Yardbarker

Yardbarker

Friday, September 29, 2006

My Fantasy Advisor

There is a new blog out that called My Fantasy Advisor. They are asking for people's questions on whom to start. They also want discussions about various fantasy sports. Che from My Fantasy Advisor stopped by this blog and made fun of my fondness of Pink's Sunday Pre-Game. It was well deserved. Please check them out and let them know that the Fantasy Sports Counselor sent you by.

Thursday, September 28, 2006

NFL Week 4 Fantasy Injuries

The Counselor is IN:

RB- Reuben Droughns- Questionable - Shoulder - He missed practice on Thursday but states that he will play. If he is able to practice tomorrow, then he will probably play but if he misses, then keep him on the bench.

TE-Kellen Winslow- Questionable -Knee - He has not practiced all week. His coach is saying that he may never be back to normal. Partially back, Winslow has had a good season so far but be careful with him if he does not practice tomorrow.

WR- Terrell Owens- Questionable - Hand- Did he try to commit suicide or not? We may never know. We almost have forgotten about his broken finger but not quite. He practiced today and looked good. He is going to be ready. He is a huge distraction and a cancer in the locker room but this boy does have game. Start him unless Parcells decides to leave him at home.

WR- Brandon Stokley- Questionable -Ankle- He is unlikely to play. He should not be a regular starter anyway. Keep him on your bench.

WR- Laveranues Coles- Questionable- Calf - He is going to be a game time decision. He did not practice on Thursday. He is a risk to start but he has been very productive. I would check and see if he practices on Friday before making this decision.

RB- Kevan Barlow- Probable- Calf- Barlow will play this week. You should not start Barlow except for off week coverage at this time. This week he might start losing some carries to Washington and Houston. They are playing the Colts. I doubt if the group gets more than 15 carries combined.

QB- Chad Pennington- Probable- Calf- He has practiced fully for a couple of days. He is a good start against an Indy defense with some secondary injuries. The Colts will score a lot and the Jets will have to try to keep up with them.

WR- Matt Jones- Probable - Groin- He practiced on Wednesday. He will play on Sunday. He has good potential against Washington this weekend. He should be a WR 3 or 4 for you.

RB- Murice Jones-Drew- Probable- Ankle - Murice will play this weekend. He is still behind Fred "Glass Legs" Taylor, who has had a great year so far. Drew will not have 103 running this week. He should start getting a few more touches a game but I would still keep him on the bench until Taylor gets injured.

RB- Chester Taylor- Probable -Ankle- He was just added to the injury report. Unless he gets worse, He will start this weekend. They are playing Buffalo. Taylor is a solid fantasy starter every week but I think he will have a huge game against the Bills.

WR- Chad Jackson- Questionable -Hamstring- He missed a portion of practice on Thursday. If he is better or not, you should not start Jackson. Rookie Wide Receivers break your heart. 3rd year Wide Outs, pad your stats.

WR- Doug Gabriel- Probable -Hamstring- Doug also missed part of practice on Thursday. He should play on Sunday. It is unknown if he will be starting over Caldwell. He seems to be winning over Brady so he might be a decent off week start at WR.

WR- Antonio Chatman- Questionable -Groin- He is getting better. He made some good plays last year for Green Bay. He is clearly at best a number 4 wide for the Bengals. Unless Henry gets arrested (again), Chatman is probably too far down on the depth chart to be a consistent factor.

WR- T.J. Houshmandzadeh- Probable -Foot- Last week, I did not think that Housh would play much and did not have much fantasy value. I have him in two leagues. 2 losses for not starting him. Start Housh. He practiced today. He is getting close to being fully back. Again I say: START HOUSH.

WR- Steve Smith- Probable- Thigh- Smith has been dominating when listed at questionable. He is now upgraded. There is no reason not to start him if you have him.

WR- Keenan McCardell- Questionable- Hamstring- He is probably going to play. He is playing against the Raven's Defense. Keenan is also 36 years old. Start someone else, at least this week.

TE- Todd Heap- Questionable- Ankle- He missed practiced again today. If he practices tomorrow, then it should be fine to start him. Otherwise, use your second TE, if you can bear it.

RB- Shaun Alexander- OUT- Foot- broken- Shaun is out. If you have him, you better have already picked up Morris or had him handcuffed. This might be an injury that goes on for a while. Alexander makes his money with quick clean cuts and with a broken foot, which will be very difficult any time soon. Start your #3 RB or Morris.

TE- Jerramy Stevens- OUT- Knee- Stevens is out because of tearing his meniscus in his left knee. He might be back next week.

TE- Desmond Clark- Questionable- Foot- He did not practice this week. Even if he plays, he is not a TE that you want starting for your team.

TE- Vernon Davis- OUT- Fibula- Davis is expected to miss four weeks with a cracked fibula in his leg.

RB- Frank Gore- Questionable- Ribs- He has been practicing. It appears that he will start. He should have a great week against a bad Chiefs Defense.

QB- Trent Green- OUT- Head (concussion) - The hit that knocked him out of the game looked bad. It must have been because he is still out. I am sure Trent's age is not helping anything.

RB- Ahman Green- Probable- Rib- Ahman has been practicing. He will play. He is not a good play against the Eagle defense.

WR- Donte Stallworth- Questionable- Hamstring- He has a slight strain in his hamstring. He has been Donavan's favorite target this year but this injury is a concern. I would bench him until you can get a better feel of how this will affect Stallworth.

RB- Brian Westbrook- Questionable - Knee- He will probably play just like he did last week, which killed me in my game. Play him if you have him.

WR- Reggie Brown- Probable- Shoulder-He practiced on Wednesday and today. He will play. He could be the primary receiver for McNabb. He is a good number 3 receiver.

TE- L.J. Smith- Probable- Shoulder- He will play. He should be a good play against Green Bay.

The Counselor is OUT:

Sunday, September 17, 2006

Pink's Pre-Game theme song for Sunday Night

The Counselor is IN:

This is week 2 of the NFL season. I am sitting back excited to watch my Cowboys (please don't hold it against me) play on Sunday Night Football. The rock star Pink comes on the pre-game and belts out her Sunday night rock song-"Waiting All Day for Sunday Night". I was originally skeptical of Pink doing the pre-game football theme song for Sunday Night Football. I had to ask myself, will a female rock star get people motivated for football?

Hank Williams Jr. has preformed for us for years for Monday Night Football. I dislike Hank's music (and all country music). I have grown to love that opening scene with him singing on Monday night. I believe that it has become a Pavlov behavioral modification reaction because I get football when I hear the theme song. I think I even salivate.

It has not taken me long to crank the TV when Pink comes on for the Sunday theme. I have always enjoyed Pink's music. I love this song. In my opinion the Sunday night anthem rocks. It reminds me of the great 80's female rockers like Joan Jett and Pat Benetar. In fact, Pink's theme song- "Waiting All Day for Sunday Night" is set to Joan Jett's "I Hate Myself for Loving You." I am not salivating yet when I hear it but I am sure I will be salivating by the end of the season.

Pink was a great selection to perform on Sunday Night. I am sorry I ever doubted. I am still humming the song. Thanks NBC for opening my mind.

The Counselor is OUT:

Saturday, September 16, 2006

Injury Update- Week 2- part 2

The Counselor is IN:

Injury Update-
TJ Houshmandzadeh: He has been downgraded to Questionable. He did not practice yesterday. It looks like another week to put Housh on the bench. Hopefully he can play next week.

The Counselor is OUT:

Thursday, September 14, 2006

Injury Report Week 2

The Counselor is IN:

Todd Heap: Questionable- He is expected to play but you might want to check and see if he practices on Friday before making your final decision. He missed the last couple of days with back issues.

Jamal Lewis: Questionable- He has a Hip injury and has not practiced. Check and see if he practices tomorrow. You know he wants to run on the porous Oakland defense.

Matt Stover: Questionable- He is suffering with back issues. He is not a fantasy starter so bench him.

TJ Houshmandzadeh: Probable- He has a foot injury. There are rumors that the Bengals will keep him on the bench to ensure that he is ready for week 3's match up with Pittsburgh. Watch Rotoworld for updates on him. If he remains probable, then he is probably a good gamble to start.

Joe Jurevicius: Out- He has a rib injury. He is probably out 6-8 weeks but it could be longer.

Mike Vanderjagt: Questionable- He is fighting a groin injury. He is not a good start until you see what he is going to do on the field. Parcells is going to keep a backup for him and Parcells is mad about it.

Mike Bell: Probable- He has a finger injury. This should not slow down Mike. He should get the goal line carries and many others on Sunday against the Chiefs.

Javon Walker: Questionable- He has a "slightly dislocated" finger and it appeared to affect his catches on Sunday. Until he is healthy and Plummer proves himself, Walker is a gamble to start.

Brandon Stokley: Questionable- He has an ankle injury. Right now he is 50/50 to play. Bench him and pick someone else.

Trent Green: Concussion- what does Green have in common with Hall of Famers Aikman and Young? Concussions at Green's age causing them to retire. Hmmmn. A trend. Do not start him at least until after he plays a game or two.

Tom Brady: Shoulder- He is probably and he will play. He appears to be missing his favorite target. Oh that his because he is in Seattle now. Brady is still a must start player no matter who he is throwing the ball to.

Doug Gabriel: Hamstring- He is probable. I don't have a feel for his role on this team yet. Wait to see what Gabriel can do for the Patriots. He might be a stud or a dud.

Chad Jackson: Hamstring- Questionable. He is a highly touted rookie but he has been injured during most of training camp. He might be a future stud but this will not be the game.

Jeremy Shockey: Ankle- He is probable. He will not miss the division rivals of the Eagles. I expect him to play and score this week.

Sinorice Moss: Quadricep- He is Questionable this week. He is not a good play at this time. Let the rookie develop a little.

Aaron Brooks: Knee- It is Questionable. He is not a good start in perfect health.

Hines Ward: Hamstring- He is going to play this weekend. I would start him.

Ben Roethlisberger: It was reported that he was impressive in practice today. Start him if he is your first QB. If not, let him ride the bench.

Vernon Davis: Hip- He is Probable and I expect him to play with weekend.

Chris Brown: Turf Toe- He is Probable. Turf toe is a bad running back injury. I continue to cause issues. Beware. I would not start him even if he starts and plays on Sunday.

Travis Henry
: Toe- He is listed as doubtful but "Coach Jeff Fisher said in his daily press conference that Travis Henry 'looked much better' Thursday, and the team will upgrade his status." (Rotoworld). I still would not start Henry unless you are very desperate.

Clinton Portis:
Questionable- His shoulder looked good on Monday night. He will play on Sunday Night football against the hated Cowboys (Go Cowboys- I am a fan after all).

That is the major injuries for Week Two. You can click on this blog post title and it will take you the actual injury report.

The Counselor is OUT:

Saturday, September 09, 2006

Injury Update/ Status Update- part 2- Week1

The Counselor is IN:

Steve Smith- Still Questionable- keep him on the bench this week.

T.J. Houshmandzadeh- I am going to do a full 180. Housh is very questionable for this week. I thought he would start and be a stud but there is no guarantee that he will start. In fact, it appears that the Bengals are comfortable with starting Henry in his place. Bench Housh this week unless you hear that he is starting right before the game.

Musa Smith- Musa is now the 2nd on the depth chart. He is ahead of Mike Anderson on the depth chart. If he is available in a keeper league, then he is worth a flyer.

Jerry Porter- He continues to be in the dog house in Oakland. He parked in Al Davis' parking spot on Wednesday. I would not count on him for anything at this point.

Peter Warrick- He is expected to play this season for the Lions after being released from the Seahawks. He is not a sleeper or a good pick at this time.

Jeremy Shockey- He was added to the injury list as probably with an ankle injury. He will play. I would not bench him.

Derrick Mason- He has been upgrade to probable. He should play on Sunday. He is not a good fantasy play this week going against a tough Tampa Bay defense. He is at best a 4th WR.

Jamal Lewis- He has also been upgraded to probable. If you have other options, you might want to with them instead of Lewis against Tampa Bay.

Clinton Portis- He has stated that he will not be ready until week 2. Do not play him this week.

LenDale White- He practiced on Friday but may not be active for week one. He is not a good fantasy starter at this point even if he plays.

The Counselor is OUT:

Wednesday, September 06, 2006

Injury Update- Week 1

The Counselor is IN:

Here are the key injuries on the NFL injury list.

Ben Roethlisberger- He is out for at least this week. He had an appendectomy so he should not have any long lasting affects of this minor surgery.

Hines Ward- He is probable with his hamstring. He is going to play. How will he be affected by Charlie Batch throwing the ball instead of Roethlisberger? I am not sure. I think he is still a fantasy starter.

Steve Smith- He is listed as questionable. Here is another hamstring injury. He had a hamstring injury earlier in pre-season. This injury is on his other leg. It is hard not to start Smith but I am convinced that it would not be a great decision to start him. Even if he plays, he will not be back to full strength yet. Give him at least another week.

Jamal Lewis- He is listed as questionable. How healthy is Lewis and how healthy can he stay this year? I would not look at starting him this week or many weeks of this season. His team is also playing the tough Tampa Bay Defense. My advice is to let him ride the bench.

Derrick Mason- He is also listed as questionable. Mason is a marginal starter at best. He has some upside by reuniting with McNair. I would leave Mason on the bench until off weeks demand that he plays.

Tom Brady- He is listed as Probable. Brady will play. He will be a solid QB this weekend. Start him if you have him.

Doug Gabriel- Gabriel is listed as Probable. Until you get a feel of what Gabriel's role will be on the Patriots, he is an iffy start. He will play but we are not sure how much he will play.

Cedric Benson- He is listed as questionable. The rumors out of Chicago are that he will play but he is not the starter and he is injury prone. He has great potential for the future but he is not a good start for week one.

T.J. Houshmandzadeh- He is listed as probable. He is going to play and he has a great match up with the Chiefs. Look for him to have a great game. I know I am starting him in 2 leagues.

Mike Vanderjagt- He is questionable. A questionable kicker is one that should be on the bench.

Adam Vinatieri- Another questionable kicker. Another kicker on the fantasy bench. I don't care who your back up is, I would start the back up for this week.

LenDale White- He is listed at questionable. He is not starting. He is a good keeper but not a very good start week one. To the bench with him.

Jerramy Stevens- He is listed as out for this week. Stevens will not play until the middle of October, at the earliest. If he is your TE stud, you need to go to the waiver wires and find a new TE.

Matt Leinart- Leinart is probable. He should be able to play if Warner gets hurt. He is not a starter at this point. He might be if Warner gets hurt this season.

Clinton Portis- He is listed as questionable. He is a risky player this season. The separated shoulder has sent him spirally down. When healthy, he will still have to worry about Duckett and Betts stilling carries especially at the goal line. I would not start him this week if you have any better options.

Those are the major injuries. Check out the complete injury list at NFL.com.

The counselor is OUT: