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Saturday, October 31, 2009

Review of "The League"- Episode One




The Counselor is IN:

When I first heard the concept of a half an hour sitcom about a group of guys in a fantasy football league, I thought it was a great idea. Outside of the typical stereotypes, you could develop a fun show with great characters. My mind instantly brought up images of TBS’ My Boys with all the characters and plot of that show. Right away, I set my DVR to record "The League" on FX.

I sat down to watch the show with my wife in the same room. I figured my wife would be tuned out since the show is about a group of Fantasy Football guys. The first scene got my wife’s attention because it started with a simulated sex scene which did not show much but was pretty explicit in the language. As the show moved along, the foul language continued to dumfound me because of the randomness of where it was inserted. The topics turned to smoking pot and then to pubic hair. One of the characters who is a stoner, wrote and sang an inappropriate song for a kid’s birthday party about the night of passion the parents must have experienced when the child was conceived. The draft is held at a loft where the owner decides to throw a social party along with the draft- are you kidding me?

There were moments of laughs and enjoyment in this opening episode. The champ from last season had a webcast to taunt the other owners, which was very humorous. There is a scene where the commissioner of the league has the other owners draw numbers out of a hat and then informs them that it is not for draft order but rather for the number on the child in the sack race at the birthday party and the position that the child finishes in will be the draft order. I loved the portrayal of the fantasy owner who accidentally chooses a retired player every year and this year he chose “Keyshawn Johnson”. The best scene was the defense attorney dealing his number 1 overall pick in the fantasy draft to the assistant DA to get a better deal for his client.

Overall this show is a miss. I did not care for any of the characters. Is the thinness of the plot supposed to be masked by the inappropriate scenes? It appeared that the creators did not know much about fantasy football or the people who play.

I will check out next week’s episode to see if it gets better and hope for more laughs and less disgust. But I have a feeling that it will be removed from my DVR record list shortly there after. Watch it at your own risk.



The Counselor is OUT:


Friday, October 30, 2009

Week 8 Fantasy Injury Report



The Counselor is IN:



Cardinals:
WR Steve Breaston has a right knee injury and is probable. Breaston saw limited time in practice this week. He should play this weekend but the Cards are going against the #1 pass defense this weekend- Carolina Panthers.

WR Anquan Boldin is questionable with a high ankle sprain. He has been practicing on a limited basis. He is expected to play but probably at a limited level on Sunday. (See Breaston)


Falcons:
RB Jerious Norwood has a right hip flexor injury and is questionable. His coaches are hopeful that Norwood can play this weekend. I would leave him on the bench.


Ravens:
QB Joe Flacco is probable with an ankle injury. He practiced this week. He should start with no issues.



Bills:

QB Trent Edwards
is out with a concussion.



Panthers:
RB Jonathan Stewart
is probable with an Achilles injury. He practiced fully this week. I expect him to play but he is only a back up at this time.

WR Muhsin Muhammad has a knee injury and is questionable. He missed practice this week. Muhammad is not a regular fantasy starter and should not be started this week.



Bears:
RB Adrian Peterson
is probable with a knee injury. He practiced all week. His fantasy value is very limited unless Forte is injured.



Bengals:

Off Week 8


Browns:
QB Derek Anderson
has a hip injury and is probable for this weekend. Anderson will play but his play has not been impressive this season.

K Phil Dawson is questionable with a calf injury. I look for Cundiff to kick in his place.

TE Robert Royal
has a finger and foot injury. He is questionable for this weekend. He was limited in practice.

RB Jamal Lewis is probable with a wrist injury. It appears that Lewis should start with no issues.


Cowboys:
RB Marion Barber is probable with a thumb injury. I expect Barber to play and to have a good game against Seattle.


Broncos:
No significant fantasy injuries.



Lions:

QB Matt Stafford has a knee injury and is questionable. He is expected to start by the coaching staff. With Culpepper banged up, Stafford should start. The Lions will play the Rams (lambs) this weekend, so starting Stafford is not as bad of an idea as it usually would be.

QB Daunte Culpepper is questionable with a hamstring injury. It appears Stafford will start. This puts Culpepper’s value as minimal at best.

WR Calvin Johnson has a knee injury and is questionable. His coach believes he will play this weekend but Johnson is not that optimistic. It would be a good idea to bench him unless you have confirmation that he will play. His match up against the Rams is good but if he does not play, then it will not matter.




Packers:

QB Aaron Rogers is probable with an ankle injury. He fully practiced on Friday but was limited earlier in the week.


Texans:
WR Andre Johnson
is questionable with a lung contusion. He missed practice on Wednesday but fully practiced the rest of the week. His coach announced he will play.


Colts:
WR Anthony Gonzalez is doubtful with a knee injury. He should be returning soon but not this weekend.

K Adam Vinatieri has a knee injury and is out.

RB Donald Brown is doubtful with a shoulder injury. It is unlikely he will play.

WR Reggie Wayne has a knee injury and questionable. He missed a bunch of practice but is expected to play this weekend.


Jaguars:
No significant fantasy injuries.


Chiefs:

Off Week 8



Dolphins:
RB Ricky Williams
is probable with a thumb injury. He fully practiced this week. I expect Ricky will be in the Wildcat this weekend.


Vikings:
WR Percy Harvin is probable with an illness. He should play.

QB Brett Favre has a hip injury and is probable. He was limited in practice on Thursday.

WR Bernard Berrian is questionable with a hamstring injury. He was limited in practice.


Patriots:
Off Week 8


Saints:
TE Jeremy Shockey
is probable with a shoulder injury. He fully practiced on Friday and is expected to start and Monday night.

Bold

Giants:
RB Ahmad Bradshaw has a broken bone in his ankle and probable. He is playing through the pain.

WR Mario Manningham is questionable with a shoulder injury. He was injured in practice this week. You should look at other options.

Jets:
WR Brad Smith
is questionable with a Quadriceps injury. He was limited in practice.

WR Jerricho Cotchery has a hamstring injury and is questionable. When Cotchery is healthy, he should start seeing more single coverage with the edition of Edwards.


Raiders:
WR Chaz Schilens
has a foot injury and he is questionable for the week.

RB Darren McFadden is out with a knee injury.

WR Louis Murphy has a hip injury and is questionable.


Eagles:
WR DeSean Jackson
has a foot injury and is probable. He fully practiced on Friday and will start this weekend.

WR Kevin Curtis is out with a knee injury.

RB Brian Westbrook has a concussion and is questionable. He did not practice on Friday. I would leave Westbrook on the bench this week.

WR Jeremy Maclin has a foot injury and is probable. It appears that Maclin will be ready to play on Sunday.


Steelers:
Off Week 8


Chargers:
No significant fantasy injuries.




49ers:
No significant fantasy injuries.



Seahawks:
QB Matt Hasselbeck has a rib injury and is probable. He missed practice on Wednesday but fully practiced the rest of the week.


Rams:
No significant fantasy injuries.


Buccaneers:

Off Week 8


Titans:
WR Nate Washington is questionable with a Quadriceps injury. He did not practice on Thursday.


Redskins:

Off Week 8


The Counselor is OUT:

Thursday, October 29, 2009

Line 'em up/ Bench their butts



The Counselor is IN:


This column's intent is to give the readers an idea of few good players in favorable match ups and a few good players in bad match ups. If you have a great player, then it may not advisable to bench him for someone in the Line 'em Up section. If I suggest that you bench one of your studs, you can only do this if you have a good option behind him. If you don't have a good player behind him, don't bench 'em. Remember every league is different and I am advising from a standard league.

Off Week 8: Cincinnati, Kansas City, New England, Pittsburgh, Tampa Bay, Washington



Line ‘em Up


QB David Garrard of Jacksonville. Most people I have talked to believe that Garrard is having a terrible season. To their surprise, the Jags are the 11th best passing team but do not throw many touchdowns (only 5 this season so far). They are playing against the 32nd ranked passing defense. Garrard is a good alternative if you have off week needs.

QB Kyle Orton of Denver. There is nothing glamorous about Orton either as an NFL or a fantasy QB. He is consistent and does not turn over the ball. This week the 12th passing offense goes against a Raven’s pass defense ranked 23rd. This defense is ranked 7th against the run. Look for Orton to have a lot of opportunities in this game.

RB Steven Jackson of St. Louis. I have not recommended Jackson all season because…well… he is with St. Louis. But this week, the Rams are taking on the Lions. If Jackson can produce for you, it will be this week. Start him if you have him.

RB Kevin Smith of Detroit. Smith is also getting the nod because he is going against a terrible Rams rush defense of 27th ranked. Smith has not had a great game yet but I think this could be his week. He is a decent off week start or flex start for this week...

WR Brandon Marshall of Denver. Marshall has been really hot most of this season. He has a favorable match up against the Ravens. I expect him to be money this weekend.

WR Johnny Knox of Chicago. Knox has come on and been a good WR3/Flex player. He is starting to move up to a WR2. This week they are playing against the 24th ranked passing defense in the Browns.


Bench their Butts

QB Kurt Warner of Arizona. You want to bench Warner only if you have someone that can replace him only. Arizona is playing against the Number 1 Defense against the pass. You will be surprised to find out the number 1 passing defense is the Carolina Panthers. Believe it or not.

QB Brett Favre of Minnesota. Yes the old man had his way in the first meeting. But the Packers will be ready for Brett’s return to Lambeau field. The Pack is the 4th best defense against the pass.

RB Ray Rice
of Baltimore. It is almost impossible to leave Rice on the bench. If you have a decent second option, you might want to consider it. The Broncos are the 3rd best rush defense and only allow 79.7 rushing yard per game.

RB Joesph Addai of Indianapolis. Addai is not a great start any week because of job sharing with Brown. This week he faces addition issues in the 6th best run defense. The 49ers defense makes Addai’s a bad start.


WR Steve Breaston of Arizona. Breaston has been a great waiver wire pick up this season. This week, Boldin appear to be much healthier. The Panthers will not be able to stop Fitzgerald so look for them to attempt to stop Breaston and Boldin.

WR Greg Jenninngs of Green Bay. Minnesota held Jennings to only 31 yards in Minnesota. The Vikings are not great against the pass but I look for them to try to take away Rogers best target once again.

The Counselor is OUT:



Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Fantasy Hockey Sleepers - Pick 'em up!




The Hockey Counselor is IN:

First off hello! This is my first post at FSC and I'm mighty proud to be here!

We're a few weeks into the NHL season now and there have been plenty of injuries within the past week or so that may or may not have ravaged your starting line up and now you're dealing with the fact you have to plug those holes for the next 4-6 weeks or whatever the case may be. I'm here to help you with that, this will be a weekly article giving the reader some options on possible waiver wire pick ups that are available in most leagues:

Forwards:

Brooks Laich (Washington - C) - the little known Laich has been benefiting from playing with Alexander Ovechkin and others on the Capitals potent power play. Laich has 9 points so far this season (4 goals, 5 assists) mostly coming from playing in front of the net and putting in rebounds on the power play. He's a great 3rd or 4th center to have on your squad, he'll put the puck in the net and get you some power play points at the same time. He's available in 35% of Yahoo! leagues, and he's definitely worth a pick up
Andrew Brunette (Minnesota - LW) - Although the Wild are struggling so far this year, especially on the road where they are 0-8-0, Brunette already has 10 points with 7 goals and 3 assists. He's had 50+ point years each of the past two seasons on mediocre teams, he'll be a go to guy if he can keep up this pace in Minnesota. If you can overlook the fact that so far he is a -7, he will help you in the goal category without a doubt and is available in a staggering 75% of Yahoo! Leagues!!!

Ales Kotalik (New York Rangers - RW) - The newly acquired New York Ranger Kotalik has been putting up impressive numbers playing along side of Vinny Prospal and Marian Gaborik on the power play, he has 5 goals and 7 assists along side an incredible 9 power play points that will definitely put you over the top in a close matchup. While he's not the go to guy on the power play, he's turning into an assist machine thus far. He's available in 40% of Yahoo! leagues so go check him out, he's definitely worth a look!

Defensemen:

Alex Goligoski (Pittsburgh - D) - With the loss of star defensemen Sergei Gonchar on the blue line, the Penguins have turned to a little known second year player in Goligoski to run their potent power play. He already has 9 points this year (3 goals, 6 assists) and looks to add a ton more just by being on the ice when Evgeni Malkin and Sidney Crosby do their thing. He has a great first pass out of his defensive zone which also should prove for some more assists. I think he'll get a bunch more goals in the coming games because the opposing teams won't respect him like they would Sergei Gonchar with a slap shot from the point. He is available in 40% of Yahoo! Leagues, so definitely check him out, he is a must have!

Jason Demers (San Jose - D) - While Demers doesn't see much Power Play time with the sharks, he's still accumulated 8 assists thus far throughout the season, which is a ton for a guy that has no power play points so far. He's benefiting from being on the ice with guys like Dany Heatley and Joe Thornton. Although he doesn't offer much in other categories (6 PIM's, only 10 shots) he does have a +5 rating and is definitely worth looking into particularly in deeper leagues. He's only owned in 25% of all Yahoo! Leagues so its very likely he's available.

Goaltenders:


Jonathan Quick (Los Angeles - G) Quick has an impressive 8 wins so far this season, especially because he's been seeing competition from fellow Kings' goaltender Erik Ersberg. Have no fear though, Quick is the clear cut number 1 in LA now, and with a 2.91 Goals Against Average, he's definitely a solid number 3 goaltender pick up.

Jaroslav Halak (Montreal - G) Although entrenched in a goaltending battle in Montreal, Halak has started the past 4 games for the Canadiens and they've been winning with him in net. Carey Price may have checked out in Montreal, and Halak is a perfect handcuff for anyone with Price. Halak has a 2.28 Goals Against Average and a .910 Save Percentage, which makes him a very viable option, especially if you have Carey Price

Thanks for reading everyone, check back next week with a whole new batch of fantasy sleepers, and until then stop by FSC for all the fantasy football help you can ever want from Larry Bud!!



The Hockey Counselor is OUT:


Monday, October 26, 2009

Sweet, Sweet Flacco Action!

The Counselor is IN:

Ever wonder if a great knowledge of sports actually helps an owner in a fantasy league. A couple of buddies, Rob and Bryan, had this discussion. It spawned a delightful fantasy blog about their competion in a Fantasy Football League. Check out their description of their site and then check them out at Sweet, Sweet Flacco Action!

It's been debated at length elsewhere, we're sure, but how the hell does actual sports knowledge play into fantasy sports success? Bryan says: "A lot." Rob says: "The opposite of a lot." So two roommates on the opposite ends of the fanship spectrum will do battle on the hallowed field of pretend athleticism and see who will eat the most crow. Spiced with blood, sweat, and beer.

Both Rob and Bryan will enter the same head-to-head Fantasy Football league and both will participate in live drafts. Their teams will be listed on the Our Teams page and updated as trades, adds, and drops occur.

From there, they'll update on how they're doing in their league, and more importantly, against each other. And because everyone's a fan of a little irreverence, they'll be sure to share with you their thoughts on all the sportscasting flubs, ridiculous headlines, and insipid commercials as they happen to come along. (SSFA)



The Counselor is OUT:


Sunday, October 25, 2009

Things I have Learned ... the Falcons at the Cowboys




The Counselor is IN:

Things I have Learned ... the Falcons at the Cowboys.

1) WR Miles Austin is for real and appears to be on the same page with Tony Romo. No one was for sure what his future fantasy value would be after the great game two weeks ago in Kansas City, 250 yards and 2 touchdowns, because he broke out against the Chiefs. Today Austin had 171 yards and 2 touchdowns against a much tougher Falcons team and proved himself. This is a surprise after his lackluster training camp and preseason.

2) RB Michael Turner looks a step or two slower than last year. This is not surprising. He had a great year last year with 376 carries. This is a classic case of too many carries in one season. Any time you have a back over 350 carries, he is in danger of hurting his future. If it is over 370, it is almost a guarantee.

3) The Dallas running game of Barber, Jones, and Choice was adequate at best. The run blocking looked below average for most of the game. The running game which was constantly referenced as the new focus of this offense seems to be more of an afterthought until they were ready to run the clock with a big lead in the 4th quarter.

4) QB Matt Ryan had the deer in the headlight look for most of the game. The Cowboys brought a lot of pressure and Ryan never developed a groove. With enough pressure, he can be shaken at this point in his career.

5) The Dallas Defense was aggressive and opportunistic. They have 3 turnovers and 4 sacs. They were in the face of Ryan all day and appeared to disrupt him. The Cowboys Defense was prepared for Michael Turner, 18 carries for 50 yards, and Matt Ryan, 19 of 35 with 2 TDs and 2 Interceptions. They were not prepared for running of Jason Snelling, 7 carries for 68 yards. The Cowboys defense appeared to have a difficult time adjusting to Snelling and his running style. Snelling had a great game for a back up running back.


6) WR Roy Williams does not appear to be on the same page with Tony Romo. There were several plays where Williams ran a different route than what Romo expected. He only had one catch for 16 yards but was targeted 5 times.

7) TE Tony Gonzalez was a great addition to the Falcons. Gonzalez made a few key catches and demonstrated why he is a future Hall of Famer.

8) WR Patrick Crayton responded in the game to being demoted from the starting line up. He was 2 catches for 9 yards but one of those catches was a great adjustment in the end zone for a key touchdown. He also had a 73 yard punt return.

9) Atlanta’s Defense gave up 426 yards this week. They did not play great against a Cowboys’ offense which got in a groove in the second quarter. They had no answer for Austin and had trouble pressuring Romo.

10) QB Tony Romo had a monstrous day. He went 21 for 29 attempts, 3 touchdowns, and zero interceptions. He had a passer rating of 141.6. It will be interesting to see if Romo can keep up the good games or if he will continue to be hot and cold.

11) The Dallas Cowboys came into this game looking to prove that they could beat a good team that has a winning record. This team appears to play at the level of their opponent which is detrimental as they play down to the level of a bad opponent.

Those are a few things I learned from the Falcons @ the Cowboys.


The Counselor is OUT:


Fantasy Hockey @ FSC with ShipHockey7




The Counselor is IN:

I am proud to announce the addition of ShipHockey7 to the staff of the Fantasy Sports Counselor. ShipHockey7 will bring weekly Fantasy Hockey updates. He is an intrinsic valued member of Sports Jabber, the Wally World of Sports sites. I expect Ship’s expertise in Hockey and Fantasy Hockey will illuminate brightly and elevate FSC to the next level.

I am bodaciously excited about the ShipHockey7's addition and the expansion of our fantasy coverage to include Fantasy Hockey.

Ship, welcome to the team.


The Counselor is OUT:



Saturday, October 24, 2009

Week 7 Fantasy Injury Report


The Counselor is IN:


Cardinals:
WR Steve Breaston has a right knee injury and is probable. Breaston saw limited time in practice this week. He will play but the amount of time may vary on how healthy Boldin is for the game.

WR Anquan Boldin is questionable with a high ankle sprain. He has been practicing on a limited basis. He is expected to play but at what level and how long?

RB Chris “Beanie” Wells has a hip injury and is questionable. The running game for the Cardinals has been lackluster all year. Even if Wells plays, I would not start him this week.


Falcons:
RB Michael Turner is probable with a chest injury. He was limited in practice all week. He is expected to play.

RB Jerious Norwood has a hip injury and is questionable. He is a game time decision. Even if he plays, I don’t expect him to have a productive fantasy week.


Ravens:
Off Week 7




Bills:

QB Trent Edwards
is out with a concussion.



Panthers:

RB Jonathan Stewart is questionable with an Achilles injury. He practiced fully on Thursday and Friday.



Bears:
RB Adrian Peterson
is doubtful with a knee injury. It is unlikely that Peterson will play. His fantasy value is very limited unless Forte is injured.



Bengals:

WR Chad Ochocinco is probable with a hip injury. He did not practice on Friday. Chad should play with no issues this weekend.

WR Chris Henry has an illness and is questionable for this weekend. Henry had great promise in the pre-season this year but has not lived up to it. He has lost a lot of playing time to Coles and Caldwell.


Browns:
QB Derek Anderson
has an ankle injury and is probable for this weekend. Anderson will play but his play has not been impressive this season.

K Phil Dawson is doubtful with a calf injury. I look for Cundiff to kick in his place.

TE Robert Royal
has a finger and foot injury. He is questionable for this weekend. He missed practice this week.


Cowboys:
RB Marion Barber is probable with a Quadriceps injury. He is expected to start and reports are that Barber looked much better in practice this week.

RB Felix Jones has a knee injury and is probable. He is expected to play this weekend and has looked fast in practice.

WR Roy E. Williams is probable with a rib injury. It appears that Williams will play on Sunday. Earlier in the week, the Coaching staff was not sure if Williams would be able to play.


Broncos:
Off Week 7



Lions:

Off Week 7



Packers:

QB Aaron Rogers is probable with an ankle injury. He fully practiced all week.

WR Greg Jennings has a hip injury and is probable. He practiced on Friday. He is expected to play.


Texans:
No significant fantasy injuries.


Colts:
WR Anthony Gonzalez is out with a knee injury. He should be returning soon but not this weekend.

K Adam Vinatieri has a knee injury and is out.


Jaguars:
Off Week 7


Chiefs:

No significant fantasy injuries.



Dolphins:
No significant fantasy injuries.


Vikings:
WR Percy Harvin is questionable with a shoulder injury. He was limited in practice this week.

RB Adrian Peterson has an ankle injury and is probable. He was limited in practice on Wednesday and Thursday but fully practiced on Friday.


Patriots:
WR Randy Moss
has a shoulder injury and is probable. He fully practiced this week.

QB Tom Brady has been listed as probable with a shoulder injury. He is always listed as probable. He will play with no issues.

RB Fred Taylor is out indefinitely with an ankle injury. He expects to miss several weeks.

RB Sammy Morris has a knee injury and is out.


Saints:
TE Jeremy Shockey
is probable with a shoulder injury. He was limited in practice this week. All signs point to him playing on Sunday.

Bold

Giants:
QB Eli Manning is probable with a foot injury. He was limited in practice on Wednesday but fully practiced the rest of the week.

RB Ahmad Bradshaw has an ankle injury and probable. He was limited in practice all week but he is still listed as probable.

WR Mario Manningham is probable with a back injury. He should play this weekend with no issues.


Jets:
WR Brad Smith
is out with a foot injury. Smith has had moments this year as a new WR convert from QB.

WR Jerricho Cotchery has a hamstring injury and is out. When Cotchery is healthy, he should start seeing more single coverage with the edition of Edwards.

WR Braylon Edwards is probable with a Quadriceps injury. Edwards was limited in practice early this week but did fully practice Friday. He should start with no issues.


Raiders:
WR Chaz Schilens
has a foot injury and he is questionable for the week. He was not able to finish practice on Friday. That is not a good sign.

RB Darren McFadden is out with a knee injury.


Eagles:
QB Donovan McNabb
has a rib injury and is probable. He fully practiced on Friday and will start on Monday night.

WR Kevin Curtis is out with a knee injury.

RB Brian Westbrook has an ankle injury and is probable. He fully practiced on Friday. He is more fragile than the Eagles would like to admit.


Steelers:
RB Rashard Mendenhall is probable with a knee injury. It has been announced that he will play on Sunday.


Chargers:
RB LaDainian Tomlinson is probable with the flu. He missed practice on Thursday but was back at practice on Friday.


49ers:
RB Frank Gore has an ankle injury and is probable. Gore is starting this weekend. He is a great start.


Seahawks:
Off Week 7



Rams:
WR Donnie Avery
is probable with a hip injury. He fully practiced on Friday and did not experience any set backs on Saturday.


Buccaneers:

WR Michael Clayton is questionable with a hamstring injury. He was limited in practice on Wednesday but fully practiced the rest of the week. At best, Clayton is only a starter for an off week.


Titans:
Off Week 7



Redskins:

RB Clinton Portis is questionable with an ankle injury. He missed practice all week until Saturday. I would not count on Portis playing this weekend and if he does, do not look for a good week.


The Counselor is OUT:

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Line 'em up/ Bench their butts



The Counselor is IN:


This column's intent is to give the readers an idea of few good players in favorable match ups and a few good players in bad match ups. If you have a great player, then it may not advisable to bench him for someone in the Line 'em Up section. If I suggest that you bench one of your studs, you can only do this if you have a good option behind him. If you don't have a good player behind him, don't bench 'em. Remember every league is different and I am advising from a standard league.

Off Week 7 Baltimore, Denver, Detroit, Jacksonville, Seattle, Tennessee



Line ‘em Up

(Put in your studs from Patriots, Colts, Packers)

QB “Big” Ben Roethlisberger of Pittsburgh. The Steelers have become a passing first team. Big Ben is a consistent fantasy starter. This week they will play against the 9th best rush defense but the 24th passing defense. If the Steelers are going to win this game it will have to be on the arm of Big Ben.

QB Philip Rivers of San Diego. Rivers is leading the 5th best passing offense against the Chiefs 27th pass defense. Rivers is always a good start and this week he is a fantastic start.

RB Thomas Jones of the New York Jets. I continue to assume that Jones is done and he continues to prove me wrong. Jones leads the 2nd ranked rushing offense and this week he is going against the Oakland’s 28th rushing defense. I look for Jones to have a big day.

RB Frank Gore of San Francisco. Frank is back and will be starting this week. He is going against the Texans’ 24th ranked rush defense.

WR Austin Collie of the Indianapolis. Collie has stepped into the Colts lineup with consistency since Gonzalez went down. Oh yes, they are playing against the Rams.

WR Steve Smith of New York Giants. I look for this game to be a shoot out in New York. The Cardinals can not stop the pass and are 31st against it. I look for a big day for Smith.


Bench their Butts

QB Donovan McNabb of Philly. McNabb is playing against a tough Redskins’ defense. He will be hard pressed to have a good game. I know the Redskins are in chaos and their head coach is not really a head coach but don’t let that fool you into thinking McNabb will have a good game.

QB Kurt Warner of Arizona. Yes I know that most fantasy owners can not afford to bench Warner. If you have a decent backup, you may want to bench him against the top ranked pass defense.

RB Rashard Mendenhall
of Pittsburgh. As I stated in the Big Ben post, the Steelers are going against a tough rush defense. Mendenhall is now the starting back for Pittsburgh and will be worth starting most weeks but not this one.

RB Cedric Benson of Cincinnati. Benson will be facing his old team and look for revenge. It is too bad for him that the Bears Defense is 6th against the rush.


WR Anquan Boldin of Arizona. Boldin’s lingering injuries have slowed down his production this year. He only has one touchdown this season. I look for Boldin to break out later this season but not against the Giants.

WR Steve Smith of Carolina. Smith was a fantasy stud in previous year but this year his has sunk to a bench player. Even though Carolina is playing against Buffalo this week, do not buy into a break out week.




The Counselor is OUT: