Help Wanted

The Counselor is IN:

The Fantasy Sports Counselor wants to expand. Currently we cover Fantasy Baseball and Fantasy Football. We would like to expand into other fantasy games articles and advice beyond just baseball and football. We are also willing to add writers for Fantasy Baseball and Football along with other fantasy sports. If you are an aspiring writer with experience in fantasy sports, especially sports other than Football and Baseball, please leave me a comment or an e-mail with your interest.

The Counselor is OUT:

It is over

The Counselor is IN:

The hope of a great 2008 Dallas Cowboys season were not just snuffed out on Sunday but obliterated. The team that was built to win it all could not secure a playoff spot. . They went into Philly knowing that they would make the playoffs if they won. Instead they decided not show up. In the National Football League, you are not given a playoff spot just because your team looks great on paper. No, you have to get there the old fashioned way, you have to earn it. These Cowboys played with little heart and little brains.

As a fan, I feel crushed, let down, and hugely disappointed. I wonder if I wasted my whole fall rooting for the team of prima donnas that could not play as a team. I am experiencing the pain of high expectations and low productivity.

Tony Romo is now hanging his head. I am with you, Tony. Luckily I do not have to go to work tomorrow and face all the Cowboy haters who will be overjoyed by the poor play of the Cowboys.

There is always next year. Maybe I will be able to buy some discounted Cowboys gear after this performance.

The Counselor is OUT:

Week 17 Fantasy Injuries Weekend Ed

The Counselor is IN:

Cardinals:
WR Anquan Boldin has an injured shoulder and is questionable. He has missed three straight practices and will be a game time decision. The Cardinals' playoff position is set. I look for them to rest Boldin even if he is healthy enough to play.

RB J.J. Arrington is questionable with a knee injury. He was limited in practice this week. Arrington is not a starter so leave him on the bench.


Falcons:
WR Michael Jenkins has a shoulder injury and is questionable. He missed practice on Wednesday and Thursday. Jenkins will play if he can but he is a game time decision.


Ravens:
WR Derrick Mason has a dislocated shoulder and is questionable. He missed practice all week.

K Matt Stover is probable with a sprained right ankle. This is never good for a kicker. He was limited in practice this week.

RB Ray Rice has a contusion on his left shin and is questionable. It is unlikely that he will play this weekend.


Bills:
RB Marshawn Lynch has shoulder injury and is questionable. He practiced on Thursday but did not practice on Friday.

WR Roscoe Parrish is questionable with a bruised knee. He did not practice this week. Parrish is not a fantasy starter this week.

WR James Hardy has a torn ligament on his left knee and is out for the rest of the season.


Panthers:
TE Jeff King is probable with a knee injury. King is not a top tier fantasy TE but should be an okay start this week.

WR Muhsin Muhammad has a foot injury and is probable. Muhammad should start this weekend. He should be a decent WR3.


Bears:
No significant fantasy injuries.


Bengals:
RB Chris Perry has an ankle injury and is probable. He was limited in practice this week.

QB Carson Palmer is out with an elbow injury.

RB Kenny Watson has a hamstring injury and is probable. He fully practice on Friday.

WR Chad (Ocho Cinco) Johnson is questionable with a sore hamstring. There is a good chance he will not play this weekend. He has been a disappointing fantasy pick.


Browns:
QB Brady Quinn was placed on the Injured Reserve with a broken right index finger.

WR Joshua Cribbs is probable with a back injury. He is expected to play this weekend.


Cowboys:
WR Roy E. Williams is probable with a foot injury. He will be starting with no issue but he has only had limited fantasy value since coming to Dallas.

RB Marion Barber has a toe injury and is questionable. He is expected to play on a very limited basis. He is not a good start this weekend.

TE Jason Witten is probable with an ankle injury. Witten will play and should be a really good start this weekend.


Broncos:
RB Selvin Young has been placed on the Injured Reserve.

WR Brandon Stokely has a foot injury and is questionable. He fully practiced on Friday.

TE Daniel Graham is questionable with an ankle injury.


Lions:
RB Kevin Smith is questionable with an ankle injury.

WR Calvin Johnson is probable with a knee injury. He is the only fantasy threat of the Lions. He should play this weekend.


Packers:
RB Brandon Jackson is questionable with a wrist injury. He was limited in practice this year.

WR Donald Driver has a knee injury and is probable. He fully practiced on Thursday. He will start this weekend.

WR Greg Jennings is probable with a concussion. He fully practiced on Thursday. Jennings will play this weekend.

QB Aaron Rogers has a right shoulder injury and is probable. He will play but may require off season surgery.


Texans:
No significant fantasy injuries.


Colts:
RB Joseph Addai is questionable and has a shoulder injury. He should play this weekend especially with Rhodes out for this weekend.

WR Marvin Harrison has a hamstring injury and is questionable. He is expected to play this weekend. He is not a fantasy stud and Peyton is expected to be on the bench much of the game.


Jaguars:
RB Maurice Jones-Drew has a knee injury and is probable. He fully practiced on Friday.


Chiefs:
No significant fantasy injuries.


Dolphins:
No significant fantasy injuries.


Vikings:
QB Gus Frerotte is probable with a back injury.

WR Benard Berrian has an ankle injury and is questionable. He was limited in practice on Friday. The odds of him playing are getting worse as the week goes on.


Saints:
RB Pierre Thomas is questionable with a wrist and back injury. He missed practice all week. He is not a good start this week.

RB Reggie Bush was placed on the Injured Reserve with a knee injury.

TE Jeremy Shockey has an ankle injury and is out for Sunday.


Patriots:
No significant fantasy injuries.


Giants:
WR Plaxico Burress is out for the season for being an idiot.

TE Kevin Boss has a knee injury and is probable. He did not practice earlier in the week.

RB Brandon Jacobs has a knee injury and is questionable. With home field rapped up, I would not expect to see Jacobs this weekend.


Jets:
WR Laveranues Coles has a thigh injury and is Questionable. He was limited in practice this week. This has become a weekly thing and Coles always plays.


Raiders:
WR Ronald Curry is questionable with a toe injury. Until the Raiders get better, Curry will only be a fantasy backup.


Eagles:
RB Brian Westbrook is probable with a knee injury. He is expected to play and should be a fantasy starter this week.

WR Hank Baskett has knee injury and is questionable. He is expected to play this weekend.

WR Kevin Curtis probable with a calf. In August, he was expected to be a fantasy sleeper but never panned out.


Steelers:
QB "Big" Ben Roethlisberger is probable with an ankle injury. He fully practiced all week.


Chargers:
WR Malcom Floyd is questionable with a collapsed lung. It is unlikely that he will play this weekend.


Seahawks:
WR Koren Robinson is questionable with a knee injury.

QB Matt Hasselbeck has a back injury and is questionable. Hasselbeck will back up Wallace this weekend.


49ers:
RB Frank Gore is questionable with a knee injury. He was limited in practice this week.


Rams:
RB Steven Jackson is probable with a hamstring injury. He is expected to play. He was limited in practice early in the week.


Buccaneers:
QB Jeff Garcia is probable with a calf injury. Garcia practiced all week and is expected to start.


Titans:
RB LenDale White is questionable with an illness. He did not practice all week. The Titans have locked up the number one slot so I look for them to rest White.


Redskins:
No significant fantasy injuries.


The Counselor is OUT:

Merry Christmas

The Counselor is IN:

Merry Christmas everyone!

The Counselor is OUT:

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.

Line ‘em Up

QB Chad Pennington of Miami. Pennington goes against his old team to determine the winner of the AFC East. The Jets have been vulnerable to the pass all year. I look for Pennington to have a really good week.

QB Matt Ryan of Atlanta. Atlanta is still playing for the opportunity to win the NFC South and they are playing against the lowly Rams. This rookie is a great start this weekend. He has had a great rookie season.

RB Cedric Benson of Cincinnati. No, we are not flashing back to 2006. Benson is a good start this weekend. Benson is the de facto starting running back for the Bengals. He will be running against the porous Chiefs defense.

RB Ryan Grant of Green Bay. Grant has not had a great fantasy year but he should have a great game this weekend. He usually plays wells at Lambeau. Did I mention that he is going against the worst run defense of Detroit?

WR Vincent Jackson of San Diego. The Chargers and Broncos are fighting out the AFC West championship this weekend. I look for big numbers from both teams. Both Jackson and Royal should have big games.

WR Eddie Royal of Denver. The Chargers and Broncos are fighting out the AFC West championship this weekend. I look for big numbers from both teams. Both Jackson and Royal should have big games.

Bench their Butts

QB Kerry Collins of Tennessee. Tennessee has home field rapped up. Vince Young is expected to play this weekend. I would expect them to focus on the running game this weekend. . Collins should be benched this week if you are still in the playoffs.

QB Peyton Manning of Indianapolis. There is something to be said for consistency. Manning will be benched again for the final game. There spot in the playoffs is already determined.

RB Brandon Jacobs of the New York Giants. I look for the Giants to rest the injured Jacobs. They have already clinched Home field advantage.

RB Willie Parker of Pittsburgh. He is another player who will see limited time because of being nicked up and his team’s playoff position being set.

WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh of Cincinnati. Housh has had a tough fantasy year. I would not count on this to change this week even though he is playing against the Chiefs.

WR Reggie Wayne will likely see limited time this weekend. If he does start, he will not see much time. Let him ride your bench this weekend.

The Counselor is OUT:

Happy Holidays

The Counselor is IN:

Happy Holidays wishes from my friends at Cowboys Pride and Sports Jabber. Enjoy each sites' video.







The Counselor is OUT:

Why I hate being a fan!

The Counselor is IN:

There are times I love being a fan. The start of the season, where every fan has hope that their team will achieve the top prize, is one of my favorite times. The thrill of a come back victory is always great. Nothing beats the high of your team winning the championship. These are the moments that you are giddy to wear all your team paraphernalia with pride.

Sometime being a fan of a team is tough. Being a fan of teams that are consistent losers is always difficult. It is also hard to be a fan of a team that is used to winning but has been losing for a while. It definitely is as bad when your team is expected to win and under performs during the season.

I fit into all of these categories. I am a fan of the Texas Rangers, Dallas Cowboys, and the Oakland Raiders (second favorite team- since the days of Marcus Allen). The Rangers have never been good. They have only made the playoffs twice and lost both time in the first round to the Yankees. The Raiders used to be great but have been perpetually bad over the last several years. My Cowboys were expected to be one of the best teams in the NFL this season but they have severely under preformed.

Last night I was wishing I was not a fan. The spastic Cowboys sent me through every emotion and back again. Every time I started to give up on my Cowboys, they had a good drive and I was given hope and it was dashed again. Over and over I would go from throwing my hat, to cheering, to throwing my hat again. I know my Cowboys hating friends loved this game. Last night’s game was the perfect microcosm of this year’s season. They have been giving me hope, dashing my hope, giving me more hope, and then dashing them again all season long.

After last night’s huge let down, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers decided to give the Cowboys a gift by losing today. The Cowboys are still in the playoffs if they win next week. Here we go again- more hope.

I’m really not enjoying being a fan right now. I am sure I will get over it. If nothing else, March will bring me hope that my Rangers can win it all this year. No, I am not smoking anything; I am just a fan, even when I hate being a fanatic.

The Counselor is OUT:

Week 16 Fantasy Injuries Weekend Ed

The Counselor is IN:

Cardinals:
WR Anquan Boldin has an injured shoulder and is questionable. He has missed three straight practices and will be a game time decision.

Falcons:
WR Laurent Robinson has a hamstring injury and was placed on the Injured Reserve.


Ravens: (Saturday Game)
WR Derrick Mason has a dislocated shoulder and is questionable. He was limited in practice on Wednesday. He is not a good start against the Cowboys even if he plays.

K Matt Stover is probable with a sprained right ankle. This is never good for a kicker. He was limited in practice this week.

RB Ray Rice has a contusion on his left shin and is questionable. He was limited in practice on Thursday. He is not a good start this week.


Bills:
RB Marshawn Lynch has shoulder injury and is questionable. He was limited in practice this week. He is gradually doing more each day. This is not a good sign for him to be a significant factor this weekend. If you have him, let your backup RB play.

QB Trent Edwards has a groin injury and is currently listed as questionable. He took all the snaps in practice on Friday. It looks like he might play this weekend. He is not a good starter for a fantasy playoff team.

WR Roscoe Parrish is questionable with a bruised knee that he suffered in Friday's practice. He is not a good start this weekend anyway.

WR James Hardy has a torn ligament on his left knee and is out for the rest of the season.


Panthers:
No significant fantasy injuries.


Bears:
RB Matt Forte has a toe injury and is listed as questionable for Monday night. Coach Smith stated Forte practiced Friday and he will practice on Saturday and play on Monday. It does not sound questionable to me.


Bengals:
WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh is probable with a hand injury. He fully practiced on Thursday after missing Wednesday. Housh has been a huge fantasy disappointment this year. Do not look for a big game week either.

RB Chris Perry has a groin injury and is probable. He fully practiced this week. He will be on the field this weekend.

QB Carson Palmer is out with an elbow injury.

RB Kenny Watson has a hamstring injury and is questionable. He did not practice on Wednesday and was limited on Thursday.

WR Chad (Ocho Cinco) Johnson is probable with a sore hamstring. He missed practice on Friday but is expected to play this weekend.

TE Ben Utecht has a foot injury and is questionable. He was limited in practice this week.


Browns:
QB Brady Quinn was placed on the Injured Reserve with a broken right index finger.

WR Joshua Cribbs is questionable with a back injury . He has been limited in practice.

TE Kellen Winslow has an ankle injury and is out.

RB Jerome Harrison is questionable with a Rib injury. Harrison has no value unless in a 14 to 16 team league and then he is a bench warmer.


Cowboys: (Saturday Game)
WR Roy E. Williams is probable with a foot injury. He will be starting with no issue but he has only had limited fantasy value since coming to Dallas.

RB Marion Barber has a toe injury and is questionable. He will be a game time decision. He did miss practice on Thursday.

TE Jason Witten is probable with an ankle injury. Witten will play.

QB Tony Romo has a back injury and is probable. Romo will play this weekend.


Broncos:
RB Selvin Young is probable with a groin injury. He fully practiced this week and is expected to play. Look for his contribution to be very limited.

WR Brandon Stokely has a foot injury and is questionable. He did not practice on Thursday.


Lions:
RB Kevin Smith is questionable with an ankle injury. He was limited in practice this week.

WR Shaun McDonald is suffering from an ankle injury and was placed on the Injured Reserve.

QB Daunte Culpepper has a shoulder injury and is questionable. He will be the back up if he can go this weekend.


Packers:
RB Brandon Jackson is questionable with a wrist injury. He his wearing a brace on his right arm. There are concerns about ball security with the brace and injury.


Texans:
No significant fantasy injuries.


Colts: (Thurs Game)
RB Joseph Addai is questionable and has a shoulder injury. He did practice on Wednesday. He will be a game time decision.

WR Marvin Harrison has a hamstring injury and is out. He did not travel with the team.

TE Dallas Clark is questionable with a hip injury. He practiced on Wednesday. I expect him to play Thursday night.

Jaguars: (Thurs Game)
WR Jerry Porter was placed on the Injured Reserve list with a groin injury.


Chiefs:
No significant fantasy injuries.

Dolphins:
No significant fantasy injuries.


Vikings:
QB Gus Frerotte is questionable with a back injury. He is expected to be the back up this weekend.

RB Adrain Peterson has an ankle injury and is probable for this weekend. He was limited in practice on Thursday. He is expected to play on Sunday.


Saints:
RB Deuce McAllister is probable with a knee injury. It was swollen and drained on Thursday. If he plays, he will be limited at best. I expect Thomas will see the majority of touches.

RB Reggie Bush was placed on the Injured Reserve with a knee injury.


Patriots:
No significant fantasy injuries.


Giants:
WR Plaxico Burress is out for the season for being an idiot.

RB Ahmad Bradshaw has a neck injury and is probable. He fully practiced this week.

WR Domenik Hixon is questionable with an ankle injury. He will be a game time decision.

RB Brandon Jacobs has a knee injury and is questionable. Coach Coughlin is expecting him to play Sunday night. He would be a tough start with gametime being so late.

WR Sinorice Moss is questionable with a calf injury. He was limited in practice on Thursday. He is not a starter at this time and should be left on your bench.

RB Derrick Ward has an ankle injury and is questionable. He practiced on Thursday after missing Wednesday.


Jets:
WR Laveranues Coles has a thigh injury and is probable. He was limited in practice this week.


Raiders:
WR Javon Walker has been placed on the Injured Reserve.

WR Ashley Lelie is questionable with a calf injury. He missed some practice this week. He will be a game time decision. Don't start him.

TE Zach Miller has a shoulder injury and is probable. He was limited in practice this week. I believe Zach will play. He is not a bad starter at TE.

WR Ronald Curry is probable with a toe injury. Until the Raiders get better, Curry will only be a fantasy backup.


Eagles:
RB Brian Westbrook is probable with a knee injury. He is expected to play and should be a fantasy starter this week.

RB Correll Buckhalter has knee injury and is probable. He fully practiced on Thursday.

WR Kevin Curtis questionable with a calf. He did not practice on Thursday.


Steelers:
No significant fantasy injuries.


Chargers:
WR Vincent Jackson is suffering from the after effects of a concussion and is probable. He practiced on Wednesday and should be ready to play on Sunday.

WR Malcom Floyd is out with a collapsed lung.


Seahawks:
WR Koren Robinson is probable with a knee injury. He was limited in practice on Thursday.

QB Matt Hasselbeck has a back injury and is questionable. The plan is for him to be the third string QB this week. NO fantasy Value.


49ers:
WR Josh Morgan has a head injury and is questionable for this weekend. He missed some practice this week.

RB Frank Gore is questionable with an ankle injury. He did not practice this week. He will be a game time decision. It would be difficult not to start Gore but you may want to consider it for this weekend.


Rams:
K Josh Brown is probable with a groin injury. He is expected to play.

WR Donie Avery has a hip injury and is probable.


Buccaneers:
QB Jeff Garcia is questionable with a calf injury. Garcia did practice most of the week and is expected to start.


Titans:
No significant fantasy injuries.


Redskins:
WR Santana Moss is probable and is recovering from a concussion. He is expected to play.

RB Clinton Portis has a sore back and is questionable. He missed practice on Friday.

QB Jason Campbell is probable with an elbow injury. He is expected to start this weekend.


The Counselor is OUT:

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. This is the start of the Fantasy Playoffs for some leagues so build your best lineup.

Line ‘em Up

QB Matt Cassel of New England. Cassel’s Patriots are facing the Arizona Cardinals. The Cardinals have given up a lot of points through the air. I look for this trend to continue this weekend.

I had drive fantasy question today from the director of my organization at work. He is in the Super Bowl of his league this weekend. He wanted to know if I would recommend Cassel or Warner. The lucky guy has both. After much thought and analysis, I am suggesting Cassel. I hope I am right so I have a job on Monday morning.

QB Shaun Hill of San Francisco. Hill has been putting up consistent great numbers over the last seven games. This week they are playing the Rams. Gore is possibility out so Hill may pass even more this weekend.

RB Steve Slaton of Houston. Slaton has been a great pickup for the teams lucky enough to have grabbed him. His Texans are playing against the Raiders. I look for Slaton to be a top five back of the week.

RB Pierre Thomas of New Orleans. Talking about steals from the waivers, Thomas has been gold. He is a touchdown machine. Reggie will be out with an injury and Deuce has not looked like his previous self. Thomas should get the bulk of the carries against the Lions.

WR Davone Bess of Miami. Bess continues to be the number target for Pennington. They are playing against the Chiefs. Do not panic if he does not have a lot of catches in the first half, the Chiefs have a way of letting teams back in during the second half (I attended last week’s freezing cold game).

Who ever thought we would be suggesting a Dolphin’s Wide Receiver during this point of the season? And who had ever heard of Bess outside of Miami before?

WR Isaac Bruce of San Francisco. Bruce continues to be a main target for Hill. I expect Bruce to play with a chip on his shoulder against his former team- the Rams.


Bench their Butts

QB Eli Manning of New York Giants. Manning was on his back all evening last week against the Cowboys. Burress’ suspension appears to be affecting him greatly. This week will not be a lot easier for him. The Panthers are only giving up 204.4 yards per game. I look for Eli to get acquainted with Peppers this week like he did with Ware last week.

QB “Big” Ben Roethlisberger of Pittsburgh. Big Ben has a tough match up against the 5^th best pass defense in the Titans. He is not a great start most weeks but this week we are suggesting leaving him on your bench.

RB LenDale White and Chris Johnson of Tennessee. The Ying and Yang Brothers (or whatever there nickname of the week is now) will be facing a stout Steelers defense. It would be difficult not to start either one. Johnson gives you that big play potential and White is a touchdown waiting to happen. I would start a different option if you can this week because I do not see Tennessee being able to run over on the Steelers.

RB Marion Barber of Cowboys. As a Cowboys fan, this is on the verge of blaspheming. Barber did not look to be his usual smash mouth self last week. Choice has won himself some carries. The Boys are facing the tough Ravens defense this week. I would leave barber on the fantasy bench this week.

WR Domenik Hixon of New York Giants. Hixon did not have a good game against the Cowboys last week. It will not be any easier against the Panthers this week. Hixon’s play has gone down with the absence of Burress. Do not look for look for this to change this weekend.

WR Derrick Mason of Baltimore. The Dallas Defense has come on strong over the last few weeks. Part of the reason is the return of CB Terence Newman. I look for T-New to be paired on Mason most of the day. Mason is usually a WR3/ flex player anyway. Let him ride the pine this weekend. (I had to say something nice about my Boys after benching Barber).

The Counselor is OUT:

The Weekly Thermometer

The Counselor is IN:

Who is Hot?

QB Philip Rivers was smoking hot. He threw for 346 yards on 34 completions and 48 attempts. He threw two touchdowns and one interception. It is easy to be hot when you are playing against the Chiefs.

RB Adrian Peterson was red hot. He had 165 yards on 28 carries. Peterson is a stud RB and continues to prove why he was a top fantasy selection.

WR Steve Smith was lava hot. He had 9 receptions for 165 yards and a touchdown. Smith continues to preform at a high level.


Who is Lukewarm?

QB Eli Manning was lukewarm. He completed 18 of 35 for 191 yards. He had two interceptions. He spent a lot of time on his back this last weekend.

RB Clinton Portis was lukewarm. He had 25 carries for 77 yards. He appears to be running down as the season goes on.

WR Brandon Marshall was lukewarm. He had 5 receptions for 48 yards and no touchdowns.


Who is Cold?

QB Joe Flacco was icy cold. He went 11 for 28 with 115 yards and two interceptions. Flacco has has a great rookie year. You know his numbers would be low going against the Steelers.

RB Matt Forte was fridged cold. He rushed 11 times for 34 yards. He did have a touchdown. He has been a fantasy mainstay but had a very bad week.

WR Donte Stallworth was Arctic cold. He went 1 reception for 13 yards. He was a regular fantasy starter in previous seasons but this season he is a wasted fantasy draft pick.


The Counselor is OUT:

Week 16 Fantasy Injuries Thursday Ed

The Counselor is IN:

Here are the Thursday edition of Week 16 fantasy injuries and my commentary. I am posting a Thursday's edition along with the regular Weekend edition. The Thursday Edition will list injuries for the Thursday's game only.

Thursday's Game

Colts:
RB Joseph Addai is questionable and has a shoulder injury. He did practice on Wednesday. He will be a game time decision.

WR Marvin Harrison has a hamstring injury and is out. He did not travel with the team.

TE Dallas Clark is questionable with a hip injury. He practiced on Wednesday. I expect him to play Thursday night.


Jaguars:
WR Jerry Porter was placed on the Injured Reserve list with a groin injury.


The Counselor is OUT:

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

The Counselor is IN:

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

1) QB Tony Romo looked much more comfortable in Dallas than he did in Pittsburgh. He was able to stand in, scramble, and make some great passes.

2) The Giants appear to be missing both Jacobs at Running Back and Burress at Wide Receiver.

3) The Cowboys Defense appears to becoming masters of the pressure on the quarterback. Eli was sacked and pressured all night.

4) The Giants Defense can also get after the Quarterback also. Romo was hit several times including a sac for a safety.

5) The Dallas secondary is banged up but performed very well. Newman has two interceptions and is starting to look like a Pro Bowler. Rookie CB Scandrick looked very impressive in coverage all night.

6) QB Eli Manning looked like a deer in the headlights. The Cowboys’ blitz appeared to have shaken him.

7) Cowboys RB Choice ran the ball well with the limited play of Barber.

8) The Achilles heel of the Cowboys has been penalties. The continued this trend in this game. If they want to make the playoffs and actually win a playoff game, then they will need to stop these penalties.

Those are a few things I learned from the Giants at the Cowboys.

The Counselor is OUT:

The Frozen Tundra of Kansas City

The Counselor is IN:

I found myself on the receiving end of two free tickets to the Chiefs game against the Chargers for today’s game in Kansas City. My youngest sister, who lives in Kansas City, agreed to accompany with me. When I received the tickets, it appeared that the weather would be in the 60’s which is perfect for a football game.

As the week progressed, the weather predictions were for temperatures in the 50s and for it to gradually get more chili during the game into the 40s. As often it is true, the weathermen were mistaken. I unfortunately dressed appropriately for the predictions.

I arrived in Kansas City in short sleeves and I was very comfortable. Knowing that the temperatures were supposed to drop, I brought a sweater, my leather coat, and my gloves. My sister dressed a bit warmer. We stopped and ate lunch before heading to Chief's Stadium and had the windows down. On our way to the stadium, the temperatures started dropping. We knew this was earlier than anticipated but figured it would only get down to the 40s.

The Chiefs performed well during the first half. The first quarter temperatures continued to drop but it was bearable unless the wind picked up. In the second quarter, the bone freezing wind picked up. Our breath became visible. We broke out the blanket we brought. By half time, I had to buy hot chocolate in an attempt to thaw my blood.

The third quarter did not fair as well for the Chiefs. It also did not fair well for us. The northern wind was ripping right through us. Our toes and fingers became numb. It was the "Frozen Tundra" of Kansas City. My sister and I finally gave up the fight and left half way through the third quarter. After we left, the Chiefs found a way to loose the game with a two score lead with 5:30 minutes left in the game.

I have always made a commitment to stay through the end of any college or professional game. I broke this commitment this weekend. The frost bite did not seem worth it in the 3rd quarter. After listening to the Chiefs blow another game, I felt better about my decision to leave early.

The Counselor is OUT:

Week 15 Fantasy Injuries Weekend Ed

The Counselor is IN:

Cardinals:
WR Steve Breaston has sore ribs and is probable. Breaston has been putting up solid numbers (including fantasy numbers) and it should continue this week against the Viking's pass defense.


Falcons:
WR Laurent Robinson is questionable with a hamstring injury. He did not practice on Thursday.


Ravens:
WR Derrick Mason has a dislocated shoulder and is questionable. He only participated in the walk through on Thursday. He is not a good start against the Steelers anyway. Leave him on your bench.

K Matt Stover is questionable with a sprained right ankle. This is never good for a kicker. If you have him on your team, pick up another kicker for this week. You can not start a kicker that might get you zero during the fantasy playoffs.

RB Ray Rice has a contusion on his left shin and is questionable. He did not practice on Thursday. Rice is inconsistent at best with the three way job sharing. I would leave him on the bench against Pittsburgh.

WR Mark Clayton is questionable with a knee injury. Again he is not a good start against the Steelers.


Bills:
WR Josh Reed has back spasms and is probable. He should be ready to play the weekend but you should not start him.

QB Trent Edwards has a groin injury and is currently listed as questionable. All signs are pointing to him sitting out this weekend.


Panthers:
No significant fantasy injuries.


Bears: (Thurs Game)
TE Desmond Clark has a hamstring injury and is questionable for Thursday. He did not practice on Tuesday. WR Marty Booker is questionable with a rib injury.


Bengals:
WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh is probable with a hand injury. He fully practiced on Thursday after missing Wednesday. Housh has been a huge fantasy disappointment this year. Do not look for a big game week either.

RB Chris Perry has a groin injury and is questionable. He did not practice on Wednesday.

QB Carson Palmer is out with an elbow injury.

RB Kenny Watson has a hamstring injury and is questionable. He did not practice on Wednesday.


Browns:
QB Brady Quinn was placed on the Injured Reserve with a broken right index finger.

WR Joe Jurevicius is out with a knee injury . He did have his knee scoped on Thursday.

TE Kellen Winslow has an ankle injury and is questionable. Winslow missed practice on Thursday again. It is trying to come back from the ankle injury during the season but it does not look like it will be this week.

RB Jerome Harrison is questionable with a Rib injury. Harrison has no value unless in a 14 to 16 team league and then he is a bench warmer.


Cowboys:
WR Roy E. Williams is probable with a foot injury. He will be starting with no issue but he has only had limited fantasy value since coming to Dallas.

RB Marion Barber has a toe injury and is questionable. He participated in individual drills on Thursday. He missed practice on Wednesday. The Cowboys are counting on him for this weekend. I expect him to play but to split carries with Choice. He will face a tough Giants defense. His value will be more limited than usual. I would check the NFL injury report before starting him this week.

TE Jason Witten is questionable with an ankle injury. Witten is expected to play but is very banged up.

WR Miles Austin has a knee injury and is questionable. Austin has value as a keeper but not as a starter the rest of the fantasy season.

CB Adam "Pacman" Jones is out with a neck injury. It appears he will be out for the season and may be out of the NFL with this injury. I rarely mention defensive players or offensive linemen in this article. Jones was a contributor on special teams return game and a key player for the defense. Dallas' defense will be more suspect to the pass without Jones and it may negatively affect their return game.


Broncos:
RB Selvin Young is probable with a groin injury. He fully practiced this week and is expected to play. Look for his contribution to be very limited.

WR Brandon Stokely has a foot injury and is questionable. He practiced on a limited basis this week. He is considered a game time decision.


Lions:
RB Kevin Smith is questionable with an ankle injury. He was limited in practice this week.

WR Shaun McDonald is suffering from an ankle injury and is out.

QB Dan Orlovsky is probable with a thumb injury.

WR Calvin Johnson has a hand injury and is questionable. He was limited in practice this week.

QB Drew Stanton is probable with a concussion. He will be the backup quarterback for Detroit. He is not a fantasy consideration.

QB Daunte Culpepper has a shoulder injury and is out.



Packers:
No significant fantasy injuries.


Texans:
No significant fantasy injuries.


Colts:
RB Joseph Addai is questionable and has a shoulder injury. He did not practice on Friday. This is bad news for Addai, the Colts, and his fantasy owners. He needs some warm up time before the playoffs but it does not look like it will happen this weekend. Keep him benched (opposite of what I suggested earlier in the week.)

Jaguars:
RB Greg Jones was placed on the Injured Reserve with an ankle injury.

RB Fred Taylor was placed on the Injured Reserve because of torn ligaments in his left thumb.

WR Matt Jones is suspended for violating the NFL Substance Abuse Policy. He is out the rest of the season.


Chiefs:
WR Mark Bradley is questionable with a calf injury. If he plays, he is an option in bigger leagues as a WR3.


Dolphins:
No significant fantasy injuries.


Vikings:
QB Gus Frerotte is doubtful with a back injury. He is not expected to play this weekend. This will affect their wide receivers value.


Saints: (Thurs Game)
No significant fantasy injuries.


Patriots:
No significant fantasy injuries.


Giants:
WR Plaxico Burress is out for the season for being an idiot.

RB Ahmad Bradshaw has a neck injury and is probable. He fully practiced this week.

WR Domenik Hixon is questionable with an ankle injury. He will be a game time decision.

RB Brandon Jacobs has a knee injury and is out for Sunday.


Jets:
WR Laveranues Coles has a thigh injury and is questionable. He was limited in practice this week.


Raiders:
WR Javon Walker has been placed on the Injured Reserve.

WR Ashley Lelie is probable as a result of a concussion. It appears he will be set to go this weekend.


Eagles:
RB Brian Westbrook is probable with an ankle injury. He is expected to play and should be a fantasy starter this week.

RB Correll Buckhalter has knee injury and is questionable.

TE L.J. Smith has a hamstring injury and is probable. He fully practiced this week. They are playing against a tough Giants team.

WR Kevin Curtis questionable with a concussion. He did not practice on Thursday.


Steelers:
No significant fantasy injuries.


Chargers:
No significant fantasy injuries.


Seahawks:
WR Koren Robinson is probable with a knee injury.

QB Matt Hasselbeck has a back injury and is out.


49ers:
WR Arnaz Battle is out with a foot injury.

WR Josh Morgan has a groin injury and is probable for this weekend. He fully practiced this week.

RB Frank Gore is questionable with an ankle injury. He did not practice this week. He will be a game time decision. It would be difficult not to start Gore but you may want to consider it for this weekend.


Rams:
K Josh Brown is probable with a groin injury. He missed practice earlier this week. If he is your number one kicker, he should be good this week for the playoffs but a groin injury is always a concern for a kicker.


Buccaneers:
QB Jeff Garcia is questionable with a calf injury. Gruden does expect him to start but he has been very limited in practice. I would check the injury list on Sunday.

WR Michael Clayton has a toe injury and questionable. He fully practiced Thursday and Friday. He has limited value in extra large leagues only.

QB Brian Griese is questionable with an elbow injury. Both Griese and Garcia are questionable. There is no telling who will be under center in Tampa on Sunday.


Titans:
RB Lendale White is questionable with a knee injury. He was limited in practice. White has been a gold mine in TD heavy leagues. I would lean to keeping in your lineup but I would check on his status on Sunday.


Redskins:
No significant fantasy injuries.


The Counselor is OUT:

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. This is the start of the Fantasy Playoffs for some leagues so build your best lineup.

Line ‘em Up

QB Donovan McNabb of Philadelphia. McNabb continues to look better every week since his benching. In the last two weeks, he has five touchdowns and zero interceptions. He has been benched in many leagues but it is time to bring him out of mothballs. Oh, by the way, he is playing against the Browns.

QB Tyler Thigpen of Kansas City. Thigpen continues to put up decent numbers. He is a great pickup if he is still out there. The Chargers will try to stop the run so Thigpen should have good opportunities for big plays.

RB Tatum Bell of Denver. Hillis has been placed on the Injured Reserve. Bell is all Denver has. I look for Bell to prove why he deserves this second chance in Denver. I expect for him to put up at least decent flex numbers against the Panthers.

RB Joseph Addai of Indianapolis. Addai is finally back from injury. He needs to establish himself before the playoffs. Nothing helps you establish yourself like playing the Lions.

WR Deion Branch of Seattle. Branch is finally coming around. He has developed a bond with Wallace (who appears will start this week). Most importantly, they are playing against the Rams. Bring him off your bench and into your lineup.

WR Steve Breaston of Arizona. Breaston has come on as the third wide in the high flying passing offense of the Cardinals. The Vikings will focus on Fitzgerald and Boldin so Breaston should have some great match ups. He is a good WR3 and flex player.


Bench their Butts

QB Joe Flacco of Baltimore. Flacco has been a decent fantasy starter but this week he faces a tough Steelers defense that is number one against the pass.

QB Matt Ryan of Atlanta. Ryan is the other great rookie QB and I am suggesting benching him also. Ryan is playing against the number four team against the pass, Tampa Bay. They shut Ryan down when they played earlier in the year.

RB Marshawn Lynch of Buffalo. The Jets are decent against the run and they will be focusing on Lynch. With Losman as the starting QB this week, Lynch will face eight men in the box.

RB "Fast" Willie Parker of Pittsburg. Last week the Cowboys shut down Parker. I don't think he will fair better against the Ravens.

WR Kevin Walter of Houston. The Texans are facing the tough Titans defense. I look for a down week from Walter.

WR Bernard Berrian of Minnesota. I have been recommending Berrian but now QB Frerotte is now injured and it appears Jackson will start in his place. Berrian has a great bond with Frerotte but has not messed with Jackson in previous games. Leave him on your bench.

The Counselor is OUT:

The Weekly Thermometer

The Counselor is IN:

Who is Hot?

QB Matt Schaub was smoking hot. He threw for 414 yards on 28 completions and 42 attempts. He threw two touchdowns and one interception. Schaub had been ice cold and fighting off injuries. He preformed last week like many fantasy owners had hoped he would all season long.

RB DeAngelo Williams was Sahara hot. He had 186 yards on 19 carries with 2 touchdowns. It is amazing what a little competition will do for a running back. Stewart has had a great rookie season but Williams continues to out perform him. Half the teams in the league would be happy with just one of these guys.

WR Antonio Bryant was surface of the sun hot. He had 9 receptions for 200 yards. Bryant continues to flash the potential that we all knew he had. He had a stupid penalty for celebrating that did cost his team. These mental mistakes have held Bryant back from being a stud WR in the NFL and in Fantasy Football.


Who is Lukewarm?

QB Chad Pennington was lukewarm. He completed 23 of 29 for 181 yards. He had one touchdown. Pennington has performed well as a starter for the Dolphins but has not been stellar as a fantasy QB.

RB Michael Turner was lukewarm. He had 18 carries for 61 yards. Turner has been a dominating fantasy stud all season. He looked very average against the Saints this last weekend.

WR Reggie Wayne was lukewarm. He had 5 receptions for 48 yards and no touchdowns. Wayne has moved from fantasy stud to WR2 at best this season.


Who is Cold?

QB Eli Manning was ice storm in Missouri cold. He went 13 for 27 with 123 yards and a touchdown. He is very inconsistent and so are his receivers. I think Eli will miss Burress more than most people expect.

RB Marshawn Lynch was deep freeze cold. He rushed 13 times for 31 yards. His 2.4 ypc was a bite icy.

WR Bernard Berrian was Arctic cold. Over the last few weeks he has put up consistent good numbers. This last week he on had 3 catches for 29 yards. This is related to Frerotte going out with an injury during the game. Berrian's value is greatly decreased with Jackson under center.


The Counselor is OUT:

Week 15 Fantasy Injuries Thursday Ed

The Counselor is IN:

Here are the Thursday edition of Week 15 fantasy injuries and my commentary. I am posting a Thursday's edition along with the regular Weekend edition. The Thursday Edition will list injuries for the Thursday's game only.

Thursday's Game

Bears:
TE Desmond Clark has a hamstring injury and is questionable for Thursday. He did not practice on Tuesday.

WR Marty Booker is questionable with a rib injury.


Saints:
No significant fantasy injuries.


The Counselor is OUT:

Things I have Learned ... Buccaneers at the Panthers.

The Counselor is IN:

Things I have Learned ... Buccaneers at the Panthers.

1) Runningbacks DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart are phenomenal combination. If one is having a rough week, then the other one picks up the slack. When they are both on fire, they can put up 299 yards rushing, like they did against a good Bucs defense.

2) WR Antonio Bryant displayed why he is a top level talent. He had nine receptions and 200 yards receiving. He also displayed his immaturity by getting a stupid and careless penalty.

3) QB Jake Delhomme has struggled all season. He has not looked like the top Tier Quarterback from a few years back. But he still knows how to find Steve Smith.

4) QB Jeff Garcia can still put up great numbers. He had 321 yards and 2 touchdowns.

5) WR Steve Smith is starting to put up numbers of a top fantasy Wide Receiver. He was the top fantasy WR a few years ago and may get back to that.

6) Both of these teams defense are suppose to be tough to play against. They did not look like it this weekend. Tampa could not stop the run and Carolina could not stop the pass. Look for these weaknesses to be exploited more.

Those are a few things I learned from the Buccaneers at the Panthers.

The Counselor is OUT:

Week 14 Fantasy Injuries Weekend Ed.

The Counselor is IN:

Cardinals:
WR Anquan Boldin has a sore back and is probable. They are playing the Rams this weekend. Boldin is a must start unless you find that he is inactive before the game.


Falcons:
K Jason Elam has a hip injury and is probable. I would start your backup Kicker if Elam is your normal kicker.

WR Laurent Robinson is questionable with a hamstring injury. He was limited in practice all week.


Ravens:
WR Derrick Mason has a dislocated shoulder and is questionable. He fully practiced on Friday after not practicing on Thursday.

RB Willis McGahee suffered from an illness earlier in the week and is probable. He fully practiced on Friday.


Bills:
RB Marshawn Lynch is probable with a back injury. He was limited in practice on Thursday but fully practiced on Friday. He is expected to play this weekend against Miami. He should be a good start and will be needed to step up with Edwards out .

TE Robert Royal is questionable with a hamstring injury. He missed practice all this week.

QB Trent Edwards has a groin injury and has been ruled out for this weekend.


Panthers:
No significant fantasy injuries.


Bears:
TE Desmond Clark has a hamstring injury and is questionable for this weekend. He injured it during practice. He is not a safe start this weekend.


Bengals:
WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh is probable with a back injury. Housh has been a huge fantasy disappointment this year. Do not look for a big game week either.

RB Chris Perry has a hamstring injury and is questionable He fully practiced on Friday but was limited earlier in the week.

QB Carson Palmer is out with an elbow injury.

RB Kenny Watson has a hamstring injury and is questionable. He did not practice this week.


Browns:
QB Brady Quinn was placed on the Injured Reserve with a broken right index finger.


Cowboys:
WR Roy E. Williams is probable with a foot injury. He will be starting with no issue but he has only had limited fantasy value since coming to Dallas.

RB Marion Barber has a toe injury and is questionable. He has not practiced all week. He is going against the number 1 rated defense- Steelers. He is not a great start but you may not have a better option.

TE Jason Witten is probable with bruised ribs. He is also expected to play on Thursday.


Broncos:
RB Selvin Young is probable with a groin injury. He fully practiced this week and is expected to play.


Lions:
RB Kevin Smith is probable with an ankle injury. He was limited in practice this week.

WR Shaun McDonald is suffering from an ankle injury and is listed as questionable. He will be a game time decision. You should not be starting McDonald in your fantasy league anyway.

QB Dan Orlovsky is out with a thumb injury.


Packers:
RB Brandon Jackson has an quad injury and is probable. He fully practiced on Thursday and Friday after missing practice on Wednesday.

RB Ryan Grant is probable with a thumb injury. He fully practiced all week. He will play this weekend.


Texans:
RB Ahmed Green was placed on the Injured Reserve.

QB Matt Schaub is probable with a knee injury. He is expected to start this weekend.


Colts:
WR Anthony Gonzalez is questionable and has a shoulder injury. He did not practice on Friday. He has been a big time player for Indy. He will be a game time decision.


Jaguars:
RB Greg Jones is questionable with an ankle injury. He did practice some this week and should be able to play. He is not a fantasy option at this time.


Chiefs:
WR Mark Bradley is out with a calf injury. He will not be throwing a touchdown in a trick play this weekend.


Dolphins:
No significant fantasy injuries.


Vikings:
No significant fantasy injuries.


Saints:
RB Reggie Bush has a knee injury and is probable. He did not practice on Friday. He is expected to play this weekend. He should be a good start this weekend in what should be a great game against the Falcons.


Patriots:
RB LaMont Jordan is questionable with a right calf injury. He was limited in practice this week. I look for Morris to receive the majority of the carries.


Giants:
WR Plaxico Burress is out for the season for being an idiot.

RB Ahmad Bradshaw has a neck injury and is probable. He fully practiced this week.


Jets:
WR Laveranues Coles has a thigh injury and is questionable. He was limited in practice this week.


Raiders: (Thursday's Game)
WR Javon Walker has been placed on the Injured Reserve.

WR Chaz Schilens is probable and has an Achilles injury. He was limited in practice on Tuesday.

WR Ronald Curry has an ankle injury and is questionable. He missed practice on Tuesday. He will be a game time decision. He is not a good start.

WR Ashley Lelie is questionable because of persistent headaches. He is now their number 1 receiver. Russell will need better targets if the Raiders have any hopes of improving.


Eagles:
RB Brian Westbrook is questionable with an ankle injury. He missed practice this week but is expected to play this weekend.

RB Correll Buckhalter has knee injury and is out.

TE L.J. Smith has a hamstring injury and is probable. He fully practiced this week. They are playing against a tough Giants team.


Steelers:
RB Willie Parker is probable with a knee injury. He fully practiced all week.

QB "Big" Ben Roethlisberger has a knee injury and is probable. He fully practiced on Thursday and Friday. Big Ben should play but will not be 100%. He has been hot and then cold all season.


Chargers: (Thurs Game)
WR Malcom Floyd has a sore shoulder and is probable for Thursday's game. Floyd has very limited fantasy value.


Seahawks:
WR Koren Robinson is probable with a knee injury. He was limited in practice on Thursday.

QB Matt Hasselbeck has a back injury and is probable. He was limited in practice this week.


49ers:
WR Arnaz Battle is probable with a foot injury. He fully practiced this week.

WR Josh Morgan has a groin injury and is probable for this weekend. He fully practiced this week.


Rams:
RB Steven Jackson is probable with a thigh injury. He fully practiced this week. Jackson looked good last weekend and I anticipate that he will preform well this week.

WR Donnie Avery has a hip injury and is probable. He is expected to play.

WR Keenan Burton is questionable with a knee injury. He fully practiced this week.


Buccaneers:
TE Alex Smith is probable with an ankle injury.

WR Michael Clayton has a knee injury and questionable. He was limited in practice this week.

Titans:
QB Vince Young is questionable with a thumb injury. The only way Vince is getting into the game this week is if Collins goes down.


Redskins:
RB Clinton Portis is questionable with a knee, hip, and kneck injury. He fully practiced on Friday after missing practice on Thursday.

The Counselor is OUT: