Sweet, Sweet Fantasy Baby: Mock Me If You Will

Hey kids, it's fantasy football season again - and you know what that means... Trebor is back to tell what and what not to do with your fantasy team... mostly what not to do. It's that Sweet, Sweet Fantasy Baby. And we're off!

Well it’s been a sad time here since the last post, no longer can I post pictures of these two:

Sadly, they can no longer be loosely tied to the Cowboys or Saints. The only other celebrity couple I can think of in football is:

(Favre photo via With Leather)

On the Favre note I think Sage will do fine, though come Nov. 1st maybe he finds himself out of a job which is not what you want from a starting qb. Also taking a hit is Percy Harvin, I still think he’s the rookie wr that will do the best this year especially with his involvement in special teams and the Wildcat, but having Favre would have helped him out.

Anyway back to the main point, it’s August and this month is the start of the preseason. More importantly though, basements are being cleaned up, nights are being scheduled, wives are trying to spend the last little bit of quality time with their husband… NFL and fantasy leagues are upon us. Sure you could be involved in a league that’s already drafted but I think that’s just silly.

Last time I shared the one man draft, which has changed considerably. Since then I’ve started poking my head into some of these fantasy sites, looking at headlines and rankings. The biggest thing I’ve done though is this past weekend while the wife and kid were away I tried some mock drafts (Yahoo, ESPN). They have different settings but you can easily do more than 1 at a time.
The idea is just to create the best team, ignoring positional trends and just drafting with a strategy in mind. The big thing is to look at the results of the draft and see where players are falling. A ranking sheet at NFL.com is great but when you’re in a draft with other people, you may notice that people aren’t willing to take a risk on a player, or think highly of another. When you go through 4-5 mock drafts and see Westbrook fall to the 3rd round 3 times, or Portis go late in the 2nd. It gets you thinking why are these 11 other guys not interested in these guys. You’ll also see players going ahead of their rankings, last year it was Chris Johnson, who I never even heard of until he kept popping up in the mid rounds of mock drafts.

The problem comes when people leave the draft and don’t select autodraft. Yahoo is really bad for people leaving. A mock draft should take like 20-30 min and again since you're not interested in trends you can make your pick walk away and come back. Having autodrafted teams can also be a problem but every time I’ve been a part of an online draft there’s always 1-2 guys who can’t make it and autodraft. As long as it’s not more then half the players on autodraft then it should be fine.

The first one I did I ignored a cardinal rule, I didn’t look at the rules. It was Yahoo and I should know that their team settings are different than I’m used to; 3WR, 2RB, 1 Flex. I realized my error after picking up 2 top rb’s and watched as others loaded up on wr’s. By the time it got to my pick in the 3rd round I was looking at a top wr of Santana Moss. I had great rb’s but when you start that many wr’s you need to get a top one.

The ESPN draft posted below was probably the best, in terms of autodraft and people not making stupid picks… ie Sproules in the 2nd round. Some notes on the rounds:

Round: 1
(1) Team Donaldson - Maurice Jones-Drew RB
** (2) Team Davidson - Adrian Peterson RB
(3) Team Amick - Matt Forte RB
(4) The Dudes - Michael Turner RB
(5) Team Hesseltine - Larry Fitzgerald WR
(6) Team Schellbach - Drew Brees QB
(7) Team dixon - DeAngelo Williams RB
(8) Team Lebowski - Chris Johnson RB
(9) Buck Futt - Steven Jackson RB
(10) Team Zielinski - Randy Moss WR
(11) Team mcinnis - Tom Brady QB
(12) Team Burns - LaDainian Tomlinson RB
1st- AP with the 2nd pick isn’t bad, the closer I get the season the more and more I like forte though. We’ll see after some preseason. Question mark pick (???) Randy Moss in 1st round

Round: 2
(13) Team Burns - Frank Gore RB
(14) Team mcinnis - Brandon Jacobs RB
(15) Team Zielinski - Steve Slaton RB
(16) Buck Futt - Brian Westbrook RB
(17) Team Lebowski - Andre Johnson WR
(18) Team dixon - Anquan Boldin WR
(19) Team Schellbach - Clinton Portis RB
(20) Team Hesseltine - Kevin Smith RB
(21) The Dudes - Calvin Johnson WR
(22) Team Amick - Steve Smith WR
** (23) Team Davidson - Marion Barber RB
(24) Team Donaldson - Greg Jennings WR
2nd – Marian the Barbarian. I really wanted either Wayne or Jennings for WR, since I was at the 2 spot I thought one would be available in the 3rd. I was wrong. Anyway when I did my one man mock I had Barber as a 1st round selection and not in any draft has he gone that high, sometimes going as late as the 3rd round and this makes no sense to me. Yes Dallas will be a committee back field but Barber had his best years when Jones was running between the 20’s. ??? pick: Boldin over Calvin... bit of a reach

Round: 3
(25) Team Donaldson - Reggie Wayne WR
** (26) Team Davidson - Roddy White WR
(27) Team Amick - Ronnie Brown RB
(28) The Dudes - Peyton Manning QB
(29) Team Hesseltine - Thomas Jones RB
(30) Team Schellbach - Terrell Owens WR
(31) Team dixon - Jonathan Stewart RB
(32) Team Lebowski - Philip Rivers QB
(33) Buck Futt - Marques Colston WR
(34) Team Zielinski - Darren McFadden RB
(35) Team mcinnis - Ryan Grant RB
(36) Team Burns - Marshawn Lynch RB
3rd – A good pickup but I see a big dropoff between Wayne/Jennings and Roddy. ??? pick: most of the rb’s... Jones is too early, Stewart too early, even if McFadden is a starter could have picked up a better wr and he’d still probably be on the board

Round: 4
(37) Team Burns - Dwayne Bowe WR
(38) Team mcinnis - Tony Gonzalez TE
(39) Team Zielinski - DeSean Jackson WR
(40) Buck Futt - Jason Witten TE
(41) Team Lebowski - Pierre Thomas RB
(42) Team dixon - T.J. Houshmandzadeh WR
(43) Team Schellbach - Wes Welker WR
(44) Team Hesseltine - Kurt Warner QB
(45) The Dudes - Roy E. Williams WR
(46) Team Amick - Brandon Marshall WR
** (47) Team Davidson - Aaron Rodgers QB
(48) Team Donaldson - Knowshon Moreno RB
4th – I don’t like taking qb’s this early, but having 2 solid RB’s and the next 4-5 wr’s were of the same caliber, so I reached a bit. ??? pick: way to high for Desean.

Round: 5
(49) Team Donaldson - Vincent Jackson WR
** (50) Team Davidson - Braylon Edwards WR
(51) Team Amick - Donovan McNabb QB
(52) The Dudes - Antonio Gates TE
(53) Team Hesseltine - Derrick Ward RB
(54) Team Schellbach - Joseph Addai RB
(55) Team dixon - Reggie Bush RB
(56) Team Lebowski - Larry Johnson RB
(57) Buck Futt - Tony Romo QB
(58) Team Zielinski - Willie Parker RB
(59) Team mcinnis - Chad Ochocinco WR
(60) Team Burns - Matt Ryan QB
5th – If he can learn to catch, steal of the draft. ??? pick: none

Round: 6
(61) Team Burns - Antonio Bryant WR
(62) Team mcinnis - LenDale White RB
(63) Team Zielinski - Dallas Clark TE
(64) Buck Futt - Santonio Holmes WR
(65) Team Lebowski - Jay Cutler QB
(66) Team dixon - John Carlson TE
(67) Team Schellbach - Lee Evans WR
(68) Team Hesseltine - Hines Ward WR
(69) The Dudes - Cedric Benson RB
(70) Team Amick - Owen Daniels TE
** (71) Team Davidson - Ray Rice RB
(72) Team Donaldson - Matt Schaub QB
6th- If this were a real draft I would likely take Felix, just so I’d have the Dallas backfield no matter what, however getting Rice who is projected to start for the team that runs the most is a great value pick. ??? pick: Carlson before Daniels or Cooley or Olsen,

Round: 7
(73) Team Donaldson - Eddie Royal WR
** (74) Team Davidson - Anthony Gonzalez WR
(75) Team Amick - Jamal Lewis RB
(76) The Dudes - Bernard Berrian WR
(77) Team Hesseltine - Chris Cooley TE
(78) Team Schellbach - Ahmad Bradshaw RB
(79) Team dixon - Felix Jones RB
(80) Team Lebowski - Greg Olsen TE
(81) Buck Futt - Steelers D/ST D/ST
(82) Team Zielinski - Matt Cassel QB
(83) Team mcinnis - Donald Brown RB
(84) Team Burns - Santana Moss WR
7th – Looking at predraft rankings this is a stretch with ~5-10 wr’s ahead but, here’s where you have to do your own rankings, a solid #3wr. ??? pick: none.

Round: 8
(85) Team Burns - Giants D/ST D/ST
(86) Team mcinnis - Devin Hester WR
(87) Team Zielinski - Darren Sproles RB
(88) Buck Futt - Julius Jones RB
(89) Team Lebowski - Torry Holt WR
(90) Team dixon - Carson Palmer QB
(91) Team Schellbach - Kevin Walter WR
(92) Team Hesseltine - Ben Roethlisberger QB
(93) The Dudes - LeSean McCoy RB
(94) Team Amick - Chris Wells RB
** (95) Team Davidson - Steve Breaston WR
(96) Team Donaldson - Bobby Engram WR
8th – One injury away from having a huge year. ??? pick: Bobby Engram, he’s like the #3 wr on a bad team.

Round: 9
(97) Team Donaldson - Earnest Graham RB
** (98) Team Davidson - Matt Hasselbeck QB
(99) Team Amick - Donald Driver WR
(100) The Dudes - Chester Taylor RB
(101) Team Hesseltine - Jerricho Cotchery WR
(102) Team Schellbach - Titans D/ST D/ST
(103) Team dixon - Laveranues Coles WR
(104) Team Lebowski - Rashard Mendenhall RB
(105) Buck Futt - Lance Moore WR
(106) Team Zielinski - Fred Taylor RB
(107) Team mcinnis - Percy Harvin WR
(108) Team Burns - Kellen Winslow TE
9th – I actually think he could be the Rivers of 2009. Last year Rivers was going in the 8-9th round and was a top 5 qb at the end of the year. Hasselbeck may not be a top 5 but could do better than Rodgers and is someone I’m targeting this year. The other late round qb – Carson Palmer. ??? pick: the guy Palmer is throwing too – Coles, I think is a steal in this round. He can be a great possesion reciever and if Palmer stays healthy easily 1000 yds, so not really a questionable pick but more of a bravo pick, as in I should have taken him rather than Breaston.

Round: 10
(109) Team Burns - Eli Manning QB
(110) Team mcinnis - Michael Bush RB
(111) Team Zielinski - Ravens D/ST D/ST
(112) Buck Futt - Ted Ginn Jr. WR
(113) Team Lebowski - Donnie Avery WR
(114) Team dixon - Michael Crabtree WR
(115) Team Schellbach - Zach Miller TE
(116) Team Hesseltine - Le'Ron McClain RB
(117) The Dudes - Derrick Mason WR
(118) Team Amick - Eagles D/ST D/ST
** (119) Team Davidson - Fred Jackson RB (Part 2)
(120) Team Donaldson - Jerious Norwood RB
10th – Just adding depth. Key is picking players who if there’s an injury can step up. ??? pick: too late in the draft and I’m tired no more questionable picks.

Round: 11
(121) Team Donaldson - Dustin Keller TE
** (122) Team Davidson - Vikings D/ST D/ST
(123) Team Amick - Willis McGahee RB
(124) The Dudes - Jets D/ST D/ST
(125) Team Hesseltine - Kyle Orton QB
(126) Team Schellbach - David Garrard QB
(127) Team dixon - Domenik Hixon WR
(128) Team Lebowski - Tim Hightower RB
(129) Buck Futt - Trent Edwards QB
(130) Team Zielinski - Kevin Curtis WR
(131) Team mcinnis - Shonn Greene RB
(132) Team Burns - Patrick Crayton WR
11th – A solid D really late in the draft showing you don’t need to reach.

Round: 12
(133) Team Burns - Sammy Morris RB
(134) Team mcinnis - Miles Austin WR
(135) Team Zielinski - Ricky Williams RB
(136) Buck Futt - Chris Chambers WR
(137) Team Lebowski - Leon Washington RB
(138) Team dixon - Dolphins D/ST D/ST
(139) Team Schellbach - Muhsin Muhammad WR
(140) Team Hesseltine - Panthers D/ST D/ST
(141) The Dudes - Jason Campbell QB
(142) Team Amick - Justin Gage WR
** (143) Team Davidson - Ladell Betts RB
(144) Team Donaldson - Patriots D/ST D/ST
12th – See comment on Round 10.

Round: 13
(145) Team Donaldson - Steve Smith WR
** (146) Team Davidson - Brent Celek TE
(147) Team Amick - Jake Delhomme QB
(148) The Dudes - Joey Galloway WR
(149) Team Hesseltine - Kevin Boss TE
(150) Team Schellbach - Stephen Gostkowski K
(151) Team dixon - Ryan Longwell K
(152) Team Lebowski - Bears D/ST D/ST
(153) Buck Futt - Jeremy Maclin WR
(154) Team Zielinski - Laurence Maroney RB
(155) Team mcinnis - Chargers D/ST D/ST
(156) Team Burns - David Akers K
13th – No more LJ Smith and Philly likes dumping to the TE, he’s a reach but could be solid

Round: 14
(157) Team Burns - Shaun Hill QB
(158) Team mcinnis - Nate Kaeding K
(159) Team Zielinski - Mason Crosby K
(160) Buck Futt - Deion Branch WR
(161) Team Lebowski - T.J. Duckett RB
(162) Team dixon - Tony Scheffler TE
(163) Team Schellbach - Chad Pennington QB
(164) Team Hesseltine - Jason Elam K
(165) The Dudes - Jamaal Charles RB
(166) Team Amick - Jeremy Shockey TE
** (167) Team Davidson - Josh Morgan WR
(168) Team Donaldson - Neil Rackers K
14th – He’s on everyone’s sleeper list, and though I don’t agree he’ll be great, with no Crabtree might be a steal or at least trade bait.

Round: 15
(169) Team Donaldson - Greg Camarillo WR
** (170) Team Davidson - Visanthe Shiancoe TE
(171) Team Amick - Michael Jenkins WR
(172) The Dudes - John Kasay K
(173) Team Hesseltine - Joe Flacco QB
(174) Team Schellbach - Nick Folk K
(175) Team dixon - Rob Bironas K
(176) Team Lebowski - Limas Sweed WR
(177) Buck Futt - Heath Miller TE
(178) Team Zielinski - Robbie Gould K
(179) Team mcinnis - Mike Walker WR
(180) Team Burns - Redskins D/ST D/ST
15th – Hardly ever take 2 TE’s but with the uncertainty of celek here’s a dependable TE.

Round: 16
(181) Team Burns - Nate Washington WR
(182) Team mcinnis - Kevin Jones RB
(183) Team Zielinski - Justin Fargas RB
(184) Buck Futt - Garrett Hartley K
(185) Team Lebowski - Kris Brown K
(186) Team dixon - Sage Rosenfels QB
(187) Team Schellbach - Bo Scaife TE
(188) Team Hesseltine - Correll Buckhalter RB
(189) The Dudes - Vernon Davis TE
(190) Team Amick - Josh Scobee K
** (191) Team Davidson - Joe Nedney K
(192) Team Donaldson - Nate Burleson WR
16th – He’s a kicker and I never expect to keep 1 kicker all the way through, so random.

I am really surprised this year with the way non rb’s are going. In this draft of the top 12 picks, 2 were QB, 2 WR. Which is a bit odd, but if your picking number 1 by the time you get your second pick in a 12 team league I’d be betting that Brady/Brees/Peyton are gone and 5 wr’s too... (Fitz/Johnson/Moss/Johnson and 1 of Smith/Wayne/Jennings).

What this tells me is that the dreaded middle of the draft 5-8, could be a power spot this year, getting a top back/top wr/qb, and in the 3rd round still plenty of good rb’s left, sounds great to me.... Picking up Pierre/Grant/Smith is a possibility and as long as you don’t blow it in the middle rounds your team should be looking pretty good.

So if picking 5-8 is good then what’s bad. Well 1-4 your going to get a solid rb. 9-12 though, now your getting a good rb’s but with question marks. Is LT going to get back to old form? Can this rb duplicate his 2008 season (Deangelo/Slaton/Johnson). Then with the 2nd round you almost have to go wr, which means you’ll get a top guy but the problem with wr’s is unlike rb’s where you just have to worry about that player getting injured, you also have to worry about the qb.

Fitz is great until Warner gets hurt and Leinart steps in. same thing with Andre Johnson... anyone know who the back up qb is in Houston? I’m sure we’ll find out since Schaub can’t stay healthy... I think it’s mccown(Ed. Note - Or possibly the Sex Cannon, Rex Grossman)?? Point is much more risk with high end wr than high end rb.

Years before you could grab 2 rb’s and still get a top 10 wr for your pick in the 3rd round, this year...if you want a decent #1 you’r going to have to pick them in the 2nd round.

Fantasy Football Spreadsheets - Yeah, That's How We Roll

Good news sports nerds, the Sports As Life Fantasy Football guru Trebor is back from hiatus (also known as "having a kid"). Thanks in part to the criminally bad Sports As Life paternity leave policy, Trebor has been hard at work over the past few weeks on a one-man fantasy football draft. Too early for fantasy football you say? Feh! That's precisely the kind of attitude that leads to your consistently terrible fantasy teams. It's never too early to bone up - so let's get to boning...


This is my one man draft. It was done about 3 weeks ago, and then I came back to it and made some notes. This is the first time that I've done this, even though at this point in my life I've never been busier. But after all the winnings last year, I have a standard to uphold. The only research done on my part is checking out NFL.com once a week to see if there's any noteworthy news. I'm sure after digging around about how coaches have changed and formations and how the team drafted the postions would change considerably but it's too early to get into all that information.

(Ed. Note - Click to enlarge)

I would recommend it to any one who takes the fantasy thing seriously. It gives you a chance to go through the players well in advance - instead of a week before saying, what he plays for them now... interesting?? Also you get an idea of and get comfortable with your draft strategy. I purposefully chose Fitz in the 1st round just to see how the rest of the draft would unfold for that team. After doing the draft, I went back to it a couple of weeks later and reviewed it, as well ranked the teams. Everyone's ranking will be different but it gives you chance to see if going with rb/rb the first 2 picks is the best, or maybe just grabbing the best available, or making sure you get a rb along with top 5 wr and qb. You can also see what happens when you reach and grab that high risk/ high reward player.

Meagan Fox + Vancouver Canucks + John Olerud = This Post

Good day - Trebor stops by with a record-shattering third hockey post in as many days, and discusses living as a Canucks fan in hostile waters...


To be a fan of those guys skating around with a “C” on their jersey is tough. Even though I now live in Calgary, I’m not talking about the Flames but rather the Canucks, and no I was not born in Vancouver. I’ll give you a few seconds to settle down form the shock………

Really, I need to give you that pause because it seems pure blasphemy for saying I’m a Canucks fan and for saying I’m not a Flames fan even though I’m in Cowtown. The looks of bewilderment I get, kinda like when people think about why this girl:






















Is with B.A.G:





















I just felt like posting a pic, so it may not be like that at all but... enjoy. This last one isn’t from a magazine shoot or anything just walking down the street.




















I’ve noticed lately, maybe because everyone starts getting more interested in hockey now'a days, that the question comes up more often. I’m asked what team I cheer for, upon my answer I get a puzzling look usually followed by ‘I thought you’re from Saskatchewan’, or ‘I didn’t know you lived in Vancouver.’ Why???

If I said I was an Oilers fan, I would get a shake of the head maybe a pump of the fist, but there’s an understanding. A Maple Leafs fan would get a chuckle, even a Canadians fan makes more sense to people than someone cheering for the Canucks. This isn’t just a Calgarian thing either, when I lived in Regina/Estevan the same reactions. It has gotten to point of needing to know why?

My only reprieve to this shocking behavior was from a trip I took on the weekend to Prince George. There were Canuck fans, I didn’t feel left out. There were no questions of how dare I cheer for a non-Alberta team. Even though according to a map Edmonton and Calgary are closer than Vancouver.

I should say that I’m not a big hockey fan, but sometime after the All-Star break I start getting into the games more. Maybe because I like the idea that every game means something. Yes I know 1 point may decide who goes to the playoffs in the end, but it’s hard getting excited over a 3 game winning streak to start the season when there’s 79 games to go. A 3 game win streak when there’s 10 games to go... different story.

Throughout the season when I have time I’ll log onto a sports page and check scores and news stories and it’s usually centered around 2 teams: the Canucks and the Penguins. Down the stretch though I’ll start paying more attention to the Canucks and their race, be it for the playoffs or for the division title (thanks Pylon Dion Phaneuf... maybe that’s unfair, the whole team has been shaky though it seems most games you can find a clip of Dion being skated around like the skates were cement.



A bit old but the laugh is awesome.

Anyway back to the question I always get ’Why the canucks?’ - and the first answer that comes to me is “Trevor Linden” there aren’t many Trevor’s in sports (Cause we're lazy! Well that’s what the baby name book says) that I’m aware of, it’s not like Chris, so I had to cheer for him.

Also I really got introduced to hockey via pro deck trading card phenom which for me was early 90’s. This is also true for baseball and I'm not sure why, but the player I remember the most from back then was John Olerud. Not sure if his card was hard to get or I liked him because he was funny looking like me, but he’s the player that I think of when I think baseball cards. So yeah the trading card frenzy coincided with the Canucks big playoff run, losing to the Rangers in game 7, some 15 years ago.

So in a nutshell that’s the reason why. I thought I’d throw that out - because if you're going to be a fan there should be some reason, even if it’s just that my dad was a fan of this team... so I became one.

Anyway the point of all this ramblings is about to come to fruition. I know there are some hockey fans that read this blog, fans of the Flames (Ed. Note - That was goaltender interference!!1!1), of the Oilers, of the fro... Canadians and to them I ask: why is that it’s such a shock to people when they find out I’m a Canucks fan and I’m not from the island?

Now I’ll answer what I can see some people saying right off the bat... cause they suck. So other than that, is it that they don’t have as much history? The only thing I can think of is the towel waving being a Canuck thing, though it was waved as a flag for surrendering to the refs terrible game calling, not like it’s used today. Though maybe it’s cause they’ve never won the cup???

(At the one minute mark)


Being from the Canadian prairies, the team I cheer for pretty much has to be Canadian, and the only Canadian team without a cup is the Canucks. Is that why it’s hard to believe that someone is a fan? I wish I knew and maybe someone with more wisdom and knowledge of the game can help out.

This was supposed to come prior to the start of the playoffs but oh well, just don’t want people thinking I’m jumping on their bandwagon when they come out of the West and finally take the cup……

Speaking of bandwagons... There was a poll and 36% of the people in Calgary think the Flames will win the series. If they win game 1 I wonder how much that number will change - a guy at work is betting for 90% believe they’ll win the Cup.
(Ed. Note - Trebor sent this before the game last night, but I wasn't able to put it up until this morning. The poll number will probably be at about 15% today.)

Trebor Does Dallas

Not to be outdone by my shameless homerism, Trebor stops by today to discuss the current state of the Dallas Cowboys and their plans for the future. Here's his take:

My fellow [Cowboy Fans]: I stand here today humbled by the task before us, grateful for the trust [Jerry has bestowed upon me], that we are in the midst of crisis is now well understood. Our [fans are at war with a blonde singer/actress with a big mouth and huge jugs]. Our [Offense is badly weakened, a consequence of having too much talent and greed and irresponsibility on the part of some] but also our [special teams are far from special a collective failure to make tackles and not take stupid penalties.]

Today I say to you that the challenges we face are real, they are serious and they are many. They will not be met easily or in a short span of time. But know this [Cowboy Fans]: They will be met. [We will win a playoff game before the Lions].

This is the journey we continue today. We remain the most prosperous, [popular team in America]. Our capacity remains undiminished. But our time of standing by and doing just enough, [settling for mediocrity] and putting off unpleasant decisions - that time has surely passed.

Starting today, we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and begin again the work of remaking [The Cowboys].

All this we can do. All this we will do.

-----------------------------------

This is what I dreamed of, and it wasn’t Wade Phillips delivering this speech but rather an unknown shadowy figure that has yet to been revealed. May not agree with his stimulus plan (308 billion in discretionary spending??) but Obama knows how to talk.

I got to listen to the event live as I was recovering from surgery that day and besides the thought of where is the Obama equivalent in Canada (none of the leaders here inspire anything [Ed. Note - Truer words were never spoken]), was imagine him as a coach and the inspiration he could give players. You hear stories of some of the great coaches and their half time talks, or lack there of (leaving the Superbowl ring on the table and walking out...awesome). I see Wade and can’t help to compare him to George, stammering his way through sentences, making up sayings that don’t make sense and doing a little laugh.

Anyway this big topic is what’s going to happen with Terrell Owens. Should he be cut, traded. To both I say no, he is a distraction and I’m sure his new TV show isn’t going to help things but he’s still got the skills and will remain a threat.

If Jerry is looking at that option, it’s a tough one, because what team would take him. What would you get a 1st round and 3rd round pick ?? Then there’s probably a select few who would actually want the ego in their locker room. Maybe Al Davis wants another shot at an elite wideout. If you can’t trade him you can't cut him. He’s also too good to just let go so keep him for another year, plus I believe by cutting the salary cap would take a hit for what is owed to him.

The Owens/Williams/Witten line could work and could be great. Though not as great as what Jerry thought, because he paid way to much for Roy. And put the team in a bad position for 2009. With Housh likely available that would have been a far better pick.

What the Cowboys need is to get rid of Wade. Sure Jerry said the coaching staff is in place but he quickly went back on that getting rid of the defensive coach and the special teams coach, so why not Wade. With the defensive coach it was Wade’s forte, he wanted a bigger part and too many cooks in the kitchen your left with giving up 44 points in a must win game.

Moving Wade down to defensive coordinator would be great, but would never happen. It’s like a job, if you get demoted you're looking for another job. The demotion itself may not be bad, but going to work with the same guys in that lesser role is tough. So either he’s head coach or gone fishin'. Which would mean only having Garrett stay on with the team.

Promote Garrett??? No, I’m not overly impressed with what he’s done on offense considering the talent that has been given to him. There lacks a certain creativity in his play calling, I’m no Madden extraordinaire but even I could do a good job of calling what play the Cowboys are going to run and I’m not that smart.

Shanahan is out there and originally I was thinking that he would be what the team needs. A no nonsense coach, be able to give the team some leadership. He would have a big back to work with and 2 good back-up options, which would be hell for fantasy owners, but he wouldn’t be changing much in the run first philosophy. The problem might be is that Denver was a zone blocking team, with small o-lineman, Dallas doesn’t have a small O-line. It may not be a big issue considering the talent in the backfield, but I think it’s a pipe dream to get Mike in Dallas, unless he’s still out there in November. If Dallas falters out of the gate I don’t see Wade lasting long.

I think where Dallas needs to improve is on Defense. There are some options out there that may work for them. First of all get a safety, Roy Williams aka Mr. horse-collar, isn’t an option anymore at safety. He’s paid right now like an elite safety which he is not, maybe in a different scheme he can flourish, but not in the 3-4, he’s said so himself. Not sure what I do with my Williams jersey if he’s gone, but there are a lot of safeties out there that could help.

Look at free agents out there. Dawkins is another pipe dream, because he’s likely staying in Philly. Landry might be an option because Baltimore has a lot of UFA’s- Ray Lewis (talk about later), Bart Scott and Terrell Suggs (Ed. Note - Suggs franchised today). Dallas could swoop in and pick up Landry with the attention that will be given to the big 3. Jermaine Philips is an option but I’d much rather see Sean Jones from the Browns. They play the same 3-4 so he would fit in and he can get the int’s, plus he’s young and cheaper than Landry.

As mentioned Ray Lewis is a free agent, and I don’t see him leaving Baltimore. He’s said there will be no home team discount but he’s the face of that team, and maybe it’s time to change that but he’s still a top performer. Maybe he’ll go to the Jets, follow Rex, kinda like Lloyd and Gordon… maybe a place not on the radar.

Since he’s a big name of course Dallas is going to be mentioned. I thought about that right away, since Dallas needs a veteran in there to straighten things up. When TO got traded to Philly, Baltimore was in the mix and I thought he was going to end up there, but then that trade was voided and there was a big mess. At the time though TO didn’t make any friends in Baltimore and has since disrespected Lewis a few times, so it would be interesting. Would I want to see Ray in Dallas… yes and no.

I’ve always liked Ray ever since he beat that murder thing, the problem is where does he play in Dallas? He’s not quick enough to follow the speedy rb’s, you can’t have him covering TE’s. Do you move Brady James over? Can’t really let old man Thomas do that. It would be tough to find a position for him and likely can’t afford him with only 10 million in cap space. If you want a Raven, go after Landry or the newly available McAlister, though there may be issues with his health, he could be a great bargain.

Can’t mention Dallas without mentioning Romo. I like this guy, I think he’s had some bad luck and a lot is thrown on his shoulders. Everyone expects him to be Aikman and that’s not going to happen. The one fault that can be seen is his nonchalant attitude, he’s not devastated enough after a loss for fans. But he’s the starter and one of the better qb’s in the league, what Dallas needs is a qb that can step in when Romo is hurt or thinking of jess (thinking, "damm what happened"), instead of the game.

..........Jess Then......................Jess Now...........

Brad was supposed to be able to step in since he knows the system but they let him go. I’m not sure who’s out there to pick up. Chris Simms may be the only affordable choice, Leftwich may be looking but Dallas needs a qb that’s quick on his feet until the O-line blocks better and that’s not Leftwich.

In the end with the draft coming up and them with the 51st pick, they may get some talent there but nothing to help in the short term. Between the draft and the free agents, I would like to see them improve in the following priority: safety, offensive tackle (to replace Flozell), backup qb, linebacker, cornerback.

Maybe this will be the year, I’m sure they will be one of the favorites again and hopefully they win a playoff game, it’s been way to long.

Sweet, Sweet Fantasy Baby

Wow what a weekend, I was able to advance in all 4 leagues. The one league, the one that takes all my time, ended this past weekend and it was right down to the wire.

Unfortunately, The Davidson’s had the Logels over for Xmas thus Trebor missed watching the games and getting timely updates. However, with some of the early games ending it was not looking good, On his side Wayne, Clark, Rhodes all put up good numbers and the only guy I had was Andre Johnson so I was down by about 50.

Then out of nowhere KC decides not to play, Rivers goes from having 3 points to 21 quicker than this basketball going up in flames. In this league you get bonus points, so for qb if he throws over 300 that’s 17 pnts (1/ 25yrs then 5 bonus), in the last 2 minutes when Rivers threw for 160 yds and 2 td’s I was a happier than a Buccaneer at IHOP.

Some guys played in the afternoon, Deaneglo and Stewart brought my team within .5 points. We both had 1 player left, he had Eli and I had Westbrook. I was feeling pretty confident. Since Philly hates running the ball it was a close game, but Westbrook got 3.5 pnts on Monday night giving me an edge of 0.4 points. So many things could have changed the outcome and taken the $600 from my pocket… if Eli doesn’t heave up that last second INT, if Andre catches 1 less pass and doesn’t break the 200 yrd mark… If Chris Brown doesn’t miss that field goal. So many things once again hitting the point home that there’s a lot of luck involved.

My NFL league I’m a 5 point favorite and ?? I really just joined that league because I like the updates better than yahoo. Winning would bring a smile to my face because as in seemingly every nfl.com league 2 guys who presumably don’t know each other make the worst trade. Right after Romo got hurt and the week Boldin was coming back, the one guy trades away Romo and Breaston, for Randy Moss and Rivers. My opponent is the benefactor of that trade, oh how I want to win.

This week I’m also favored to win the championship game in our very own Sports As Life league, though the previous 2 outings against this foe I have lost. However, I have made some changes to my lineup (how Pierre Thomas was available??), sitting Warner could be bad decision though with snow in the forecast against NE, he could be disastrous even though Oaktown just scored how many points against the Pats. It should be close thanks to Dallas Clark.

Also have my espn league where I’m favored by 40 pnts this week but it’s a 2 week playoff game so who knows how that will end.

All of this is some might say is bragging and I wouldn’t argue with that, but more so just to show that the Sports As Life fantasy guru isn’t just some bum off the street (Ed. Note - As opposed to the rest of the Sports As Life staff?). Well I used to be but not anymore, like the Dolphins rising up to glory after so long in the gutter. Did anyone think they would be better than KC this year, let alone the Patriots??? Anyway nothing but the best are hired, though that college guy still hasn’t answered my question…. How can the offensive player (a qb) of the year not be the top qb of the year?? It’s probably something stupid along the lines of the BCS system but I still want to know.

With most leagues ending or over for most I thought there would be no point doing a sit start thing, but rather a question to those readers. Is anyone interested in a playoff fantasy league? I know a couple out there from my other leagues but one can be created fairly easily by say, the editor.

These work a bit different as there is no draft and individual defensive players are usually picked. In a standard league you’d pick:

2 qb’s
2 rb’s
3 wr’s
1 Te
1 Flex
2 K’s
2 DL
2 LB
2 DB

Points for offensive players is the same and defense you get points for tackles, Forced fumbles, INT, sacks.

What makes it different is the fact that there can be 2 teams with the exact same roster, you can also just pick one team. If you think the J-E-T-S are going all the way then you can load up on all jet players and then throw in some NFC players. (note they aren’t going all the way, Favre stinks… besides that one game where he threw 5 TD’s he’s been very mediocre.)

Last year it wasn’t that interesting because everyone had New England players. So most people had Brady, maroney, Moss, welker, Watson, Gostkowski. Then the difference would be one guy liked Green Bay, another guy like Dallas or whoever.

Your picking guys from teams that you think will go far, however they don’t need to be playing in the superbowl to win the league for you. If you think Dallas as wildcard should win their 1st game and their 2nd but then lose in the conference finals. That means they play 3 games, the same amount that Pittsburgh or one of the other first round bye teams might play. The max any team will play is 4, which was the case with the giants last year.

There’s a few things to consider that make it interesting, say Tennessee playing 3 games I for one would say their offensive stars would be about the same as Arizona’s stars in 2 games. Pittsburgh and Baltimore are in that same boat with no offense so picking their players is risky.

Adding in Defensive players is also fun since last year for 2nd place it came down to 2 players. One team had Adalius Thomas and the other had Brusci, all the other players were either the same or had been eliminated. Because of a sack at the end of the superbowl, the team with Thomas won by 1 pnt or something like that.

Anyway let if there’s enough interest maybe Ed. will create a league again, or if you want to know more just let me know. the other great thing is there’s no limit in size in the leagues. One league has 17 teams already and it will probably have more so people can join up at any time. There’s almost always something on the line $10, $20... since there’s no limit people usually throw in 2 teams.

So I finally got the video uploaded… this is what Rob and I tried doing last weekend, looks like fun, however since we were boarding we thought we need a bigger chute and well it ended up looking like this .

Sweet, Sweet Fantasy Baby

(ED. NOTE - The editor is too tired to edit, so here's Sweet, Sweet Fantasy Baby in the raw)

Well well well, the playoffs are here and for some gone. Last week I suffered a defeat in the first round in my keeper league. I could blame it on Addai, Wayne, Gore & Romo who didn’t perform or I can say if I sat romo for shaun hill, or played deangelo hall instead of coleman. I was averaging 105 pnts per week, last week 75 and only lost by 5.5. It was a rough loss but I’m still in all the other leagues..hopefully going to the final round in my espn league and winning the big one this weekend (16 teams $120/team…big prize).

I try not to look at this point of the game what my matchups are and what the opponents are. As far as your own team this should have been done before the trade deadline and if you didn’t like it something should have been done back then. Now there’s nothing to do and last week was an example of match-ups being deceiving. By match-ups I was getting blown out: Addai vs cincy, warner vs rams, colston vs atla, cotchery vs SF. Meanwhile I had westbrook vs NY (less than 50 yds first time they played), deangelo vs TB, Andre vs GB, Rivers vs Oak. The game in the end wasn’t even close 150 – 40 (rounded) for this guy. Pretty much all of his players did the bare minimum, whereas I had huge performances. Who knew that TB was that bad against the run..suddenly the witten for stewart trade pays off.

People get in trouble when it’s playoff time, going with a mediocre player with a great matchup over a guy that is a proven star with just a so-so matchup, or a star who’s in a slump. Being burnt by sitting Steven Jackson in week 6 (whatever week he went off for 30 pnts), isn’t even comparable to losing in the playoffs with him on the bench and producing. So am I going to sit Andre Johnson cause he plays against tennesee for koren robinson who gets the rams…NO. Yeah robinson could have a big game but trust me you won’t be kicking yourself because you didn’t start a #3 wr for your top guy..pissed of yes but it’s about giving yourself the best opportunity. If you like risks then play the match-ups but it’s not for me.

So to write something I looked at the match-ups this week and saw that in 3 leagues I have 3 of the same players playing this week. 2 have great match-ups 1 an alright match-up. Westbrook, and indy defense could get me 50 pnts, then the 3rd is andre. If mcnab decides that he wants to throw 70 times this week..I’m screwed or if Indy overlooks the lions I could be done. Also in 2 leagues I’m playing against teams with the pitts defense and chris Johnson (good thing Lendal probably won’t play).

If your looking for some advice short and sweet..game by game. Again no pictures cause I’m tired and sore from boarding in louise and still have to go shovel the 20 cm of snow we got last night.

TB – ATL : Sit-Turner the Burner and Matt Ryan, Garcia
Start- Roddy White, Bryant

Was – Cincy : Start – Portis, Moss, Housh

Ten – Houston : Sit – Schaub
Start – Gage

GB – Jags: Start – Rodgers, MJD
Sit – Garrard

Sf – Miami: Sit- Ronnie, Foster (If he’s a starter)
Start – Pennington, Bruce

Seattle – Rmas: Start – Branch, Morris, Jacson, Bulger

Buff- NYJ : Start- Favre, Jones
Sit – lynch, Evans

SD- KC : Start Thigpen, Rivers, LT
Sit – LJ

Detroit- Indy: Start – Any Indy offensive player
Sit – Calvin Johnson

Minny – Arzizona: Start- AP
Sit – Warner, any Arz rb. ( I’m saying sit warner cause though he will throw for 200+ yds and 2-3 Td’s I see turnovers, he’s also likely better than most #2 qb’s out there so ….

Pitts – Baltimore : I’d start no one here

Denver – Carolina : Start – Carolina rb’s, Cutler, Marshall
Sit – Delhomme

NE – Oakland: Sit – Cassel
Start – Morris

NYG – Dallas : Sit – Choice (I’m assuming Barber’s out), Eli
Start – Romo, Owens

Browns – Philly : Start- Mcnab

No real stretches out there but one thing I did just remember. It came to me when I was writing the Dallas game, and that was Jerry calling out Marian the Barbarian and I am glad he did. I know it doesn’t look good, but your team needs you . Challenging a guys toughness is ideal but jerry and the fans see the qb trying to play with a broken finger, the year before a wr with a broken thumb, then a guy with a dislocated toe and he’s out for the most important games???

With Marian out though there is a terrible trend that just serves as a reminder that you can know everything and say this is a skill, but like poker there’s luck involved. This week the following rb’s are likely out. Addai, Gore, Marian, Jacobs, Lendal. There’s also a host that have already been injured and out or that are banged up and may not finish the game. All of the guys listed though could have been #1 rb on someones team.

It’s luck when you’re the #5 in the draft you want addai, but the guy in the 4 spot takes him and leaves you with Westbrook. At the time your like oh well he’s still good. Then he gets hurt midway, you stick with him though and now he’s one of the top players down the stretch meanwhile that guy who took addai..probably out of the playoffs.

Good luck to all in the playoffs except for the editor. No even to him, though if you win I want it to be because Boldin gets those 7 Td’s, and not because of huge performances by Chris or Pitts.

Sweet, Sweet Fantasy Baby

Well I was going to do the re-draft thing this week, as when I got back to Canada I found out that the election 2 months ago didn’t matter. So then it was going to be a whole new draft starting today and who to take. However, I brought back the New York flu and energy has been drained so something simple.

Most leagues should be in playoffs by now, in my espn league I’m in week 3. So the team has got you to the big show or let you down, either way unless there’s huge injuries your team is finalized and you got who you got.

Because of time I’m going old school, no pics

RB

Clinton Portis – What was it like 5 - 6 weeks ago people were saying if you redrafted portis would be the #1 back or top 2 at least. He didn’t fool me and though there wasn’t any redraft I can say told you so. He’s always had injuries but he made it through the first half, imagine if you would have traded him away for a #2 rb and top wr…the possibilities. He’s hurt and playing against one of the best run defenses. I don’t see him getting much running room or playing time - SIT

Ronnie Brown – before I left one reader asked about Ronnie to which I said he’s a time share running back now. Since then nothing has changed and going into Buffalo the weather will be terrible, wait is this the week they play in Toronto. I was going to go with a low scoring game but indoor on turf…I’d still sit Ronnie he’s a #3 rb this week - SIT

Chester Taylor - Yes Adrian is the starter and will get 100+ and 1-2 Td’s, however the Lions stink. I believe in the past 4 games in 3 of those games the opposing teams #1 and #2 backs both got 100+ yds. Also Chester has been doing great the past few weeks, has a nose for the endzone even with his limited touches – START

Peyton Hillis - It used to be that any Denver rb would be a top back because of their offensive scheme and blocking. Then Portis left what 4 years ago and since then Denver hasn’t had a #1 back, Shanahan has screwed with fantasy owners by having 2-3 rb’s and rotating who gets the carries. Well because of 4 injuries Hillis is the last guy, no time share and he’s doing what you expect of a Bronco rb. He ran over the Jets last week and this week is KC. – START

QB

Romo – Almost every football site you see something saying about Romo this week because he’s playing Pittsburgh. If he’s on your team you drafted him to be your guy, you likely don’t have Jay Cutler as a back-up so don’t go and pick up a guy on waivers. JP Losman did fine against the fins last time and he could lite it up again but his ceiling is like 200 yds and 2-3 Td’s. Romo yes, has a bad match-up but his ceiling is so much higher it’s worth the risk. START

Thigpen – Denver as of late has played better on defense lately but Thigpen isn’t that bad of a qb and he should be able to find some holes. He’d be a qood guy to have if your starter has a bad matchup this week. START

Cassell – I went away and this guy is putting up 400 yrd games. Good thing I had him sitting on the bench for Kyle Orton. Last week not good but that was more of the defense I believe. This week it’s Seattle and he may not get back to 400 yrds but he’ll put up some numbers. START

Garrard – This guy is having an awful year. He was one of my targeted qb’s going in to draft week and luckily he was always taken before I wanted to take a qb. This week he’s playing against Chicago and don’t expect much. The only receiver is Matt Jones - still not suspended. SIT

Peyton – What to do with this guy? You're starting him of course but last week against the Browns he didn’t do anything, who’s to say this week will be better? One thing though I like his new commercial. “You're going down Manning ”– “Yep 4th floor gonna get me one of the massages.”

Eli – Well talked about one manning, might as well mention the other. He’s been playing good as of late even without Sherrif Plaxico in their. I think the pass rush of Philly gets to Manning and without a legit deep threat the Giants offense will struggle. SIT

WR

Laveraneus Coles – Favre and the offense should play better. SF has a decent run defense so it will be done in the air. I’m hoping it’s not Cotchery so then it’s gotta be Coles. START

Hines Ward - Adam Jones is back for Dallas and Ward hasn’t been that great so I’m sitting, not only Ward but Santonio to, if Pittsburgh gets yards it’s going to be on the ground. – SIT

Calvin Johnson - Minny gets to roll through Detorit this week. I don’t really understand the whole restraining order but the Williams' get to stay and that doesn’t bode well for Detroit. You gotta believe Calvin will be double teamed and though he wont get shut out he shouldn’t put up big numbers. SIT

Marvin Harrison - He’s got all of his TD’s at home so if your going to start him it has to be when they play in Indy. Also going against Cincy you gotta believe everyone on offense has a great chance of getting a TD this week. START

Sweet, Sweet Fantasy Baby

Ed. Note - Apologies to Trebor for posting this late. At least this way, you can read his predictions against what actually happened and then fire away at him in the comments.


Well I took some time off from fantasy predictions for awhile as in all 5 leagues I was trying to make trades and improve my team for the stretch. In a couple leagues people not responding in time meant the trade deadline passed, in 2 leagues it was prior to the Thursday night game, but oh well.

This post will be suicide, it’s not the best move sure to backfire but hey whatever. In the 5 leagues I’m in there’s only 1 that I’m not confident of winning and that’s the one that I had to autopick. In the NFL.com, 2 yahoo’s and rtsports leagues I like the team I have and really like my chances.

In the NFL.com I picked up Reggie Bush as my #3 rb… the first two are Westbrook and Thomas Jones. Though some weeks I’ll sit the wrong guy... with those 3 I’m pretty happy. Warner is qb and as long as he stays healthy and doesn’t start fumbling I should be good.

In the Sports As Life pool, Warner is at the helm… actually in the 4 leagues I’m doing good Warner is involved. I may not be in the top as far as matchup record goes, but the points for is what I look at. Any week your guys can underperform and you lose a game you shouldn’t but, the avg points per week is indicative, being 100 points above is an average of 10 points per week. So even if one of the 3 running backs… Westbrook, Jacobs, or Jones gets nothing, should still win. Now with Dallas Clark and the easy Indy schedule down the road, all the positions are solid.

In the Keeper league I’m 3rd and 2nd in points, though maybe it’s cockiness I think I have the best team. I got to the top with Addai sitting on the bench for the last while, Greg Jennings and Wayne not doing much and room hurt. I’m not sure about Jennings turning things around but Addai and Wayne in case you still haven’t looked…look at the Indy schedule down the road, in every league I was trying to get Indy players.

In the big 16 team league… my team will be tied to Westbrook. I’m 2nd in points and though there are some good teams out there I’m fairly confident I’ll be playing the last week. If Westbrook gets hurt though, I’m done for. I was trying to trade for buckhalter, the deal would have been Andre Johnson, Plaxico, Chester taylor for Boldin, Galloway and Buckhalter. If this guy had a decent #2 wr, then yeah this trade wouldn’t happen but Galloway is his #2 so the deal would make sense, and he was going to accept but he forgot about the deadline… that bastard. Oh in case your wondering why Chester and Buckhalter would be owned this league has 16 teams and you can start 3 rb’s so every starter and every backup is on someone’s roster. This can be fun and irritating, as it’s hard when an injury happens on your team but fun in the fact that this is an active league with 1-2 trades per week.

So heading into the second half of the season with playoffs starting in a couple of weeks, this has been one of the best years, but anything can change. Like yesterday instead of chanting Hennnnnnn-riiiiiiiii it was more like Henri, Henri, Henri.

It was kind of odd going to a game not really wanting to cheer for either team, but did get to see that drunk rider fans aren’t the only ones that act stupid. A guy with his wife and kid was kicked out cause he was throwing seeds, peanuts, beer… it looked like he was going to throw his shoe one time too. Great example. I also did see a guy after getting in a fight take on a cop at the c-train. A crowd eventually came about, but I’m sure I heard the zzzzz.zzzzz of a taser, which I could have seen that.

Anyway to the picks.


So Brady’s noy playing but I think this week Cassell will have a Brady like performance and should be a start. Thomas Jones though some might not like against a tough run defense should do fine. For sits... go with Coles and Ben-e-green even though he’s got td’s in the past 4 games… Sammy Morris is coming back and too many personnel back there.

On the other side.


No comment about this one. But with the game. #1 offense against the #32 defense seems like a pretty easy one and I’m sure it will be. For Seattle though Hasselbeck might be back and who knows he may open things up. Koren Robinson has a bit of a td streak going and in deep league I am starting him. Julius would be a sit as they will probably be playing from behind. Lastly did you see what Hightower did last week against the 49’ers. About the same as Edge, so maybe its more about the system and not the back, I would consider sitting Hightower.

From beauty to … To beauty again.


She in fact a beauty queen, Miss 2007 District of Columbia, and she’s dating Jason campbell. This is a tough game, Romo is back and what is going to happen in Dallas... nobody knows. I think Romo can be started as he’s done really well against the Skins in past meetings. The last time they met Barber had a ridculuos stat of only 10 rushes or something like that, I think he gets more involved in the game along with Felix. This could be a blowout game, Portis is likely not to play and Betts is hurt so then it’s… Shaun Alexander??? Santana has big games against the Cowboys so he’s worth a start but no other Redskin as with the running game in question Campbell cant be trusted this week.

I return to …


There’s so many picture of Carmella on the net it’s amazing, hard to find respectable ones though. But since I don’t just want to post pics of girls…

Which is it alsott or alstott ??


The Bucs get Minny this week and this could be a really boring game. I don’t thnk Earnest Graham will do anything this week, but Garcia is great for the Minny defense. He’s a mobile quarterback who will run to the sides, which is what you have to do against Minny, so Garcia could throw for over 300 yards today, on of the Williams’s could also sit on him and break him?? The Minny side, the only thing I heard about Adrain last week was about his violation of wearing a white skull cap and why he wasn’t penalized for taking his helmet off. This week he’s not going to make any news, TB will set up for the run and make gus the chimney sweep beat them. I might even go so far as saying Chester Taylor could put up more points, as he gets dump passes and will get a fair amount of receiving yards. For WR’s on Minny go with Berrian, he should have a bounce back game after alst week’s poor performance.

No pic but or much to say about anyone else, but I am glad that my deals fell through for LT, last week should have been a break out game, not sure what’s wrong but something is. This week against the Pitt Def… if you have to start don’t expect much from him.

Sweet, Sweet Fantasy Baby

Well I’m going to try to get back into things. Last week I just wrote a bit about beefing up your qb situation, and though no one got hurt, some might say Brees losing his #1 option in Bush is a big deal. You have to believe one more performance like the one Anderson had will find him on the bench, and with Cleveland going agaisnt a rested Jags defense… a new Brady bunch in the NFL?? Then there’s Brad Johnson, not sure why it happens but when the qb goes down teams sometimes fall to pieces for the first game, not sure why Romo affected their run defense but?? Another guy this week that was one of my sleeper picks that might be in for some trouble Garrard… Cleveland pass def is not that bad and Garrard is not at his best and likely missing 2 wr’s with Matt Jones getting suspended.

Right now in most leagues trades are becoming a big thing, guys at the top are looking for better depth, guys in the middle are looking for a deal that will get them into the playoffs. At this point you have to forget names: Harrison, LJ, Peyton, Holt…etc. People who have them will try to sell you on them but look at the numbers and more importantly look ahead.

LT could have been one of my names to not to get sold on. However, look at his schedule… KC twice, Oaktown, Atl, Indy and Denver. Each one of those games he could easily get 100+ yards and 1-2 TD’s. Then you have Brandon Jacobs… look at his last matchups.. Wash, Phil, Dallas, Car, Minny. Not the best matchups for a RB.

Anyways on to the week ahead


I’ll leave you guessing about that one till the end.

I really didn’t want to touch this game with any kind of bet be it over/under, spread, fantasy picks. But the game is in London and well I did just see this episode so.



The problem is which teams show up, does Colston the #1 wr actually get a catch? Do Rivers and Brees the 2 top qb’s in the league light it up or dial it in? I really have no clue and have flipped around this many times, after writing I’ll change again. SD has put up stinkers this season, but they have come back with good games… N.O.?? We don’t know they’ve lost but never like that. People may blame it on Bush being out, but last year without Vush and McCalister, Brees put up multiple 300+ yards and at least 2 td’s in 3 of his past 4 games… he likes to throw. So for that reason start the wr’s for NO, on the other side LT I think will have finally have a good game, though Rivers…he’s kind of in a funk and with Chambers likely out, if you have a good second option go with it. I’d proably sit McCalister just cause it will be an air show, and his whole steroid thing coming out may become an issue.

This is a picture of TE Todd Yoder’s injury looks painful and I’m sure it is. He suffered this during last week’s game trying to get down field on a punt and make a tackle.


So Lions and Redskins. Should be a pretty one sideded game and yeah that’s it no counter argument. Calvin Johnson could be the interesting point… He put up good numbers last week, but if I had him I’d be trying to get rid of him. They played Houston and all of his points came on one 96 yd play, when the game was decided. Washington I have to believe is better defensively and yeah Calvin is a sit candidate, if you start 3 wr’s however…he’ll be a decent #3. Of course your going to start Portis and Santana, but look for Randel el to put up some numbers maybe even throw a touchdown. This week we’ll probably see a lot more of Alexander, not worth starting but if he does good he’ll be snapped up off the waiver wire pretty quickly.

Can you guess which guy in this picture is a current NFL running back.


Guy on the left is actually Eddie George, but anyway Marshmellow lit it up last week and this coming week they get the Colts, who are terrible against the run. I was hoping that Sanders was coming back, in fact I picked up Indy’s defense for that reason and in the league there’s only waiver pickups once a week so now I’m stuck with them. This game I still don’t think will be close, but I’m not the resident game picker. This will all be about Manning, so start any of his wr’s/te, even Rhodes is worth a start even though the Titans are top against the run. Because I think that Indy’s offense will come out blazing, The Titans won't be able to keep to their run game. Chris Johnson is still a start, but Lendal he might get a TD but I would consider him at best a #3rb this week. Kerry Collins or any of the wr’s whomever they are, are also a sit. I’m thinking this game is a blowout and only Indy players are worth starting, this week.


So the mystery women was Carmella DeCesare, 2004 Playboy playmate of the year. Love that name Cesare… anyways she’s married to a man Terry Bradshaw once called the ugliest guy in the NFL - Jeff Garcia. (ED. Note - I believe the correct term is 'beard' not 'wife') This week Tampa plays Dallas, I like the Cowboys but this is going to be a tough matchup. Johnson was horrible against the Rams last week, and he’s not going to have a bounce back game, Marian Barber is a start but don’t expect much from him. The only guy I might consider as a flier would be Roy Williams, he’s had 2 weeks with the offense and should know it by now. On the other side, Garcia is a start this week he’ll spread the ball around enough that no 1 wr will get all the looks, but if you have Antonio Bryant get him in your lineup. Earnest is a definite start but I’d hold back on Dunn, he really hasn’t done too much and there may be a Caddy appearance this week.

Sweet, Sweet Fantasy Baby

Ed. Note - Trebor has called in sick this week too. Not that I can complain, we pay very, very... very poorly here at Sports As Life. But he did send in this little bit of sage wisdom for all you people living in the fantasy world.

If you're looking at your rosters and you only have 1 QB... your team might be in trouble. Not sure what it is this year but first Brady, then Palmer (likely out for season), Vince Young gone, Hasselbeck's back, Rodgers might be out, Romo is out, Shaub missed a game, Big Ben is going to miss a game eventually, Kitna is gone, Trent Edwards concussed, KC's qb's (not sure who they are but they must be hurt...), TB, St. Louis and Minny have had different starters - and up until last week Anderson looked like he'd be riding the pine. Have I forgot anyone?? Probably but I'm making sure any of my teams have a competent back up or at least 2 serviceable qb's cause you never know when that grocery bagger will pick up the fumblitis again and be booed out of Arizona, or maybe he'll eat too many Oreo cookies, or get eaten by an alligator.

Oh yeah with LJ being suspended don't go out and get Jamaal or kolby, they play the Titans and yes they could have a good game but chances are KC gets shut out again.

Sweet, Sweet Fantasy Baby

Well the question came up who would be #1 if the draft was held now… of which I don’t want to talk about because I have that said running back made of tin foil and turkey bones in 2 leagues. When he plays he’s #1 back, but he’ll be out the next 2 games which means only playing 3 out of 7 so not helping anyone out. As I’ve said before it depends on the league… if your in a points per reception league Reggie Bush and Gore get a boost. Some leagues don’t give you points for return TD’s (majority), but some do. In my one league I have Wayne, TJ, and Jennings... sounds like a good trio, but Higgins for Oakland is my #2 wr because of return yards, in any other league he’s not even picked up off the waiver.

In a draft today, LT and AP are probably still taken in the top 5 even though they may not deserve to be, but they are capable of huge things. Portis should be up there to, but the division he plays in would scare people from taking him as the top guy.

Reggie Bush, yeah another top back. The guys who picked him up early (1st round) and were laughed at during the draft are laughing now, but without the return td’s I don’t think he a top rb, maybe top 10 but with return yards or td’s... yeah at this point a top 3.

Turner though he’s the top guy right now, I wouldn’t be taking him as #1, probably not in the top #5. He’s got more than half his yards and 5/6 td’s playing against Detroit and the Chiefs. For those reasons I’m not taking him in the top.

My 5 right now would probably be Portis, Barber, Gore, AP, LT. Westbrook might still make it in despite his injuries. If you believe after week 7 he’ll be good, which he should be as far as ribs and ankle is concerned, then he moves up to #1 probably. On the bubble is Bush, Lynch, Forte.

Alright so onto the picks. Last week went alright. It was the receivers that killed me, though Reggie Brown did get 84 yards… that might be #3 wr material but I’ll call that a lose. Brees got eaten by the purple people eaters (Moore and Meacham were terrible). Trent Edwards may have proved me wrong but got hurt in the first quarter so if you sat him good for you... (I see the Jim Jams went against the advice and got .72 points for the week… tisk tisk)

Now some might say sure you did, but because of time and lack of pics I didn’t put the Carolina game in last week. LJ would have been the sit, who knew that bad, but Carolina had previously played against LT, Adrian and forte…no 100 yrd rushers no td’s. Some of you may have noticed I picked up and played Carolina's defense for that reason last week.

On to this week…


This is Reggie Bush’s gal, Kim Kardashian. I wonder what he sees in her ????? Anyway the Saints play Oaktown. Oakland is coming off a bye which means they could win this game and that is scary but as The Editor said, New Orleans is the worst talented team. Huggy Bear Jr. will be starting this week so he’s a good start, and I’ll go again with Meacham. I would sit Henderson he’s a burner. He plays good one week, people get excited then he does nothing for a couple, he gets dropped and then he’ll have a breakout game again… I got fooled once but from now on I won't pay any attention to him.


The size of grapefruits. No further comments. Other than he probably will not be playing this week so start another TE. Since we started with if the draft was held now… do you think he’d still be #2 TE. Maybe still in top 10 but not very good. It’s a bad matchup for the Browns, I really want to say start Anderson but. If Winslow is out, who’s Anderson going to throw to? Add that to Jamal doing nothing. I will go out on a limb with Braylon though… he took the bye week and learned how to catch again so things should be good. On the other side Eli and Jacobs are must star and even the Toomer.


So the Redskins are doing not bad... Cooley finally had his breakout game and this week look for that to continue cause they get every team's whipping boy… the Rams. So start any offensive player - Randel El start, Campbell start. I actually can't think of anyone on either side I’d sit. Steven Jackson and holt should do good. If anyone I’d sit Bulger. Taylor will two-step past the O-line and mamba the bulge all day.


Travis Henry won't be playing ever again but he was with the Broncos last so some connection... Denver plays the Jags and this could be another real boring game. I have never watched an exciting Jags game and doubt I ever will in the near future. Fragile ‘no more’ Fred should see lots of action, as well as MJD. I think Garrard could have a big game just cause it’s Denver but he’s struggled bad this year so show him to the bench. Marshall finally came back down to earth but don’t sit him -he’s good for a td this week. The running backs, sit for sure… Pittman I believe will be the starter so that’s an indication that they won't do that well. Stokley might see more action because of the Scheffler injury but I wouldn’t start him this week. 1 good game doesn’t warrant a trip to the starting line up.

Sweet, Sweet Fantasy Baby

So last week I picked things up a bit going 6 / 10 for starts and 7 / 9 for sits. Big hits were sitting Antonio Bryant and Mendenhall. Also starting Perry or Ocho Cinco. Big misses... who knew that Bowe wouldn’t put up numbers or that LenDale ‘marshmellow’ White would get 13 yrds rushing but 1 TD.

As I was back in Regina spreading the news about Trebor junior, I was told that I need pictures... so the format has changed. I’m not going to post pictures of cheerleaders... though I’m thinking pics of players wives could be a good way to pick??? Instead I’ll try and find pics that have something to do with an NFL team and then pick players from that team’s matchup on Sunday.

So this is Kendra..


She’s from the quality show - Girls Next Door. She’s dating Hef, but apparently is engaged to Hank ‘drop it in my’ Basket. There’s the loose connection.

This week Philly plays Washington. So my sits would be Campbell, as he will see a ton of pressure. Also Buckhalter since Westbrook might play. Won't know until 5 minutes before game, but even if Westbrook is out, Buckhalter has minimal value and better rb’s can be found. For starters, give Reggie Brown the nod this week, he’s back from his injury and should get a lot of balls thrown his way.

Don’t you wish that you could wear whatever you wanted with the fact that no one could say anything to you… case in point.


Guess what, this guy plays on the defensive line. I know you were probably thinking corner, but yeah DL. He used to play for the Saints but now he just sits at the Crab Shack eating Crabbie Patties.

So in the game NO vs Minny. Start Ferotte, not sure who he throws to but he can put up numbers. Then on the other side start Robert Meacham or Lance Moore, the first won't get a lot of receptions but is targeted in the red zone so both are good #3 wr’s.

Because Youtube is blocked at work and my home comp sucks I’m hoping editor can post this hit.

(ED. NOTE - Ask and ye shall receive)

Not a good one if you don’t like seeing people get hurt, but the videos I can watch on the web are mostly skaters and bikers and guess what they’re doing? The hit makes you cringe definitely and your not going to laugh like when the biker mis-times his jump and hilarity and blood ensues. Anyway, in Arizona Warner had 6 turnovers last week, I’d be a bit worried since Buffalo is looking really good this year. I wouldn’t run and start Breaston if Boldin doesn’t play. I don’t see this being a high scoring game. Gotta sit Edge this week, he get’s no TD's and that’s what counts. I’d also sit Edwards this week, his numbers against the Rams kinda sucked and this week Arizona gets Adrian Wilson back. In my IDP league he’s been a must start for the last 2 weeks so with him back the secondary gets a lot better.

How can I have loosely related pics without a pic of my girl... sweet sweet Jessica.


So this week she’s out shopping for engagement rings. I see this as a great move by Romo, when your getting blitzed with ‘when are we gonna get married’, ‘did you see my sisters ring’, ‘no more putting out until were engaged’, what do you do. If you drop back too much you’ll be under too much pressure and might cave or worse yet drop the ball and whoops, you got 9 months to get married now. You can run but that is only so good. So what you do is lull them in, make them think they’ve got you then hit them with the screen pass... birthday present – fishing pole, Christmas – fake promise ring (what was I thinking).

Oh yeah, weekend pics... Ocho cinco did as I predicted get his first TD last week. This week he’s back on the bench along with the rest of the Bengals, Dallas is mad and Cincy doesn’t have a qb. After TO had his vent session you gotta believe he’ll see some balls thrown his way, but what about this Miles Austin guy? He’s a start in deeper leagues for sure.

And this picture is just too good not to post.


Photo from 289.com

The Raiders after starting the week off on a high they inevitably falter in the last quarter and end up losing going into the bye week. The offensive coordinator is then put on notice, and told any day your going to get fired and I’ll drink your blood.