When I was younger, late August to early September was the worst four-week stretch on the calendar. I suffered in double sessions every day for football and prepared for another school year. Not the best one-two punch. But then I – debatably - grew up and went to college, making this one of the most wonderful times of the year. Seeing friends, going back to your own place, and all the other joys that are not appropriate for this site, what more could a young guy ask for?
Another thing that the free time of college opens one up for is the ability to appreciate just how great these few weeks are as a sports fan: college football starts, the NFL as well as the wonderful time-filler that is fantasy football return despite threats of a lockout, and baseball rounds the home stretch.
So if you’re still in high school and reading this, cheer up. Things will get better soon, especially if you heed my fantasy advice below. If you’re a college graduate, take the time to reminisce about just how great these few weeks are. And if, like me, you’re back at college (specifically starting your final year) take a deep breath, and slowly begin to sift through all the NFL holdout and NCAA scandal articles until you find some information worth reading. In fact, start right here.
The dog days of summer are officially over...
I debated taking this time to pat myself on the back for all the great calls I’ve made so far this season, but then I remembered my Chicago Cubs prediction and decided it was best to move on.
How about them Arizona Diamondbacks? Justin Upton and Co. are currently shocking the baseball world following a 97-loss season by leading the NL West, which includes the defending World Series champs, the San Francisco Giants in late August. Whether they can hold on remains to be seen, but if Upton can continue his MVP-caliber play in the final weeks, they should be considered the division favorites – especially with Ian Kennedy leading their rotation. Kennedy’s (15-3, 3.12 ERA) performance reminds every New York Yankee fan why he was once considered a top prospect and solid years from starters Joe Saunders and Daniel Hudson and relievers J.J. Putz and David Hernandez make up for an otherwise poor pitching staff.
I can see the D-Backs holding off the Giants, but their Cinderella season should come to a halt in the playoffs against the likes of Atlanta, Philadelphia, and Milwaukee.
More names added to growing list of college football offenders...
Disclaimer: I have not received gifts and/or sold memorabilia while writing for Extra Point Sports Magazine. But if you have any that you want to get rid of, I can take them off your hands maybe...
With no bias whatsoever, we at EP are high on Syracuse this year and are looking for the Orange to make a huge leap in the Big East after winning the New Era Pinstripe Bowl last season to contend with West Virginia, Pittsburgh, and South Florida for the conference title, despite the loss of RB Delone Carter to the NFL.
The preseason Coaches’ Poll has the Oklahoma as the team to beat, with Alabama close behind, but I think this is the year Oregon finally puts it all together and wins it all.
After the lockout ended, fans were treated to a free agent shuffle the likes of which have never been seen before (Where is Braylon Edwards again? San Francisco? Hm, you learn something new every day…). I’m still processing the fact that Bill Belichick is now coaches two of the biggest head cases in the league in Chad Ochocinco and Albert Haynesworth.
After such a tumultuous offseason, expect a few division shake-ups and a lot of drama. This post-lockout era is the perfect opportunity for teams to rise out of the cellar – and not just in the NFL. Follow these tips to create a stir in your fantasy league as well.
After such a tumultuous offseason, expect a few division shake-ups and a lot of drama. This post-lockout era is the perfect opportunity for teams to rise out of the cellar – and not just in the NFL. Follow these tips to create a stir in your fantasy league as well.
1. Make sure you know where everyone is playing…
More than a few key players got lost in the free agent frenzy, so familiarize yourself with who plays where before you draft. Mike Sims-Walker was not a huge asset in Jacksonville, but he has quietly landed in a more pass-friendly St. Louis offense that could give fantasy owners great value in later rounds.
2. …And who they are playing for
Sam Bradford is now under the tutelage of Josh McDaniels, and say what you want about his head coaching and drafting ability, but the guy molds quarterbacks with the best of them. New Denver Broncos head coach John Fox is known to be very run heavy (in 2009 he handed the ball off to Jonathan Stewart and DeAngelo Williams nearly 450 times!) which is good news for RB Knowshon Moreno, but bad news for 2010 breakout wideout Brandon Lloyd.
3. Don’t be afraid to take a mid-round risk
Drafting a number of rookies is, well, a rookie mistake, but that doesn’t mean you should shy away from them if they fall into your lap. In fact, they can win you a league. Don’t count on them to have a significant place on your team, but take the chance on one or two, and you might be pleasantly surprised. Odds are Mark Ingram (RB, NO), Daniel Thomas (RB, MIA), Julio Jones (WR, ATL), A.J. Green (WR, CIN) will drop into your lap, and anyone of those guys is poised to have a valuable first season in the pros.
4. Pay close attention to 2010 injuries…
Turf toe stopped what appeared to be a great 2010 campaign for Detroit Lion runningback Jahvid Best after Week 2, making the rest of the season a huge disappointment for his fantasy owners. He isn’t entering the 2011 season as a hot property, but with rookie runningback Mikel Leshoure is out for the season, Best is Detroit’s premiere back should he stay healthy.
5. …But don’t overdo it
Almost every player comes with an injury risk. Does that mean you should stay away from Michael Vick, Aaron Rodgers, Arian Foster, Maurice Jones-Drew, and Andre Johnson? Of course not, it’s football; every good player is a little banged up, and a shortened preseason will likely lead to even more injuries this year.
6. Take a chance on a new runningback
Ray Rice will finally be given the ball at the goal line more often, giving this already-versatile back a couple more TD’s to add onto what will likely be an improvement from last year’s slightly underwhelming numbers.
That won’t compare to Jamaal Charles, though. After two consecutive 1,000 rushing yards seasons, this should finally be the year Charles full takes the reins. After eclipsing 1,400 yards on only 220 carries, the Kansas City Chiefs should decrease Thomas Jones’ role and let Charles surpass 300 carries. At the very least, he should surpass 2,000 total yards when receptions are factored in (he had nearly 500 receiving yards last year) and move his touchdown totals to around 12.
With Adrian Peterson facing a new quarterback, Chris Johnson holding out for a new contract, and Arian Foster possibly a fluke, Charles and Rice may be the best backs on the board.
With Adrian Peterson facing a new quarterback, Chris Johnson holding out for a new contract, and Arian Foster possibly a fluke, Charles and Rice may be the best backs on the board.
Oh ! its a great job. Your posting is really true as well as helpful for all. These key factors must need to in consideration to sale our home. Thank you for sharing with us.keep it up. NFL Daily Fantasy Football
ReplyDelete