The Week that was: Week 4

Against the Vikings, LenDale White averaged essentially a QB sneak (1.2 yards) per carry.

Go figure: Matt Schaub threw for 300 yards against a presumably tough Jaguars defense, and Andre Johnson had just three catches for 38 yards.

Speaking of the Texans, on Sunday, Oct. 5, the Houston Texans will play their first game in the state of Texas of the 2008 season. On Saturday, Oct. 4, the Texas Longhorns will play their first game outside the state of Texas.

For a run-first team, the Jaguars sure seem willing to not run.

Also abandoning the run: the Dallas Cowboys. Marion Barber had eight carries for 26 yards. Felix Jones had zero carries.

Matt Cassel and the Patriots offense looked significantly better this week.

Looks as if the Eagles missed Brian Westbrook on that last series Sunday night.

Anyone else catch Al Davis speaking in front of that really white background at the Raiders’ press conference on Tuesday? I no longer have to wonder what the grim reaper’s passport photo would look like.

If you have Brett Favre and Ronnie Brown on your fantasy team, you’re probably feeling pretty good about things right now.

Every game that pits NFC East foes against one another needs to be televised.

The Monday Night Football announcing crew kept labeling the ugly Steelers-Ravens game as “a bout between two heavyweight boxers.” Two really ugly, injured boxers, that is.

Out of Denver’s division foes, Kansas City is the team the Broncos can’t beat?

I’m a Derek Anderson owner in one league, but for the sake of watchable football, Brady Quinn needs to get under center.

Jim Kelly, Thurman Thomas, Bruce Smith and co. could have suited up and beaten the Rams on Sunday

Glad to see you walking, Anquan Boldin.

It was nice to start my Sunday getting smacked with reality compliments of Drew Brees, and crashing back to Earth with every other 49er fan.

Rumor has it that Deion Branch may join the cast of “Survivor: Seattle receivers” this week.

The week that was: Week 3

Due to some small distractions, there weren’t any rankings or new posts prior to Week 3 games, but things are back on track. So have no fear, new articles and Week 4 rankings will be up this week.

As for the week that was Week 3……

Thank you, Ronnie Brown, for your five touchdowns that absolutely made my Sunday.

Damn you, Nate Kaeding, for your late, meaningless field goal that ruined my Monday.

No quarterback threw between 300-400 yards this week. The top three passers were Drew Brees (421 yards), Brian Griese (407 yards) and Aaron Rodgers (290 yards).

Brian Griese had more pass attempts (67) on Sunday than Peyton Manning and David Garrard combined.

If Jabar Gaffney and Wes Welker can get open, why can’t Randy Moss?

Tony Romo completed passes to seven different receivers against Green Bay on Sunday night. None of those receivers were Patrick Crayton.

The Browns’ opponents thus far (Dallas, Pittsburgh and Baltimore) are a combined 7-1. Cleveland’s opponent next week, Cincinatti, is 0-3. If there’s a game for Derek Anderson, Braylon Edwards and Kellen Winslow to get back on track, this is it.

Chris Johnson may be the better back, but LenDale White is still the one scoring touchdowns for Tennessee.

A week ago, Pittsburgh supposedly had the inside track to the Super Bowl. Now they face a tough defense without their star running back, and are in danger of falling to 2-2.

Matt Ryan and Joe Flacco are a combined 4-1 as starters in 2008.

Carson Palmer and Drew Brees are a combined 1-5 as starters in 2008.

It’s entirely possible that there has never been an NFL team as bad as the 2008 St. Louis Rams.

Brian Westbrook owners, breathe easy. It’s just an ankle strain.

Your suspicions have been confirmed: Matt Cassell is not Tom Brady.

Congratulations, Chargers fans! Your team is 1-0 in games not decided in the last 20 seconds.

The “football genius” tag needs to be removed from Bill Belichick until his defense can stop a direct snap.

Bad news for Kevin Smith owners: Rudi Johnson looks healthy. Even though Johnson did most of his damage in the second half of a meaningless game against a bad run defense, he looks like the Lions’ top back.

So much for the best offense being a good defense: Seven teams scored more than 30 points this week.

For the second straight week, the Broncos jumped out to a 21-3 lead, and for the second straight week, they nearly blew the game.

The NFC East is a combined 10-2.

Ronnie Brown scored 24 points on Sunday. The Cleveland Browns have scored 26 points through three games.

As a 49ers fan, I’m happy to see my team be 2-1 through three games. As a realist, I know the injury-riddled Seahawks and problem-riddled Lions aren’t exactly the toughest competition San Francisco will face in 2008.

Attention fantasy owners: Start all players facing the Rams. St. Louis is giving up an average of more than 38 points per game.

The Seahawks have a bye next week, which means their receivers will have to be more creative in finding ways to get hurt and end up on injured reserve.

The week that was: Week 2

Quite the arena football game Monday night.

Congratulations, DeSean Jackson, you’ve committed the stupidest play in the history of Texas Stadium not involving Leon Lett.

Did anyone else find it amusing that the Cowboys defensive players were chest thumping and cheering after “stuffing” the Eagles’ last drive? Did they realize they spent the previous two and a half hours getting burned time and time again? Do they realize they gave up 37 points to a team without its top two receivers?

The Carolina Panthers are 2-0 without Steve Smith in the lineup this year

Obviously, the Eagles’ coaching staff hasn’t seen the Season 1 finale of Friday Night Lights. That’s how to pull off a hook and ladder.

The Jay Cutler fumble was a bad call. Broncos fans know this, Chargers fans know this, and referee Ed Hochuli knows this. Bad calls happen, and sometimes they decide games.

What should never, ever, happen is what occured on the Chargers’ first posesssion. Chris Chambers was tackled, and as he hit the ground, the ball game loose and the Broncos recovered in San Diego territory. Norv Turner attempted to challenge the play (instant replay revealed Chambers was clearly down when the ball popped out), but was informed that the replay equipment wasn’t available. If the replay equipment isn’t ready, the game shouldn’t start.

Welcome back to fantasy glory, Clinton Portis.

The ball is juiced! On three occasions this week, opposing teams combined for more than 70 points.

If my offense couldn’t be stopped, my home crowd was going nuts, and the opposing defense was exhausted in a high-altitude climate, I’d go for two, too.

It’s entirely possible the team from “Little Giants” could have beat the Rams last week.

The 49ers defense came up with some huge plays against Seattle, but they still made Julius Jones look like Barry Sanders.

Of course the Seahawks made Isaac Bruce look like…well…the Isaac Bruce of 2001.

According to various reports, Vince Young is depressed, avoiding friends and family, and thinking about quitting the league for good. We all know someone who drafted Vince Young as their top fantasy quarterback last year who went through a similar phase.

In all seriousness, Vince Young gets a bad rap. He’s not a good fantasy quarterback, but last year he managed to carry a mediocre team to the playoffs. Give him a break.

Into the second quarter of the Miami/Arizona game, Yahoo! Sports listed Dolphins running back Ronnie Brown as the team’s “top performer.” At that point, he had three carries for one yard.

Marshawn Lynch is turning into a frighteningly consistent running back and fantasy scorer. His Yahoo! Sports mug shot, however, is just plain frightening.

Don’t get too excited, Raiders fans — it was the Chiefs.

Darren McFadden owners, however, should be excited.

The Colts still don’t look good, but next week they’ve got a chance to put the Jaguars in an 0-3 hole.

Broncos receiver Brandon Marshall is averaging nine catches and 83 yards per game over the first two weeks of 2008. Of course, he didn’t even suit up for Week 1.

So apparently the Bengals aren’t as bad as they looked last week against the Ravens. They’re worse.

Derek Anderson owners are one more mediocre start away from hitting the panic button.

Welcome back to Earth, Michael Turner owners.

The Jaguars need to run the ball to win, but Jones-Drew and Taylor combined for just 66 yards against Buffalo.

Tim Hightower: two touchdowns in 2008. Edgerrin James: zero scores.

Kurt, on behalf of all Larry Fitzgerald owners, please don’t always look Anquan Boldin’s way in the red zone.

Week 2 rankings updated

The Week 2 QB rankings are up for all positions. Also, the Texans aren’t playing this Sunday (a major hit for Andre Johnson owners), but look for a post on the fantasy value (or lack there of) of Matt Schaub to go up this weekend

Click on the tabs up top for the rankings.

The week that was: Week 1

“The week that was” will run every Tuesday morning all season. The concept is simple: just some random notes and thoughts about the past weekend of games in terms of fantasy, and plain old (gasp) football.

The “new” Eli Manning (19 of 35, 216 yards, 0 TD passes, 1 INT, 61.1 passer rating) sure looks a lot like the old Eli Manning.

Of course, Plaxico Burress (10 catches, 133 yards) is still the guy fantasy owners know and love.

You know that co-worker of yours that had a blank stare all day Monday? That person did at least one of the following:

A. Used his/her first pick on Tom Brady.

B. Owned Willie Parker in at least one league last year.

C. Spent the summer telling people that Michael Turner would be an instant bust.

Second-worst clock management of opening week: Mike McCarthy opting to kick a field goal on third down with 20-some seconds left in the first half against the Vikings.

That late Adrian Peterson touchdown meant nothing for the Vikings, but you know it meant a lot to fantasy owners pulling for the Minnesota back.

At this rate, Oakland fans may want the Raiders to move to Fremont, too.

Someone out there thought the Rams were a big sleeper team, and thought St. Louis players could put up big fantasy numbers. So far, that person is very wrong.

On Monday night, Selvin Young started as the Denver running back, Andre Hall led the team in carries and yards, and Michael Pittman scored two touchdowns. On behalf of all fantasy owners: Screw you, Mike Shanahan.

Proof a little insulin goes a long way: Jay Cutler.

Brandon who? Eddie Royal, say goodbye to the waiver wire.

Brett Favre’s second touchdown pass looked more like a shanked punt than a pass, but was there really any question if it was going to end up caught by Jets receiver?

Is nothing sacred? Toyota bought the right to paint “TUNDRA” on the endzones of the Yahoo! Stat Tracker field.

Worst clock management of opening week: With six minutes left, down by two scores and pinned on their own 10-yard-line, the Redskins ran the ball up the gut twice, failed to get out of bounds on three pass plays, and ran two more running plays. It’s called the hurry-up offense for a reason, guys.

Added to the Google News Alerts: “Marion Barber, ribs”

The Steelers scored five touchdowns on Sunday. Santonio Holmes scored none of them.

The Packers were on the Vikings’ 1-yard line twice. Ryan Grant: 0 TD.

Edgerrin James owners, meet Tim Hightower, also known as the bain of your existence.

Remember when the Patriots, Colts, and Chargers were the teams to beat? You know, like, three days ago?

Good for you, Jake Delhomme, for pulling off the improbable.

Does anyone else understand how Adrian Peterson gets just 19 carries when he’s averaging five yards a carry?

Calvin Johnson (7 catches, 107 yards) is the real deal.

If anyone wants to carpool, I’m heading to the Seahawks’ receiver tryouts around 9 a.m. on Wednesday.

All rankings updated

Just in time for opening day, all rankings have been updated for Week 1 of the 2008 season. In the future, look for updates every Thursday, with small adjustments on Friday and Saturday depending on injuries, etc. Click the tabs up top to check out the rankings.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year…

…with people smiling or yelling/because drafts are a telling/who will have a good year.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year.

Without changing any more Christmas carol lyrics, you probably get the point — the days of late August (draft days in fantasy football leagues) and early September (opening days for college and pro football) are among my favorite of the year.

Over a 28-hour period earlier this week, I was involved in three fantasy drafts — a  30-player-per-team, PPR, IDP league on Sunday (nine years running); a blogger draft, organized by The Hazean (I had to auto draft, sadly, due to computer issues) Monday evening; and a 12-team Yahoo! league draft (five years running) in the later evening hours on Monday.

Three different leagues, three different scoring systems and strategies, and three very different teams.

And for the past 24 hours, I’ve been staring at draft boards and team rosters, critiquing and praising fellow drafters, thinking up potential trades, and signing up for Google News alerts for “Chad Johnson, shoulder” and “Ronnie Brown, knee.”

This Saturday, I’m headed to Columbus, OH to watch Ohio State football kick off its season, and then back to the west coast to enjoy opening NFL weekend at various San Francisco hot spots.

Why am I writing all this? Because in addition to being excited for football season, I’m also pretty darn excited about writing about the fantasy football season. Over the past three months, this blog has started to come into its own, and I can safely say that just like football season, things are just getting started.

The importance of drafting Earnest

Consider the following running backs:

Player A scored 12 touchdowns (10 of them rushing) in 2007, and rushed for 975 yards on 204 attempts for an average of 4.8 yards per carry. He broke the 100-yard barrier three times, and caught 44 passes on the year.

Player B tallied similar stats, scoring 10 touchdowns in 2007 (all of them rushing), and rushed for 898 yards on 222 caries for a 4-yards-per-carry average. He broke the 100-yard rushing mark three times (matching Player A), but caught five more passes for a total of 49 receptions.

With the 81st pick, I'll take this 10-TD back.

Player A is Dallas running back Marion Barber, whose average draft position in Yahoo! fantasy drafts is around the ninth overall pick. As for Player B? That’s Tampa Bay back Earnest Graham, whose average Yahoo! draft position is pick number 81.

Just to be clear, that’s two running backs with similar stats, with one a consensus first round pick, and the second going an average of 72 picks later.

Part of Graham’s unflattering Yahoo! average draft position probably has to do with thoughts that he could share carries with newly signed veteran Warrick Dunn or a potentially rejuvenated Cadillac Williams. But those theories have subsided as of late, according to one writer close to the Buccaneers, who said Graham is the clear-cut starter, and fantasy owners and Buccaneers fans alike should expect good things from the Tampa Bay back.

“Earnest Graham has a secure hold on the Bucs starting running back spot,” said Charlie Campbell, beat writer for Pewter Report magazine and PewterReport.com, a magazine and Web site that cover all things Buccaneers. “In the second half, the Bucs will look to pound the ball with Graham, and at the end of the game he should lead the team in carries and will be their goal line back.”

Although Graham’s receiving numbers may be erratic with seasoned pass-catcher Dunn getting some time in the backfield, Campbell said Graham’s rushing statistics will be solid. He guessed a 2008 campaign of 300 carries, 1,150 yards and 13 touchdowns, with much of that coming in the second half against worn down defenses (Marion Barber also did much of his damage late in games in 2007).

But there’s still a fair share of folks out there that aren’t sold on Graham, and won’t be reaching for him in fantasy drafts.

Lead ESPN fantasy columnist Matthew Berry pegs Graham as the 36th overall pick (22nd best back available) in his most recent rankings, and Yahoo! analyst Brandon Funston puts Graham at 31st over all (the 16th best running back).

“I think Graham, despite the decent numbers last season, is a risky RB2,” said Michael McNeil of the fantasy football Web site TheHazean.com, adding that fantasy owners may be better off with Graham as their third running back. He added that Laurence Maroney of New England, Michael Turner of Atlanta and Reggie Bush of New Orleans are all safer bets heading into draft day.

McNeil acknowledged that Graham does have father time on his side, as the 28-year-old back could become a “workhorse” in an offense of aging starters at other key positions (quarterback Jeff Garcia is 38, receiver Joey Galloway turns 37 in November, and Dunn isn’t exactly a young gun at 33 years old).

But despite Graham’s potential, McNeil said his gut tells him not to reach for the Tampa Bay back in drafts.

“He has not proven himself, to me, as a solid, consistent contributor at the running back position,” he said. “But last year was his first in that capacity, so he may grow into a more consistent role.”

Lil’ Manning: To draft or not to draft

If you draft Eli, you'll start making that face too.

All the recent Manning talk has been about Peyton and his knee injury, but there’s plenty of Eli talk to be had as well. Will Manning transform into a solid fantasy quarterback after the Super Bowl win? How will Jeremy Shockey’s departure affect his numbers? Who will join Plaxico Burress as his top targets?

As part of the second “To Draft or Not to Draft” installment hosted by the friendly guys at This Just In, we tackled whether Eli is worth picking in fantasy drafts. They said yes, and I said no.

On Garrard, or off Garrard?

If 2007 was an accurate indicator, David Garrard is key to the Jacksonville Jaguars’ success.

6:1 TD-INT ratio, anyone?

The Jaguars were 9-2 during the 2007 regular season with Garrard at the helm (excluding the Week 5 match up against the Colts in which Garrard sustained an injury that sidelined him for the three ensuing games).

When Garrard was healthy, he averaged a 102.2 quarterback rating and tallied a stellar 18 to 3 touchdown-to-interception ratio during the regular season. In Garrard’s 11 full regular season games, the Jaguars had a +8 turnover ratio, compared to +1 without him under center.

But despite Garrard throwing six scores for every pick; despite his five multi-touchdown games in the final six weeks of the 2007 regular season; and despite ranking among the top quarterbacks in yards per attempt (7.7 yards, 7th overall), yards per completion (12.1 yards, 4th overall), and completion percentage (64 percent, 9th overall among QBs with at least 10 starts), fantasy owners aren’t falling all over themselves to land Jacksonville’s golden boy in 2008 drafts.