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Volume 8, Issue 126 (Tuesday, August 28th)
LIMITED TIME OFFERS Hi Folks, Good Wednesday to you. We're 8 days away and counting. I know you're counting with me. We've got another day with just an avalanche of great content plus we've got tons of News and Notes for you. Thanks to our Footballguy Mark Wimer for the help with this one. Let's get to it. JSITE NEWS A.
159 Cheatsheets
B.
Redraft Overall Rankings
C.
Breaking Down the Scouting Process
D.
Ear To The Ground (Special Preseason Edition)
E.
Ch-ch-ch-ch-Changes - Part 1 - Quarterbacks
F.
Ch-ch-ch-ch-Changes - Part 2 - Running Backs
G.
The Strategies, Tips and How-tos of Auction Leagues
H.
Who Helps?
I.
Owner Psychology in Fantasy Football
J.
Picking Value Receivers (Non-rookies)
K.
Why Ben Roethlisberger Could Be a Top 10 Fantasy QB
L.
Lamont Jordan + Opportunity = Fantasy Success
M.
The Seven Deadly Sins of Fantasy Football
N.
Footballguys Podcast - The Audible - Footballguys Training Camp Report
O.
Footballguys Podcast - The Audible - IDP Preseason Roundtable Part 2
INSIDE THIS ISSUE 1. STL - WR Holt Says Knee May Never Heal All The Way2. NYJ - RB Jones Progressing in Rehab of Calf Injury 3. DET - RB Jones "Go/No Go" Decision Expected Thursday 4. OAK - QB Field Down to McCown vs. Culpepper for #1 5. PHI - WR Avant Ascends to #3 on Depth Chart 6. WAS - RB Portis Practices on Tuesday, Still Doubtful for Preseason Finale 7. GB - RBs Jackson and Morency Iffy for Season Opener 8. BUF - WR Evans Sits Out Practice Due to Sore Calf 9. JAX - WR Williams Moves Back Up Depth Chart 10. CAR - QB Delhomme Held Out Of Practice Due To 'Twitch' In Side 11. CAR - QB Carr Has Broken Toe 12. BAL - OT Ogden Activated, Practices for 1st Time This Year 13. DEN - WR Smith Officially on PUP 14. PIT - WR Ward Has Surgery to Repair Broken Nose 15. DEF - GB - LB Hodge Probably Headed for Surgery, IR 16. DEF - TEN - DT Simon Signed 17. DEF - NYJ - Secondary Boosted by Return of 3 DBs 18. DEF - CIN - S Jackson Suffers Concussion During MNF STL - WR Holt Says Knee May Never Heal All The Way Source: Bill Coats, St. Louis Post-Dispatch It's becoming increasingly evident that wide receiver Torry Holt won't be completely healthy Sept. 9 when the Rams open the regular season against Carolina. He might not be all year. Holt had surgery to repair torn cartilage in his right knee. Six months later, he says the joint is "about 70, 80 percent." "It's just one of those deals where I'm not recovering as quick as I used to," said Holt, 31. "I have to get used to that and stay patient. ... I don't know if it'll ever heal all the way, but I think it will heal enough where it will allow me to go out and play." Still, Rams coach Scott Linehan has noted improvement. "The last two days I've seen more like the Torry Holt we've all grown accustomed to," Linehan said. "It's becoming more and more encouraging every day." Holt, a six-time Pro Bowler, has piled up 712 catches and 10,675 yards in eight seasons. His knee bothered him last season, when he dipped below 1,300 receiving yards for the first time since his rookie season, and he skipped the Pro Bowl before having the operation. Although limited at times, Holt has been on the field throughout training camp and played in the first two exhibition games, in which he had six catches for 52 yards. He still is experiencing some swelling and soreness, and he didn't play Friday in Oakland. "It feels good some days, and some days it doesn't feel as good," Holt said. "I'm getting somewhat used to that and getting to the point where I can manage it pretty well."[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] There are several reasons to be worried over this report on Holt. First of all, Holt acknowledges that his recuperative abilities are lessening and he isn't healing as fast as he once did. Secondly, he's still talking 70-80% healed in the knee only a week and a half before the regular season. Finally, Holt talks about "managing" the injured knee to play - that means doing things like taking pain killers, draining off the fluids that cause swelling, etc. This situation with Holt appears to be a degenerative knee condition, similar to what occurred at the end of Curtis Martin's and Marshall Faulk's careers. Usually, a player can fight through the pain for a while, but once the bones start making bone-on-bone contact in the knee (once the cartilage is gone), bone chips further aggravate the situation. This latest report is a huge red flag for us - Holt should probably come down several pegs on your draft board, at the least. Also, realize that he looks like a risky proposition to play a full slate of games during 2007 at this time.NYJ - RB Jones Progressing in Rehab of Calf Injury Source: Steve Hutchinson, Newark Star-Ledger After spending nearly two weeks mostly riding the stationary bike, Jones did a series of drills on the side with assistant strength and conditioning coach Sal Alosi in which he put his full weight on his right leg. He did several agility drills, balanced himself on one leg, high-stepped down the field and jogged lightly while the media was allowed to watch the first 30 minutes of practice. Jones, who missed just one game the past two seasons while rushing for more than 2,500 yards, won't play in Thursday's preseason finale at Philadelphia, but he'll almost certainly be ready for the opener vs. the Patriots.[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] This is excellent news for the Jets and for nervous fantasy owners who have Jones rostered. So far, he's on schedule for the season opener. We'll keep an eye on his progress during the final days of pre-season, and keep you updated on the latest. DET - RB Jones "Go/No Go" Decision Expected Thursday Source: Mike O'Hara, Detroit News Tailback Kevin Jones will have his injured left foot examined Thursday in what Jones expects will produce a "go / no go" decision on whether he will be on the Detroit Lions' active roster for the start of the regular season. Jones is on the physically-unable-to-perform (PUP) list.[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] It'll be a relief to have a definitive answer about Jones' status. Several reports out of Detroit have indicated that the front office prefers Jones stay on PUP, while the coaching staff wants him on the field as soon as Jones is 100% (which could be less than 6 weeks away). In any case, we'll know if he's out for the first 6 weeks of the season sometime later this week. OAK - QB Field Down to McCown vs. Culpepper for #1 Source: Jerry McDonald, Oakland Tribune While much of the outside world views Daunte Culpepper as the inevitable Week 1 quarterback for the Raiders, coach Lane Kiffin seems to be indicating Josh McCown rates a 50-50 chance of being the starter. McCown, in fact, will start Thursday night in Seattle against the Seahawks. "It's become a two-man race with Daunte and Josh," Kiffin told reporters Monday following practice. "We'll let both guys play in this game. Josh will go first. I don't have the exact number of reps for you. We'll play it by ear." Culpepper has shown better-than-expected mobility and exhibited signs of at least being something similar to the quarterback who passed for 4,717 yards with 39 touchdown passes and 11 interceptions for the Minnesota Vikings in 2004. Then again, Culpepper has played in 11 games since 2004 _ seven before he suffered a serious knee injury and four more with Miami to begin last season. In those games, Culpepper threw eight touchdown passes, 15 interceptions, fumbled eight times and was sacked 52 times. Kiffin is not interested in any before and after scenario. He is looking at Culpepper only as he has performed since signing with the Raiders on July 31. "It doesn't mean anything to me," Kiffin said. "It doesn't because that's not our system. That's not today. We're going to judge people based on the day we got here, the day he's gotten here, that's what we're judging him on."[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] As of today, we see the situation in Oakland as a probable quarter-back-by-committee situation, with Culpepper getting the majority of the action this year - complicated by if and/or when JaMarcus Russell gets in the game. We'll see how McCown looks in week 4 of preseason, which should help determine this contest. PHI - WR Avant Ascends to #3 on Depth Chart Source: Les Bowen, Philadelphia Inquirer & Philadelphia Daily News Jason Avant's ascension to the third wideout spot is all but official. It has more to do with Avant's training-camp performance than with anything incumbent Hank Baskett has done wrong. Avant, a second-year player, might have been the Birds' best wideout this summer. "He's a big, strong guy that has a real good change of direction," (head coach)Reid said after the Pittsburgh game, in which Avant caught four passes for 34 yards. Avant's best moment came when he pretty much carried Steelers linebacker James Farrior several yards after catching a short pass over the middle from McNabb. Avant's second effort gave the Eagles a first down at the Pittsburgh 6. "He knows how to use his body in there," Reid said. "He didn't have a drop the whole time we were up at Lehigh, and he's kind of maintained that through the games. He's done a nice job."[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] In this league, the backups often end up getting playing time - as this same article notes, Reggie Brown hasn't had an outstanding camp/preseason. If Avant continues to shine and Brown continues to underwhelm, things could get shaken up at the top of the Eagles' WR corps. WAS - RB Portis Practices on Tuesday, Still Doubtful for Preseason Finale Source: Jason La Confora, Washington Post For what it's worth, during the portion of practice we are allowed to see, everyone was taking part, including Jason Campbell, Marcus Washington, Chris Samuels, Clinton Portis. Now, Washington and Samuels won't play, and Portis seems very, very doubtful, and we won't know how much work these actually did in practice until we talk to Gibbs post-practice, but it was a good sign nonetheless.[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] It's good to hear that Portis is back in practice, but we want to see how the knee and shoulder will hold up to the pounding of a game-time situation. It appears that we'll have to wait until regular season to find out just how far along Portis is in his return to health. GB - RBs Jackson and Morency Iffy for Season Opener Source: Pete Dougherty, Green Bay Press Gazette Brandon Jackson's concussion leaves the Green Bay Packers with only three healthy halfbacks for Thursday night's preseason finale, and with some big potential worries going into next week's regular-season opener against Philadelphia. Coach Mike McCarthy characterized Jackson's concussion from practice Monday as "mild," and didn't rule Jackson out of playing Thursday night at Tennessee. However, any concussion is of major concern because of the unpredictable nature of head injuries, and there's a chance he won't be recovered for next week's opener. Combined with the strained patellar tendon that has sidelined Vernand Morency since the first day of training camp, the Packers could be heading into their first real game with their top two halfbacks sidelined. Assuming Jackson doesn't play Thursday, the Packers will go into Tennessee with rookie DeShawn Wynn, who will be making his preseason debut after missing the first three games because of a quadriceps injury; Noah Herron, who's the No. 3 halfback; and undrafted rookie Corey White, who's also expected to get work at fullback.[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Morency has started running in practices, but isn't taking contact yet and, as the article notes, probably won't be in football shape for the opener. The Packers are keeping their fingers crossed that no complications crop up during Jackson's recovery from his concussion. Stay tuned. BUF - WR Evans Sits Out Practice Due to Sore Calf Source: Associated Press, ESPN Buffalo Bills wide receiver Lee Evans sat out Tuesday's practice with a sore calf. Bills HC Dick Jauron wouldn't say if Evans would be out of Buffalo's final preseason game Thursday against Detroit but said it was a "long shot" he would play. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] At first glance, this doesn't look like a big worry - however, calf injuries can get aggravated fairly easily, so Evans owners will want to monitor his practice participation next week leading into the season opener. JAX - WR Williams Moves Back Up Depth Chart Source: Associated Press, ESPN Receiver Reggie Williams is moving back up Jacksonville's depth chart. Williams, a former first-round draft pick who started training camp fifth in the rotation, has regained a backup spot and appears to be a lock for the opening-day roster. "Reggie's had a solid camp," coach Jack Del Rio said Tuesday. "He's been challenged. He's working hard. He's improving. Nobody has watched him the last several years and questioned his talents. He's definitely willing to come in and make the hard catch and go in and block people." Williams has three receptions for 38 yards in the preseason, hardly enough to justify a promotion, so his move had little to do with numbers. Del Rio dropped Williams on the depth chart to send a message to the fourth-year receiver, the ninth overall pick in the 2004 draft. "He's responded to the challenge," Del Rio said. "He's working hard and he's made improvements."[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Williams has been in the starting lineup before and didn't light up the fantasy world on a regular basis. We'll see if he's really improved when the games start counting, but it's hard to get too excited about Williams right now. Last year, he only scored 4 TDs, all of them prior to week 7 (52/616/4). However, it does appear he'll again have the opportunity to prove himself during 2007, which might justify spending a late-round selection on Williams in case he's finally turned the corner. CAR - QB Delhomme Held Out Of Practice Due To 'Twitch' In Side Source: Steve Reed, Gaston Gazette The Panthers held QB Jake Delhomme out of practice Monday one day after he felt a "twitch" in his side while throwing. The injury, which occurred late in Sunday's practice, is not believed to be serious and HC John Fox emphasized that Delhomme was held out only as a precaution. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Not to worry here. But we know you guys want to know everything. Source: Stan Olson, Charlotte Observer Backup David Carr has a broken toe, the little toe on his right foot. "I'm limping around a little bit; broken toes will do that to you, but we'll be alright," Carr said after hobbling through Sunday's practice. "You really don't need it; it's just kind of in the way. I've been trying to get rid of it all week, but it doesn't seem like it wants to go away." The toe was broken when it was stepped on last week during practice. "I played injured on it (during Friday's game), and it was pretty sore that night," he said. "We took care of it for the game; numbed it up. But it's sore today, it's going to be sore all week. "I'll probably do what I did today for the rest of the week, and numb it up again if I have to. It should be OK; they said it would heal in about three or four weeks. It's something that's just in the way; it doesn't affect how I run or anything."[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] This isn't a huge concern, but given that Delhomme is also dinged up this week the Panthers are crossing their fingers that they don't need to go to Carr until his injury is healed. The Panthers' QBs corps has taken several hits this past week... BAL - OT Ogden Activated, Practices for 1st Time This Year Source: Jamison Hensley, Baltimore Sun Ravens coach Brian Billick said after practice that Ogden would not play in Friday's preseason finale at Atlanta. On Monday, he told The Sun that he was uncertain whether he would be able to play in the Sept. 10 season opener at Cincinnati because he needed time to test out the toe. Ogden said yesterday that he could begin practicing today or tomorrow. "My goal is to get out there for Week 1," Ogden said. "It's still too soon to really say with any certainty that it's going to happen."[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Ogden is considered a top OT (10 Pro Bowls), but a bad toe has kept him sidelined throughout OTAs and training camp. If he's healthy enough to return to top form (he only took part in individual drills at his first practice), this activation is great news for the Raven's offense and Willis McGahee owners. DEN - WR Smith Officially on PUP Source: Mike Klis, Denver Post When the Broncos announce their roster cuts later this afternoon, one of their moves will be to officially place veteran receiver Rod Smith on the physically-unable-to-perform list. Smith, the team's all-time leader in nearly every receiving category, will be out at least six weeks, or five games, so he can continue to rehabilitate from off-season hip surgery. Smith would be eligible to play in the Broncos' sixth game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Oct. 21.[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] In case there were any fantasy owners out there still hoping for Smith to start the season, we include this note. We wish Smith the best in his ongoing rehab and hope to see him on the field later this season. PIT - WR Ward Has Surgery to Repair Broken Nose Source: Associated Press, ESPN Wide receiver Hines Ward had surgery Tuesday to repair a broken nose, but it isn't expected to prevent him from playing in the Sept. 9 opener at Cleveland. Coach Mike Tomlin said that he hasn't ruled Ward out of Thursday night's exhibition game at Carolina, when the starters are expected to play one quarter. "Hines is Hines. I wouldn't count Hines out," Tomlin said of the Steelers' career leader in receptions. "He's a player-coach in my mind. He's not a guy you need to worry about being up at game time." Ward was apparently injured during Pittsburgh's 27-13 victory over the Eagles on Sunday night. He did not disclose the injury after the game, when Ward talked to reporters at length with no apparent pain.[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Ward is tough as nails - we expect to see him in the season opener for sure. Even if the starters play in the final pre-season game, it'll just be a cameo appearance, most likely. If Ward misses the game, it's not a big deal in our book. DEF - GB - LB Hodge Probably Headed for Surgery, IR Source: Bob McGinn, Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel Backup middle linebacker Abdul Hodge's two-year struggle with patellar tendinitis in both knees has reached the stage where his second season with the Green Bay Packers appears over. Hodge said Tuesday that he probably would need surgery, a move that would land him on season-ending injured reserve. "We're talking about seven different options," Hodge said. "Any time you can't play the way you want to play and you're not 100%, it's frustrating." Hodge said he would fly to New York on Wednesday for a second opinion from Russell Warren, the Giants' team physician since 1984.[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] If Hodge was on your IDP draft list, he should be crossed off, it appears. Source: Jim Wyatt, Nashville Tennessean "Corey brings a combination of run-stuffing size and pass rushing ability to the defensive tackle position," said Titans General Manager Mike Reinfeldt. "Prior to last season, he has been a consistent and productive player who contributed to playoff teams and we are excited to see him get a second chance here with the Titans to prove he still has that ability." Simon, who visited with Titans officials last week, should help bolster a run defense that ranked 30th in the NFL last season, giving up almost 145 yards per game.[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Simon got a huge contract from the Colts and produced 0 for them during 2006 due to a knee issue and some other illness. We'll see if he can get back to top form in this stop - the Titans could surely use his help if he's healthy enough to play. DEF - NYJ - Secondary Boosted by Return of 3 DBs Source: Steve Hutchinson, Newark Star-Ledger The Jets secondary received good news yesterday when cornerbacks Justin Miller and Andre Dyson, along with S Eric Smith returned to practice. Miller had been out since August 5 with a right hamstring injury. Dyson missed two practices last week and Saturday's game against the Giants with a right leg injury. And Smith had been out most of the month, also with a right leg injury. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Hopefully, all 3 guys are back to 100% and ready to roll into regular season. DEF - CIN - S Jackson Suffers Concussion During MNF Source: Mark Curnutte, Cincinnati Enquirer Safety Dexter Jackson suffered a concussion in first half but is not expected to miss much time. He will be examined before he can return. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] With the new emphasis on handling concussions properly, this is an injury that might cost Jackson some practice time/playing time. Concussions are notorious for causing side effects days after the initial injury - if Jackson is on your IDP roster you should keep a close eye on his practice participation and status on the first official NFL injury report prior to week 1. That'll do it for today, Folks. Have a great Wednesday and we'll see you tomorrow with the update. J |
