All in Sports Fantasy Advice
Week 4 - Football Breakdown and Rankings

A bad, quick decision ended up costing me dearly the summer after high school. The cost was not only monetary, although I could have saved myself hundreds at the time and more down the road.

I was driving down a local highway in the afternoon, going (near) the speed limit. It was a sunny day and I was sporting my stylish Oakley wrap-around sunglasses (ah, fads). My nose gets a little irritated when I wear glasses, so I happened to take off the Oakleys for a second to rub the bridge of my nose. The glasses fell off my lap and down towards my feet. Now here is where the poor decision came in.

I had two choices to make: leave the sunglasses and possibly break them by stepping on them, or reach down while driving with one hand and try to rescue them. I chose the latter. Stupid choice. Because I was bending down, my eyes could only see the top halves of the vehicles in front of me. Know what I couldn’t see? The break-lights. Therefore, as everyone started to slow down, and then hit their breaks even harder…I missed the initial slowing down because I couldn’t see the break-lights in front of me. I’ll give you a chance to guess what happened next. If you said I slammed on my breaks hard, but too late, and had my Ford ZX2 slide under the pickup truck in front of me, destroying the front end of my car, you win! (Okay, that wasn’t too hard to guess).

I went from having to spend $90 on a new pair of Oakleys (maybe) to a $500 deductible, ticket cost for “following too close” (I wasn’t, but when I pointed that out to the officer, he asked if I would like reckless driving instead…I quickly said, “no”), and increased insurance bills. Talk about a regrettable decision.

Well, here we are heading into Week 4 of the Fantasy Football season, and I see some people making regrettable decisions. Owners are coming up on a potential accident situation, and it’s time to make choices that can impact the rest of your season. You need to evaluate where you are at, and choose whether to sacrifice a small amount (some Oakleys) or risk it all and possibly ruin your season.

The majority of teams are likely to be 2-1 or 1-2 at this point. The 3-0 and 0-3 teams have either ran into some good or bad luck. Anyone with two or three wins should play things normally. The good thing for teams with a winning record is that it allows you be a little riskier in buying low on some players (Calvin Johnson, Crabtree, DeAngelo Williams, etc.). These teams should work players’ values by selling high on some of the sleepers that hit so far, while buying low from panicking owners.

The 1-2 and 0-3 teams are the ones headed towards a possible wreck. It’s possible you just made some poor decisions and/or bought into players that you shouldn’t have. At the same time, it could be mostly bad luck that got you here. If it’s luck, take a similar approach as the winning teams would. Keep in mind, you may need to be a bit more aggressive and take more risk as another loss almost guarantees no playoff appearance.

At the same time, don’t, and I can’t express this enough, sell off your elite players if it’s bad luck. You would be choosing the wreck over the sunglasses. You may need to just stomp on those glasses, pump the breaks and look ahead. That means dump your players that have no value anymore (I too bought into Michael Bush, but now DMC is in full control). Don’t keep players who have lost all of their value to you because they are “yours”. I wrote about that early on this year. Owners get too attached to “their guys.” Go out and grab the potential breakout players like Louis Murphy, Peyton Hillis, Aaron Hernandez, etc.

If you are losing because of poor choices and maybe even bad luck added on, hit that gas and try to make a break for it. Either look to next year and see what you can put together for keepers, or take all the risk you can for the biggest reward. It’s pedal to the metal for you at this point.

In any case, don’t ever take your eyes off the road! Figuratively or literally (trust me on that last one).

Settling Up Week 3

Top Pair (players who guaranteed a good week)

Michael Vick, Anquan Boldin, Adrian Peterson

Okay so one of these names is no surprise. Peterson abused the hapless Lions defense for 160 yards and two scores…yawn. Michael Vick continues to impress more each week. Not only did he pass for three TDs, he ran one in while not committing a turnover. Lastly, Boldin continues his campaign to prove he is a legitimate No. 1 wide receiver by putting up 142 yards and three touchdowns against Cleveland.

River Rat (player(s) who surprised everyone)

Austin Collie, Lance Moore

Who was Peyton Manning’s flavor of the week? Meet Austin Collie. Collie was slated for slot receiver duties at the start of the year, but has taken full advantage of Pierre Garcon being hurt. He is making a case to play opposite Reggie Wayne weekly. Welcome back Lance Moore, from 2008 that is. Yes, the last time Moore eclipsed 100 yards receiving was Week 12 of 2008. The Saints receiving core is iffy on who to trust each week, but it’s possible Moore can return to Fantasy relevance with Reggie Bush out.

Gut Shot (player who let everyone down)

Matt Forte

Ah, where have all the proclamations that Forte was back to 2008 form gone? I’ll tell you; those same people have seen his last two games. He’s only rushed for 29 yards each game the past two weeks. The Giants defense struggles against the run, and if he wants to show us those two games are just off-weeks, it’s now or never.

All In or Muck Em? (Hot or Not)

All In (Hot)

Peyton Manning, Mike Vick, Philip Rivers, Darren McFadden, Peyton Hillis, Austin Collie, DeSean Jackson, Antonio Gates, Dustin Keller

Ho hum, another three TD performance for Peyton Manning…next! Vick now has six touchdown passes with no interceptions. Is it possible he’s better than ever before? Rivers is averaging 366 yards a game with at least two TDs in each. With Ryan Mathews still iffy, don’t expect the team to stop leaning on his shoulder(s). Can we finally trust Darren McFadden? It’s tough not too with another 100 yard game, this time with a rushing touchdown. Someone should have told Baltimore about Peyton Hillis before the game, not that it would have helped. After rushing for 144 yards and a score, Hillis gets another big test in a strong Cincinnati defense this week. It’s time to see how good he really is. Collie was already mentioned, but just in case you need affirmation, he is the leading Fantasy WR right now. Yes, leading everyone! DeSean Jackson has made people forget about his slow first game. He’s already vaulted himself back into the top five with the past two performances. Gates is just like Manning in that he’s great every week, but look out for Dustin Keller. He’s Sanchez’s new favorite target and is moving up the charts fast.

Muck Em (Not)

Donovan McNabb, Eli Manning, Ray Rice, DeAngelo Williams, Steve Smith, Mike Sims-Walker, Vernon Davis

McNabb was supposed to help turn the Redskins offense around but has struggled to do so. He had a gift-wrapped matchup against the Rams, but only managed one TD. It’s quite possible that no one can help that receiving core. Eli gets a return mention just like big brother, although to the bad side of things. He did almost throw for 400 yards, but poor decisions and turnovers equaled a long day and no touchdown passes. Rice has struggled to build off his 2009 breakout year, and now he hurt his knee. Willis McGahee is waiting in the wings for any opportunity he can get. DeAngelo Williams and the entire Panthers offense struggled again. With Clausen at QB, Williams may end up on of the most disappointing early picks of 2010. His teammate, Steve Smith, is stuck in the same situation and relies more on Clausen than Williams, which is not good for him. The Jaguars look to be one of the worst team in the league, and their offense is showing that along with Mike Sims-Walker. If he can’t put up good numbers against Indy, it will be a long year. Another offense in trouble, and so much so that they fired the coordinator is San Francisco. The game plan and Alex Smith’s woes are keeping Vernon Davis from finding the end zone and maximizing his potential.

What’s the Deal for Week 4?

Ace in the Hole (players who will increase your odds of winning)

Peyton Manning, Michael Vick, Aaron Rodgers, Michael Turner, Arian Foster, Roddy White, Brandon Marshall, Jermichael Finley

Peyton Manning and Michael Vick – they have been covered in depth; great plays for your team, easy as that. Aaron Rodgers was said by many to be the best QB going into the season. He has a real chance to be the best one this week against Detroit. Arian Foster has not scored since the Week 1 outburst, but the Raiders run defense is one of the worst, and there is a good chance he could this week. The 49ers defense was thought to be one of the best in the league. They are anything but that. Michael Turner and teammate Roddy White should both have big days. The Patriots pass defense cannot stop anyone this year, and now Brandon Marshall comes knocking after torching the Jets for 166 yards and a TD. As mentioned, Aaron Rodgers should have a great day in store, and if he does, Finley will be one of the main beneficiaries.

The Flop (players who will let you down)

Donovan McNabb, Joe Flacco, Ray Rice, Peyton Hillis, Hines Ward, Marques Colston, Heath Miller

McNabb won’t have much success in trying to turn things around this week. He is back in Philly for the first time as an opponent, and that is a scary thought for him. Flacco looked great last week for the first time this year, but now gets their division rival in the Pittsburgh Steelers. Don’t expect Polamalu or the Steelers to let a game like that happen for Flacco against them. As mentioned, Ray Rice is hobbled by a knee injury, and the Steelers are the last team any running back wants to face. The Saints spread the ball around too much for any wide receiver to be a guaranteed play. Plus, the Panthers secondary is quite good so it will tough for Colston to put up big numbers this week. Hines Ward will likely continue to struggle until Ben Roethlisberger returns as will teammate Heath Miller.

Playing the Odds (Pickups and Drops)

The Turn (players who will help you soon, grab if you can)

Josh Freeman, Matt Hasselbeck, Peyton Hillis, BenJarvus Green-Ellis, Ryan Torain, LeGarrette Blount, Louis Murphy, Lance Moore

Freeman returns from a bye in Week 5 and as mentioned last week, he can make for a nice fill in when your QB is on his bye. Hasselbeck is along the same lines. He won’t put up gaudy numbers, but he is solid enough to play for a fill-in week. I don’t need to go in depth on why you should grab Hillis (if even possible). BJGE is the new lead back in New England, but as I warn people, Forrest Gump was actually talking about the Patriots backfield when he said, “You never know what you’re gonna get.” Torain and Blount make two good sleepers as the RBs in front of them are showing their wear and lacking in production. Louis Murphy is the lead wide receiver in Oakland and has nice chemistry with Gradkowski. As for Lance Moore, again the Saints wide receivers are risky plays just like Patriots running backs, but you could do worse for a bye-week play at WR.

Bluffed (players who thought would help, but won’t so fold them)

Based off a standard league, you can fold these players. And if I don’t put any back in The Turn, they are drop-worthy for the year.

Carson Palmer, Derek Anderson, David Garrard, Alex Smith, Vince Young; Steve Slaton, Michael Bush, Brandon Jacobs; Mike Williams (SEA), Jerricho Cotchery, Mohamed Massaquoi, Devin Aromashodu, Laurent Robinson, Bernard Berrian, Vincent Jackson, Robert Meachem, Devery Henderson, Heath Miller

Quarterback
Rank - Player - Team ( Opp )
1 - Peyton Manning - IND ( @ JAC )
2 - Aaron Rodgers - GB ( DET )
3 - Drew Brees - NO ( CAR )
4 - Philip Rivers - SD ( ARZ )
5 - Tom Brady - NE ( @ MIA )
6 - Michael Vick - PHI ( WAS )
7 - Matt Schaub - HOU ( @ OAK )
8 - Jay Cutler - CHI ( @ NYG )
9 - Matt Ryan - ATL ( SF )
10 - Kyle Orton - DEN ( @ TEN )
11 - Eli Manning - NYG ( CHI )
12 - Donovan McNabb - WAS ( @ PHI )
13 - Chad Henne - MIA ( NE )
14 - Carson Palmer - CIN ( @ CLE )
15 - Mark Sanchez - NYJ ( @ BUF )
16 - Bruce Gradkowski - OAK ( HOU )
17 - Matt Hasselbeck - SEA ( @ STL )
18 - Joe Flacco - BAL ( @ PIT )
19 - Vince Young - TEN ( DEN )
20 - Sam Bradford - STL ( SEA )
21 - David Garrard - JAC ( IND )
22 - Alex Smith - SF ( @ ATL )
23 - Shaun Hill - DET ( @ GB )
24 - Derek Anderson - ARZ ( @ SD )
25 - Ryan Fitzpatrick - BUF ( NYJ )

Runningback
Rank - Player - Team ( Opp )
1 - Chris Johnson - TEN ( DEN )
2 - Michael Turner - ATL ( SF )
3 - Arian Foster - HOU ( @ OAK )
4 - Frank Gore - SF ( @ ATL )
5 - Maurice Jones-Drew - JAC ( IND )
6 - Cedric Benson - CIN ( @ CLE )
7 - Pierre Thomas - NO ( CAR )
8 - Darren McFadden - OAK ( HOU )
9 - LeSean McCoy - PHI ( WAS )
10 - Rashard Mendenhall - PIT ( BAL )
11 - Matt Forte - CHI ( @ NYG )
12 - Ahmad Bradshaw - NYG ( CHI )
13 - LaDainian Tomlinson - NYJ ( @ BUF )
14 - DeAngelo Williams - CAR ( @ NO )
15 - Steven Jackson - STL ( SEA )
16 - Peyton Hillis - CLE ( CIN )
17 - Ronnie Brown - MIA ( NE )
18 - Ray Rice - BAL ( @ PIT )
19 - Jahvid Best - DET ( @ GB )
20 - Joseph Addai - IND ( @ JAC )
21 - Beanie Wells - ARZ ( @ SD )
22 - Shonn Greene - NYJ ( @ BUF )
23 - Justin Forsett - SEA ( @ STL )
24 - Ryan Mathews - SD ( ARZ )
25 - Mike Tolbert - SD ( ARZ )
26 - Clinton Portis - WAS ( @ PHI )
27 - Benjarvus Green-Ellis - NE ( @ MIA )
28 - Brandon Jackson - GB ( DET )
29 - Marshawn Lynch - BUF ( NYJ )
30 - Laurence Maroney - DEN ( @ TEN )
31 - Jonathan Stewart - CAR ( @ NO )
32 - Tim Hightower - ARZ ( @ SD )
33 - John Kuhn - GB ( DET )
34 - Ricky Williams - MIA ( NE )
35 - C.J. Spiller - BUF ( NYJ )
36 - Donald Brown - IND ( @ JAC )
37 - Jason Snelling - ATL ( SF )
38 - Willis McGahee - BAL ( @ PIT )
39 - Correll Buckhalter - DEN ( @ TEN )
40 - Brandon Jacobs - NYG ( CHI )
41 - Ryan Torain - WAS ( @ PHI )
42 - Fred Jackson - BUF ( NYJ )
43 - Bernard Scott - CIN ( @ CLE )
44 - Michael Bush - OAK ( HOU )
45 - Darren Sproles - SD ( ARZ )
46 - Chester Taylor - CHI ( @ NYG )
47 - Fred Taylor - NE ( @ MIA )
48 - Kenneth Darby - STL ( SEA )
49 - Chris Ivory - NO ( CAR )
50 - Maurice Morris - DET ( @ GB )

Wide Receiver
Rank - Player - Team ( Opp )
1 - Brandon Marshall - MIA ( NE )
2 - Randy Moss - NE ( @ MIA )
3 - Roddy White - ATL ( SF )
4 - Reggie Wayne - IND ( @ JAC )
5 - DeSean Jackson - PHI ( WAS )
6 - Andre Johnson - HOU ( @ OAK )
7 - Greg Jennings - GB ( DET )
8 - Austin Collie - IND ( @ JAC )
9 - Larry Fitzgerald - ARZ ( @ SD )
10 - Anquan Boldin - BAL ( @ PIT )
11 - Chad Ochocinco - CIN ( @ CLE )
12 - Wes Welker - NE ( @ MIA )
13 - Calvin Johnson - DET ( @ GB )
14 - Jeremy Maclin - PHI ( WAS )
15 - Santana Moss - WAS ( @ PHI )
16 - Donald Driver - GB ( DET )
17 - Steve Smith - NYG ( CHI )
18 - Hakeem Nicks - NYG ( CHI )
19 - Marques Colston - NO ( CAR )
20 - Malcom Floyd - SD ( ARZ )
21 - Mark Clayton - STL ( SEA )
22 - Louis Murphy - OAK ( HOU )
23 - Johnny Knox - CHI ( @ NYG )
24 - Steve Smith - CAR ( @ NO )
25 - Mike Sims-Walker - JAC ( IND )
26 - Hines Ward - PIT ( BAL )
27 - Mike Wallace - PIT ( BAL )
28 - Terrell Owens - CIN ( @ CLE )
29 - Kevin Walter - HOU ( @ OAK )
30 - Braylon Edwards - NYJ ( @ BUF )
31 - Eddie Royal - DEN ( @ TEN )
32 - Michael Crabtree - SF ( @ ATL )
33 - Lance Moore - NO ( CAR )
34 - Jacoby Jones - HOU ( @ OAK )
35 - Devin Hester - CHI ( @ NYG )
36 - Jabar Gaffney - DEN ( @ TEN )
37 - Lee Evans - BUF ( NYJ )
38 - Legedu Naanee - SD ( ARZ )
39 - Mario Manningham - NYG ( CHI )
40 - Nate Washington - TEN ( DEN )
41 - Devery Henderson - NO ( CAR )
42 - Demaryius Thomas - DEN ( @ TEN )
43 - Brandon Lloyd - DEN ( @ TEN )
44 - Josh Cribbs - CLE ( CIN )
45 - Derrick Mason - BAL ( @ PIT )
46 - Kenny Britt - TEN ( DEN )
47 - Pierre Garcon - IND ( @ JAC )
48 - Darrius Heyward-Bey - OAK ( HOU )
49 - Mike Thomas - JAC ( IND )
50 - Robert Meachem - NO ( CAR )

Tight End
Rank - Player - Team ( Opp )
1 - Antonio Gates - SD ( ARZ )
2 - Dallas Clark - IND ( @ JAC )
3 - Jermichael Finley - GB ( DET )
4 - Vernon Davis - SF ( @ ATL )
5 - Tony Gonzalez - ATL ( SF )
6 - Dustin Keller - NYJ ( @ BUF )
7 - Chris Cooley - WAS ( @ PHI )
8 - Zach Miller - OAK ( HOU )
9 - Aaron Hernandez - NE ( @ MIA )
10 - Brent Celek - PHI ( WAS )
11 - Greg Olsen - CHI ( @ NYG )
12 - John Carlson - SEA ( @ STL )
13 - Jeremy Shockey - NO ( CAR )
14 - Marcedes Lewis - JAC ( IND )
15 - Tony Scheffler - DET ( @ GB )
16 - Owen Daniels - HOU ( @ OAK )
17 - Jermaine Gresham - CIN ( @ CLE )
18 - Heath Miller - PIT ( BAL )
19 - Todd Heap - BAL ( @ PIT )
20 - Rob Gronkowski - NE ( @ MIA )
21 - Kevin Boss - NYG ( CHI )
22 - Brandon Pettigrew - DET ( @ GB )
23 - Anthony Fasano - MIA ( NE )
24 - Benjamin Watson - CLE ( CIN )
25 - Bo Scaife - TEN ( DEN )

Kicker
Rank - Player - Team ( Opp )
1 - Mason Crosby - GB ( DET )
2 - Nate Kaeding - SD ( ARZ )
3 - Stephen Gostkowski - NE ( @ MIA )
4 - Neil Rackers - HOU ( @ OAK )
5 - Rob Bironas - TEN ( DEN )
6 - Jeff Reed - PIT ( BAL )
7 - David Akers - PHI ( WAS )
8 - Robbie Gould - CHI ( @ NYG )
9 - Matt Bryant - ATL ( SF )
10 - Mike Nugent - CIN ( @ CLE )
11 - Nick Folk - NYJ ( @ BUF )
12 - Matt Prater - DEN ( @ TEN )
13 - Sebastian Janikowski - OAK ( HOU )
14 - Adam Vinatieri - IND ( @ JAC )
15 - Graham Gano - WAS ( @ PHI )
16 - Dan Carpenter - MIA ( NE )
17 - Lawrence Tynes - NYG ( CHI )
18 - Jay Feely - ARZ ( @ SD )
19 - Billy Cundiff - BAL ( @ PIT )
20 - Jason Hanson - DET ( @ GB )
21 - Josh Brown - STL ( SEA )
22 - Garrett Hartley - NO ( CAR )
23 - Olindo Mare - SEA ( @ STL )
24 - Josh Scobee - JAC ( IND )
25 - John Kasay - CAR ( @ NO )

Defense
Rank - Team ( Opp )
1 - Packers ( DET )
2 - Jets ( @ BUF )
3 - Steelers ( BAL )
4 - Ravens ( @ PIT )
5 - Saints ( CAR )
6 - Bengals ( @ CLE )
7 - Eagles ( WAS )
8 - Chargers ( ARZ )
9 - Falcons ( SF )
10 - Colts ( @ JAC )
11 - Titans ( DEN )
12 - Giants ( CHI )
13 - Bears ( @ NYG )
14 - Patriots ( @ MIA )
15 - Seahawks ( @ STL )
16 - Texans ( @ OAK )
17 - 49ers ( @ ATL )
18 - Redskins ( @ PHI )
19 - Dolphins ( NE )
20 - Cardinals ( @ SD )
21 - Broncos ( @ TEN )
22 - Rams ( SEA )
23 - Raiders ( HOU )
24 - Browns ( CIN )
25 - Bills ( NYJ )

All in Sports Fantasy Advice
Week Three - Football Breakdown and Rankings

I still remember the day like it was yesterday. Not to mention, even to this day my friends still bring it up and mock me for it. I explain my reasons (more on that in a bit) every time, and we all laugh about it – them more than me.

It was September 16, 2007, and the Giants just finished playing the Packers at home. To refresh your memory, they were then 0-2 and had given up a total of 80 points in two games (first game was in Dallas). My exact words after Favre and the Packers dismantled the Giants? “I hope we lose enough to get the first pick, draft Darren McFadden, and fire Tom Coughlin.”

You see, at the time, Coughlin was on the hot seat. The Giants had lost in their first playoff game each of the past two years after going 6-10 in 2004. Meanwhile, Darren McFadden was shredding college defenses on his way to the Walter Camp Award (the nation’s best player). Derrick Ward, a seventh round pick by the Jets, was the Giants’ lead back. Things were looking bleak. Now, I wasn’t the only Giants fan calling for Coughlin’s head or wanting to see a player like McFadden in a Giants’ uniform…but, for all intents and purposes with my friends, I might as well have been.

How quickly things change. That was the same year the Giants won the next six games and made the playoffs at 10-6. Unless you have amnesia, you know what happened next – three straight road playoff wins against Tampa Bay, Dallas and Green Bay…then a Super Bowl win against the unbeatable, 18-0, New England Patriots. Think I still wanted that first pick of the 2008 draft? Think my friends let me live my claim down? Not to this day!

People have different personalities and different ways of dealing with losses. Some of us brush it off and don’t worry about it. Some yell and curse and pound the floor. Others (like me) want teams to lose big if the team is going to lose. While some prefer the nail-biting, I’d rather lose by 30 than by a field goal as time expires. Am I wrong? No. Are others and their ways of coping? No again (unless there is some property damage or law breaking).

Here is the catch, do not choose my method when dealing with Fantasy teams. It has been only two games, and there are 11 left. I’ve seen teams go 4-0 and miss the playoffs, and teams start 0-4 win a league. I think I may have mentioned it once or twice (or fifty times), but Fantasy Football involves luck. All you have to do is make the playoffs, and then you can easily put together a nice Giants-like run to the championship.

You know what losing the most games of the 2007 season would have got the Giants? They probably would have a different coach and Darren McFadden at running back (who has not lived up to his college hype). Giants fans would have likely been jumping off the Brooklyn Bridge in droves at this point. Know what the Giants wouldn’t have? A Super Bowl ring, the glory of stopping the Patriots from a perfect season, and the most memorable catch and play in Super Bowl history. Good thing I don’t control the universe huh?

So, before you blow up your team and cast off all of your stud players, think about the Giants and my claim. Do you really want to be the guy who sees your former players help another team win your league because you wanted to go down in a fiery flame? Take a breath, hit the waiver wire, try to fix your team’s weaknesses, and press on. Trust me, doing it the other way just leads to being mocked year after year.

Settling Up Week 2

Top Pair (players who guaranteed a good week)

Matt Schaub and Frank Gore

See what happens when you don’t panic after one week and keep your studs in your lineup? Rewarding isn’t it? Schaub threw for almost 500 yards (497 to be precise) and three touchdowns. Meanwhile, Frank Gore racked up 168 total yards with two touchdowns (one rushing and one receiving). This is the ol’ “proof in the pudding” situation showing you to play your elite players over the hot name of the week.

River Rat (player who surprised everyone)

Jahvid Best

Jahvid Best had two rushing touchdowns in week 1. He also had a measly 1.4 yards per carry. He improved on that in Week 2 by leaps and bounds (both figurative and literal). Not only did he average 4.6 yards per carry, but ran for another two touchdowns while catching one – as he was the leading receiver (154 yards on nine catches) for the Lions as well.

Gut Shot (player who let everyone down)

Chris Johnson

I tweeted (ok shameless promotion time – follow me @AllinSportsJC – I need followers to look better for work!) on Sunday before the game that the Steelers had allowed on ONE running back to rush over 100 yards in the past 36 games. Did I see them bottling up Mr. 2k, Chris Johnson, for just 34 yards and no touchdowns? Would you believe me if I did? No? Good call. But, this should say something about the Steelers defense. It’s certainly looked impregnable, as Mike would say.

All In or Muck Em? (Hot or Not)

All In (Hot)

Peyton Manning, Mike Vick, Jay Cutler, Jahvid Best, Darren McFadden, Miles Austin, Reggie Wayne, Wes Welker, Antonio Gates, Dallas Clark

Peyton already has six TDs in two games and almost 700 yards. When will people stop trying to argue for someone else as the greatest quarterback in the league? Vick has been so good that he is starting over Kolb, and it has nothing to do with Kolb’s concussion. Watch out because he’s still a dangerous dual-threat. Cutler has a propensity to throw interceptions, but has always had the athletic ability. Now Martz is helping him take full advantage of it. Best has multiple scores and Darren McFadden has eclipsed 100 all-purpose yards in each week this year. That’s not bad for two middle round picks. Austin caught 10 passes in weeks 1 and 2 with over 140 yards receiving in each. Wayne has yet to show his age putting up seven receptions, 90+ yards and a score in each game. Wes Welker is still a PPR dream with 14 catches on the year already. The two studs of the tight end world, Gates and Clark both have double-digit receptions and multiple TDs.

Muck Em (Not)

Eli Manning, Alex Smith, Brandon Jackson, Ray Rice, DeAngelo Williams, Greg Jennings, Larry Fitzgerald, Jabar Gaffney, Greg Olsen

The other Manning faced a near impossible task of a must-win for big brother and the Colts. Plus, the Giants are trying to focus more on the run game. Alex Smith cannot seem to click with anyone not named Vernon Davis on a regular basis. Brandon Jackson had a gift-wrapped matchup against the Bills for his first starting role and fell flat. Not only has Ray Rice not scored, that may be the story more often than not with Willis McGahee stealing goal-line carries. The Panthers rushing offense was supposed to be one of the league’s best. Someone should tell DeAngelo and Jonathan Stewart. Greg Jennings and Fitzgerald have yet to live up to their top-10 status, while the early season shine for Gaffney has worn off (especially with Demaryius Thomas back). Martz kills tight ends – well not literally – but in Fantasy, it’s true and Olsen is the latest victim.

What’s the Deal for Week 3?

Ace in the Hole (players who will increase your odds of winning)

Matt Schaub, Petyon Manning, Chris Johnson, LeSean McCoy, Knowshon Moreno, DeSean Jackson, Brandon Marshall, Hakeem Nicks, Vernon Davis

Schaub and Manning both need no explanation, just set it and…FORGET IT! Chris Johnson will have a bounce back week. The Giants have to be upset they get another elite player who’s out to prove a point in back to back weeks. Plus, look what Addai did to them. McCoy and Moreno both have quality matchups and their teams are relying on them fully in the run game. McCoy’s teammate DeSean Jackson will enjoy the matchup against a weak Jaguars defense as well. Speaking of matchups, Marshall faces the Jets without Revis this week, he should have fun. Nicks is practicing in full this week, and is becoming Eli’s go-to receiver. As mentioned, Vernon Davis is the only 49ers receiver Smith seems to like, so look for that to continue this week.

The Flop (players who will let you down)

Carson Palmer, Matt Hasselbeck, DeAngelo Williams, Brandon Jackson, Shonn Greene, Mike Wallace, Lee Evans, Kellen Winslow

Those who claimed Palmer was back are in hiding after last week. Granted, New England’s secondary can make pedestrian quarterbacks look good, and the Ravens can make the great ones look mediocre. However, those hoping for Palmer to return to 2005-07 form should not hold their breath. Hasselbeck is another QB who will never be as good as days past. He has four interceptions in two games. Don’t expect DeAngelo Williams to change the Panthers run problems this week. Cincinnati is a top-end defense, and if you had to stop Williams or Jimmy Clausen, who would you pick? Brandon Jackson should not have too much more success this week in Chicago, and Greene is now second fiddle to the rebirth of LaDainian Tomlinson. Mike Wallace has big potential, but not until Ben Roethlisberger returns. Ryan Fitzpatrick is taking over in Buffalo at QB, but it won’t get much better for Evans; that offense is anemic. The Bucs leading receiver is tight end Kellen Winslow, but that’s not a good thing as a team. He won’t repeat last week’s performance against the strong Steelers defense.

Playing the Odds (Pickups and Drops)

The Turn (players who will help you soon, grab if you can)

Josh Freeman, Mike Tolbert, Jason Snelling, Demaryius Thomas, Louis Murphy, Kevin Walter, Devin Hester

Don’t start Freeman this week against the Steelers, but with bye weeks coming, he can make for a nice fill-in starter. Tolbert and Snelling are must-owns for Ryan Mathews and Michael Turner owners. Outside of that, if you have the spots, you could stash one in hopes the lead backs get hurt again. Thomas was a preseason darling and his return in week 2 brought that back. Murphy is the leading receiver in Oakland – hey, a leader is a leader. Kevin Walter reminded everyone why he was one of the more popular No. 2 wide receivers before his injury. The Texans won’t get 500 yards passing every week, but he is pushing Jacoby Jones to be the full-time No. 2 behind Andre Johsnon. Hester will be inconsistent, but Aromashodu is on Martz bad side so Hester takes his spot in Chicago.

Bluffed (players who thought would help, but won’t so fold them)

Based off a 12-team league, you can fold these players: Matt Cassel, Matthew Stafford, Matt Hasselbeck (trend anyone? Look out Matt Ryan – just kidding), Chester Taylor, Correll Buckhalter, Leon Washington, T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Lee Evans, Nate Burleson, Jabar Gaffney, Brandon Lloyd

Week 3 Rankings

Quarterback
Rank - Player - Team ( Opp )
1 - Aaron Rodgers - GB ( @ CHI )
2 - Peyton Manning - IND ( @ DEN )
3 - Matt Schaub - HOU ( DAL )
4 - Tom Brady - NE ( BUF )
5 - Philip Rivers - SD ( @ SEA )
6 - Tony Romo - DAL ( @ HOU )
7 - Drew Brees - NO ( ATL )
8 - Mike Vick - PHI ( @ JAC )
9 - Donovan McNabb - WAS ( @ STL )
10 - Jay Cutler - CHI ( GB )
11 - Brett Favre - MIN ( DET )
12 - Carson Palmer - CIN ( @ CAR )
13 - Joe Flacco - BAL ( CLE )
14 - Kyle Orton - DEN ( IND )
15 - Eli Manning - NYG ( TEN )
16 - Matt Ryan - ATL ( @ NO )
17 - Vince Young - TEN ( @ NYG )
18 - David Garrard - JAC ( PHI )
19 - Alex Smith - SF ( @ KC )
20 - Sam Bradford - STL ( WAS )
21 - Matt Hasselbeck - SEA ( SD )
22 - Chad Henne - MIA ( NYJ )
23 - Shaun Hill - DET ( @ MIN )
24 - Matt Cassel - KC ( SF )
25 - Derek Anderson - ARZ ( OAK )
26 - Mark Sanchez - NYJ ( @ MIA )
27 - Bruce Gradkowski - OAK ( @ ARZ )
28 - Josh Freeman - TB ( PIT )
29 - Jimmy Clausen - CAR ( CIN )
30 - Ryan Fitzpatrick - BUF ( @ NE )

Runningback
Rank - Player - Team ( Opp )
1 - Adrian Peterson - MIN ( DET )
2 - Chris Johnson - TEN ( @ NYG )
3 - Ray Rice - BAL ( CLE )
4 - Maurice Jones-Drew - JAC ( PHI )
5 - Frank Gore - SF ( @ KC )
6 - Michael Turner - ATL ( @ NO )
7 - Rashard Mendenhall - PIT ( @ TB )
8 - LeSean McCoy - PHI ( @ JAC )
9 - Steven Jackson - STL ( WAS )
10 - Pierre Thomas - NO ( ATL )
11 - Cedric Benson - CIN ( @ CAR )
12 - Darren McFadden - OAK ( @ ARZ )
13 - Knowshon Moreno - DEN ( IND )
14 - Arian Foster - HOU ( DAL )
15 - Jahvid Best - DET ( @ MIN )
16 - DeAngelo Williams - CAR ( CIN )
17 - Joseph Addai - IND ( @ DEN )
18 - Ryan Mathews - SD ( @ SEA )
19 - Ahmad Bradshaw - NYG ( TEN )
20 - Tim Hightower - ARZ ( OAK )
21 - Clinton Portis - WAS ( @ STL )
22 - Matt Forte - CHI ( GB )
23 - Ronnie Brown - MIA ( NYJ )
24 - Jamaal Charles - KC ( SF )
25 - LaDainian Tomlinson - NYJ ( @ MIA )
26 - Brandon Jackson - GB ( @ CHI )
27 - Marion Barber - DAL ( @ HOU )
28 - Shonn Greene - NYJ ( @ MIA )
29 - Thomas Jones - KC ( SF )
30 - Jonathan Stewart - CAR ( CIN )
31 - Fred Taylor - NE ( BUF )
32 - Beanie Wells - ARZ ( OAK )
33 - Cadillac Williams - TB ( PIT )
34 - Justin Forsett - SEA ( SD )
35 - Felix Jones - DAL ( @ HOU )
36 - Willis McGahee - BAL ( CLE )
37 - Ricky Williams - MIA ( NYJ )
38 - Fred Jackson - BUF ( @ NE )
39 - Donald Brown - IND ( @ DEN )
40 - Jerome Harrison - CLE ( @ BAL )
41 - Peyton Hillis - CLE ( @ BAL )
42 - Mike Tolbert - SD ( @ SEA )
43 - C.J. Spiller - BUF ( @ NE )
44 - Marshawn Lynch - BUF ( @ NE )
45 - Brandon Jacobs - NYG ( TEN )
46 - Darren Sproles - SD ( @ SEA )
47 - Jason Snelling - ATL ( @ NO )
48 - BenJarvus Green-Ellis - NE ( BUF )
49 - Chester Taylor - CHI ( GB )
50 - Leon Washington - SEA ( SD )


Wide Receiver
Rank - Player - Team ( Opp )
1 - Andre Johnson - HOU ( DAL )
2 - Miles Austin - DAL ( @ HOU )
3 - Randy Moss - NE ( BUF )
4 - Roddy White - ATL ( @ NO )
5 - Reggie Wayne - IND ( @ DEN )
6 - DeSean Jackson - PHI ( @ JAC )
7 - Brandon Marshall - MIA ( NYJ )
8 - Larry Fitzgerald - ARZ ( OAK )
9 - Greg Jennings - GB ( @ CHI )
10 - Wes Welker - NE ( BUF )
11 - Calvin Johnson - DET ( @ MIN )
12 - Anquan Boldin - BAL ( CLE )
13 - Marques Colston - NO ( ATL )
14 - Chad Ochocinco - CIN ( @ CAR )
15 - Hakeem Nicks - NYG ( TEN )
16 - Steve Smith - CAR ( CIN )
17 - Santana Moss - WAS ( @ STL )
18 - Donald Driver - GB ( @ CHI )
19 - Steve Smith - NYG ( TEN )
20 - Mike Sims-Walker - JAC ( PHI )
21 - Jeremy Maclin - PHI ( @ JAC )
22 - Malcom Floyd - SD ( @ SEA )
23 - Michael Crabtree - SF ( @ KC )
24 - Percy Harvin - MIN ( DET )
25 - Hines Ward - PIT ( @ TB )
26 - Austin Collie - IND ( @ DEN )
27 - Johnny Knox - CHI ( GB )
28 - Dez Bryant - DAL ( @ HOU )
29 - Pierre Garcon - IND ( @ DEN )
30 - Terrell Owens - CIN ( @ CAR )
31 - Dwayne Bowe - KC ( SF )
32 - Eddie Royal - DEN ( IND )
33 - Mark Clayton - STL ( WAS )
34 - Mike Williams - TB ( PIT )
35 - Mike Wallace - PIT ( @ TB )
36 - Demaryius Thomas - DEN ( IND )
37 - Steve Breaston - ARZ ( OAK )
38 - Louis Murphy - OAK ( @ ARZ )
39 - Kevin Walter - HOU ( DAL )
40 - Devin Hester - CHI ( GB )
41 - Jacoby Jones - HOU ( DAL )
42 - Lee Evans - BUF ( @ NE )
43 - Derrick Mason - BAL ( CLE )
44 - Robert Meachem - NO ( ATL )
45 - Jabar Gaffney - DEN ( IND )
46 - Mario Manningham - NYG ( TEN )
47 - Nate Washington - TEN ( @ NYG )
48 - Legedu Naanee - SD ( @ SEA )
49 - Bernard Berrian - MIN ( DET )
50 - Mike Williams - SEA ( SD )


Tight End
Rank - Player - Team ( Opp )
1 - Antonio Gates - SD ( @ SEA )
2 - Dallas Clark - IND ( @ DEN )
3 - Jermichael Finley - GB ( @ CHI )
4 - Vernon Davis - SF ( @ KC )
5 - Visanthe Shiancoe - MIN ( DET )
6 - Brent Celek - PHI ( @ JAC )
7 - Chris Cooley - WAS ( @ STL )
8 - Jason Witten - DAL ( @ HOU )
9 - Tony Gonzalez - ATL ( @ NO )
10 - Heath Miller - PIT ( @ TB )
11 - Dustin Keller - NYJ ( @ MIA )
12 - Kellen Winslow - TB ( PIT )
13 - Zach Miller - OAK ( @ ARZ )
14 - John Carlson - SEA ( SD )
15 - Jermaine Gresham - CIN ( @ CAR )
16 - Marcedes Lewis - JAC ( PHI )
17 - Todd Heap - BAL ( CLE )
18 - Tony Scheffler - DET ( @ MIN )
19 - Aaron Hernandez - NE ( BUF )
20 - Brandon Pettigrew - DET ( @ MIN )
21 - Owen Daniels - HOU ( DAL )
22 - Greg Olsen - CHI ( GB )
23 - Jeremy Shockey - NO ( ATL )
24 - Tony Moeaki - KC ( SF )
25 - Anthony Fasano - MIA ( NYJ )

Kicker
Rank - Player - Team ( Opp )
1 - Nate Kaeding - SD ( @ SEA )
2 - Ryan Longwell - MIN ( DET )
3 - Stephen Gostkowski - NE ( BUF )
4 - David Akers - PHI ( @ JAC )
5 - Garrett Hartley - NO ( ATL )
6 - Neil Rackers - HOU ( DAL )
7 - Mason Crosby - GB ( @ CHI )
8 - Robbie Gould - CHI ( GB )
9 - Lawrence Tynes - NYG ( TEN )
10 - Jeff Reed - PIT ( @ TB )
11 - Rob Bironas - TEN ( @ NYG )
12 - John Kasay - CAR ( CIN )
13 - Dan Carpenter - MIA ( NYJ )
14 - Matt Prater - DEN ( IND )
15 - Matt Bryant - ATL ( @ NO )
16 - Mike Nugent - CIN ( @ CAR )
17 - Sebastian Janikowski - OAK ( @ ARZ )
18 - Adam Vinatieri - IND ( @ DEN )
19 - Jay Feely - ARZ ( OAK )
20 - Billy Cundiff - BAL ( CLE )
21 - Graham Gano - WAS ( @ STL )
22 - Ryan Succop - KC ( SF )
23 - Nick Folk - NYJ ( @ MIA )
24 - Joe Nedney - SF ( @ KC )
25 - David Buehler - DAL ( @ HOU )

Defense
Rank - Team ( Opp )
1 - Steelers ( @ TB )
2 - Ravens ( CLE )
3 - Vikings ( DET )
4 - Eagles ( @ JAC )
5 - Packers ( @ CHI )
6 - Patriots ( BUF )
7 - Bengals ( @ CAR )
8 - Jets ( @ MIA )
9 - 49ers ( @ KC )
10 - Saints ( ATL )
11 - Dolphins ( NYJ )
12 - Chargers ( @ SEA )
13 - Redskins ( @ STL )
14 - Giants ( TEN )
15 - Cowboys ( @ HOU )
16 - Titans ( @ NYG )
17 - Chiefs ( SF )
18 - Cardinals ( OAK )
19 - Buccaneers ( PIT )
20 - Raiders ( @ ARZ )
21 - Texans ( DAL )
22 - Colts ( @ DEN )
23 - Lions ( @ MIN )
24 - Falcons ( @ NO )
25 - Panthers ( CIN )

All in Sports Fantasy Advice

Week Two - Football Breakdown and Rankings

Arian Foster. Not the most well-known name in Fantasy Football at the start of week one. Now? Try and find someone who has not heard his name. Foster carried teams to victory this past week by putting up an amazing stat line; numbers that might not be matched this year.

Yes, that same Arian Foster who was going to split carries with Ben Tate and Steve Slaton. Yes, that same Arian Foster who was being drafted in the middle rounds. As everyone knows, no one saw this coming. Well, unless you read some of the post-game comments from owners. “I knew he should have been in my lineup.” “He was my pick to become a fantasy stud.” “I told people he’d be a top 10 running back.” No you didn’t. No he wasn’t. And, baloney!

Arian Foster was in fact a sleeper pick by many in the industry. However, no one this side of Nostradamus saw that coming. If you need a similar point of reference, look no further than Week 15 of 2009 where Jerome Harrison had a very similar day. He stepped in as the Browns feature back against the Chiefs. Just like Foster, he either made owners very happy or fairly upset that he was on the bench (the vast majority fell in to the latter). Here’s the kicker for this situation (which seems to happen every year); owners immediately say they regret not starting a player like this, even over an elite player they own. That last part is the focal point this week.

The reason I continually compare Fantasy Sports to poker is because they are immensely similar. Just like poker, the way to win is to play the odds. You bet (start or sit) on whether you think you have the best hand (team). Just like poker, having the best odds does not always mean you will win. Every outcome in both Fantasy and poker is based on odds. It is inevitable that you will be on both the lucky side and the unfortunate side of a break. Those are the facts.

That’s what makes Fantasy Sports and poker so thrilling and yet, frustrating. You can practice, study, read your opponent, etc., to get better and improve your odds. Nevertheless, even a 99% favorable odd still has that one-percent chance of losing. Eventually, it will happen.

Foster could become the next surprise star and finish in the top 10, but he could also be the next Jerome Harrison who ends up splitting carries down the road. Odds are more against him being a top 10 back than they are for him. That’s why if you want the best odds for winning, you still start the Michael Turners and the like over him.

A quick side not for you: This does not only apply to surprise breakouts, but also to disappointing performances for star players. Don’t ask how many owners have started offering Andre Johnson in trades for poor return, or even consider benching him for Austin Collie. Go back and read last week’s article. Guys, it is only one week. One game does not make or break your season.

Back to Foster, you’ll see he almost made my top 10 this week. But, he has not shown enough (outside of the game against the Colts) to slide him in front of the yearly producers. There is a reason you spent what you did to draft those guys; they are proven. Again, the point is to increase your odds of winning as much as possible, so keep your elites in your lineup. If you can, start Foster this week, just not at the cost of a stud…unless you like the thrill of playing against the odds.

Week One - Settling Up

Top Pair (players who guaranteed a good week)

Peyton Manning

Drew Brees and Aaron Rodgers were the first two quarterbacks off the board in drafts. Yet, it was the QB king himself, Peyton Manning, who led the charge the first week with 433 yards and three touchdowns. It seems he always finds a way to surprise us – although, we shouldn’t be at this point.

Chris Johnson

The leading fantasy RB in 2009 was Chris Johnson, and he picked up where he left off. With 27 carries for 142 yards, maybe he does have a real chance to make good on that 2,500 yards rushing promise.

River Rat (player who surprised everyone)

Arian Foster

What more do I need to say about him? Besides the fact he set records for the first week of a football season, he has caused more message board fodder than Ocho and T.O. combined. 231 yards and three TDs? Thank you very much. Honorable mention goes to Matt Forte as he would have been here if not for Foster.

Gut Shot (player who let everyone down)

Andre Johnson

Johnson was a consensus first round pick and first receiver off the board. He was drafted ahead of top 10 running backs and usually before any quarterback. What happened Week One though? A pedestrian three catches for 33 yards was his stat line. Expect much bigger games, but this one hurt.

All In or Muck Em? (Hot or Not)

All In (Hot)

Peyton Manning, Philip Rivers

As I mentioned, he was on fire the first week. Expect this to continue against the Giants and little brother. While he was more of a spark compared to Manning’s full blown blaze, Rivers still threw for almost 300 yards while chipping in two TD passes. He faces one of the lesser defenses in the league this week against Jacksonville.

Chris Johnson, Arian Foster, Matt Forte

I already pointed out how Johnson looked just as good as his 2009 self in Week One. This week, Pittsburgh may slow him down a bit, but not enough to keep him out of the top 10. Anyone surprised this is the third piece in which Arian Foster is listed? Nope, didn’t think so. He’s been covered plenty already. Matt Forte is trying to put 2009 behind him. He started off as good as anyone could have hoped. We’ll find out just how much he’s back against a tougher Dallas defense.

Hakeem Nicks, Chad Ochocinco, Miles Austin, Reggie Wayne

Eli Manning has finally found his new favorite redzone target since Plaxico’s…uh, “departure.” He’s halfway to his 2009 touchdown total and is well on his way to “stud” status. Ocho showed everyone who the real No. 1 in Cincinnati is even with Terrell Owens now in town. He and Palmer still have a great connection, and he will continue to be the first option in the Bengals passing attack. If anyone was wondering if Miles Austin’s 2009 season was a flash in the pan, Austin did what he could to squash those thoughts. With a new contract under his belt, his focus will be solely on putting up great numbers every week. Who’s over the hill? Who’s on the downslope of his career? Well, if Reggie Wayne is, he isn’t showing it. Manning and Wayne continue to have great chemistry, and until he’s given reason otherwise, look for him to produce.

Antonio Gates and Visante Shiancoe

What do Gates and Shiancoe have in common? (Besides sounding like a terrible cop duo) They are the most trusted options for their QBs. Shiancoe relies a bit more on touchdowns for his Fantasy value, but both should continue to put up numbers.

Muck Em (Not)

Brett Favre, Donovan McNabb

Favre’s performance may give a little hint that he’s questioning his return. Either that, or not even Favre himself can come in last minute, play a few snaps, and expect to sling the ball like he’s in midseason form. While Donovan McNabb typically has mediocre games against the Cowboys, that’s not the only reason for his mid-level numbers. The Redskins offense is not on par with the Eagles. McNabb is a significant upgrade over Jason Campbell, but don’t expect top 10 QB numbers.

Shonn Greene, Marion Barber, Brandon Jacobs, Seattle RB ______, Buffalo RB ______

One coach’s doghouse you don’t want to get into is Rex Ryan’s. Greene fumbled twice and looked less than explosive. Ryan even admitted he didn’t notice how little he used Greene. That’s a problem! LaDainian Tomlinson looked much better and now is threatening to take more of the 50/50 timeshare for himself. Marion Barber and Brandon Jacobs are two peas in a pod. They are hammering type of backs that are losing time to more elusive and better pass-catching RBs (Felix Jones and Ahmad Bradshaw). Why are there “fill in the blanks” for Seattle and Buffalo? Because it doesn’t matter which name you choose. Both teams are not only in the dreaded timeshare situation, they have trio timeshares. Until someone gets hurt or one breaks out (a la Arian Foster) forget seeing great performances for either team.

What’s the Deal? Week Two

Ace in the Hole (players who will increase your odds of winning)

Peyton Manning, Matt Schaub, Michael Turner, Frank Gore, DeAngelo Williams, Miles Austin, Reggie Wayne

Besides the obvious “All In” players listed earlier, expect bounce back weeks from Schaub, Turner, Gore and DeAngelo. The Texans will not run the ball that much again, and Schaub will connect with Andre Johnson more than three times. This is still a team that throws over 60% of the time. Turner, Gore and Williams are too good to keep down in back-to-back weeks. All three have nice matchups and will show why you paid what you did to get them.

The Flop (players who will let you down)

Kyle Orton, Joe Flacco, Jerome Harrison, Brandon Jackson, Randy Moss, Donald Driver

Although Orton threw for 295 yards in the opener, he is still the same player who makes more poor decisions than you want from your QB. Plus, he faces a better defense in Seattle this week compared to Jacksonville. Flacco faced a tough defense in Week One and don’t expect things to get easier this week. The Bengals secondary is one of the better units in the league. Wasn’t Jerome Harrison supposed to tear up the Buccaneers’ defense again this year? Instead, we saw a healthy dose of Peyton Hillis. Hope you sold high on the preseason hype. Brandon Jackson is the pickup of the week. While he can and will put up solid numbers, he is not Ryan Grant. He makes for a good No. 2 running back choice, but owners expecting top 10 numbers will be disappointed. Randy Moss faces off against Darrelle Revis this week and has a history of being shut down by him so don’t bench him, but temper your expectations. Lastly, as bad as the Bills are for a team, their secondary is quite good and should hold Driver to a less than stellar performance.

The Turn (players who will help you soon, grab if you can)

Ryan Mathews, Beanie Wells, DeAngelo Williams, DeSean Jackson, Michael Crabtree, Eli Manning, Matt Schaub

Mathews had a slow first week, but he is the feature back in a quality offense. In addition, Kansas City is a tough place to start – especially with the stadium being redesigned and fans therefore ecstatic. Wells will be healthy soon and should take touches away from Hightower. DeAngelo Williams will see more chances when the team (Matt Moore) does not turn the ball over as much. DeSean Jackson and Crabtree are simply too talented to keep down. Eli Manning continues to be overlooked given his past. Those interceptions were not his fault and is looking just as good as 2009. Another player who is too good to not recover is Matt Schaub, and that is why I put him as a Week Two Ace.

I’m not advocating overpaying for these guys, but if they are available for good value (remember it’s all about that very word – value) then go get them.

Rankings

Quarterback
Rank - Player - Team ( Opp )
1 - Peyton Manning - IND ( NYG )
2 - Aaron Rodgers - GB ( BUF )
3 - Drew Brees - NO ( @ SF )
4 - Philip Rivers - SD ( JAC )
5 - Tony Romo - DAL ( CHI )
6 - Matt Schaub - HOU ( @ WAS )
7 - Tom Brady - NE ( @ NYJ )
8 - Michael Vick - PHI ( @ DET )
9 - Eli Manning - NYG ( @ IND )
10 - Joe Flacco - BAL ( @ CIN )
11 - Brett Favre - MIN ( MIA )
12 - Matt Ryan - ATL ( ARZ )
13 - Donovan McNabb - WAS ( HOU )
14 - Jay Cutler - CHI ( @ DAL )
15 - Carson Palmer - CIN ( BAL )
16 - Kyle Orton - DEN ( SEA )
17 - Vince Young - TEN ( PIT )
18 - Chad Henne - MIA ( @ MIN )
19 - Derek Anderson - ARZ ( @ ATL )
20 - Jason Campbell - OAK ( STL )
21 - Matt Cassel - KC ( @ CLE )
22 - David Garrard - JAC ( @ SD )
23 - Matt Hasselbeck - SEA ( @ DEN )
24 - Alex Smith - SF ( NO )
25 - Sam Bradford - STL ( @ OAK )
26 - Josh Freeman - TB ( @ CAR )
27 - Mark Sanchez - NYJ ( NE )
28 - Dennis Dixon - PIT ( @ TEN )
29 - Jake Delhomme - CLE ( KC )
30 - Shaun Hill - DET ( PHI )

Running Back
Rank - Player - Team ( Opp )
1 - Adrian Peterson - MIN ( MIA )
2 - Chris Johnson - TEN ( PIT )
3 - Michael Turner - ATL ( ARZ )
4 - Steven Jackson - STL ( @ OAK )
5 - Ray Rice - BAL ( @ CIN )
6 - Maurice Jones-Drew - JAC ( @ SD )
7 - Frank Gore - SF ( NO )
8 - DeAngelo Williams - CAR ( TB )
9 - Jamaal Charles - KC ( @ CLE )
10 - Rashard Mendenhall - PIT ( @ TEN )
11 - Arian Foster - HOU ( @ WAS )
12 - Ryan Mathews - SD ( JAC )
13 - Ahmad Bradshaw - NYG ( @ IND )
14 - LeSean McCoy - PHI ( @ DET )
15 - Cedric Benson - CIN ( BAL )
16 - Pierre Thomas - NO ( @ SF )
17 - Brandon Jackson - GB ( BUF )
18 - Knowshon Moreno - DEN ( SEA )
19 - Joseph Addai - IND ( NYG )
20 - Jahvid Best - DET ( PHI )
21 - Matt Forte - CHI ( @ DAL )
22 - Darren McFadden - OAK ( STL )
23 - Shonn Greene - NYJ ( NE )
24 - Marion Barber - DAL ( CHI )
25 - Ronnie Brown - MIA ( @ MIN )
26 - Jerome Harrison - CLE ( KC )
27 - Cadillac Williams - TB ( @ CAR )
28 - Brandon Jacobs - NYG ( @ IND )
29 - Beanie Wells - ARZ ( @ ATL )
30 - Jonathan Stewart - CAR ( TB )
31 - C.J. Spiller - BUF ( @ GB )
32 - Clinton Portis - WAS ( HOU )
33 - LaDainian Tomlinson - NYJ ( NE )
34 - Tim Hightower - ARZ ( @ ATL )
35 - Thomas Jones - KC ( @ CLE )
36 - Felix Jones - DAL ( CHI )
37 - Justin Forsett - SEA ( @ DEN )
38 - Reggie Bush - NO ( @ SF )
39 - Peyton Hillis - CLE ( KC )
40 - Ricky Williams - MIA ( @ MIN )
41 - Willis McGahee - BAL ( @ CIN )
42 - Darren Sproles - SD ( JAC )
43 - Fred Taylor - NE ( @ NYJ )
44 - Chester Taylor - CHI ( @ DAL )
45 - Fred Jackson - BUF ( @ GB )
46 - Michael Bush - OAK ( STL )
47 - Steve Slaton - HOU ( @ WAS )
48 - Correll Buckhalter - DEN ( SEA )
49 - Bernard Scott - CIN ( BAL )
50 - Leon Washington - SEA ( @ DEN )
51 - Larry Johnson - WAS ( HOU )
52 - Jerious Norwood - ATL ( ARZ )
53 - Donald Brown - IND ( NYG )
54 - Marshawn Lynch - BUF ( @ GB )
55 - Laurence Maroney - DEN ( SEA )

Wide Receiver
Rank - Player - Team ( Opp )
1 - Andre Johnson - HOU ( @ WAS )
2 - Roddy White - ATL ( ARZ )
3 - Miles Austin - DAL ( CHI )
4 - Reggie Wayne - IND ( NYG )
5 - Greg Jennings - GB ( BUF )
6 - Larry Fitzgerald - ARZ ( @ ATL )
7 - Marques Colston - NO ( @ SF )
8 - Brandon Marshall - MIA ( @ MIN )
9 - Calvin Johnson - DET ( PHI )
10 - Steve Smith - CAR ( TB )
11 - DeSean Jackson - PHI ( @ DET )
12 - Wes Welker - NE ( @ NYJ )
13 - Hakeem Nicks - NYG ( @ IND )
14 - Anquan Boldin - BAL ( @ CIN )
15 - Randy Moss - NE ( @ NYJ )
16 - Chad Ochocinco - CIN ( BAL )
17 - Santana Moss - WAS ( HOU )
18 - Steve Smith - NYG ( @ IND )
19 - Dwayne Bowe - KC ( @ CLE )
20 - Hines Ward - PIT ( @ TEN )
21 - Michael Crabtree - SF ( NO )
22 - Percy Harvin - MIN ( MIA )
23 - Malcom Floyd - SD ( JAC )
24 - Dez Bryant - DAL ( CHI )
25 - Pierre Garcon - IND ( NYG )
26 - Terrell Owens - CIN ( BAL )
27 - Donald Driver - GB ( BUF )
28 - Jeremy Maclin - PHI ( @ DET )
29 - Steve Breaston - ARZ ( @ ATL )
30 - Johnny Knox - CHI ( @ DAL )
31 - Austin Collie - IND ( NYG )
32 - Mike Sims-Walker - JAC ( @ SD )
33 - Jabar Gaffney - DEN ( SEA )
34 - Mike Williams - TB ( @ CAR )
35 - Mike Wallace - PIT ( @ TEN )
36 - Devin Aromashodu - CHI ( @ DAL )
37 - Eddie Royal - DEN ( SEA )
38 - Mark Clayton - STL ( @ OAK )
39 - Mike Williams - SEA ( @ DEN )
40 - Legedu Naanee - SD ( JAC )
41 - Robert Meachem - NO ( @ SF )
42 - Louis Murphy - OAK ( STL )
43 - Bernard Berrian - MIN ( MIA )
44 - Lee Evans - BUF ( @ GB )
45 - Mohammed Massaquoi - CLE ( KC )
46 - Derrick Mason - BAL ( @ CIN )
47 - T.J. Houshmandzadeh - BAL ( @ CIN )
48 - Jerricho Cotchery - NYJ ( NE )
49 - Jacoby Jones - HOU ( @ WAS )
50 - Nate Washington - TEN ( PIT )
51 - Mike Thomas - JAC ( @ SD )
52 - Braylon Edwards - NYJ ( NE )
53 - Devery Henderson - NO ( @ SF )
54 - Danny Amendola - STL ( @ OAK )
55 - Devin Hester - CHI ( @ DAL )
56 - Chris Chambers - KC ( @ CLE )
57 - Mario Manningham - NYG ( @ IND )
58 - Kevin Walter - HOU ( @ WAS )
59 - Nate Burleson - DET ( PHI )
60 - Deion Branch - SEA ( @ DEN )

Tight End
Rank - Player - Team ( Opp )
1 - Antonio Gates - SD ( JAC )
2 - Dallas Clark - IND ( NYG )
3 - Vernon Davis - SF ( NO )
4 - Jermichael Finley - GB ( BUF )
5 - Visanthe Shiancoe - MIN ( MIA )
6 - Jason Witten - DAL ( CHI )
7 - Brent Celek - PHI ( @ DET )
8 - Chris Cooley - WAS ( HOU )
9 - Zach Miller - OAK ( STL )
10 - Tony Gonzalez - ATL ( ARZ )
11 - Kellen Winslow - TB ( @ CAR )
12 - John Carlson - SEA ( @ DEN )
13 - Todd Heap - BAL ( @ CIN )
14 - Dustin Keller - NYJ ( NE )
15 - Heath Miller - PIT ( @ TEN )
16 - Jermaine Gresham - CIN ( BAL )
17 - Owen Daniels - HOU ( @ WAS )
18 - Tony Scheffler - DET ( PHI )
19 - Jeremy Shockey - NO ( @ SF )
20 - Greg Olsen - CHI ( @ DAL )
21 - Marcedes Lewis - JAC ( @ SD )
22 - Aaron Hernandez - NE ( @ NYJ )
23 - Bo Scaife - TEN ( PIT )
24 - Benjamin Watson - CLE ( KC )
25 - Rob Gronkowski - NE ( @ NYJ )

Kicker
Rank - Player - Team ( Opp )
1 - Nate Kaeding - SD ( JAC )
2 - Ryan Longwell - MIN ( MIA )
3 - Mason Crosby - GB ( BUF )
4 - David Akers - PHI ( @ DET )
5 - Rob Bironas - TEN ( PIT )
6 - Garrett Hartley - NO ( @ SF )
7 - Stephen Gostkowski - NE ( @ NYJ )
8 - Matt Prater - DEN ( SEA )
9 - Neil Rackers - HOU ( @ WAS )
10 - Jeff Reed - PIT ( @ TEN )
11 - Matt Bryant - ATL ( ARZ )
12 - Sebastian Janikowski - OAK ( STL )
13 - Adam Vinatieri - IND ( NYG )
14 - Dan Carpenter - MIA ( @ MIN )
15 - Lawrence Tynes - NYG ( @ IND )
16 - Robbie Gould - CHI ( @ DAL )
17 - Jay Feely - ARZ ( @ ATL )
18 - John Kasay - CAR ( TB )
19 - David Buehler - DAL ( CHI )
20 - Josh Brown - STL ( @ OAK )
21 - Mike Nugent - CIN ( BAL )
22 - Joe Nedney - SF ( NO )
23 - Phil Dawson - CLE ( KC )
24 - Olindo Mare - SEA ( @ DEN )
25 - Ryan Succop - KC ( @ CLE )

Defense
Rank - Team ( Opp )
1 - Packers ( BUF )
2 - Eagles ( @ DET )
3 - Cowboys ( CHI )
4 - Vikings ( MIA )
5 - Ravens ( @ CIN )
6 - Jets ( NE )
7 - Saints ( @ SF )
8 - Patriots ( @ NYJ )
9 - Steelers ( @ TEN )
10 - Titans ( PIT )
11 - Chargers ( JAC )
12 - Falcons ( ARZ )
13 - Raiders ( STL )
14 - 49ers ( NO )
15 - Texans ( @ WAS )
16 - Broncos ( SEA )
17 - Dolphins ( @ MIN )
18 - Bengals ( BAL )
19 - Panthers ( TB )
20 - Chiefs ( @ CLE )
21 - Cardinals ( @ ATL )
22 - Buccaneers ( @ CAR )
23 - Bears ( @ DAL )
24 - Browns ( KC )
25 - Redskins ( HOU )
26 - Giants ( @ IND )
27 - Seahawks ( @ DEN )
28 - Colts ( NYG )
29 - Rams ( @ OAK )
30 - Lions ( PHI )

All in Sports - Fantasy Football

Week 1, 2010 - Advice and Rankings

You’ve been waiting for twenty minutes now, and you just left a fifth voicemail message on your friend’s phone. You text him again, that makes about ten you’ve sent, and you finally realize that he’s just not coming. Whether it’s to a party, movie, double-date, or whatever plan you had, he’s a no-show. Now you’re frustrated, possibly others involved are as well, and you are certainly going to let him hear about it.

Are you going to end your friendship with him? Of course not. He’s your friend, and people make mistakes. No one is perfect, and he is your friend for a reason. He has shown qualities in the past that made him your friend in the first place. One minor, “Oh man, I completely forgot,” is not going to wipe away the years of good times you have shared.

So goes the same for fantasy sports.

One unproductive week from your players does not mean you should trade or drop them. If anything, people make too many knee-jerk decisions based off a single game’s performance. This is one of the more valuable lessons you can learn that will help you in the long run.

There is a reason you drafted a player. He has a history of performances that made you like him. Whether it’s Ryan Grant and his consistency, or Ryan Mathews with good college numbers coming into a great situation in San Diego, there was a reason behind your pick. You don’t pick a player to help your fantasy team just because his name sounds cool…or if you do, can I join you league?

Does anyone remember Andre Johnson’s first game last year? He had a measly four catches and 35 yards without a touchdown. Now to answer the question, of course no one remembers that. Why? Because he went on to be the number one wide receiver in all of fantasy. Does anyone know how many times I saw Andre Johnson on the trading block after that first week? Too many, as more than zero was too much!

Let this point sink in before this first week kicks off. Just like your friends, fantasy players are part of your life because they have shown their worth to you. No player is going to put up an amazing performance week to week. Just like friends, every once in a while they might let you down. You don’t look to replace Andre Johnson with Nate Burleson just like you don’t dump your friend for some new guy with a beach house. Well, unless he lets you use that beach house whenever you like…

What's the Deal?

Top Pair (player(s) who guarantee a good week)

Larry Fitzgerarld

Everyone is concerned with the quarterback situation in Arizona. I'm here to tell you that I could suit up for the Cardinals, and Fitzgerald would still have a good week. I might end up in the hospital, but Fitzgerald will get his and is a redzone monster. To make the situation even better, the Rams secondary is rather inexperienced. Expect a good week right from the start for Fitzgerald.

Steven Jackson

On the opposite side of the field from Fitzgerald, Steven Jackson will also be relied upon heavily in week one. The Rams are starting Bradford right out of the gate. Add to that the fact Rams' wide receivers are nothing of note, and Jackson will see a full load and a good amount of check-downs.

Gut Shot (player who will surprise you with a good week)

Knowshon Moreno

Owners are forgetting the talent that Moreno has. He's missed a good portion of the preseason but looks to be finally healthy. Plus, the Broncos play the Jaguars who have one of the worst defenses in the league. He should put up top 20 RB numbers this week.

The Flop (player who will let you down)

Anquan Boldin

Don't bench Boldin, but also, don't expect top 10 numbers from him. Remember Houshmandzadeh, who just became Boldin's teammate? Remember how when he left the Bengals, his production went downhill. Well, Boldin is not a top end No. 1 WR. He just does not have that level of talent. Now, he will still put up top 20 numbers for a WR, but people are expecting to see him in the top 10. That is why he will disappoint, especially since he will get lost on Revis Island this week.

Time to get All In the Rankings

Quarterback
Rank - Player - Team ( Opp )
1 - Drew Brees - NO ( MIN )
2 - Aaron Rodgers - GB ( @ PHI )
3 - Peyton Manning - IND ( @ HOU )
4 - Tom Brady - NE ( CIN )
5 - Matt Schaub - HOU ( IND )
6 - Philip Rivers - SD ( @ KC )
7 - Tony Romo - DAL ( @ WAS )
8 - Jay Cutler - CHI ( DET )
9 - Brett Favre - MIN ( @ NO )
10 - Kevin Kolb - PHI ( GB )
11 - Eli Manning - NYG ( CAR )
12 - Joe Flacco - BAL ( @ NYJ )
13 - Matt Ryan - ATL ( @ PIT )
14 - Matthew Stafford - DET ( @ CHI )
15 - Carson Palmer - CIN ( @ NE )
16 - Donovan McNabb - WAS ( DAL )
17 - Kyle Orton - DEN ( @ JAC )
18 - Alex Smith - SF ( @ SEA )
19 - Vince Young - TEN ( OAK )
20 - Matt Cassel - KC ( SD )
21 - Chad Henne - MIA ( @ BUF )
22 - David Garrard - JAC ( DEN )
23 - Mark Sanchez - NYJ ( BAL )
24 - Jason Campbell - OAK ( @ TEN )
25 - Josh Freeman - TB ( CLE )
26 - Matt Moore - CAR ( @ NYG )
27 - Derek Anderson - ARZ ( @ STL )
28 - Dennis Dixon - PIT ( ATL )
29 - Matt Hasselbeck - SEA ( SF )
30 - Sam Bradford - STL ( ARZ )
31 - Jake Delhomme - CLE ( @ TB )
32 - Trent Edwards - BUF ( MIA )

Runningback
Rank - Player - Team ( Opp )
1 - Chris Johnson - TEN ( OAK )
2 - Adrian Peterson - MIN ( @ NO )
3 - Maurice Jones-Drew - JAC ( DEN )
4 - Frank Gore - SF ( @ SEA )
5 - Ray Rice - BAL ( @ NYJ )
6 - Michael Turner - ATL ( @ PIT )
7 - Steven Jackson - STL ( ARZ )
8 - Rashard Mendenhall - PIT ( ATL )
9 - DeAngelo Williams - CAR ( @ NYG )
10 - Ryan Mathews - SD ( @ KC )
11 - Cedric Benson - CIN ( @ NE )
12 - Jamaal Charles - KC ( SD )
13 - Ryan Grant - GB ( @ PHI )
14 - Shonn Greene - NYJ ( BAL )
15 - Arian Foster - HOU ( IND )
16 - Jahvid Best - DET ( @ CHI )
17 - Pierre Thomas - NO ( MIN )
18 - Joseph Addai - IND ( @ HOU )
19 - Knowshon Moreno - DEN ( @ JAC )
20 - Matt Forte - CHI ( DET )
21 - LeSean McCoy - PHI ( GB )
22 - Ahmad Bradshaw - NYG ( CAR )
23 - Jerome Harrison - CLE ( @ TB )
24 - Cadillac Williams - TB ( CLE )
25 - C.J. Spiller - BUF ( MIA )
26 - Beanie Wells - ARZ ( @ STL )
27 - Ronnie Brown - MIA ( @ BUF )
28 - Jonathan Stewart - CAR ( @ NYG )
29 - Marion Barber - DAL ( @ WAS )
30 - Reggie Bush - NO ( MIN )
31 - Brandon Jacobs - NYG ( CAR )
32 - Felix Jones - DAL ( @ WAS )
33 - Clinton Portis - WAS ( DAL )
34 - Tim Hightower - ARZ ( @ STL )
35 - Darren McFadden - OAK ( @ TEN )
36 - Justin Forsett - SEA ( SF )
37 - LaDainian Tomlinson - NYJ ( BAL )
38 - Ricky Williams - MIA ( @ BUF )
39 - Correll Buckhalter - DEN ( @ JAC )
40 - Michael Bush - OAK ( @ TEN )
41 - Thomas Jones - KC ( SD )
42 - Donald Brown - IND ( @ HOU )
43 - Chester Taylor - CHI ( DET )
44 - Darren Sproles - SD ( @ KC )
45 - Leon Washington - SEA ( SF )
46 - Peyton Hillis - CLE ( @ TB )
47 - Willis McGahee - BAL ( @ NYJ )
48 - Fred Jackson - BUF ( MIA )
49 - Fred Taylor - NE ( CIN )
50 - Marshawn Lynch - BUF ( MIA )
51 - Kareem Huggins - TB ( CLE )
52 - Steve Slaton - HOU ( IND )
53 - Laurence Maroney - NE ( CIN )
54 - Larry Johnson - WAS ( DAL )
55 - Tashard Choice - DAL ( @ WAS )
56 - Brian Westbrook - SF ( @ SEA )
57 - Mike Bell - PHI ( GB )
58 - Brandon Jackson - GB ( @ PHI )

Wide Receiver
Rank - Player - Team ( Opp )
1 - Andre Johnson - HOU ( IND )
2 - Randy Moss - NE ( CIN )
3 - Calvin Johnson - DET ( @ CHI )
4 - Reggie Wayne - IND ( @ HOU )
5 - Larry Fitzgerald - ARZ ( @ STL )
6 - Roddy White - ATL ( @ PIT )
7 - Miles Austin - DAL ( @ WAS )
8 - Brandon Marshall - MIA ( @ BUF )
9 - Marques Colston - NO ( MIN )
10 - Greg Jennings - GB ( @ PHI )
11 - Steve Smith - CAR ( @ NYG )
12 - DeSean Jackson - PHI ( GB )
13 - Steve Smith - NYG ( CAR )
14 - Chad Ochocinco - CIN ( @ NE )
15 - Dwayne Bowe - KC ( SD )
16 - Percy Harvin - MIN ( @ NO )
17 - Michael Crabtree - SF ( @ SEA )
18 - Anquan Boldin - BAL ( @ NYJ )
19 - Hines Ward - PIT ( ATL )
20 - Mike Sims-Walker - JAC ( DEN )
21 - Wes Welker - NE ( CIN )
22 - Hakeem Nicks - NYG ( CAR )
23 - Mike Wallace - PIT ( ATL )
24 - Malcom Floyd - SD ( @ KC )
25 - Donald Driver - GB ( @ PHI )
26 - Pierre Garcon - IND ( @ HOU )
27 - Terrell Owens - CIN ( @ NE )
28 - Santana Moss - WAS ( DAL )
29 - Johnny Knox - CHI ( DET )
30 - Jeremy Maclin - PHI ( GB )
31 - Bernard Berrian - MIN ( @ NO )
32 - Jabar Gaffney - DEN ( @ JAC )
33 - Lee Evans - BUF ( MIA )
34 - Derrick Mason - BAL ( @ NYJ )
35 - Robert Meachem - NO ( MIN )
36 - Braylon Edwards - NYJ ( BAL )
37 - Steve Breaston - ARZ ( @ STL )
38 - Mike Williams - TB ( CLE )
39 - Devin Aromashodu - CHI ( DET )
40 - Jerricho Cotchery - NYJ ( BAL )
41 - Devin Hester - CHI ( DET )
42 - TJ Houshmandzadeh - BAL ( @ NYJ )
43 - Dez Bryant - DAL ( @ WAS )
44 - Jacoby Jones - HOU ( IND )
45 - Mohammed Massaquoi - CLE ( @ TB )
46 - Nate Burleson - DET ( @ CHI )
47 - Louis Murphy - OAK ( @ TEN )
48 - Eddie Royal - DEN ( @ JAC )
49 - Chris Chambers - KC ( SD )
50 - Laurent Robinson - STL ( ARZ )
51 - Mike Williams - SEA ( SF )
52 - Austin Collie - IND ( @ HOU )
53 - Roy Williams - DAL ( @ WAS )
54 - Danny Amendola - STL ( ARZ )
55 - Legedu Naanee - SD ( @ KC )
56 - Nate Washington - TEN ( OAK )
57 - Devery Henderson - NO ( MIN )
58 - Kevin Walter - HOU ( IND )
59 - Deion Branch - SEA ( SF )
60 - Kenny Britt - TEN ( OAK )
61 - Josh Crayton - SD ( @ KC )
62 - Mike Thomas - JAC ( DEN )
63 - Mario Manningham - NYG ( CAR )
64 - Josh Morgan - SF ( @ SEA )
65 - Justin Gage - TEN ( OAK )
66 - Anthony Gonzalez - IND ( @ HOU )
67 - Davone Bess - MIA ( @ BUF )
68 - James Jones - GB ( @ PHI )
69 - Greg Camarillo - MIN ( @ NO )
70 - Deon Butler - SEA ( SF )

Tight End
Rank - Player - Team ( Opp )
1 - Antonio Gates - SD ( @ KC )
2 - Dallas Clark - IND ( @ HOU )
3 - Vernon Davis - SF ( @ SEA )
4 - Jermichael Finley - GB ( @ PHI )
5 - Brent Celek - PHI ( GB )
6 - Jason Witten - DAL ( @ WAS )
7 - Tony Gonzalez - ATL ( @ PIT )
8 - Zach Miller - OAK ( @ TEN )
9 - Visanthe Shiancoe - MIN ( @ NO )
10 - Chris Cooley - WAS ( DAL )
11 - Kellen Winslow - TB ( CLE )
12 - John Carlson - SEA ( SF )
13 - Heath Miller - PIT ( ATL )
14 - Owen Daniels - HOU ( IND )
15 - Dustin Keller - NYJ ( BAL )
16 - Tony Scheffler - DET ( @ CHI )
17 - Greg Olsen - CHI ( DET )
18 - Jeremy Shockey - NO ( MIN )
19 - Kevin Boss - NYG ( CAR )
20 - Jermaine Gresham - CIN ( @ NE )
21 - Todd Heap - BAL ( @ NYJ )
22 - Benjamin Watson - CLE ( @ TB )
23 - Mercedes Lewis - JAC ( DEN )
24 - Aaron Hernandez - NE ( CIN )

Kicker
Rank - Player - Team ( Opp )
1 - Garrett Hartley - NO ( MIN )
2 - Ryan Longwell - MIN ( @ NO )
3 - Stephen Gostkowski - NE ( CIN )
4 - David Akers - PHI ( GB )
5 - Nate Kaeding - SD ( @ KC )
6 - Mason Crosby - GB ( @ PHI )
7 - Rob Bironas - TEN ( OAK )
8 - Phil Dawson - CLE ( @ TB )
9 - Jason Hanson - DET ( @ CHI )
10 - Jeff Reed - PIT ( ATL )
11 - Matt Prater - DEN ( @ JAC )
12 - John Kasay - CAR ( @ NYG )
13 - Neil Rackers - HOU ( IND )
14 - Robbie Gould - CHI ( DET )
15 - Jay Feely - ARZ ( @ STL )
16 - Lawrence Tynes - NYG ( CAR )
17 - Matt Bryant - ATL ( @ PIT )
18 - Sebastian Janikowski - OAK ( @ TEN )
19 - Rian Lindell - BUF ( MIA )
20 - Mike Nugent - CIN ( @ NE )
21 - David Buehler - DAL ( @ WAS )
22 - Joe Nedney - SF ( @ SEA )
23 - Adam Vinatieri - IND ( @ HOU )
24 - Dan Carpenter - MIA ( @ BUF )

Defense
Rank - Team ( Opp )
1 - Jets DT ( BAL )
2 - Packers DT ( @ PHI )
3 - 49ers DT ( @ SEA )
4 - Cowboys DT ( @ WAS )
5 - Vikings DT ( @ NO )
6 - Eagles DT ( GB )
7 - Ravens DT ( @ NYJ )
8 - Steelers DT ( ATL )
9 - Saints DT ( MIN )
10 - Chargers DT ( @ KC )
11 - Dolphins DT ( @ BUF )
12 - Giants DT ( CAR )
13 - Bears DT ( DET )
14 - Bengals DT ( @ NE )
15 - Patriots DT ( CIN )
16 - Cardinals DT ( @ STL )
17 - Falcons DT ( @ PIT )
18 - Titans DT ( OAK )
19 - Colts DT ( @ HOU )
20 - Browns DT ( @ TB )
21 - Raiders DT ( @ TEN )
22 - Texans DT ( IND )
23 - Redskins DT ( DAL )
24 - Panthers DT ( @ NYG )
25 - Buccaneers DT ( CLE )
26 - Bills DT ( MIA )
27 - Rams DT ( ARZ )
28 - Broncos DT ( @ JAC )
29 - Lions DT ( @ CHI )
30 - Jaguars DT ( DEN )
31 - Seahawks DT ( SF )
32 - Chiefs DT ( SD )