Im Havin A Bad Bad Day

How to Dominate Your Fantasy Football League

This Was My Team in 2010.  Only Philip Rivers and Andre Johnson Were Drafted.

by Jacob Allen
Most people will tell you that the easiest most secure path to a fantasy football championship is preparing for, and executing the perfect draft. While there are many elements of truth to that theory, by no means is it the only way.

I personally don’t put all that much stock in the draft. I like to draft good players as much as the guy next to me and I’ve seen teams draft well…and win with the team they drafted, but each fantasy season is long. Things happen. If you play right…the championship is rarely won on draft day. It’s won with the little things in between.

Drafting players is only 1 of 3 ways to acquire talent. Free agency is the 2nd…and trading, my personal favorite is the 3rd. So before you go and label your season a boom or a bust when the last player of the last round gets picked…understand that that if you have a bad draft you can make up for it with relative ease two other ways.

The strategy for grabbing free agent is easy. Pay attention on Sunday. Throw out the notion that your waiver priority matters. It doesn’t. Usually in a rolling waiver format the reason why a certain team is #1 is because they have been paying the least amount attention. They won’t pay a lick of mind to next Sunday’s matchup until Saturday. That’s lucky for us because payday comes on Wednesday when players clear waivers in standard 2 day waiver rules.

Obviously your first 7 picks in the draft needs to fill out your starting roster (less the kicker).

QB RB RB WR WR WR/RB/T TE DEF

What's next is what separates the men from the boys.

 My strategy is this:

Get Free Agents early and get them often.

Bye weeks don’t start until week 7, usually, so outside of a silly injury you are not going to need anybody on your bench until then anyways. I cant stress this enough. Shuffle! Shuffle! Shuffle! Don’t worry about picking up guys based on positional needs or balanced depth. Just grab guys that have the big weeks. Big week 1 games tell a lot.

When a white boy you’ve never heard of playing for fantasy black hole Cleveland named Peyton Hillis carries the rock 20 times and scores…well, you grab him every single time. If nothing else, just make him yours and see what he’s got next week. If he doesn’t bring it the following week…give him 1 more. He fails week 3…pink slip. But now we are only in week 4. We still have 3 weeks until the byes. The risk you take is almost nonexistent, but the reward is the 3rd best back in the league.

Do this with every single bench spot. Once you’re done drafting your starters start drafting players who are either the #1 at that position on their team (like Fred Jackson) or fills another team’s void. Do not be tricked into thinking the bench players you drafted will ever see the field. They won’t. If you do what I’m telling you to do, they will be LONG gone by the time you need to plug them in for a spot start.

The truth is that the picks that come after these first 7 really don’t matter. According to me they are going to be shuffled up first week anyways. Handcuffing is fine. Honestly I can’t really provide too much evidence against handcuffing your running backs, but what I noticed when I handicapped my backs was that that:

a.) You just wasted a pick on a guy you know does not have a shot at playing time unless somebody gets hurt. That’s not good. Plus even if he does assume all the carries at some point, he was not good enough to get them when there was a player in his way at the start of the season.

b.) These handcuffs are almost always not drafted and available at any time during the early to middle part of the season.

c.) I found myself drafting them, only to immediately lose patience when I realized I had a bench spot that served no purpose (outside of protection) and I could not do a single thing with besides wait. Nobody is interested in your handcuff backs so don't draft them. Trust me.

Jamaal Charles owners… Thomas Jones is not getting drafted. Neither is Michael Bush sitting behind DMF or Jason Snelling behind Turner. Etc.

The beginning of the season is when the breakout players are going to float to the surface. Especially in a shallow league, but it is more important to pay attention to them in a deeper league like the one we are about to have, 14 teamer where the talent is few and far between.

Here is a list of some of the players that have been available on the wire in fantasy football 2009 and 2010

1. Jamaal Charles
2. Miles Austin
3. Mike Vick
4. Peyton Hillis
5. Jacob Tamme
6. Ahmad Bradshaw
7. Legarrette Blount
8. Benjarvis Green-Ellis
9. Mike Tolbert
10. Stevie Johnson
11. Brandon Lloyd
12. Josh Freeman

Look for those guys. Take multiple chances weekly in an effort to find those guys and when you find one. Keep him and don’t hesitate….if he is better than your starter at that position start him. Early emotional decisions will bury you. If he’s better than your first round pick….start him. Until you find guys that you can see being on your team start to finish and through the playoffs….your bench is no more than a stack of poker chips. Risk chips in order to build your stack.

This brings us to the second way you can make up for a bad draft. Trading. For some strange reason people don’t consider trading a legitimate way to shape a fantasy roster. Not me, I love trading. Other people love trading too. There is an art to it, but before you can even think about your negotiations you have to know what guys are going to be willing to trade with you. My strategy is to make at least 1 deal with every team in my league. Some favor me, some favor them…but it will always favor you in the long run. Either you came out on top in a deal, or somebody owes you. I stress….it is VERY important for you to make one sided moves that help the person you are trading with more than it helps you. It builds good relationships. A few years back I tried to make moves that would swindle people, but that just did not work. Sure, I was able to make a few…but people notice. Help other managers. They will help you back.

Always make sure you find a reason on your end and their end to make the trade. Trying to force somebody to make a trade is bad form, and plain old won’t work. A lot of times a manager doesn't know they have a weak spot and it’s OK for you to let them know they do….just don’t make it seem like they have to fix the leak and they have to fix it right now with you. It’s their team and they can do whatever they want.

Here’s how I have been successful. I spend more time studying other peoples rosters than I do studying mine.  I know my guys…and anyways they are going to do what they are going to do. At any given moment I know every player on every teams roster…and I probably have a good read on how they are playing, should be playing, and if they need to be upgraded or not. This enables you to make a snap move at any time. You've already done the research.

What I try to do is all season long trade for players who were ranked top 20 overall players pre-draft. Trade anything to get these guys. My strategy is simple. Give up anything to get these guys. Trade 1 for 1, or 2 for 1, or even 3 for 1 to get them. No matter what you think…it’s an upgrade. That’s why they are ranked there. Target the guys who are ranked real, real, high. Don’t be afraid to go after them either, because they are available no matter what anybody says. Just proposing trades in the fantasy league are the worst way to make a trade. You have a 1 in 20 chance of it getting accepted. When you spot a trade that you know works for both sides

here’s what you do:

Tune in to part 2 to find out more

Suh Rapes Dalton. Fined 20 Large

From Yahoo! Sports

ALLEN PARK, Mich. (AP)—Ndamukong Suh(notes) has been fined a third time for roughing up three different quarterbacks in less than a year.

The Detroit Lions defensive tackle doesn’t plan to change his game.

“Not by any means,” he said Wednesday after he was fined $20,000 by the NFL for a hit on Cincinnati quarterback Andy Dalton(notes) last week. He didn’t like it much, tweeting: “$20,000REALLY???!!!”

The former Nebraska star said he plans to appeal the fine.

Full Story

This is like the time we beat my buddy's little brother up one summer and we couldn't use their pool for a week. It really wasn't that bad, but it kinda sucked at first. Not long after; we beat the kid up again. Why? Because it was fun and we were good at it! Same sitch here. Suh is gonna rape QB's all year and there's really not much that can be done about it. We know how much cake this guy brings home. 20 G's aint shit to him, right Randy?

Next time he should shake his dick though. Really make a statement!

Top 5 Fantasy Quarterbacks in 2011-2012

With NFL regular season approaching quickly and fantasy fanatics beginning to prepare for the infamous draft day, I begin to think about what quarterback I would take first. Here's my predicted top 5 QB's for the upcoming season in terms of fantasy numbers:

1. Michael Vick (Philadelphia Eagles): Could be your best fantasy draft or could be your worst fantasy option. Placing him at #1 on my list of top QB's is making the assumption that he will remain healthy all season; however, this is highly unlikely in my opinion. With a Denard Robinson-like style, Vick's numbers could lead you to the championship game or could leave you in a serious bind to find another QB...least he knows how to tie his shoes.

Top Targets: DeShaun Jackson, Jason Avant, Steve Smith, *Jeremy Maclin*, Brent Celek

*health issues might keep him from being a target this season*

2. Aaron Rodgers (Green Bay Packers): Coming off such a successful previous season, we'll just hope Rodgers doesn't have a Superbowl hangover this season. I can't imagine that happening as he is one of the more consistent performers at the QB position.

Top Targets: Greg Jennings, Jordy Nelson, Donald Driver, James Jones, Jermichael Finley

3. Tom Brady (New England Patriots): With the new addition of Pro-bowl receiver Chad Ocho Cinco, Brady should put up some impressive numbers again this year. He has a number of solid receivers and 2 young tight ends that have already solidified themselves as reputable targets. After throwing for 36 TD's and only 4 int's last season, expect Brady to put up very similar numbers this coming season.

Top Targets: Wes Welker, Deion Branch, Chad Ocho Cinco, Brandon Tate, Rob Gronkowski, Aaron Hernandez

4. Drew Brees (New Orleans Saints): Looking to make it further into the play-off's this season, Brees should lead a powerful Saints offense to put up solid fantasy numbers. He did lose a play-making back in Reggie Bush; however, he has a number of other weapons around him that make his job at QB much easier.

Top Targets: Marques Colston, Devery Henderson, Lance Moore, Robert Meachem, Jimmy Graham

5. Matt Ryan (Atlanta Falcons): Ryan could put up some impressive fantasy numbers this year with his returning cast of receivers and new addition in Julio Jones. He threw for 28 TD's last season and should increase that stat into the mid to high 30's.

Top Targets: Roddy White, Eric Weems, Julio Jones, Tony Gonzalez

Top 10 Fantasy WRs 2011: Desean Jackson Is Super Duper Fly

You want to tell me this guy is not one of the top 5 fantasy wideouts?  Dude just goes yack after yack after yack.  Secrets out on this weapon.

Chris Carter thinks so and I think so.  Send it in.

"Carter listed his top six receivers as Andre Johnson, Larry Fitzgerald, Greg Jennings (Western Michigan), Reggie Wayne, DeSean Jackson and Roddy White."



Here's my top 10 WRs for 2011:

1. Calvin Johnson - Straight up MAN haulin in Matty's lasers for YOUR Detroit Lions.

2. Larry Fitzgerald - Welcome back.

3. Andre Johnson - Ankle injury is in the past.

4. Roddy White - Offense in ATL is going to put up PlayStation points.

5. DeSean Jackson - See above.  Hands down the most electric baller on the planet.

6. Greg Jennings - Like ATL Green Bay offense unstoppable.

7. Hakeem Nicks - Only gets better now that Steve Smith has a new home in Philly.

8. Reggie Wayne - Not what he was 3 years ago but still a man you want in your corner.

9. Vince Jackson - At 6'5" with legs fresh as Downey...Jackson is primed to start rollin up cats.

10. Brandon Marshall - A top level talent who will benefit from another year in South Beach.

Just missed:

Dez Bryant, Miles Austin, Mike Wallace, Jeremy Maclin, Wes Welker, Stevie Johnson, Kenny Britt, Santonio Holmes

#myalbinorhino: Hillis Detractors About To Get Flexed

- Yahoo Sports

Over the past 12 months, Peyton Hillis'(notes) improbable ascension from sporadically used fullback to full-blown fantasy superstar to Madden '12 cover-athlete was nothing short of spectacular.

Last year, the Brown's rolling stone was indispensable in any sized leagues, particularly those that scored for receptions. He racked yards via ground and air (seven 100-total yard games) leaving a host of flattened defenders in his wake. Watch highlights of his breakout campaign, and his body count rivaled that of all four Rambo films combined. Though Hillis lost steam down the stretch — his yards per carry average dropped from 4.8 to 3.9 over the second half of the season — he along with fellow unexpected heroesArian Foster(notes), Michael Vick(notes) and Brandon Lloyd(notes), were the fantasy faces of 2010.

Entering peak drafting season, one would think the fantasy community would be head-over-heels for Hillis. After all, he's a brutish, violent runner in the midst of his prime who barrels through holes created by one of the stiffest offensive lines in the league. Spend an early draft pick on his services and you won't be disappointed.

However, the opposite appears to be true.

Because of Pat Shurmur's newly installed West Coast brand, a scheme that plans to feature two-back sets, and Hillis' downward slide during the fantasy playoffs, expectations have cooled. As a result, many assume the Clydesdale won't match his exhaustive workload (20.7 touches/game), and thus his fantasy output, from a season ago. Unsurprisingly, he's become a staple on a number of preseason "bust" lists.

Don't be swayed by the Hillis haters.

Here are four reasons why the most-dissed star (23.2 ADP, RB14) from '10 will retain his RB1 standing:

Versatility. The common belief is, if healthy, Monatrio Hardesty and third-down specialistBrandon Jackson(notes) will log a few touches per game, slicing Hillis' touch total from last year by a sizable margin. However, as the Beacon Journal reported over the weekend, the incumbent's role within the passing game is actually expected to increase. Yes, the others will be involved to some extent, possibly netting 8-12 touches combined per game, but Shurmur realizes Hillis is a force on swings and dump-offs. Music to PPR owner ears, another 55-plus catch campaign is a near lock. The odds he surpasses 1,400 total yards are also favorable

Red-zone power. While Hardesty was slowly recovering from reconstructive knee surgery during the lockout, Hillis pulled ATVs, pick-ups and even fire trucks near his Arkansas home to stay in shape. He's a monster of almost mythical proportions. Last year, he ranked ninth among RBs in break tackles according to Football Outsiders. Because of his Thing-like strength, he, without question, will resume his role as goal-line back. Since touchdowns separate the haves from the have nots in fantasy, it's asinine to think his value will suddenly fall off the continental shelf. Even if his touch total is reduced by 30-40, he will post low-end RB1 numbers. Much to Andy Behrens' chagrin, plenty of "gun shows" are on the docket in Cleveland this season.

Matchup proof. For those that buy into preseason strength of schedule, Hillis' slate is unmistakably daunting. With division foes Pittsburgh and Baltimore on the agenda twice, it's the fourth-toughest. But due to the violent nature of the game, turnover is constant in the NFL. No two years are the same. Even if the Steelers and Ravens' reputations as premier run stuffers are upheld, Hillis is still capable of quality numbers. Prior to Week 12, only the Steely McBeams limited him to a single-digit scoring output. And he faced the likes of Atlanta, Baltimore, Cincinnati and the Jets, defenses that finished in the top-11 in fewest fantasy points allowed to RBs.

Fragile backups. Hardesty, coming off reconstructive knee surgery, has yet to step on the practice field,though he's confident he'll return soon. In his absence, Jackson has worked exclusively as the No. 2, getting invaluable reps in the new system. Even when the second-year back finally suits up, there are no guarantees he will A) Avoid the IR or B) Overtake Jackson. If either happens, Hillis won't lose enough touches to warrant a significant price reduction. Based on his uneventful performance as a temporary starter in Green Bay last year, Jackson poses little threat. Even if Hardesty plays an entire season unscathed, it's very unlikely he will force a 60-40 timeshare.

Bottom line: While skeptics continue to point to Hillis' presumed workload decrease, rough schedule and ridiculous 'curse' as reasons for avoidance, savvy fantasy consumers will continue to snatch him up at a discounted Round 2 price.

Hillis is about to make his doubters look silly.

Lion's Mikel LeShoure Out for Season

Mikel LeShoure, the Lion's rookie running back from Illinois, was injured earlier today in practice and will miss the entire up-coming season. LeShoure tore his left achilles tendon in an 11-on-11 drill this morning and is scheduled to have surgery as early as tomorrow morning. This second-round draft pick was expected to play an integral role in Detroit's offense this season running besides second-year running back Jahvid Best. LeShoure was anticipated to complement Best very nicely in the backfield and was to be used in primarily short-yardage situations.

With the Lions overall lack of depth at the running back position due to injuries, this injury to LeShoure could pose some potential problems to the Detroit backfield. The number 3 running back in the depth chart, Maurice Morris, is also currently injured with a broken hand. Coach Schwartz stated in reference to the lack of depth, "We have, obviously, some work to do there and have to change plans". Whether this means looking within the current roster or looking elsewhere in the NFL, the Lions are put in a dangerous position as they need find a few more healthy backs before the season starts in about a month.

To Return, or Not to Return: The Journey of Brett Favre

With another NFL season right around the corner (assuming the Players Association ratify the lock-out agreement), many questions need to be asked. What will happen with the large number of free-agents looking for a new team? How well will the players be prepared for the season following the five-month lock-out? And, a question that's been asked many times before...is Brett Favre going to be suited up for another year?

After years of flirting with retirement, rumor has it that he will once again suit up to play another season. Favre is looking to sign with the Philadelphia Eagles, but this time as a back-up quarterback. This is the same man who has started nearly every single game he has been apart of. In my humble opinion, there's no way Favre would willingly sign with a team as a back-up quarterback. Does this mean he is trying to compete with Michael Vick for the starting position?

In no way am I trying to disrespect the 41 year-old professional athlete, but come on, make up your dang mind. We've been hearing this same story before each season year after year. When will it end? When he's 45? When he's 50? He's already broken many passing records in the NFL-I think he's going for oldest NFL player of all-time at a rugged age of 74.

According to Favre, the chances are slim that he will again return this season. Favre stated himself that another return is just "speculation" and that "I don't want to put my body through that anymore, I've been beat up enough". This eases the thought in my mind of seeing another return to the NFL; however, he's been saying this same thing for years.

You have to admire his perseverance and love for the game, but is enough is enough. He's had a great career, he's broken a number of records, and he's proven that you can play professionally after you're "over the hill". There's nothing left for Favre to prove. Unfortunately, his indecisiveness and old age has almost become a mockery throughout the fans and the league. Referees help him up after getting sacked, players have referred to him as "dad" or "grandpa", and companies are using him for some humorous advertisement--

So, whether Favre returns or not this season, we have to respect his decision...it's a golden rule to live by now days--we must respect our elders.

Football is so Close!!

The lockout is so close to finally being over, I wanna cry! Free agency, Mini Camps, and Fantasy can all start soon. Oh and I can almost break out the Honolulu Blue too! Lets just get this thing done and over with, cuz honestly, NFL, I don't wanna find another way to make through the day without you...

Top 5 Most Exciting NFL Games in 2011-2012

With the negotiations close to being resolved in the five-month old NFL lock-out, fans, including myself, can finally begin to get excited about the much anticipated season in 2011-2012. With over 250 regular season games to be played, there will be many exciting games. We'll see high-powered offenses on showcase, we'll see hard-hitting defenders getting fined for hitting too hard, and we'll see nail-biting finishes while on the edge of our seats. With each day closer to finally closing the deal between the owners and the players and with the regular season under two months away, I become more and more eager to watch to the up-coming season. These are 5 of the more exciting games I see on the regular season schedule:

Week 1: Pittsburgh Steelers @ Baltimore Ravens...

This match-up always tends to give viewers a good game. With two of the league's best defenses going head-to-head, you can count on a vicious, hard-hitting game from start to finish. These two teams often seem to meet one another in the playoffs and I can't see this year being any different. Consider this game a very early glimpse of what may come in this season's playoffs.

Week 3: Green Bay Packers @ Chicago Bears...

Both of these teams are from the NFC North division and not to mention this is a rematch of the NFC Championship game from last season in which the Packer defeated the Bears 21-14. With the defending Superbowl champion Green Bay Packers looking to defend their title and conquer the NFC North once again, this game early in the season should be a good indicator of success for both of these teams.

Week 5: New York Jets @ New England Patriots...

This AFC East rivalry gained some momentum last season after the Jets defeated the Patriots in week 3. However, in their next meeting, with Rex Ryan and company letting much of their talking happening before the game instead of on the field, the Patriots turned the tables with a 45-3 victory over the Jets in New England. To fuel the fire and ignite the rivalry even more, Wes Welker made some subtle, yet direct, statements regarding "feet" in a press conference in reference to Rex Ryan's foot fetish that shockingly leaked out into the internet. With the immense amount of hatred that grew after last season between these two organizations, you can bet that this much anticipated week 5 match-up will be more than worth your time. If you haven't seen the foot fetish video yet...

Week 7: Indianapolis Colts @ New Orleans Saints...

Both these teams have seen their "power-house" days. Many seem to think that the Indianapolis Colts are past those days and Peyton Manning is well past his prime. This season is a campaign for the Colts to prove the doubters wrong and this game is a prime opportunity for just that. A rematch of the Superbowl from two seasons ago, these two pro-bowl quarterbacks, Manning and Brees, and their respective high-flying offenses should give audiences what they like to see-points on the scoreboard. And, if anything like their recent Superbowl match-up, it could lead to a very exciting finish.

Week 12: New England Patriots @ Philadelphia Eagles...

In my opinion, this game might just top the list as the most exciting game in 2011-2012. New England Patriots in the AFC, Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC...Superbowl preview??? Eagles are an up-and-coming team with highly-touted Michael Vick and a good mixture of young and experienced talent. The Patriots are led by arguably the league's top quarterback and coach Bill Belichick whom have won three and four Super Bowls respectively. Add these components together and this could be one helluva game. In addition, this takes place towards the end of the season and could have other playoff implications.

Detroit Lions: Play-off Bound?

Yes, the Detroit Lions have been the laughing stock of the NFL for the past few years. For those living in Michigan, we have to be having a pretty awful day to be seen wearing a Lions jersey in public. The jerseys you do see in public are of players from over a decade ago (Barry Sanders) as we are not willing to spend our hard-earned money on buying a current jersey.

We're the first to support our team after a victory, although this happens only one or two times per year, and in recent years, hasn’t happened at all. We wear paper bags at games and our best player for the past 10 years has been our kicker. And, as the video puts it, metal detectors are strategically placed at the entrances into Ford Field so that we will not kill ourselves at halftime when the score is a humiliating 0-42.

It takes much courage, dedication, and optimism to be a Lions fan; however, things are beginning to look brighter in Detroit.Last year was extremely promising for any Lions fan. Yes, I know, a 6-10 record does not seem very promising, but if you happen to be rooting for the Lions, this is leaps and bounds from the previous two years as they built a remarkable two wins in two seasons. With things starting to look up in Detroit, and the NFL season not that far away, here are my top 5 reasons why the Lions are going to make the play-offs this coming season.

The Lions Did It With Shaun Hill & Drew Stanton

1. The Lions ended the year with an impressive four game winning streak, not to mention this was with their back-up quarterback. If the NFL does finally get their heads out of their asses and make a deal, expect this momentum to carry on and plow through the NFC North like a run-away train (or Ndamukong Suh can have the same effect). Included in this four game winning streak was the Super Bowl Champion Green Bay Packers. Sure, it was without Super Bowl MVP Aaron Rodgers, but come on, give the Lions credit where credit is due.

2. Matthew Stafford: if he can stay healthy, and all signs point to him not being healthy again in 2011, the Lions could be a team to be reckoned with. Even his own teammate, linebacker Zach Follet, said he is a pussy. Follet stated in reference to Stafford, "He's a china doll right now. Anytime he gets hit, he goes down". However, when healthy, Stafford puts up some impressive numbers. Last season, though he only played in three games, had 6 TD's and 1 interception. One game that especially sticks out to me was against the feisty New York Jets defense when Stafford lit them up for 240 yards passing, 2 passing TD's, and 1 rushing TD (although risky, that's some high reward numbers for any fantasy football addict).

3. Lions draft picks have become better and better and their young talent makes the future look very promising. From Matthew Stafford, Jahvid Best, Ndamukong Suh, Nick Fairley, Louis Delmas, Mikel LeShoure, and Titus Young, these guys are talented enough to make any franchise realize that Detroit is back on the map in the NFL.

4. Whether it's Stafford or Hill taking the field next year, the talent, experience, size, and athleticism at the wide receiver position is enough to make an average quarterback a great one. Starting with Calvin Johnson, Nate Burleson, Brandon Pettigrew, and ending with rookie Titus Young, the Lions have multiple deadly weapons through the air. Let's just hope our "china doll of a quarterback" can stay healthy and put up the types of numbers he did when healthy last season. If he does, I believe the Lions wide receiver corps is on schedule for a huge break-out season.

5. The featured running back Jahvid Best and newcomer Mikel LeShoure are bound to make some noise this season. With very different styles to running the football-Best with his blazing speed (4.35 40-yard dash boasted the fastest time at last year's combine) and LeShoure with his "bruising, wear my opponent down" approach, the Lions have the personnel to compliment the passing game very nicely. Both backs are young giving Detroit a solid tandem to work with for several years down the road.

With these 5 aspects of the Lions taking the field in a few months, expect the Lions to have one of their better seasons in recent years. Take those paper bags off your heads, leave your guns at home, and don't be ashamed to spend some of your cash on a more recent Lions jersey-Detroit just might have a team worth rooting for this season.

Mikel Leshoure: What Can the Detroit Lions Expect from Rookie RB in 2011?

Along with all the selections the Lions made in the 2011 NFL Draft, the pick of Mikel Leshoure in the second round has captured the interest of the Lions faithful. Although the trade that allowed Detroit to pick him can be questioned, what he brings to the team is exactly what they need moving forward to complement Jahvid Best.

However, the question still remains as to whether he will produce big in his first season. Last year the Lions running backs struggled to run between the tackles because of the generally poor run blocking of the interior of the offensive line.This could bode badly for Leshoure, who will primarily be asked to pound the rock up the middle when he gets the ball. If the run blocking is bad and there are defenders in the backfield, it could be a disappointing and possibly injury-plagued rookie season for the Illinois alumni.

On the positive side, Leshoure has the frame to make plays without help from his blockers unlike the smaller and faster Best. He is 6'0" and 230 lbs, and carries his weight very well. He has powerful legs and a broad chest, and when he runs he has good bend which will go a long way to stopping serious injury concerns by forcing defenders to tackle his thick thighs or powerful shoulders.His running style and bulk should also help his smash through arm tackles and make plenty of yards after contact.

Leshoure also has surprising speed and quick feet that allow him to make the most of cut-back lanes and find the hole in the offensive line. This is likely to be very important given the struggles of the line last year. While not supremely agile, he can make defenders miss in space, or at least force arm tackles.

He was also a good receiver in college who has safe hands and can make decent yards after the catch on checkdown passes and especially screen plays. He does not rival Best in this regard, but is still solid. He also never fumbled the football for Illinois and will be a very safe running back to give the ball to when it is time to run down the clock.

Despite all the positives about his game, I think he will not produce great stats in his rookie season. Because most of his carries will be up the gut, the blocking is key, and if it does not improve he will have to break tackles just to get back to the line of scrimmage.For this reason, I think that our newest running back will run for 700 yards at an average of about 3.5 yards per carry. However, he will actually play very well, breaking tackles and making plenty of yards after first contact. Also, because he will be given the lion's share of goal line carries, he should also record about six rushing touchdowns.

In the receiving game, I expect him to perform better statistically. He looks able to record 25 receptions for 230 yards and two touchdowns with ease, and his ability to do this will make him a true every down running back. In fact, I would not be surprised if he became the featured running back in Detroit by week 10 of 2011, pushing Best to play a role similar to Reggie Bush as an x-factor running back, receiver and return man.

Although his rookie season may be a disappointment after the bar has been set so high for this young man, he should play very well, and be set for a 1,000-plus-yard explosion in his sophomore year when the Lions make significant strides in the running game. The future looks bright for Mikel Leshoure.

Dude With A Tude'

Yahoo! Opens Fantasy Football 2011: Part 2

by Jacob Allen
This is part 2 of my original Post "Yahoo! Opens Fantasy Football 2011: Merry Christmas" and you can read about D Town Bro Co's fantasy league at "Yes, The Bros Are Fantasy Football Guys"

So I am actually doing a Yahoo! live mock draft right now.  In June.  Is this straight feeding my addiction way too early?  Yes.  Does that faze me?  No.

I promised in my previous fantasy football related post that I would go over pre-draft rankings, how it relates to me, and how it relates to you….and I will…but let’s blog, draft, and dream for now.

7:33 – I am in the 7th position.  The draft starts in: 52 seconds.  Wow I have not put any thought into this.  I’m just winging this puppy.

7:35 – Top 6 picks went in order.  All the horse RB’s I don’t even need to name.  Ray Rice was available to me, as I had the 7th pick and Yahoo! Had him ranked #7 overall.  I played it safe this pick and took Aaron Rodgers.  In a real draft you will never see me take a QB round 1, but I froze.  In my defense Rodgers is as close to sure things as you could ever get this year, and I can vividly remember all the disappointed owners that took Rice top three last year.

7:37 – I am thinking I need to go RB with the next pick, but let’s wait and see what value I can get.  This draft is basically just going in order so far and having 4 out of 12 people auto-picking is not helping the cause.

7:38 – Surprise.  I took Peyton Hillis #18 overall.  There were a lot of good receivers floating around my draft slot…and I thought about taking Jennings, Fitzgerald, or Bowe, but in the end I had to go with the RB.  Plus Hillis is the “Baddest Man on the Planet”.

7:42 – Lots of options on the board at my third pick.  I feel I reached a little bit and snagged Ahmad Bradshaw with pick #31….perhaps a few slots before he should have gone, but there’s no doubt he’s a top notch talent (despite his documented rumbling fumbling problems).  I now look strong with elite fantasy ballers at my QB, RB 1, and RB 2 spots.

7:43 – At this point I was, and had to be, emotionally committed to a Wide Out, “and with the #42 overall selection King of the Hillis select Brandon Marshall, Miami Dolphins”.  This pick could have and maybe should have gone in Dez Bryant, Santonio Holmes, or Brandon Lloyd’s direction. Marshall was probably not the best choice.

Brandon Marshall is too good to be held down

7:47 – I made Sidney Rice my WR 2 with pick #55.  Atta boy.  Nice pick.  I need thinking about a TE now, but it looks like all the nasty tight ends are gone.  Let’s hope for the best.

7:49 – I freaked out again at #67 and took Ryan Grant.  There’s no doubt that was risky, but look at it this way…I have the QB/RB combo package of the Super Bowl winning point machine Packers.

7:51 – Wrapped up the starting TE spot by taking Pettigrew #79.  I thought hard about Gronkowski from the Pats.  I drafted him last year…thus violating my rookie rule, but something just told me to grab B. Pettigrew.   I vaguely remember him giving me the business last season at some point.

7:54 – OOPS.  I did not even look at the roster slots before I started this draft and just realized there are 3 starting WR slots and only 2 starting RB slots with no WR/RB/T.  My Ryan Grant pick is now fully confirmed as not good, but I scrambled and still managed to get Robert Meacham in round 9 with the #90 overall.  Of the starting spots it looks like I just have the Defense and a Kicker spots left.   “King of the Hillis” is nearly filled out.

Mutler

7:56 –I just used #103 to draft the Detroit Lions Defense.  I promised myself and others I would not do that.  Good thing this draft is not real.  Maybe this is insight into a much larger issue in my life I need to address.  I’ll watch out for that.  They were ranked #11, but I had to take a D and didn’t have many other options.  My starting lineup is complete.

7:58 – I’m drafting my bench now.  I just took Brandon Jacobs in the 11th.  Not a bad pick.  I handcuffed Ahmad Bradshaw which is good…and Jacobs actually started playing at some point last season.  Still…I have 2 Running Backs on my bench and 2 starting with only 2 total spots available.  I need a receiver next round.  I got my eye on Steve Smith of the Giants and am crossing my fingers.

8:00 – Got him.  That was solid.  Great value in round 12.  Last year he would have gone 5th – 7th.  Take “Super Rookie” Hakim Nicks out of the equation and Steve Smith would be the #1 guy over there in Gotham City.  Eli Manning likes him.  Tom Coughlin likes him.  People on his Facebook page like him….and now I am going to like him.

8:03 – Who I WANTED to take, was Titus Young.  Who I DID take, was Terrell Owens.  Sure…we do not know where he's playing…but he won people weeks last year with top level point production, and I’ll take him this late in the draft any time.  Plus, I do not draft rookies and already have way too many Lions on my team.

Side note:  Randy Moss was also available.  I did not even come close.

8:07 – Dan Carpenter.  Kicker from Miami?  No clue who this guy is.  I do not care who this guy is.  He better kick it straight and narrow or I’m going to drive down there and go Ray Finkle on his ass.

8:10 – I just went with the highest ranked player available.  Pierre Thomas.  It seems odd that these big name backs from only a year ago are still hanging around on lonely island this late.

8:12 – Mark Sanchez.  Draft is over.  I kind of thought about taking Cam Newton, but I am about to blog about my fantasy football strategies my main ones is “do not draft rookies”.  For the sake of that post and my street cred I did not take Cam.  I really did want to though.

Done.  Let’s look over and rate my picks.

The Yahoo! Sports Fantasy team 

1. Aaron Rodgers (GB - QB)   10/10

2. Peyton Hillis (Cle - RB)   8/10

3. Ahmad Bradshaw (NYG - RB)   8.5/10

4. Brandon Marshall (Mia - WR)   7/10

5. Sidney Rice (Min - WR)   9/10

6. Ryan Grant (GB - RB)   5/10

7. Brandon Pettigrew (Det - TE)   7/10

8. Robert Meachem (NO - WR)   7/10

9. Detroit (Det - DEF)   6/10

10. Brandon Jacobs (NYG - RB)   7/10

11. Steve Smith (NYG - WR)   8/10

12. Terrell Owens (Cin - WR)   8.5/10

13. Dan Carpenter (Mia - K)   N/A

14. Pierre Thomas (NO - RB)   6/10

15. Mark Sanchez (NYJ - QB) 6/10


That comes to an average ranking of about 7.3/10 on my draft. Not bad. Not good. I will definitely get better…it’s not as if I don’t have 95 days left to do this.

The post ends here...but if anybody is interested in seeing how this entire draft went here are the results.

Round by Round results
* your team in bold

---

Round 1
(1) Team 1 - Arian Foster (Hou - RB)
(2) Team 2 - Adrian Peterson (Min - RB)
(3) RollTide88 - Jamaal Charles (KC - RB)
(4) Dennis - Michael Turner (Atl - RB)
(5) James M - Chris Johnson (Ten - RB)
(6) Wadsworth - Maurice Jones-Drew (Jac - RB)
(7) Snake - AaronRodgers (GB - QB)
(8) dougbroderick2002 - Ray Rice (Bal - RB)
(9) DonnyV - Andre Johnson (Hou - WR)
(10) Team 10 - Rashard Mendenhall (Pit - RB)
(11) Team 11 - LeSean McCoy (Phi - RB)
(12) andybuckr - Calvin Johnson (Det - WR)


Round 2
(1) andybuckr - Darren McFadden (Oak - RB)
(2) Team 11 - Michael Vick (Phi - QB)
(3) Team 10 - Roddy White (Atl - WR)
(4) DonnyV - Frank Gore (SF - RB)
(5) dougbroderick2002 - Hakeem Nicks (NYG - WR)
(6) Snake - PeytonHillis (Cle - RB)
(7) Wadsworth - Larry Fitzgerald (Ari - WR)
(8) James M - Drew Brees (NO - QB)
(9) Dennis - Greg Jennings (GB - WR)
(10) RollTide88 - Dwayne Bowe (KC - WR)
(11) Team 2 - Peyton Manning (Ind - QB)
(12) Team 1 - Steven Jackson (StL - RB)


Round 3
(1) Team 1 - Philip Rivers (SD - QB)
(2) Team 2 - Matt Forte (Chi - RB)
(3) RollTide88 - Mike Wallace (Pit - WR)
(4) Dennis - Jeremy Maclin (Phi - WR)
(5) James M - Shonn Greene (NYJ - RB)
(6) Wadsworth - Miles Austin (Dal - WR)
(7) Snake - AhmadBradshaw (NYG - RB)
(8) dougbroderick2002 - Tom Brady (NE - QB)
(9) DonnyV - DeSean Jackson (Phi - WR)
(10) Team 10 - Tony Romo (Dal - QB)
(11) Team 11 - LeGarrette Blount (TB - RB)
(12) andybuckr - Antonio Gates (SD - TE)


Round 4
(1) andybuckr - Reggie Wayne (Ind - WR)
(2) Team 11 - Mike Williams (TB - WR)
(3) Team 10 - Vincent Jackson (SD - WR)
(4) DonnyV - Ryan Mathews (SD - RB)
(5) dougbroderick2002 - DeAngelo Williams (Car - RB)
(6) Snake - BrandonMarshall (Mia - WR)
(7) Wadsworth - Jermichael Finley (GB - TE)
(8) James M - Dez Bryant (Dal - WR)
(9) Dennis - Brandon Lloyd (Den - WR)
(10) RollTide88 - Dallas Clark (Ind - TE)
(11) Team 2 - Jason Witten (Dal - TE)
(12) Team 1 - Vernon Davis (SF - TE)


Round 5
(1) Team 1 - Stevie Johnson (Buf - WR)
(2) Team 2 - Marques Colston (NO - WR)
(3) RollTide88 - Kenny Britt (Ten - WR)
(4) Dennis - BenJarvus Green-Ellis (NE - RB)
(5) James M - Wes Welker (NE - WR)
(6) Wadsworth - Jonathan Stewart (Car - RB)
(7) Snake - Sidney Rice(Min - WR)
(8) dougbroderick2002 - Steve Smith (Car - WR)
(9) DonnyV - Ben Roethlisberger (Pit - QB)
(10) Team 10 - Daniel Thomas (Mia - RB)
(11) Team 11 - Anquan Boldin (Bal - WR)
(12) andybuckr - Santonio Holmes (NYJ - WR)


Round 6
(1) andybuckr - Cedric Benson (Cin - RB)
(2) Team 11 - Owen Daniels (Hou - TE)
(3) Team 10 - Jimmy Graham (NO - TE)
(4) DonnyV - Percy Harvin (Min - WR)
(5) dougbroderick2002 - Austin Collie (Ind - WR)
(6) Snake - Ryan Grant(GB - RB)
(7) Wadsworth - Matt Schaub (Hou - QB)
(8) James M - Michael Crabtree (SF - WR)
(9) Dennis - Eli Manning (NYG - QB)
(10) RollTide88 - Pittsburgh (Pit - DEF)
(11) Team 2 - A.J. Green (Cin - WR)
(12) Team 1 - Mike Williams (Sea - WR)


Round 7
(1) Team 1 - Pierre Garcon (Ind - WR)
(2) Team 2 - Santana Moss (Was - WR)
(3) RollTide88 - Matt Ryan (Atl - QB)
(4) Dennis - Mike Tolbert (SD - RB)
(5) James M - Tony Gonzalez (Atl - TE)
(6) Wadsworth - Johnny Knox (Chi - WR)
(7) Snake - BrandonPettigrew (Det - TE)
(8) dougbroderick2002 - Zach Miller (Oak - TE)
(9) DonnyV - Rob Gronkowski (NE - TE)
(10) Team 10 - Mario Manningham (NYG - WR)
(11) Team 11 - Jerome Simpson (Cin - WR)
(12) andybuckr - Felix Jones (Dal - RB)


Round 8
(1) andybuckr - Josh Freeman (TB - QB)
(2) Team 11 - New York (NYJ - DEF)
(3) Team 10 - Green Bay (GB - DEF)
(4) DonnyV - Chicago (Chi - DEF)
(5) dougbroderick2002 - New England (NE - DEF)
(6) Snake - RobertMeachem (NO - WR)
(7) Wadsworth - New York (NYG - DEF)
(8) James M - San Diego (SD - DEF)
(9) Dennis - Philadelphia (Phi - DEF)
(10) RollTide88 - Julio Jones (Atl - WR)
(11) Team 2 - Baltimore (Bal - DEF)
(12) Team 1 - Matt Bryant (Atl - K)


Round 9
(1) Team 1 - Dallas (Dal - DEF)
(2) Team 2 - Stephen Gostkowski (NE - K)
(3) RollTide88 - Marshawn Lynch (Sea - RB)
(4) Dennis - Marcedes Lewis (Jac - TE)
(5) James M - Sebastian Janikowski (Oak - K)
(6) Wadsworth - Mason Crosby (GB - K)
(7) Snake - Detroit (Det- DEF)
(8) dougbroderick2002 - Neil Rackers (Hou - K)
(9) DonnyV - Nate Kaeding (SD - K)
(10) Team 10 - Garrett Hartley (NO - K)
(11) Team 11 - Josh Brown (StL - K)
(12) andybuckr - David Akers (Phi - K)


Round 10
(1) andybuckr - New Orleans (NO - DEF)
(2) Team 11 - Mark Ingram (NO - RB)
(3) Team 10 - Mikel LeShoure (Det - RB)
(4) DonnyV - Fred Jackson (Buf - RB)
(5) dougbroderick2002 - Matthew Stafford (Det - QB)
(6) Snake - BrandonJacobs (NYG - RB)
(7) Wadsworth - Joseph Addai (Ind - RB)
(8) James M - Jahvid Best (Det - RB)
(9) Dennis - Mike Sims-Walker (Jac - WR)
(10) RollTide88 - Braylon Edwards (NYJ - WR)
(11) Team 2 - Knowshon Moreno (Den - RB)
(12) Team 1 - Ryan Williams (Ari - RB)


Round 11
(1) Team 1 - Jay Cutler (Chi - QB)
(2) Team 2 - Joe Flacco (Bal - QB)
(3) RollTide88 - Ryan Torain (Was - RB)
(4) Dennis - Malcom Floyd (SD - WR)
(5) James M - Sam Bradford (StL - QB)
(6) Wadsworth - Kyle Orton (Den - QB)
(7) Snake - Steve Smith(NYG - WR)
(8) dougbroderick2002 - Roy Helu (Was - RB)
(9) DonnyV - Matt Cassel (KC - QB)
(10) Team 10 - Kevin Kolb (Phi - QB)
(11) Team 11 - Kellen Winslow (TB - TE)
(12) andybuckr - Deion Branch (NE - WR)


Round 12
(1) andybuckr - Jacoby Ford (Oak - WR)
(2) Team 11 - Mike Thomas (Jac - WR)
(3) Team 10 - Hines Ward (Pit - WR)
(4) DonnyV - Chad Ochocinco (Cin - WR)
(5) dougbroderick2002 - Aaron Hernandez (NE - TE)
(6) Snake - TerrellOwens (Cin - WR)
(7) Wadsworth - Davone Bess (Mia - WR)
(8) James M - Jordy Nelson (GB - WR)
(9) Dennis - David Buehler (Dal - K)
(10) RollTide88 - Michael Bush (Oak - RB)
(11) Team 2 - James Jones (GB - WR)
(12) Team 1 - Lance Moore (NO - WR)


Round 13
(1) Team 1 - Derrick Mason (Bal - WR)
(2) Team 2 - Chris Cooley (Was - TE)
(3) RollTide88 - Rob Bironas (Ten - K)
(4) Dennis - Brent Celek (Phi - TE)
(5) James M - Danario Alexander (StL - WR)
(6) Wadsworth - Donald Driver (GB - WR)
(7) Snake - DanCarpenter (Mia - K)
(8) dougbroderick2002 - Nate Burleson (Det - WR)
(9) DonnyV - Lee Evans (Buf - WR)
(10) Team 10 - Randy Moss (Ten - WR)
(11) Team 11 - Tim Tebow (Den - QB)
(12) andybuckr - Ryan Fitzpatrick (Buf - QB)


Round 14
(1) andybuckr - Jermaine Gresham (Cin - TE)
(2) Team 11 - Mark Clayton (StL - WR)
(3) Team 10 - Dustin Keller (NYJ - TE)
(4) DonnyV - Benjamin Watson (Cle - TE)
(5) dougbroderick2002 - Jon Baldwin (KC - WR)
(6) Snake - PierreThomas (NO - RB)
(7) Wadsworth - Tony Moeaki (KC - TE)
(8) James M - Greg Olsen (Chi - TE)
(9) Dennis - Carson Palmer (Cin - QB)
(10) RollTide88 - Danny Amendola (StL - WR)
(11) Team 2 - Arrelious Benn (TB - WR)
(12) Team 1 - Visanthe Shiancoe (Min - TE)


Round 15
(1) Team 1 - Kansas City (KC - DEF)
(2) Team 2 - Tampa Bay (TB - DEF)
(3) RollTide88 - Donovan McNabb (Was - QB)
(4) Dennis - Arizona (Ari - DEF)
(5) James M - San Francisco (SF - DEF)
(6) Wadsworth - Robbie Gould (Chi - K)
(7) Snake - Mark Sanchez(NYJ - QB)
(8) dougbroderick2002 - Atlanta (Atl - DEF)
(9) DonnyV - Oakland (Oak - DEF)
(10) Team 10 - Minnesota (Min - DEF)
(11) Team 11 - Cincinnati (Cin - DEF)
(12) andybuckr - Nick Folk (NYJ - K)