LT Has Torn Groin Tendon: Game Time Decision *UPDATE* LT WILL PLAY

*UPDATE* LT will play tonight against the Indianapolis Colts. LT had been receiving extensive treatment to his groin in order to get him ready for the game. (I think we could all use the occassional groin treatment.) He told ESPN.com's Ed Werder, that while it is painful, he feels like he can cut and change directions enough to be effective in tonight's match up.

ESPN.com is reporting that Chargers' running back LaDainian Tomlinson has a detached tendon that connects one of his groin muscles to his pubic bone. Tomlinson has been listed as a game-time decision and more is expected to be known after pregame warm ups. This sounds like he type of injury that would put me on Life IR, so credit LT's heart for trying to give it a go. Can't imagine what it must be like to have the pubic bone no longer attached to my groin.

This is the second year in a row that the injury bug has reared its ugly head in LT's direction before a big playoff game. One has to question, with the success of back up Darren Sproles and LT's recent regression as a RB if perhaps his future next season might be with another team or at least in more of a time share situation.


Insert ESPN mail room joke here---->


Sproles, against an admittedly porous Denver defense last week had 115 yards on the ground on only 14 attempts and a rushing TD. It went well with his 2 catches for 17 yards and receiving touchdown.

FANTASY IMPACT

This only ads to what has already been a disappointing fantasy season for the once great LT. It is said that the injury will make it difficult for LT to cut and make sudden movements. If he does play, he could used in short yard situations, and get goal line carries, however, expect Darren Sproles to get the majority of the carries. If you are in a playoff fantasy football league, you should have drafted Sproles to go along with the now oft- nicked up LT. Sproles is an explosive, speed back who can make game changing runs with any carry.

Mangini Out of a Job

Fitting that the coach who once made a cameo on "The Soprano's" coached his last game against, the Miami Dolphins and head coach Tony Sparano. Various sources around New York are reporting that Jets' head coach Eric Mangini will not be returning to coach the team again next season. The announcement is to come at a news conference the Jets have scheduled for today at 10a.m.

The announcement ends weeks of speculation about Mangini's job status that has been up in the air ever since the Jets entered their late season swoon. Entering week 13 the Jets sat alone a top the AFC East at 8-3. Then came a disastrous stretch where the Jets lost 4 out of their last 5 games, including a pivotal loss to a Seattle Seahawks team that finished the season 3-13.

Mangini early on in his Jet tenure was nick named "Man-Genious" for his coaching decisions and highly touted offense. However, the nick name wore off fast as many of his decisions over the last few weeks have been greatly scrutinized, highlighted when the Jets went for a first down on a 4th and 2 from their own 20 with over 2 minutes to play in the Seattle game. The Jets were only down by a touch down at the time, however the turn over on downs so deep in their own territory led to an easy field goal for Seattle and put the Jets chances to win the game and make the playoffs out of reach.

Pacman Jones Traded to the Cowboys

ESPN's Ed Werder is reporting that the Dallas Cowboys and the Tennessee Titans have agreed in principal that would move the much maligned cornerback, Adam "Pacman" Jones to Dallas. The deal has many loopholes and side agreements due to the uniqueness of the trade, that involves a player who might not even play next season.

Currently the deal calls for the Titans to get Dallas's 4th round draft pick in this Saturday's draft, but if Pacman does get "significant" playing time in 2008 the Titans will then also receive a pick from Dallas in the '09 draft.

Of course none of that matters if Pacman isn't reinstated to the NFL by commissioner Roger Goodell. If he does not play in 2008 then the Titans will send an undisclosed 2009 draft pick back to the Cowboys. One also has to wonder if there are still any legal issues that could be brought to the forefront in connection to his recent extortion case.

Pacman is an immensely talented player whose quickness and athleticism make him a threat all over the field. He is dangerous in all three major parts of the game, as a defensive player, as a dangerous kick returner and can even catch a pass or two when needed. His talent is clearly evidenced in the fact that it took the Titans so long for them to trade him. He has been in trouble in many off the field situations for years, and only following his 2007 season long suspension have the Titans finally agreed it would be better for both parties to part ways.

As if this story needed it, there is even more drama that could take place once Terrell Owens and Pacman are placed on the same team together. Credit Jerry Jones for taking another risk on a player who has had many difficulties in his past. It worked well for them with Owens, and Tank Johnson last season, so it will be interesting to see what happens in '08 with Pacman. I could really envision just disastrous media sessions with T.O. being asked about his new teammate and the ever attention seeking Owens shooting his mouth off and saying something that comes back to distract the team in the locker room.

FANTASY IMPACT

This helps the Cowboy's defense mostly, who was dangerous last season and could be even more dangerous next season if Pacman actually plays. Their special teams could also take a good step forward as Dallas really struggled to return kick effectively last season.

D.J. Hackett to the Panthers

One of the biggest under the radar free agents this off season has signed on with team and did it, well, under the radar. D.J Hackett, who has shown sporadic moments of awesome when he was healthy in Seattle, has signed on with the Carolina Panthers for the 2008 season.

The problem with Hackett, isn't his talent, its his ability to stay on the field and produce consistent numbers. This signing along with the signing of Muhsin Muhammad give the Panthers a better 1-2-3 combination then they have had in years. Even if one of them goes down, there is still a solid guy to play alongside Steve Smith. 

The signing indicates to me that this is Jake Delhomme's last stand as starting QB in Carolina. He battled injury last year, and was ineffective even when healthy. He will enter the season as the unquestioned starter and is now a bit of  a sleeper entering 2008.

FANTASY IMPACT

The signing means nothing if Carolina cannot first and foremost determine who is going to be running the ball. DeAngelo Williams has shown flashes of brilliance and the ability to put up numbers when healthy, which doesn't happen often. If he can stay on the field and the team can find a better complement to him than Deshaun Foster, the Panthers might see some improvement in the ground game. 

I do like this move for all three of the aforementioned WRs. Smith is by far the most dominant of the bunch and a player, who is one of the best in the game at his position. Hackett has shown he can be very good and will benefit from a change of scenery. Muhammad's best days are behind him, but his size and the double teams that Steve Smith will draw will give him space to operate and more favorable one on one match ups, especially in the red zone.

Smith, Hackett and Muhammad, should be drafted in that order, and are injury risks.

Larry Fitzgerald Resigns With Arizona - Somewhere, Matt Leinart Is Smiling

Amidst the flurry of trade rumors that had Larry Fitzgerald ending up in Philadelphia, the Arizona Cardinals reached a new agreement with the Pro Bowl WR today, locking him up for the next four years. The deal is worth 40 million dollars and includes a 15 million dollar signing bonus up front along with 30 million in guaranteed money. The structure of the new contract will save the Cardinals roughly 8.8 million in cap space.

Fantasy Impact

With Fitzgerald returning, the Cardinals keep one of the best young offenses in football intact. Fitzgerald had a monster 2007 season catching 100 passes for 1409 yards and 10 TDs and combines with Anquan Boldin to form one of the best WR combinations in all of football.

Fitzgerald is an excellent possession receiver and a dangerous vertical threat averaging 13.8 yards per reception over his 4 year career. He will be only 25 when the season starts and fantasy owners can expect plenty of big reception, yardage and touchdown numbers from Fitzgerald over the next four seasons.

Outside of Larry Fitzgerald, the happiest man in America right now is Arizona's starting QB Matt Leinart. The USC product had a very productive rookie season throwing to Boldin and Fitzgerald but failed to build on it in his sophomore campaign. He struggled mightily in 2007 throwing for o 647 yards, 2 TDs and 4 INTs in 5 games before a broken collarbone ended his season.

Coach Ken Whisenhunt has said that Leinart will be the team's starting QB in 2008 if he is healthy and there is no reason to expect that he won't be come the start of training camp. Leinart stock has fallen a good deal since his injury and he has a lot to prove this season. However, given the superb Arizona WR corps, the pass-friendly Arizona offense and the flashes of greatness he showed in college as well as his rookie season, there is reason to believe that Leinart could have a fine 2008 in the desert.

He should be a nice sleeper entering the season and should be drafted as a #2 QB with good upside. Keep in mind that if he falters during the season, savvy veteran Kurt Warner will be waiting in the wings to steal some snaps.

Julius Jones Signs With Seattle - End Of The Line For Shaun Alexander

Julius Jones signed a four year deal worth around 12 million with the Seattle Seahawks on Friday night. The addition of Jones comes days after the Seahawks signed power back TJ Duckett to a 5 year 14 million dollar deal. With Jones, Duckett and Maurice Morris in the fold, it appears that Shaun Alexander is the odd man out in Seattle. According to ESPN's John Clayton, Alexander is likely to be cut come June 1st. 

Fantasy Impact

It was just three years ago that Alexander was the number one running back in fantasy football. In 2005, he put together one of the finest seasons ever by a NFL running back gaining 1,880 yards and a then NFL record 27 TDs. It was Alexander's 5th consecutive season with over 1,100 yards and 13 TDs and he had proved incredibly durable during this stretch playing in all 80 games.

Now after two dismal, injury-ridden seasons, Alexander is on his way out of Seattle. In 2006 and 2007 Alexander failed to break a 1000 yards and couldn't top 7 TDs while missing 9 games due to a variety of ailments. The 30 year old Alexander should catch on with another team in 2008 but he will have to earn a starting role in training camp and will most likely end up splitting time at his new destination. His fantasy value will totally depend on the situation he ends up in and what he shows during the preseason. 

As for the newest Seattle running backs, Duckett will primarily be used as a short yardage back and fall back option at both halfback and fullback. The more intriguing fantasy option here is Julius Jones whose excellent speed and ability to get to the corner makes him a nice fit for Seattle's spread offense and edge blocking scheme.

Jones underachieved in his four seasons in Dallas, regressing each year after his breakout rookie campaign. Still only 26 years old (he will be 27 when the season begins) Jones will get a fresh start in Seattle and will compete with incumbent starter Maurice Morris for the starting job. The two will likely split carries at the start of the season but Jones' should carry more of the load later in the season. 

Watch Jones in the preseason to gauge how Holmgren plans on utilizing him in the offense. In addition to his ability to get to the corner, Jones has good hands and is adept at running screens; a play used often by the Seattle offense. His aforementioned speed makes him tough to bring down in space and this could be another facet of his game that gives him an edge in the battle for the starting gig. 

Jones could be a nice sleeper running back in 2008 and is a Maurice Morris injury away from being the feature back in an excellent offense. 

 

Brett Favre Retires - Welcome To The Show Aaron Rodgers

Brett Favre announced today that he is retiring after a remarkable 17-year career which saw him shatter NFL records while winning three MVPs and a Superbowl title. Favre is the NFL's career record holder in touchdowns (442), passing yards ( 61,655) and interceptions (288) with his lone Superbowl championship coming in the 1996 season.

Favre's retirement finally opens the door for 24 year old Aaron Rodgers, the Packers first round pick in the 2005 NFL draft to succeed Favre as the starting QB in 2008.

Fantasy Impact

Favre had a monster fantasy season in 2008 throwing for 4,155 yards and 28 TDs. Don't expect Rodgers to come close to those yardage or touchdown numbers, however, given the Packers offensive weapons, Rodgers could be a serviceable fantasy QB in 2008.

The Packers are returning a productive, speedy receiving corps featuring Donald Driver, Greg Jennings and James Jones that will provide Rodgers with plenty of opportunities to make plays. In addition, Rodgers will have the benefit of a stout offensive line and strong running game anchored by Ryan Grant, one of the top running backs in the second half of last season.

Rodgers will certainly experience some growing pains early on. But unlike rookie QBs thrust into starting roles on the fly, he has had three season in the NFL under his belt while waiting in the wings behind Favre. Rodgers' pro experience should help make his transition to starter a little smoother and I can see him being a decent #2 fantasy QB option this season.

Donte Stallworth In Line For A Solid Season In Cleveland

In a post Friday regarding Derek Anderson resigning with Cleveland, we hinted that the Browns weren't done adding to their offense this offseason and were in the market for a #2 WR. Our prophecy was fulfilled Saturday when the Browns agreed to a 7 year 35 million dollar contract with New England WR Donte Stallworth which features 10 million in guaranteed money.

Stallworth will be the starting #2 WR for the Browns and serve as the third option in the passing game behind Braylon Edwards and tight end Kellen Winslow.

Fantasy Impact

Stallworth has world class speed and can be effective as a deep threat or elusive possession receiver over the middle of the field. His abilities were underutilized in New England where he spent much of the year lost among the team's myriad of receiving options. Specifically, he was stuck behind Randy Moss and Wes Welker who lead the team in touchdowns and receptions respectively while splitting offensive looks with Jabar Gaffney. Stallworth posted respectable numbers as the 3/4 WR bringing in 46 receptions for 697 yards and 3 TDs.

As the #2 WR in the pass happy Cleveland Browns offense, Stallworth should get plenty of looks from Derek Anderson and barring injury is a lock to surpass his 2008 output by a decent amount. Stallworth serves as an excellent complement to the more physical Braylon Edwards and should benefit from the attention paid to Edwards and Kellen Winslow. I think Stallworth has a great chance to put up around 1000 yards receiving with 5+ TDs.

Michael Turner Headed To Atlanta - Jerious Norwood In Limbo, Again

Michael Turner who has long been known as the best running back not to have a starting role is now well-paid and the #1 back in Atlanta. Turner signed a 6 year 34 million dollar contract with the Falcons which includes 15 million in guaranteed money. The acquisition continues Atlanta's efforts to overhaul the team and rebuild an offense that has been stagnant since the departure of Michael Vick.

Fantasy Impact

Turner has been dynamite when given the chance to play in San Diego. He has averaged 5.5 yards a carry over 228 career attempts and has three 100 yard rushing games in that span. 

In Atlanta Turner will finally be the man, a welcomed sight for fantasy owners who have been waiting two years for Turner to land a starting gig. Turner is a strong runner with the potential to be a work horse back as he displayed in the playoffs when LaDanian Tomlinson was sidelined with a sprained MCL.

Expect Turner to carry the ball 20-25 times a game for the Falcons and put up solid yardage numbers. Turner will also serve as the primary goal line back; however, the Falcons will begin the season with a lackluster offense that may limit his TD opportunities. With a shaky O-line, mediocre WR corps and most likely a young QB behind center this season, you should temper your 2008 expectations of Turner a bit as he will be a solid #2 RB in fantasy at best. 

The acquisition of Turner once again puts the explosive Jerious Norwood in a precarious situation. Norwood spent a majority of the 2007 season stuck behind the ineffective Warrick Dunn on the Falcons RB depth chart despite grossly outperforming him. In 103 rushing attempts, Norwood ran for 603 yards, an average of 6 yards a carry. In addition, Norwood showed good hands out of the backfield taking in 28 receptions for 277 yards.

Many speculated that the Falcons were saving the young Norwood for 2008 in what was a lost season. However, the signing of Turner shows that the Falcons organization does not believe in him as an every down back and it appears that he will again play second fiddle again this year.

Derek Anderson Resigns With Cleveland - Fantasy Future Looks Bright

The first day of the NFL free agent period has been extremely active with many players changing locations or re-upping with their current squads. Notable movers and shakers thus far include the Jets who traded MLB Jonathon Vilma to New Orleans and acquired DT Kris Jenkins from Carolina as well as the Raiders made Tommy Kelly the highest paid DT in NFL history (yikes).

Depsite all the activity, only one move thus far has fantasy implications and that is the Cleveland Browns agreeing to terms with QB Derek Anderson. 2008 was a breakout season for Anderson who began the year as the backup to Charlie Frye. Andserson made his first start in week 2, throwing for 328 yards and 5 TDs in a win over the Bengals and never looked back. He would go on to throw for 3,787 yards, 29 TDs and 19 INTs and make the Pro Bowl as a replacement for the injured Tom Brady.

2008 Fantasy Impact

Anderson showed discernable skill in leading the Browns in 2007 and I don't think his excellent offensive output was a fluke. His first half numbers were certainly better than his second half; however, Anderson performed admirably in his final 8 games, facing a tougher schedule and new adjustments from defensive coordinators.

With Braylon Edwards, Kellen Winslow and Jamal Lewis all returning in 2008, Anderson will have plenty of playmakers at his disposal as well as a strong offensive line headed by Joe Thomas and Eric Steinbach. It hasn't been this good to be the Browns starting QB since the days when Bernie Kosar was behind center and Ozzie Newsome and Reggie Langhorne were catching passes.

Anderson is the unquestioned starter in Cleveland entering the season and won't have to look over his shoulder at Brady Quinn unless his play is especially poor. He should enjoy another fine season, producing strong numbers in passing yards and TDs. INTs are a little bit of a problem for Anderson and could continue to be as defenses adjust; however, his potential offensive output should offset that concern.

Anderson ranks somewhere around the backend or just outside the top 10 fantasy QBs and is an excellent option once the elite QBs have been taken off the board.

New York Giants Looking To Acquire DeAngelo Hall - Trade Analysis & Fantasy Impact

The great Mike Garafolo, Giants beat writer for the The Star-Ledger, is reporting on his blog that the Giants have offered the Atlanta Falcons their first round pick (31 overall) for CB DeAngelo Hall. Hall is scheduled to make 4.22 million in 2008 and is in the last year of his current contract. His arrival would most likely mark the end of Sam Madison and RW Mc Quarters tenures in NY.

Why New York Would Do This

Pairing Hall with young corners Aaron Ross, Corey Webster and Kevin Dockery, gives the giants one of the fastest and most athletic young secondaries in the NFL. The kind of speed Hall brings to the table coupled with his physical style of play fit in perfectly with the Giants' aggressive scheme that puts emphasis on bump and run coverage. His arrival will give defensive coordinator Steve Spagnoulo the opportunity to create more blitz packages that come off the corners and take more chances given Hall's ability as a one on one defender.

Why Atlanta Would Do This

The rebuilding/overhaul continues in Atlanta as Hall would join TE Alge Crumpler as prominent Falcons' players that have been shown the door. The added pick would give the Falcons two in the first round as they already own the #3 pick overall come April.

Fantasy Impact

The Giants started the 2007 season as one of the worst defenses in football after two games. In the 14 regular season games and 4 playoff games that followed they evolved into an excellent unit that warrants consideration among the top 5 in all of the league. The addition of Hall would only add to their value as he is playmaker that can help this defense force more turnovers. Hall has good hands as evidenced by his 17 career INTs and is an excellent fit for Steve Spags' system.

The Giants D will head into the 2008 season as a top 5 fantasy defense, but keep an eye on two things this offseason - the possible retirement of Michael Strahan and loss of Gibril Wilson in free agency -as these could negatively impact this unit and hurt their value a bit.

Super Thoughts And Picks!

It has finally come down to this day for Giants and Patriots fans! After two weeks of lame storylines, silly interviews, Plaxico Burress watch, and Tom Brady's boot, the real granddaddy of them all is upon us. The line opened up at 14 and within hours dropped to 12 and has stayed there for the better part of the bye week. Apparently there are a lot of Giants fans out there or everyone just hates New England.

WHAT HAPPENED THIS WEEK?

Plax Keeps Talking And Talking 

I'm fine with this, he is the best player on his team and he is talking the talk. Now let's see if he can, as Ric Flair would say, "Walk the walk." Everyone is concerned about Burress not practicing; however, if you watched the Giants at all this season you would know that Burress not practicing isn't going to affect his performance. Plax says the score will be 23-17 and Brady promptly replied, "We are only going to score 17?" Funny response, but we all know Burress was just feeding to the talking heads.

Moss' Women Issues

Rocky Balboa's trainer Mickey once said to stay away from women, they make your knees week. Moss claims his assault was an accident and the woman somehow ended up hurt. Let's see he's 6'4'' and 215 lbs, you do the math. He says, "She's just a friend", who is he Biz Markie? Don't think this will affect Moss' play, but it makes for funny conversation when you read between the lines.

Spy Gate 

See Specter Smoke Screen for my thoughts.

Tom Brady's Boot

Tom Brady will play in this game no matter what. He wore a boot two weeks ago and there is no mention of an ankle injury on the injury report. Don't worry Pats fans, your Jeter in a Pats jersey will be just fine.

University Of Phoenix Stadium

Did anyone wonder why The University of Phoenix has it's own stadium? Do they hold like an online Warcraft league there?

PREDICTION

Since I am the only unbiased member of the Fantasy Sports Experience, I have been chosen to pick a winner. The Giants are red hot heading into this Super bowl. The only problem is that the Patriots are white hot. The game in week 17 was really not that close. It was only a three point game because of a garbage time Touchdown to Burress. I don't buy any of this Destiny nonsense and would like all of my Giant fan friends to stop texting me with that crap.

Brady, Moss, and Welker will be the deciding factors. Look for a big game from Moss and expect him to get the ball early. Once he starts catching some balls, then Welker, the best slot receiver in the game today, will dominate the remainder of the game.

The only way the Giants can win this game is if they can control the clock and finish drives with touchdowns rather than settling for FGs. As we saw with the Chargers, getting into the red zone seems easy against the Patriots, but putting it in the end zone is the hard part. Jacobs and Bradshaw need to have monster games, and the Giants secondary needs to play over their heads to keep this game close. Strahan and Umenyiora need to be in Brady's back pocket; they need to get so close that they can smell Gisselle's scent from this morning.

After assessing all the data and looking at both rosters, my prediction is...

Patriots 34

Giants 21

Specter Smoke Screen

Dear Mr. Senator,

I understand that it is very important to get your face on Television and be noticed. I know it is very important for politicians to appear concerned about the problems with this country. I also know that worrying about a silly little game called football and wasting my hard earned money to research this whole "Spy Gate" thing is ridiculous.

I think the American people are worried about three things right now. Read along and maybe you can stop wasting my precious Sportscenter time and precious money Mr. Senator. First, I hate paying three dollars per gallon at the pump. Instead of looking at NFL game film all day, maybe you should try to create some sort of relief for the little people who don't have a car service for hire and have to drive themselves to work every day.

Second, how about we start focusing on our schools and take the money being wasted to find out if someone cheated in a football game over 5 years ago and put it towards the future of America. Finally, there is a war going on and you have the audacity to waste Government time to review the NFL. Actually that makes perfect sense since this nothing more than a smoke screen to take the focus off bigger issues. 

How about we let the league handle this situation? I think someone at my job signed out of work early three years ago. Can we waste money to research that? It's a really pressing issue with me and could affect the integrity of my job. See what I'm talking about? See how silly that sounds?   

Thanks meat,

JP

Manning Vs. Rivers.. Giants Got it Right

Back in the 2004 NFL draft the Giants made a huge draft day trade with the San Diego Chargers. San Diego swapped the first overall selection, Eli Manning, for Phillip Rivers (the Giants selected him fourth overall), a 2004 third round pick as well as first and fifth round picks in the 2005 draft. While the Chargers would use those extra picks to land pro bowlers Shawne Merriman and Nate Kaeding, the Giants got Eli Manning... and nothing else.

Manning has been criticized for being too lanky, a poor decision-maker, regressing in talent, not being named Peyton and a variety of other things that only the New York media and fan base can think of. In addition, he was even called "skittish" in the pocket by his GM Jerry Reese earlier in the season.  

Fortunately, among the things he has not been criticized for are being hot headed, ill tempered, and trash talking opposing fans. Rivers talked a bunch, but was ultimately unable to back it up. Eli, on the other hand has been able to stay with in himself and the team. His low key demeanor does not take away from what his team does, nor does it make him open to further criticism. He is a throwback to the days when QBs spoke loudest with their play, rather than their mouth.

Rivers would have been a terrible fit for New York. If you think his on-field shenanigans would have gone under the radar as they have in San Diego you are kidding yourself. His tenure in New York had the potential for countless petty fights with fan base and more importantly the caustic New York media. While heavily criticized, Eli has kept the focus on the other teams, deflecting attention away from himself. Rivers is a ticking time bomb and the New York media would have had a field day with him.

Affirmation of the Giants decision to trade for Eli occurred this weekend. Manning went into Green Bay and beat Brett Favre at home in what was the 3rd coldest game ever played; advancing to his first Super Bowl. Manning has lead the Giants through the playoffs playing mistake-free football (4 TDs and 0 INTs in 3 games) making big throws when needed. 

Rivers lost, and looked bad doing so. He gave the ball away multiple times trying to force the issue and took away from what was a spirited performance by the San Diego defense. Eli might not be the main the reason the Giants are going to the Superbowl, that credit has to go to the defense. However, unlike Rivers, he isn't the main reason they are going home.

Rivers Update...Does it Matter?

Philip Rivers has told ESPN's Bob Holtzman that he sees no reason why he wouldn't be able to play in Sunday's AFC Championshp game against New England. Back up quarterback Bily Volek will start on the the bench ready come in if Rivers' knee acts up.

IMPACT

I think San Diego will be relying mostly on their running game today, so I am not sure it is really going to matter who the starting quarterback is. The last thing San Diego wants to do is get into a high scoring, game with a lot of throws, because they would be feeding into the type of game New England thrives in.

If he is healthy, expect LaDainian Tomlinson to get some of the carries, but also expect to see a lot of Michael Turner and Darren Sproles. LT and Turner will probably be counted on to bruise up the middle and wear down veteran linebackers, Mike Vrabel, Teddy Bruschi and Junior Seau. Then, expect to see Sproles as a change of pace back used to pick up big yards, using his break away speed. Sproles is becoming a Maurice Jones-Drew type, without the hype, or expectations. Look for him to be the x-factor in San Diego's game.

I think whoever starts at quarterback won't really be counted on to make huge play, with the exception of a few 3rd and 4s to keep a drive alive. Last week we saw that both Rivers and Volek were capable of doing that.

Dear Mr. Owens,

Dear Mr. Owens,

It's only a game, it's only the playoffs! Who cares that you haven't won a playoff game with the Cowboys. Who cares that you have never won a super bowl? Who cares that your career is mimicking Barry Bonds, sans the hall of fame stats. Who cares that your QB was vacationing while he should have been reading his playbook. Things have been much worse for you and it's okay you can enjoy your popcorn next week while you watch the Championship games.

Don't cry Mr. Owens, please don't cry. I know you keep telling us, "It's not fair" But, was it fair when you labelled Jeff Garcia as a homosexual? Was it fair when you poisoned the entire Eagles franchise. Who knew anything from Philly could become more evil? I know winning your division is a great accomplishment and something to be proud of, but losing in the playoffs after a great season is kind of like kissing your sister... Oh wait, you did that already, or did you?

I know it must be tough for you and I hope you can survive this off season without any prescriptions. It must be tough to lose, maybe Karma is skipping a life and catching up with you in this life. Usually karma waits till the next life, but I think your attitude, your mouth, and your actions have caught up with you.

Do you really think we buy this crying thing? All of a sudden you support a Quarterback? Come on, please! The next month will be so much better without you around Mr. Owens. So here is my advice, get yourself some popcorn and get cozy in that million dollar recliner you probably have. If you can't find any popcorn, give the Giants a call and I am sure they call help you out.

Pay careful attention to this guy who plays in New England. His name is Tom Brady, he is better than you, he gets more attention than you because he does his job and doesn't beg for attention. Learn a lesson from Randy Moss. He put his ego aside and wanted to be apart of a winning team. If you had the stats he had this weekend, 1 catch for 14 yards, you would have flipped out, called out your quarterback and caused a scene. Spare me the drama Terrell, seriously I'm over it.

Dr. P

P.S. - Call me if you have any questions about your prescription.

Frank Reich 2K8

As I was watching the amazing Billy Volek enter the game, I like the rest of us figured he would just hand the ball off a few times and Philip "I yell at everyone" Rivers would hobble back in and blow the game. I was wrong in several ways. I was wrong in thinking Philip Rivers was a tough quarterback that could play through injuries. I was wrong in thinking that Billy Volek would just hand the ball off and wait to be saved by the starter.

Volek performed admirably in the 4th quarter of the Chargers upset victory over the Colts, but this scenario is nothing new. Years ago, back when mustaches were en vogue and Gun n' Roses was still together, there was a great man named Frank Reich. Like Volek, he had the skills to be a starter, but was stuck behind a more talented quarterback Jim Kelly. Reich sat and sat and sat and sat, until he got his chance!

Reich led the Bills back from a 32 point deficit in their 1992 playoff game against the Houston Oilers en route to a 41-38 victory in overtime. Reich would then help the Bills defeat the Pittsburgh Steelers before Kelly returned, to lead the Bills into Super Bowl XXVII, where they fell to the Dallas Cowboys 52-17.


Does Billy Volek have something like this up his sleeve? Can he lead the Chargers past the big, bad Patriots? If he does, will they give the team back to Philip Rivers when it comes to crunch time? Only time will tell and only Billy knows what will happen next. Billy you are the 2k8 version of Frank Reich, if you get another start, beat the Patriots and somehow win the Superbowl, you will move up to Jeff Hostetler status. GO BILLY!

Colts Get Voleked; Reality Imitates 2004 Fantasy

I am sure many of us watching the Colts- Chargers game knew for sure that San Diego had Indianapolis right where they wanted them, once Billy Volek came in. The year was 2004 and many of us met Billy Volek for the first time. He was a back up for Steve McNair and filled in admirably at times, and unworldly at other times. Specifically weeks 14 and 15 of that football season, or in fantasy terms the start of the playoffs.

The fledgling fantasy team that barely made the playoffs and had a weakness at quarterback, proceeded to take a flier on Volek, and immediately became a fantasy post season juggernaut. In week 14 Volek threw for 426 yards and 4TDs, in week 15 Volek threw for 492yards and 4TDs again, only this time he also ran for a TD. Thats 2 weeks, 918yards, and 9TDs.

It was at this time I invented the term "Voleked" to describe when an average player has an unworldly effort to help beat another team. Volek for 2 weeks became the greatest player on the face of the earth and ruined many people. This is some what equivalent to 1998 when Sterling Hitchcock became the greatest pitcher in the world for the month of October, and carried the Padres to the World Series.

I think there are many, many of us with a 2004 Billy Volek, heartbreaking story to tell. Please comment and post your story of being "Voleked" as a way to help Colts fans in their time of need.

Antonio Gates Playing Today and The Impact It Will Have on The Game

ESPN's John Clayton is reporting that San Diego Tight End Antonio Gates WILL play today against the Indianapolis Colts. Gates was listed as doubtful because of a dislocated left big toe. There is no word as to how long or for how many plays he will be able to be out there for, but expect Gates to be able to act the part of a decoy on most plays.

He is by far Philip Rivers favorite target, especially to go to when in trouble. If Gates gets knocked out of the game expect Rivers to really struggle to move the ball down field.

If you are in a NFL fantasy playoff league and don't have someone else to put out there you might as well throw Gates out there. There aren't exactly too many other options.

Martz Should Improve Niners Pass Attack... But What About Gore?

Mike Martz is taking his horse and pony act to San Francisco where he will have the task of revitalizing one of the league's most inept offenses. Martz was named the 49ers' offensive coordinator today and will take over a young offense with several players who have the potential to be solid fantasy options. 

The Niners were riddled with injuries to key offensive personnel in 2007, most notably QB Alex Smith and TE Vernon Davis who each missed significant time during the course of the season. The arrival of Martz's pass-friendly offensive system should help Smith the most, giving him plenty of opportunities to put up healthy yardage and TD numbers. Smith could finish 2008 with middle tier QB numbers making him a serviceable #2 option. 

Davis has been terribly under-utilized in the Niners' conservative offense the past two seasons and will benefit greatly from added looks and touches. He should enter 2008 as a top 5 option at tight end after a respectable finish to his 2007 campaign. Another player to watch is Darrell Jackson who struggled mightily in 2007. A return to a pass-oriented offense friendly to smaller receivers, similar to Holmgren's system in Seattle where he flourished, should increase his 2008 output because lets be honest, he can't do any worse. 

While the guys involved in the Niners pass attack should become better fantasy options under Martz, I am not sure about Frank Gore. He was a consensus first round pick coming into the 2007 season following a big 2006 season. However, hobbled by injuries and stuck in an ineffective offense, Gore produced more like a 4th or 5th rounder.

A healthy Gore should easily top his 2007 output, but I worry about the way he will be used in Martz's offense. Dating back to his days with the Rams, Martz has had a tendency to forget about his running back (even with HOFer Marshall Faulk on the roster). This past season in Detroit, there were several games where the Lions seemingly did not attempt to run the ball at all. This is evidenced by the fact that Kevin Jones lead the team's RBs in carries with just 153.

Gore should be a substantial threat in point per reception leagues as Martz will certainly look to get him and his soft hands involved in the pass game. However, it will be interesting to see if Gore is given the 20 plus carries a game he has required to excel. 

To this end, I will leave you with a telling stat. Over the past two seasons, Gore has amassed 13 100 yard rushing games. In 11 of those games he was given 21 or more carries.