Week 14 Highlights!!

Home or Away, September or December?

When setting your starting lineups for a particular week, it is important to look at who is playing at home and away. There is no coincidence that players that are playing at home usually put up better numbers than those who play away. That is just something to consider when you are trying to decide between two players. Another thing to consider when trying to decide between two players is where there game is playing and what the weather could be like. Wide receivers are not the same players outside in december than they are inside any other game. The weather plays a huge role in productivity of quarter backs and wide receivers so keep that in mind as well.

Is the Importance of a good Defense Overlooked?

You usually don't see the premier defenses drafted until the middle rounds and then the remaining defenses taken in the last few rounds. This week in my ESPN league, it was my defense that solidified my victory. It was a close battle in the first round of the playoffs between myself and Tyler's Poopcicles both us us had subpar weekends. I only had 3 players reach double digits in points and he had a little more, but coming down to the close of the 3:00 games it was a close matchup. Having a defense like the Steelers who rank number 1 in a few of the defensive categories put me over the top when they picked Tony Romo for 6 late in the fourth quarter of the Steelers, Cowboys game. So my question to all 1 of you who read this is should drafting a quality defense be more important that drafting a quality tight-end or even backups running backs and wide receivers? That is just something I've been contemplating lately.

ESPN's Sunday NFL Countdown: Start Em, Sit Em

Start Em
Peyton Hillis, RB Denver: The Broncos have done a fine job adapting their offense to conform to his downhill running style, and the matchup couldn't be more favorable for Hillis. Kansas City ranks 31st against the run and has allowed 20 rushing scores, so we'll go as far as to say he's a must-start, even as your No. 2 back.

Kevin Boss, TE NYG: Who's the boss? Kevin's the boss! Feel free to start him if you don't have one of the truly elite tight ends. Last time versus the Eagles Boss had 12.9 points.

Sit Em
Jake Delhomme, QB Panthers: Delhomme has exceeded our expectations the past two weeks, and perhaps we should jump on board with his success ... and yet the Bucs have the third-best pass defense in the league, and with DeAngelo Williams playing so well, there's just no need to toy with the possibility of a bad interception ruining Jake's day. We're steering clear of him again in Week 14. Last time versus Bucs, Delhomme put up less than 10 points.

Terrell Owens, WR Cowboys: Weather will be a huge factor as they play in Pittsburgh which will make it hard for the Cowboys to get a good pass game going. Not to mention that the Steelers have the best pass defense in the NFL right now. Even though he has been on fire lately, you should take these into account when you are adjusting your last minute lineups.

Last Minute Injury Updates Before Noon!

Willis McGahee, Ravens: Probable to play against the Redskins.
Carson Palmer, Bengals: Out
Kellen Winslow, Browns: Out
Marion Barber, Cowboys: Out
Roy Williams, Cowboys: Probable
Ryan Grant, Packers: Probable
Joseph Addai, Colts: Questionable
Reggie Bush, Saints: Probable
Lav Coles, Jets: Probable
Brian Westbrook, Eagles: Questionable...Most likely will start.
Correll Buckhalter, Eagles: Doubtful
Ben Rothlisberger, Steeers: Probable
Willie Parker, Steelers: Probable
Steven Jackson, Rams: Probable
Clinton Portis, Redskins: Questionable

If somebody wasn't mentioned they are most likely playing or shouldn't affect anybodies fantasy teams as most leagues begin playoffs this week.

Barber Out

According to ESPN.COM, Barber will not play on Sunday.

Barber Questionable for this Week

The Cowboys activated RB Alonzo Coleman from their practice squad. Marion Barber missed his 4th practice in a row with a dislocated right pinkie toe. Cowboys are already very thin at running back since rookie sensation Felix Jones is already out for the season. The only running back behind Barber before this move was another rookie Tashard Choice.

Salisbury's Take: Week 14 Fantasy

Federal Judge Blocks Williams Wall Suspension

A federal judge today ruled that he could not make a decision upholding or not upholding the 4 game suspension that the NFL gave to Pat and Kevin Williams earlier this week. He needs more time and information in order to do so. So the Williams Wall will be working hard this week to prevent the Detroit Lions from getting their first win of the season. This ruling also blocks the suspension of the 3 Saints players that were also sentenced to a 4 game suspension.

Funny Article from SportsPickle.Com

Eli Manning Accidentally Shoots Himself with a Water Gun at Chuck E. Cheese

The New York Giants have been able to overcome a myriad of distractions this season, thanks in no small part to the steady hand of quarterback Eli Manning. But it is now Manning himself who has provided the latest distraction after accidentally shooting himself in the thigh last night at a Manhattan nightspot.

“Right now we are just concerned for Eli’s well being,” said head coach Tom Coughlin. “It was really embarrassing for him. The gunshot left a wet spot down the front of his pants, and all the other kids made fun of him, thinking he peed his pants. So he’s upset. He thought he had finally gotten past the years of taunts from bullies.”

Manning shot himself in the leg at approximately 5:25 p.m. when his Super Soaker water gun slipped down his OshKosh B’Gosh overalls as he climbed out of the ball pit, spraying his left thigh.

The quarterback’s mother, Olivia Manning, was at the Chuck E. Cheese with her son and fled the scene with him and disposed of the gun.

“We had to get out of there,” said Mrs. Manning. “We had to change his pants and it was time to go anyway – Eli gets overwhelmed after an hour or so at Chuck E. Cheese because of all the flashing lights and noise and all the other kids. And that gun had been leaking for a while. He has plenty of others.”

Security at the Chuck E. Cheese – namely the establishment’s security guard/janitor, Dale Huntley – said he was unaware of the incident.

“I didn’t see or hear the gunshot,” said Huntley. “But I was keeping my eye on him when I wasn’t emptying trash cans. He had the carriage of pee-pant, and you have to make sure those kids don’t pee in the ball pit or it becomes very unsanitary.”

Manning is currently in his mother’s bed recuperating from the traumatic incident, but the Giants expect him to be able to play on Sunday.

“He’ll be okay,” said Coughlin. “Usually when something bad happens to him, all he needs is a cup of hot cocoa and his Elmo DVD. He’s a trooper.”

Check out the website at http://www.sportspickle.com

Peterson headlines top fantasy starts; McNabb a risk in Week 14

By Michael Fabiano | NFL.com
Fantasy Editor

Peterson is the obvious choice as this week's top start based on a matchup against the Lions. Not only is their defense ranked dead last in the NFL against the run, but no team has allowed more rushing touchdowns (22). Detroit has also allowed an average of 153.8 rushing yards per game at home. Look for Peterson to shine.

Fabiano's other two obvious starts are qb's Kurt Warner and Matt Cassel. Warner matches up against the Rams defense who ranks next to the bottom in total defense and shouldn't be expected to slow the Cardinal's pass happy offense. Anquan Boldin and FitzyJ should also have big games. Cassel matches up against the Seahawks defense who ranks last in pass defense so also look for Moss to have another big game!

Plaxico, Whats Next?

If the story between the Giants, NYCPD, and Plaxico Burress couldn't get any worse than Plaxico shooting himself in his own leg, IT DID! Plaxico was arrested this week for possession of a weapon by a felon and was released after posting bail. If convicted he would have to serve the minimum sentence of 3 years in jail. To rub salt in the wound, the Giants suspended him for the final 4 games and through the playoffs. What could he do next? The Giants will win their division, but their run back to the super bowl will be more difficult now without their top receiver.

Westbrook is BACK

Brian Westbrook came back on Thursday after he was a questionable start with an enormous game....2 rushing td's and 2 receiving TD's.....100+ yrds rushing and 20 yards receiving. He ate up the Cardinals defense as if they were his Thanksgiving dinner.

In other news Plax Burress of the Gians supposedly had a set back with his injured hamstring when he shot himself in the leg with his gun at a night club on Friday night.......not sure how that can happen, but leave it to Plax to figure out how to get out of playing but still receiving his pay check.

Edwards Could Be Biggest Bust of the Year

Braylon Edwards had high hoped coming into this season after his stellar breakout year last year. Last year Edwards racked up 1,289 yards and hauled in 16 touchdowns...this year he is on pace for around 900 yards and 6 touchdowns. Yesterday was another disappointing game for Edwards who only had 1 catch for 15 yards. I don't know what to say, but it appears like it may be that the Cleveland Brown's organization may be in turmoil now after switching quarterbacks and Romeo Crennel the head coach taking a lot of heat from the media for it. Bottom line is though, is that Edwards will probably turn out to be the biggest bust of the 2008-2009 fantasy season.

WOW I'm Bad At Keeping Up on This......

I don't know why, but I've just been lazy these last few weeks and haven't taken any time to put any new posts up. I'm sorry for all zero of you who actually read this, I'll try and be more disciplined at this in the coming weeks.

ESPN LEAGUE UPDATE

Its been a while since I last posted...I've been spending too much time trying to revive 2 failing teams. In my ESPN league I'm 2-5 now and I have been plugging in free agents into my lineup every week in the starting roles because of some key injuries that I am still trying to overcome.
Marques Colston- Has been out since week 2 with a broken finger injury.
Brian Westbrook- In and out all year with a ankle and rib injury.
Anquan Boldin- Broken Face!
Jay Cutler- Injured Thumb
Kellen Winslow- Staph Infection
Jamal Lewis- Rare Case of Wussitis! Just retire already, please!
As you can see my team has been injury riddled all year and its time they either all roll over and die, or play as a team and bring the Jungle Assassins to the SHIP!

Week 6 Outlook Plus Fantasy Sinners Thus Far

Matthew Berry Article from ESPN

MNF

So I made it about 4 minutes into the MNF matchup before being lulled to sleep by bad passes, bad pass protection and endless dive plays. Both teams pretty much put on an offensive display the Minnesota Gophers wouldn't even be jealous of. I was curious to see if former Illini Rashard Mendenhall could actually play pro football because he got the start for injured Willie "If I was tough they would call me Will" Parker. Turns out he can play, but only about 6 plays before fracturing his left shoulder and landing himself on the IR and opening up a spot on a lot of fantasy rosters. You could pickup former Viking Mewelde Moore, but I rather pickup a half-eaten sandwich off the sidewalk. On the other side of the ball filling in for Willis McGahee, something called Le'ron McClain did a pretty good Jerome Bettis impression and had a nice looking TD. I don't think he'll make a splash in the fantasy world unless something else happens to supposedly tough Willis McGahee who is still the only Raven offensive player I would consider putting on a fantasy team.

The game itself was really boring to watch even though it ended up going into overtime. I didnt count but Im guessing 4 plays were over 20 yards the whole game. Big Dumb Ben had a great pass to one of the fattest guys ever, Haloti Ngata, who showed off his speed and returned the INT about 1 yard. Hopefully next weeks MNF game Vikes vs Saints is more exciting to watch.

Guess Who's Back.......

Welcome back Brett Favre! Some people doubted whether or not you had anything left in the tank til you came out on Sunday and threw for 6 touchdown and 289 yards passing in a slugfest against Arizona. Granted it is Arizona, but Brett set the Jets all time single game passing record and when is the last time you can remember someone throwing for 6 scores? I doubt he'll put up another game like this, but as he gets more and more comfortable with Lav Coles you should see both of them consistently putting up good numbers! The Jets have a bye this week, but then hope right back into things with their next 3 weeks against the Bengals, Raiders and Chiefs.....none really known for their pass defense! I would slot Favre into my starting lineup if I had him on my team.

Brady Quinn NOW!

Its about time for the Browns to go in a different direction than with Derek Anderson. I had a feeling that last year was a fluke for him during this years fantasy draft. So far this year he is yet to throw for more than 170 yards in a game and he only has 2 touchdowns on the season, on top of that he has thrown 5 interceptions and fumbled 3 times. He has way to many weapons to produce so little. Get him out of there and lets roll with Brady Quinn, the standout from Notre Dame for the rest of the season!

I HATE FANBALL.COM

I'm venting right now...Every Sunday from about 11-12 when I need to get in to set my final lineup for the games during the day, the network times out and will not let me do this! Also, fanball all around is bad, its live scoring doesn't compare with ESPN's and its overall layout is confusing! Anybody else feel the same about Fanball?

Plaxico BURNS his Team

He skipped meetings Monday morning and for that his team suspended him for 2 weeks. There coming into a bye week and he'll sit the next game. Bummer for all you who were loving on him the first 3 weeks. Let's hope this doesn't turn into some Demitrius Underwood or Vince Young story where he has more going on mentally than people are knowing about.

Key Injuries this Week

Check out Stephania Bell's Blog at ESPN.Com where she talks about week 4's biggest injury concerns!

Week 3......Fantasy Bummer!

What a disappointing week for me in both of my leagues. First off Brian Westbrook left the game in the first quarter after spraining his ankle. At the time the injury looked much worse, but he is still uncertain for this weeks game. If you can, pick up Correll Buckhalter as he will see increased playing time. Terrell Owens did not produce much on the ball, but did all the intangibles that don't get points. Donovan Mcnabb had a sub par performance especially once Westbrook went down with an injury. I decided to start McFadden of the Raiders after his stellar week 2 performance and sat Lendale White of the Titans.....that was dumb, Lendale added another 2 touchdowns. I'm not sure who I'm gonna start this week yet...any ideas? I'm starting to get frustrated with Jam Sess, Jamal Lewis...he has yet to reach the end zone this year and hasn't rushed for more than 65 yards in a game all year. Jay Cutler is still my bright spot, he is lighting up the league and he will be in the top tier of quarterbacks for years to come...look for him to put up big numbers against the Kansas City defense this week!

AP Update

Vikings head coach Brad Childress says AP is a gametime decision Sunday with his hamstring injury so set the alarm and wake up and see if hes playing. If hes not playing happily insert Chester Taylor into the lineup who I am assuming you have somewhere on your bench because you are a responsible fantasy owner and drafted AP's handcuff. Whichever Viking RB is playing expect a good game since the Panthers haven't done well against the run this year.

Also Joey Harrington signed with the New Orleans Saints and participated in practice today. If after reading that last sentence you contemplated going to pick him up I recommend getting a new hobby because a backup kicker has more value.

#2 Pick Hurt?

A recent article on ESPN stated that Adrian Peterson missed practice on Thursday with a hamstring injury. Peterson's career has been plagued with injuries dating back to his early years in college. Keep tabs on his status come game time Sunday. He is expected to start, but you may see more of his carries given to Chester Taylor.

#1 Pick Hurt??

LT sat out of Wednesday's practice due to his recurring injury with his big toe. Fantasy owners have been upset with him thus far this season as he has yet to find the end zone. Keep an eye on him as this week progresses and it wouldn't be a bad idea for you to pick up Darren Sproles as a handcuff. You can see the story on ESPN's website.

Tarvaris OUT!!

Minnesota Vikings fans have finally gotten what they asked for! Brad Childress has finally given the reigns over to Gus Frerotte for the remainder of the season. It seems Childress in the past has tied what will be his future to how Tarvaris would have performed which would have been a no brain firing of him by season's end. We can't give Jackson all the blame the Vikings play calling has been awful of late and that falls directly on the shoulders of their very own Brad Childress. It remains to be seen how this will affect fantasy football numbers if at all, but you can expect Frerotte to be able to manage the game better and to put the ball on the numbers. He doesn't have a superstar arm, but he should be more accurate than Jackson's! This change should impact Adrian Peterson's performance in a good way with defenses no longer able to just zone in on him and leave man coverage on the corners.

Week 2 has Come and Gone

This week was highlighted with the coming out party of Jay Cutler. The man has finally asserted himself as a premier quarterback in the league and is ready to push the Broncos to a Super Bowl run!

Other leaders include:
Darren McFadden,rookie phenom
21 carries for 164 yards and a touchdown against the Chiefs.

Phillip Rivers

21-33, 377 yds, 3 tds, 1 int in a loss to the Broncos where the refs blew a bad call late in the game.