TheDailyBlitz.com: Cincinnati Bengals Archives

Bills just say no to T.O. in 2010

Not surprisingly, the Buffalo Bills will not bring back 36-year-old receiver Terrell Owens in 2010, per Sal Maiorana of the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle.

"We wanted to inform all three players [T.O., Josh Reed and Ryan Denney] ahead of the start of the free agency period so they could begin making their plans," general manager Buddy Nix said.

After a quiet (both on and off the field) first half, Owens had a relatively productive second half catching 32 passes for 548 yards and four touchdowns in his final eight games. He finished the season with a team-high 55 receptions and 829 yards.

Some teams rumored to be potential landing spots for T.O. are the Cincinnati Bengals and Baltimore Ravens.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 10:28 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Maualuga to take a vacation after his vacation

Bengals linebacker Rey Maualuga, who was busted for DUI on January 29th, will undergo a minimum 30-day rehabilitation at the Betty Ford Center in Kentucky, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

There is no word on whether he will suffer a suspension as he met with league officials on Wednesday.

Last month's DUI wasn't the first alcohol-related Maualuga has had. And before he checks into rehab, he will take a previously planned vacation to Samoa to visit family.

“I’m looking forward to reconnecting with my father’s side of the family,” Maualuga said Saturday night, according to Geoff Hobson of Bengals.com. “A lot has changed in four years, but family is something that doesn’t change and I know I have a lot of cousins there.”

The Bengals begin their off-season workout program on March 29th, but Hobson believes that Maualuga will be back from rehab in time to begin team workouts.

Maualuga was projected as one of three USC linebackers to be drafted in the first-round of the 2009 NFL draft. Instead, teammates Brian Cushing and Clay Matthews were drafted by the Texans and Packers, respectively, in the first-round. Maualuga slipped to the second round.

"Unfortunately, I had to screw it up and not have three linebackers go in the first round," said Maualuga after the draft. "But everything happens for a reason. . . . I'll be out to prove everybody wrong."

Fortunately for Maualuga, he hit two parked cars and a parking meter and did damage to property -- not people. While I'm skeptical of the rehab treatment's success, at least he's attempting to do something to make up for his mistake.

But it'll it up to him (after he's out of rehab) to make sure he doesn't "screw it up" again.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 04:21 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Fantasy Football: Week 14 WR Start'em

Here are four wide receivers that could have a big week in week 14:

Derrick Mason, Ravens (vs Lions): In need of a bounce-back game, Ravens QB Joe Flacco will get just what the doctor ordered: the Lions' pass defense. And Derrick Mason, his top target, should be thankful. Last week, Mason caught only two passes for 13 yards. In the previous two games, however, Mason caught 16 passes for 204 yards and a touchdown. No team has allowed more passing yards (274.8 ypg) or more passing TDs (28) than the Lions this season.

Pierre Garcon, Colts (vs Broncos): While Reggie Wayne is being covered by Champ Bailey, Garcon could be the receiver getting the most looks on Sunday. In the past four weeks, Garcon has 20 receptions for 357 yards and two TDs. In all four games during that span, Garcon has posted double-digit fantasy points.

Chad Ochocinco, Bengals (vs Vikings): In the past three weeks, the Vikings have allowed the 10th-most fantasy points to opposing wide receivers. And Ochocinco, who had four straight games with 2-6 fantasy points, bounced back last week against Cleveland with nine receptions for 137 yards and one touchdown.

Santonio Holmes, Steelers (vs Browns): Hines Ward's status for Thursday's game is "very questionable," according to coach Mike Tomlin. Assuming Ward doesn't play, Holmes will get more targets and he's been productive with Ward in the lineup. In the past five weeks, Holmes has had 6+ receptions and 74+ yards every week. Last week against Oakland, Holmes had his best game of the year (8-149-1).

For my running backs to start in week 14, click here. Or click here for my running backs to sit in week 14.

Check back later for our position-by-position rankings for week 14.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 10:16 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Fantasy Football: Top 50 WRs for Week 13

With the fantasy football playoffs on the horizon, here are my top 5 wide receivers for week 13:

1. Randy Moss, Patriots (at Dolphins): In his first matchup against the Dolphins, who rank in the bottom 10 in passing yards allowed (233 ypg), Moss had six receptions for 147 yards and one TD. On the season, Moss leads the NFL in receiving yards (992) and is only one behind the leaders in TD receptions (eight). After getting their ass whooped on prime-time TV, expect the Patriots, Tom Brady, Moss & Co. to come out swinging.

2. Andre Johnson, Texans (at Jaguars): Johnson is one of the league's most complete receivers and perhaps the most underrated. This week, Johnson gets a favorable matchup against the Jaguars, who have allowed the fourth-most fantasy points to receivers this season. On the season, Johnson ranks fourth in the league in receiving yards (945).

3. Larry Fitzgerald, Cardinals (vs Vikings): The Vikings have been without Antoine Winfield, the team's best cornerback, for the past five games. On the season, the Vikings have allowed the 10th-most fantasy points to opposing wide receivers. My expectation is for QB Kurt Warner to return from his concussion as Fitzgerald had his worst game of the season with Matt Leinart as QB last week. Fitzgerald is tied for the league lead in touchdowns (nine) including four TDs in the last three games in which Warner has played.

4. Reggie Wayne, Colts (vs Titans): Wayne is second in receptions (79), second in receiving yards (987) and tied for first in touchdowns (nine) in the league. In addition to their improvements with Vince Young under center, the Titans have improved on the defensive side of the ball as they are healthier now. Only the Lions (27) have allowed more receiving touchdowns than the Titans (25) on the season. During their five-game winning streak, however, the Titans have allowed only the 18th-most fantasy points to opposing receivers.

5. Sidney Rice, Vikings (at Cardinals): In three of his past six games, Rice has 136 receiving yards or more including a game with 201yards. With the exception of his game at Green Bay, Rice has had 89 yards or more in five of his past six. Favre and Rice have built chemistry quickly and they have a favorable matchup against the Cardinals, who have allowed the seventh-most fantasy points to receivers this season.

Click here for top 50 wide receivers for week 13.

More rankings: top 25 QBs | top 40 RBs | top 20 TEs | top 20 kickers | top 20 team defenses

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 07:11 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Fantasy Football: Top 40 RBs for Week 13

With the fantasy football playoffs on the horizon, here are my top 5 running backs for week 13:

1. Thomas Jones, Jets (at Bills): The first time that Jones faced the Bills this season, he rushed for 210 yards and a touchdown. The Bills have allowed the most fantasy points to opposing running backs this season and only the Raiders have allowed more rushing TDs than the Bills (16). Since the Jets want QB Mark Sanchez to air it out less and less (his attempts have gone from 35 to 30 to 21 to 17), Jones better bring his lunch-pail tonight.

2. Chris Johnson, Titans (at Colts): As well as Johnson has played in the past six weeks (125+ rushing yards every week), you can consider Johnson 1(a) -- not #2 -- in this week's rankings. During their five-game winning streak, Johnson has rushed for seven touchdowns. Although the Colts have a middle-of-the-pack run defense on the season, they've given up the 11th-most fantasy points to opposing RBs in the past three weeks.

3. DeAngelo Williams, Panthers (vs Buccaneers): DeAngelo has cooled off a bit with no touchdowns in the past three weeks and only one 100-yard game during that span. The first time that Williams faced the Buccaneers this season, he carried the ball 30 times for 152 yards and two scores. Expect more of the same against the league's third-worst rush defense.

4. Adrian Peterson, Vikings (at Cardinals): The Cardinals were the league's top-ranked run defense earlier in the season, but they have dropped to 14th in the NFL against the run (108.6 ypg allowed). In four of the past five weeks, they have allowed an opposing running back to eclipse the century mark. Surprisingly, Peterson has only three 100-yard games on the season, but he is second in the league with 12 rushing touchdowns.

5. Maurice Jones-Drew, Jaguars (vs Texans): MJD has rushed for more rushing touchdowns (13) than any other running back. (Of course, none of those are as famous as the TD that he didn't score.) That said, Jones-Drew faces a Texans run defense that turned itself around after the first three weeks. In week 3, however, MJD rushed for 119 yards and three touchdowns.

Click here for top 40 running backs for week 13.

More rankings: top 25 QBs | top 50 WRs | top 20 TEs | top 20 kickers | top 20 team defenses

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 05:46 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (1)

Fantasy Football: Top 25 QBs for Week 13

It's time to put up or shut up. If you haven't yet clinched a playoff berth in your fantasy league, it likely comes down to week 13 for you as most fantasy leagues start their playoffs in week 14.

And to paraphrase Bill Parcells, this is why you buy those cheat sheets, do those mock drafts, etc. -- to get into (and win in) the playoffs.

Here are my top 5 quarterbacks for week 13:

1. Peyton Manning, Colts (vs Titans): Manning is the only QB to average over 300 passing yards per game (310.5) and is second in passing touchdowns (24). While the Titans and their defense have been playing better lately, they have allowed the second-most passing touchdowns (25) this season.

2. Brett Favre, Vikings (at Cardinals): In his past four games, Favre has thrown 12 touchdowns and no interceptions. On the season, Arizona allows the fourth-most passing yards (258.3 ypg).

3. Drew Brees, Saints (at Redskins): Brees is coming off a five-TD performance against the Patriots in what was arguably the most important regular-season game in team history. Although this week's opponent (Washington) allows the fewest passing yards in the NFL (170.4 ypg), Brees and the Saints offense are firing on all cylinders right now.

4. Tom Brady, Patriots (at Dolphins): Brady failed to connect on a TD pass last week, but he had 332 passing yards against the Dolphins in their first match-up. With targets like Randy Moss and Wes Welker, it's not likely that Brady goes TD-less in back-to-back games.

5. Philip Rivers, Chargers (at Chiefs): Rivers has posted three consecutive 100+ QB ratings and this week he faces the Browns, who have allowed the ninth-most passing yards (233.4 ypg) this season. In the past four games, Rivers has thrown eight touchdowns and only two interceptions.

Click here for top 25 quarterbacks for week 13.

More rankings: top 40 RBs | top 50 WRs | top 20 TEs | top 20 kickers | top 20 team defenses

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 06:59 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

LJ goes over 100-yard mark for Bengals

The Bengals were without running back Cedric Benson for a second straight game.

For a second consecutive game, a Bengals running back went over 100 yards.

Last week, Bernard Scott had 119 yards against the Raiders. This week, Larry Johnson had 107 yards against the Browns.

LJ had 22 carries while Scott had 18 carries for 87 yards.

The Bengals have another favorable run matchup versus the Detroit Lions next week.

While it would seem likely that Benson would play, it seemed likely that he would play today. And I would expect Johnson to be a better handcuff than Scott for Benson next week, if necessary.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 04:11 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Cedric Benson inactive for today's game

So much for Jason La Canfora's report that Bengals running back Cedric Benson was expected to play today against the Browns.

ESPN's Adam Schefter just reported that Benson won't play in today's game, which makes Bernard Scott an attractive play in fantasy.

Last week, Scott had 119 yards against the Raiders, who have given up the third-most fantasy points to opposing running backs this season.

Today he faces one of the two teams that have allowed more fantasy points to opposing RBs than Oakland in Cleveland.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 11:33 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Cedric Benson expected to play

According to NFL Network's Jason La Canfora, Bengals running back Cedric Benson is expected to play today against the Cleveland Browns.

Meanwhile, La Canfora reports that Bengals LB Keith Rivers will miss his third straight game.

In their first matchup of the season, Benson had a pedestrian day against the Browns -- 18 carries for 74 yards and no touchdowns.

However, the Browns are allowing the second-most fantasy points to opposing running backs this season, which means Benson could be poised to have a huge week if the reports about his status are accurate.

Last week, Bernard Scott had 119 rushing yards against the Raiders and he would get the start if Benson can't go.

On the season, Benson is averaging 95.4 rushing yards per game and has scored six touchdowns.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 09:45 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Cedric Benson will be a game-time decision

Bengals running back Cedric Benson will be a game-time decision for Sunday's game against the Browns.

"I think Ced is in a good spot right now, and we'll make that decision on Sunday," coach Marvin Lewis said, per Joe Reedy of the Cincinnati Enquirer.

According to Geoff Hobson of Bengals.com, however, Lewis says that "he's ready to play now."

In last week's loss to the Raiders, rookie Bernard Scott had 119 rushing yards on 21 carries.

Meanwhile Larry Johnson, who had two carries for five yards last week, could be active again for the Bengals.

Said Lewis of Johnson: "He's been doing really good in practices. He has a pretty good grasp of things and looks comfortable. He also has fresh legs compared to the other guys."

Whether it's Benson or Scott that receives the start, either back should have a big week against the Browns, who have allowed the second-most fantasy points to opposing running backs this season.

And with a victory over the Browns, the Bengals would complete a sweep of the entire division.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 11:55 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Bengals about to sign Larry Johnson?

It was a statement victory for the Bengals yesterday.

Tied with Pittsburgh heading into yesterday's game, the Bengals beat the Steelers on the road despite losing running back Cedric Benson to a hip injury in the second quarter of the game.

That said, Benson hopes to play next week against the Oakland Raiders.

While the Bengals would obviously prefer to have Benson than to not have him available, the Bengals should be able to win their next three games (Oakland, Cleveland and Detroit) with or without his services.

And at 7-2 and after completing season sweeps against their two main division rivals -- Pittsburgh and Baltimore, the Bengals are clearly in the driver's seat in the division.

So, how might they ruin the momentum?
ESPN reports that the Bengals are about to sign running back Larry Johnson, who was released by the Chiefs last week.

"... It would be as a fourth running back and an opportunity as a backup player on this football team doing all the things backup players do, and that's work their tails off in the kicking game and showing looks [on the scout team] and so forth that way," [Bengals coach Marvin] Lewis said (via ESPN). "And then he would be an insurance policy if something would happen down the line to one of our guys where he'd have a chance to be active. But I couldn't foresee him being active when he was initially here, if this is what happens. And that's what I've told him."

From a football standpoint, LJ's physical running style could provide depth and insurance for the Bengals at a reasonable price (prorated league-minimum salary).

From a locker room and team chemistry standpoint, however, it surprises me that a team that has essentially put character and off-the-field problems behind it are tempting fate.

On the season, Johnson was averaging 51.1 rushing yards per game and 2.7 yards per carry.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 08:55 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Chris Henry has broken forearm

Bengals receiver Chris Henry, who fractured his arm in today's game, could be done for the season, according to the team's website.

"I caught the ball, I looked upfield. I tried to split the guys and turned toward the end zone," said Henry. "I was about to get up and I felt my arm (hurt), and then I noticed it was broke.”

Henry broke his arm while making a 20-yard reception, which was his only catch of the day.

On the season, Henry only had 12 receptions for 236 yards, but Henry provided the Bengals with the big-play threat.

Of his 12 receptions, 11 were for first downs and his 19.7 yards per reception leads the team.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 07:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Fantasy Quarterback Rankings - Week 9

Every week, we provide consensus fantasy football rankings per position (QB, RB, WR, TE, K, DEF) based on that week's matchup.

How do we arrive at our rankings?

We average out rankings from various sources in an effort to reduce the variability between mainstream sites. We include ESPN, Yahoo! and CBS Sports in our rankings.

Here are the top 10 quarterbacks in week 9:

1. Tom Brady, Patriots (vs Miami)
2. Peyton Manning, Colts (vs Houston)
3. Aaron Rodgers, Packers (at Tampa Bay)
4. Drew Brees, Saints (vs Carolina)
5. Philip Rivers, Chargers (at NY Giants)
6. Donovan McNabb, Eagles (vs Dallas)
7. Matt Hasselbeck, Seahawks (vs Detroit)
8. Tony Romo, Cowboys (at Philadelphia)
9. Kurt Warner, Cardinals (at Chicago)
10. Matt Schaub, Texans (at Indianapolis)

See full list of top 25 quarterbacks for week 9.

More rankings: top 40 RBs | top 50 WRs | top 20 TEs | top 20 kickers | top 20 team defenses

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 10:42 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Fantasy Running Back Rankings - Week 9

Every week, we provide consensus fantasy football rankings per position (QB, RB, WR, TE, K, DEF) based on that week's matchup.

How do we arrive at our rankings?

We average out rankings from various sources in an effort to reduce the variability between mainstream sites. We include ESPN, Yahoo! and CBS Sports in our rankings.

Here are the top 10 running backs in week 9:

1. Maurice Jones-Drew, Jaguars (vs Kansas City)
2. Ray Rice, Ravens (at Cincinnati)
3. DeAngelo Williams, Panthers (at New Orleans)
4. Michael Turner, Falcons (vs Washington)
5. Ryan Grant, Packers (at Tampa Bay)
6. Brandon Jacobs, Giants (vs San Diego)
7. Chris Johnson, Titans (at San Francisco)
8. Cedric Benson, Bengals (vs Baltimore)
9. Frank Gore, 49ers (vs Tennessee)
10. Pierre Thomas, Saints (vs Carolina)

See full list of top 40 running backs for week 9.

More rankings: top 25 QBs | top 50 WRs | top 20 TEs | top 20 kickers | top 20 team defenses

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 10:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Fantasy Wide Receiver Rankings - Week 9

Every week, we provide consensus fantasy football rankings per position (QB, RB, WR, TE, K, DEF) based on that week's matchup.

How do we arrive at our rankings?

We average out rankings from various sources in an effort to reduce the variability between mainstream sites. We include ESPN, Yahoo! and CBS Sports in our rankings.

Here are the top 10 fantasy wide receivers in week 9:

1. Reggie Wayne, Colts (vs Houston)
2. Randy Moss, Patriots (vs Miami)
3. Larry Fitzgerald, Cardinals (at Chicago)
4. Vincent Jackson, Chargers (at NY Giants)
5. Marques Colston, Saints (vs Carolina)
6. Andre Johnson, Texans (at Indianapolis)
7. DeSean Jackson, Eagles (vs Dallas)
8. Wes Welker, Patriots (vs Miami)
9. Chad Ochocinco, Bengals (vs Baltimore)
10. Greg Jennings, Packers (at Tampa Bay)

See full list of top 50 wide receivers for week 9.

More rankings: top 25 QBs | top 40 RBs | top 20 TEs | top 20 kickers | top 20 team defenses

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 10:22 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Fantasy Tight End Rankings - Week 9

Every week, we provide fantasy football rankings per position (QB, RB, WR, TE, K, DEF) based on that week's matchup.

How do we arrive at our rankings?

We average out rankings from various sources in an effort to reduce the variability between mainstream sites. We include ESPN, Yahoo! and CBS Sports in our rankings.

Here are the top 10 tight ends in week 9:

1. Dallas Clark, Colts (vs Houston)
2. Antonio Gates, Chargers (at NY Giants)
3. Jason Witten, Cowboys (at Philadelphia)
4. Vernon Davis, 49ers (vs Tennessee)
5. Brent Celek, Eagles (vs Dallas)
6. Tony Gonzalez, Falcons (vs Washington)
7. Jeremy Shockey, Saints (vs Carolina)
8. John Carlson, Seahawks (vs Detroit)
9. Fred Davis, Redskins (at Atlanta)
10. Kellen Winslow, Buccaneers (vs Green Bay)

See full list of top 20 tight ends for week 9.

More rankings: top 25 QBs | top 40 RBs | top 50 WRs | top 20 kickers | top 20 team defenses

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 10:09 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Fantasy Defense Rankings - Week 9

Every week, we provide consensus fantasy football rankings per position (QB, RB, WR, TE, K, DEF) based on that week's matchup.

How do we arrive at our rankings?

We average out rankings from various sources in an effort to reduce the variability between mainstream sites. We include ESPN, Yahoo! and CBS Sports in our rankings.

Here are the top 10 team defenses in week 9:

1. Green Bay Packers (at Tampa Bay)
2. New Orleans Saints (vs Carolina)
3. Seattle Seahawks (vs Detroit)
4. Pittsburgh Steelers (at Denver)
5. New England Patriots (vs Miami)
6. San Francisco 49ers (vs Tennessee)
7. Philadelphia Eagles (vs Dallas)
8. Atlanta Falcons (vs Washington)
9. Denver Broncos (vs Pittsburgh)
10. Indianapolis Colts (vs Houston)

See full list of top 20 defenses for week 9.

More rankings: top 25 QBs | top 40 RBs | top 50 WRs | top 20 TEs | top 20 kickers

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 09:56 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Fantasy Quarterback Rankings - Week 8

Every week, we provide consensus fantasy football rankings per position (QB, RB, WR, TE, K, DEF) based on that week's matchup.

How do we arrive at our rankings?

We average out rankings from various sources in an effort to reduce the variability between mainstream sites. We include ESPN, Yahoo! and CBS Sports in our rankings.

Here are the top 10 quarterbacks in week 8:

1. Peyton Manning, Colts (vs San Francisco)
2. Drew Brees, Saints (vs Atlanta)
3. Aaron Rodgers, Packers (vs Minnesota)
4. Matt Schaub, Texans (at Buffalo)
5. Tony Romo, Cowboys (vs Seattle)
6. Philip Rivers, Chargers (vs Oakland)
7. Jay Cutler, Bears (vs Cleveland)
8. Kurt Warner, Cardinals (vs Carolina)
9. David Garrard, Jaguars (at Tennessee)
10. Brett Favre, Vikings (at Green Bay)

See full list of top 25 quarterbacks for week 8.

More rankings: top 40 RBs | top 50 WRs | top 20 TEs | top 20 kickers | top 20 team defenses

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 05:08 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Fantasy Running Back Rankings - Week 8

Every week, we provide consensus fantasy football rankings per position (QB, RB, WR, TE, K, DEF) based on that week's matchup.

How do we arrive at our rankings?

We average out rankings from various sources in an effort to reduce the variability between mainstream sites. We include ESPN, Yahoo! and CBS Sports in our rankings.

Here are the top 10 running backs in week 8:

1. Adrian Peterson, Vikings (at Green Bay)
2. Maurice Jones-Drew, Jaguars (at Tennessee)
3. Steven Jackson, Rams (at Detroit)
4. Steve Slaton, Texans (at Buffalo)
5. Ronnie Brown, Dolphins (at NY Jets)
6. Chris Johnson, Titans (vs Jacksonville)
7. Ray Rice, Ravens (vs Denver)
8. Matt Forte, Bears (vs Cleveland)
9. Kevin Smith, Lions (vs St. Louis)
10. Michael Turner, Falcons (at New Orleans)

See full list of top 40 running backs for week 8.

More rankings: top 25 QBs | top 50 WRs | top 20 TEs | top 20 kickers | top 20 team defenses

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 04:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Fantasy Wide Receiver Rankings - Week 8

Every week, we provide consensus fantasy football rankings per position (QB, RB, WR, TE, K, DEF) based on that week's matchup.

How do we arrive at our rankings?

We average out rankings from various sources in an effort to reduce the variability between mainstream sites. We include ESPN, Yahoo! and CBS Sports in our rankings.

Here are the top 10 fantasy wide receivers in week 8:

1. Larry Fitzgerald, Cardinals (vs Carolina)
2. Marques Colston, Saints (vs Atlanta)
3. Reggie Wayne, Colts (vs San Francisco)
4. Mike Sims-Walker, Jaguars (at Tennessee)
5. Miles Austin, Cowboys (vs Seattle)
6. Brandon Marshall, Broncos (at Baltimore)
7. Vincent Jackson, Chargers (vs Oakland)
8. Roddy White, Falcons (at New Orleans)
9. Andre Johnson, Texans (at Buffalo)
10. Sidney Rice, Vikings (at Green Bay)

See full list of top 50 wide receivers for week 8.

More rankings: top 25 QBs | top 40 RBs | top 20 TEs | top 20 kickers | top 20 team defenses

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 04:40 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Cedric Benson runs all over former team

Bengals running back Cedric Benson, who said the Bears "blackballed" him after releasing him, got the better of his former team today.

However, Benson says that he wasn't looking to exact revenge against the Bears.

“I didn’t want to seek revenge,” Benson said, per Kevin Goheen of the Chicago Sun-Times. “Revenge was not a goal of mine – it’s not how I wanted to play against them.”

Nonetheless Benson finished the day with 189 rushing yards and a touchdown against what was the sixth-ranked rush defense. Entering today's game, the Bears had only allowed 88.4 rushing yards per game.

Barring a huge performance Monday night, Benson's performance was the biggest of the week. And it was eighth-most by a Bengal in team history, per Joe Reedy of the Cincinnati Enquirer.

The Bengals have a bye next week and then face the Baltimore Ravens at home.

In Benson's last game against the Ravens, he ended their streak of 39 consecutive games without allowing a 100-yard rusher.

Benson has been remarkably consistent despite facing some top rushing defenses, such as Baltimore, Pittsburgh and Chicago, and is a must start in fantasy leagues regardless of the matchup.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 11:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Chad Ochocinco, Twitter's Walter Kronkite?

CNN's slogan is the "The Most Trusted Name in News."

Now Bengals WR Chad Ochocinco, who has more than 300,000 Twitter followers, is starting his own, well, news network named The Ochocinco News Network, or OCNN for short.

"If I break it, you might as well believe it," Ochocinco told The Associated Press (via ESPN). "I am that source now," he said. "I'll be the leak for all 32 teams."

"This is how I stay out of trouble," he said. "I don't go to clubs, I don't drink, I don't party."

Ochocinco, who has been refocused on the field, has 29 receptions for 455 yards (6th in NFL) and three touchdowns.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 08:05 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Fantasy Quarterback Rankings - Week 7

Every week, we provide consensus fantasy football rankings per position (QB, RB, WR, TE, K, DEF) based on that week's matchup.

How do we arrive at our rankings?

We average out rankings from various sources in an effort to reduce the variability between mainstream sites. We include ESPN, Yahoo! and CBS Sports in our rankings.

Here are the top 10 quarterbacks in week 7:

1. Peyton Manning, Colts (at St. Louis)
2. Drew Brees, Saints (at Miami)
3. Tom Brady, Patriots (at Tampa Bay)
4. Aaron Rodgers, Packers (at Cleveland)
5. Philip Rivers, Chargers (at Kansas City)
6. Matt Schaub, Texans (vs San Francisco)
7. Jay Cutler, Bears (at Cincinnati)
8. Ben Roethlisberger, Steelers (vs Minnesota)
9. Eli Manning, Giants (vs Arizona)
10. Kurt Warner, Cardinals (at NY Giants)

See full list of top 25 quarterbacks for week 7.

More rankings: top 40 RBs | top 50 WRs | top 20 TEs | top 20 kickers | top 20 team defenses

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 11:15 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Fantasy Running Back Rankings - Week 7

Every week, we provide consensus fantasy football rankings per position (QB, RB, WR, TE, K, DEF) based on that week's matchup.

How do we arrive at our rankings?

We average out rankings from various sources in an effort to reduce the variability between mainstream sites. We include ESPN, Yahoo! and CBS Sports in our rankings.

Here are the top 10 running backs in week 7:

1. DeAngelo Williams, Panthers (vs Buffalo)
2. Thomas Jones, Jets (at Oakland)
3. Frank Gore, 49ers (at Houston)
4. Adrian Peterson, Vikings (at Pittsburgh)
5. Michael Turner, Falcons (at Dallas)
6. Ronnie Brown, Dolphins (vs New Orleans)
7. Cedric Benson, Bengals (vs Chicago)
8. Ryan Grant, Packers (at Cleveland)
9. LaDainian Tomlinson, Chargers (at Kansas City)
10. Joseph Addai, Colts (at St. Louis)

See full list of top 40 running backs for week 7.

More rankings: top 25 QBs | top 50 WRs | top 20 TEs | top 20 kickers | top 20 team defenses

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 09:59 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Fantasy Wide Receiver Rankings - Week 7

Every week, we provide consensus fantasy football rankings per position (QB, RB, WR, TE, K, DEF) based on that week's matchup.

How do we arrive at our rankings?

We average out rankings from various sources in an effort to reduce the variability between mainstream sites. We include ESPN, Yahoo! and CBS Sports in our rankings.

Here are the top 10 fantasy wide receivers in week 7:

1. Randy Moss, Patriots (at Tampa Bay)
2. Andre Johnson, Texans (vs San Francisco)
3. Reggie Wayne, Colts (at St. Louis)
4. Vincent Jackson, Chargers (at Kansas City)
5. Larry Fitzgerald, Cardinals (at NY Giants)
6. Roddy White, Falcons (at Dallas)
7. Marques Colston, Saints (at Miami)
8. Wes Welker, Patriots (at Tampa Bay)
9. Hines Ward, Steelers (vs Minnesota)
10. Steve Smith, Giants (vs Arizona)

See full list of top 50 wide receivers for week 7.

More rankings: top 25 QBs | top 40 RBs | top 20 TEs | top 20 kickers | top 20 team defenses

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 09:49 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Fantasy Tight End Rankings - Week 7

Every week, we provide fantasy football rankings per position (QB, RB, WR, TE, K, DEF) based on that week's matchup.

How do we arrive at our rankings?

We average out rankings from various sources in an effort to reduce the variability between mainstream sites. We include ESPN, Yahoo! and CBS Sports in our rankings.

Here are the top 10 tight ends in week 7:

1. Dallas Clark, Colts (at St. Louis)
2. Antonio Gates, Chargers (at Kansas City)
3. Jason Witten, Cowboys (vs Atlanta)
4. Tony Gonzalez, Falcons (at Dallas)
5. Heath Miller, Steelers (vs Minnesota)
6. Chris Cooley, Redskins (vs Philadelphia)
7. Owen Daniels, Texans (vs San Francisco)
8. Brent Celek, Eagles (at Washington)
9. Greg Olsen, Bears (at Cincinnati)
10. Jeremy Shockey, Saints (at Miami)

See full list of top 20 tight ends for week 7.

More rankings: top 25 QBs | top 40 RBs | top 50 WRs | top 20 kickers | top 20 team defenses

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 09:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Fantasy Defense Rankings - Week 7

Every week, we provide consensus fantasy football rankings per position (QB, RB, WR, TE, K, DEF) based on that week's matchup.

How do we arrive at our rankings?

We average out rankings from various sources in an effort to reduce the variability between mainstream sites. We include ESPN, Yahoo! and CBS Sports in our rankings.

Here are the top 10 team defenses in week 7:

1. Green Bay Packers (at Cleveland)
2. Indianapolis Colts (at St. Louis)
3. New England Patriots (at Tampa Bay)
4. New York Jets (at Oakland)
5. Philadelphia Eagles (at Washington)
6. New York Giants (vs Arizona)
7. New Orleans Saints (at Miami)
8. Carolina Panthers (vs Buffalo)
9. Pittsburgh Steelers (vs Minnesota)
10. Minnesota Vikings (at Pittsburgh)

See full list of top 20 defenses for week 7.

More rankings: top 25 QBs | top 40 RBs | top 50 WRs | top 20 TEs | top 20 kickers

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 09:22 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Fantasy Kicker Rankings - Week 7

Every week, we provide consensus fantasy football rankings per position (QB, RB, WR, TE, K, DEF) based on that week's matchup.

How do we arrive at our rankings?

We average out rankings from various sources in an effort to reduce the variability between mainstream sites. We include ESPN, Yahoo! and CBS Sports in our rankings.

Here are the top 10 kickers in week 7:

1. Stephen Gostkowski, Patriots (at Tampa Bay)
2. Mason Crosby, Packers (at Cleveland)
3. Nate Kaeding, Chargers (at Kansas City)
4. David Akers, Eagles (at Washington)
5. Lawrence Tynes, Giants (vs Arizona)
6. Matt Stover, Colts (at St. Louis)
7. John Carney, Saints (at Miami)
8. Jason Elam, Falcons (at Dallas)
9. Ryan Longwell, Vikings (at Pittsburgh)
10. Kris Brown, Texans (vs San Francisco)

See full list of top 20 kickers for week 7.

More rankings: top 25 QBs | top 40 RBs | top 50 WRs | top 20 TEs | top 20 team defenses

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 09:13 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Cedric Benson has extra motivation for Sunday

Bengals running back Cedric Benson, who was released last year by Chicago, has extra motivation for Sunday's game against the Bears. Benson believes he was blackballed by the Bears.

"I heard all the rumors that were said coming out of Chicago," Benson said Wednesday in a conference call with Chicago media (per ESPN). "Even the Bengals told me, they would call and inquire about me and get nothing but negative things -- just that I didn't work hard, that I was a prima donna, or didn't work hard on the field, or I wasn't focused. Anything negative they could say, it was said. I'm sure that contributed largely to me not getting picked up right away."

Not surprisingly, the Bears' coaching staff deny the rumors.

"He was not blackballed by anyone in our organization," Smith said. "If anything, when a player decides to leave here, or is cut from here, we do everything we possibly can to help them go somewhere else. That was the case with Cedric."

We'll most likely never know who's telling the truth. But what we do know is Benson did not produce in Chicago and he had his share of run-ins with the law.

In his three seasons in Chicago, Benson, who was drafted by Chicago with the fourth overall pick in 2005, had 1593 rushing yards for an average of 3.8 yards per carry in 35 games.

After signing with Cincinnati last year, he finished the season strong and had 355 rushing yards in the final three games of the season.

Although I named Benson as one of five running backs to target in your fantasy draft, he's exceeding the level of production even I expected.

Benson, who recently ended the Ravens' streak of not allowing a 100-yard rusher at 39 weeks, is finally living up to his potential and is currently ranked third in the NFL in rushing (531 yards).

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 09:50 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Antwan Odom is out for the season

The Cincinnati Bengals suffered a devastating loss today.

Not only did they lose to the Houston Texans to fall into a tie for first place in the AFC North with the Pittsburgh Steelers, but they lost defensive end Antwan Odom for the season. Odom suffered a torn Achilles in the first quarter when the Texans scored their first touchdown.

“He’s our best player on the line. I sure hope he isn’t out for the year,” defensive tackle Tank Johnson said before the inury was confirmed, per Shannon Russell of the Cincinnati Enquirer.

Odom was tied with Denver's Elvis Dumervil for the NFL lead in sacks with eight. The rest of the team has eight sacks through today's game.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 11:36 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Fantasy Quarterback Rankings - Week 6

Every week, we provide fantasy football rankings per position (QB, RB, WR, TE, K, DEF) based on that week's matchup.

How do we arrive at our rankings?

We average out rankings from various sources in an effort to reduce the variability between mainstream sites. We include ESPN, Yahoo! and CBS Sports in our rankings.

Here are the top 10 quarterbacks in week 6:

1. Aaron Rodgers, Packers (vs Detroit)
2. Tom Brady, Patriots (vs Tennessee)
3. Drew Brees, Saints (vs NY Giants)
4. Kurt Warner, Cardinals (at Seattle)
5. Donovan McNabb, Eagles (at Oakland)
6. Matt Hasselbeck, Seahawks (vs Arizona)
7. Ben Roethlisberger, Steelers (vs Cleveland)
8. Matt Schaub, Texans (at Cincinnati)
9. Philip Rivers, Chargers (vs Denver)
10. Jay Cutler, Bears (at Atlanta)

See full list of top 25 quarterbacks for week 6.

More rankings: top 40 RBs | top 50 WRs | top 20 TEs | top 20 kickers | top 20 team defenses

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 05:56 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Fantasy Running Back Rankings - Week 6

Every week, we provide fantasy football rankings per position (QB, RB, WR, TE, K, DEF) based on that week's matchup.

How do we arrive at our rankings?

We average out rankings from various sources in an effort to reduce the variability between mainstream sites. We include ESPN, Yahoo! and CBS Sports in our rankings.

Here are the top 10 running backs in week 6:

1. Maurice Jones-Drew, Jaguars (vs St. Louis)
2. Cedric Benson, Bengals (vs Houston)
3. Adrian Peterson, Vikings (vs Baltimore)
4. Michael Turner, Falcons (vs Chicago)
5. Ryan Grant, Packers (vs Detroit)
6. DeAngelo Williams, Panthers (at Tampa Bay)
7. Matt Forte, Bears (at Atlanta)
8. Steven Jackson, Rams (at Jacksonville)
9. Knowshon Moreno, Broncos (at San Diego)
10. Brian Westbrook, Eagles (at Oakland)

See full list of top 40 running backs for week 6.

More rankings: top 25 QBs | top 50 WRs | top 20 TEs | top 20 kickers | top 20 team defenses

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 05:48 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Fantasy Wide Receiver Rankings - Week 6

Every week, we provide fantasy football rankings per position (QB, RB, WR, TE, K, DEF) based on that week's matchup.

How do we arrive at our rankings?

We average out rankings from various sources in an effort to reduce the variability between mainstream sites. We include ESPN, Yahoo! and CBS Sports in our rankings.

Here are the top 10 fantasy wide receivers in week 6:

1. Randy Moss, Patriots (vs Tennessee)
2. Larry Fitzgerald, Cardinals (at Seattle)
3. Greg Jennings, Packers (vs Detroit)
4. Steve Smith, Panthers (at Tampa Bay)
5. Brandon Marshall, Broncos (at San Diego)
6. Chad Ochocinco, Bengals (vs Houston)
7. Roddy White, Falcons (vs Chicago)
8. Andre Johnson, Texans (at Cincinnati)
9. Wes Welker, Patriots (vs Tennessee)
10. T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Seahawks (vs Arizona)

See full list of top 50 wide receivers for week 6.

More rankings: top 25 QBs | top 40 RBs | top 20 TEs | top 20 kickers | top 20 team defenses

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 05:42 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Fantasy Tight End Rankings - Week 6

Every week, we provide fantasy football rankings per position (QB, RB, WR, TE, K, DEF) based on that week's matchup.

How do we arrive at our rankings?

We average out rankings from various sources in an effort to reduce the variability between mainstream sites. We include ESPN, Yahoo! and CBS Sports in our rankings.

Here are the top 10 tight ends in week 6:

1. Tony Gonzalez, Falcons (vs Chicago)
2. Antonio Gates, Chargers (vs Denver)
3. Brent Celek, Eagles (at Oakland)
4. Kellen Winslow, Buccaneers (vs Carolina)
5. Chris Cooley, Redskins (vs Kansas City)
6. Owen Daniels, Texans (at Cincinnati)
7. Jermichael Finley, Packers (vs Detroit)
8. Jeremy Shockey, Saints (vs Giants)
9. Greg Olsen, Bears (at Atlanta)
10. John Carlson, Seahawks (vs Arizona)

See full list of top 20 tight ends for week 6.

More rankings: top 25 QBs | top 40 RBs | top 50 WRs | top 20 kickers | top 20 team defenses

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 10:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Fantasy Team Defense Rankings - Week 6

Every week, we provide fantasy football rankings per position (QB, RB, WR, TE, K, DEF) based on that week's matchup.

How do we arrive at our rankings?

We average out rankings from various sources in an effort to reduce the variability between mainstream sites. We include ESPN, Yahoo! and CBS Sports in our rankings.

Here are the top 10 team defenses in week 6:

1. Philadelphia Eagles (at Oakland)
2. Pittsburgh Steelers (vs Cleveland)
3. New York Jets (vs Buffalo)
4. Green Bay Packers (vs Detroit)
5. New England Patriots (vs Tennessee)
6. Minnesota Vikings (vs Baltimore)
7. Washington Redskins (vs Kansas City)
8. Baltimore Ravens (at Minnesota)
9. New York Giants (at New Orleans)
10. Denver Broncos (at San Diego)

See full list of top 20 defenses for week 6.

More rankings: top 25 QBs | top 40 RBs | top 50 WRs | top 20 TEs | top 20 kickers

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 10:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Fantasy Kicker Rankings - Week 6

Every week, we provide fantasy football rankings per position (QB, RB, WR, TE, K, DEF) based on that week's matchup.

How do we arrive at our rankings?

We average out rankings from various sources in an effort to reduce the variability between mainstream sites. We include ESPN, Yahoo! and CBS Sports in our rankings.

Here are the top 10 kickers in week 6:

1. David Akers, Eagles (at Oakland)
2. Mason Crosby, Packers (vs Detroit)
3. Stephen Gostkowski, Patriots (vs Tennessee)
4. Josh Scobee, Jaguars (vs St. Louis)
5. Ryan Longwell, Vikings (vs Baltimore)
6. Lawrence Tynes, Giants (at New Orleans)
7. Neil Rackers, Cardinals (at Seattle)
8. Jason Elam, Falcons (vs Chicago)
9. Nate Kaeding, Chargers (vs Denver)
10. Matt Prater, Broncos (at San Diego)

See full list of top 20 kickers for week 6.

More rankings: top 25 QBs | top 40 RBs | top 50 WRs | top 20 TEs | top 20 team defenses

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 10:07 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Fantasy Duds - Week 5 Running Backs

Heading into week five, here are three running backs that I expect to have a down week:

Cedric Benson, Bengals: Benson is tied for fourth in the league in rushing (367 yards) through four games. However, this week he faces a stingy Ravens defense that leads the NFL in rushing defense (59.5 yards per game) and hasn't allowed a 100-yard rusher in 39 consecutive games. On average, opposing rushers are averaging only 2.6 yards per carry against the Ravens. In 12 career rushing attempts against the Ravens, Benson has 23 yards and no touchdowns.

Steven Jackson, Rams: Jackson, who is tied with Benson in rushing, has accumulated a lot of yards. However, he has yet to reach the endzone through a quarter of the season. Coincidentally, Jackson's week five opponent (Vikings) hasn't allowed a rushing touchdown this season. If you have Jackson on your roster, he was likely selected as your team's number one back meaning you may not have enough viable options to bench him. But I would expect Jackson to post a pedestrian 50-70 yards and no scores against the stout Vikings run defense.

Clinton Portis, Redskins: Portis has yet to rush for 100 yards in a game this year and the last three games were against the Rams, Lions and Buccaneers, who are a combined 1-11. Although the Panthers are last in rushing defense (182.7 ypg), the Panthers have faced three teams with elite backs and/or rushing offenses(Eagles, Falcons and Cowboys). During the week, there was reports of a disagreement between Portis and fullback Mike Sellers (about Sellers' missed blocking assignments). Portis is averaging under four yards per carry and hasn't scored a touchdown yet this season.

See our Fantasy Studs (RBs) for week 5.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 08:18 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Fantasy Quarterback Rankings - Week 5

Every week, we provide fantasy football rankings per position (QB, RB, WR, TE, K, DEF) based on that week's matchup.

How do we arrive at our rankings?

We average out rankings from various sources in an effort to reduce the variability between mainstream sites. We include ESPN, Yahoo! and CBS Sports in our rankings.

Here are the top 10 quarterbacks in week 5:

1. Peyton Manning, Colts (at Tennessee)
2. Matt Schaub, Texans (at Arizona)
3. Ben Roethlisberger, Steelers (at Detroit)
4. Donovan McNabb, Eagles (vs Tampa Bay)
5. Kurt Warner, Cardinals (vs Houston)
6. Tom Brady, Patriots (at Denver)
7. Joe Flacco, Ravens (vs Cincinnati)
8. Tony Romo, Cowboys (at Kansas City)
9. Brett Favre, Vikings (at St. Louis)
10. David Garrard, Jaguars (at Seattle)

See full list of top 25 quarterbacks for week 5.

More rankings: top 40 RBs | top 50 WRs | top 20 TEs | top 20 kickers | top 20 team defenses

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 08:44 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Fantasy Running Back Rankings - Week 5

Every week, we provide fantasy football rankings per position (QB, RB, WR, TE, K, DEF) based on that week's matchup.

How do we arrive at our rankings?

We average out rankings from various sources in an effort to reduce the variability between mainstream sites. We include ESPN, Yahoo! and CBS Sports in our rankings.

Here are the top 10 running backs in week 5:

1. Adrian Peterson, Vikings (at St. Louis)
2. Maurice Jones-Drew, Jaguars (at Seattle)
3. Brandon Jacobs, Giants (at Oakland)
4. Chris Johnson, Titans (vs Indianapolis)
5. DeAngelo Williams, Panthers (vs Washington)
6. Brian Westbrook, Eagles (vs Tampa Bay)
7. Marion Barber, Cowboys (at Kansas City)
8. Rashard Mendenhall, Steelers (at Detroit)
9. Steve Slaton, Texans (vs Oakland)
10. Michael Turner, Falcons (at San Francisco)

See full list of top 40 running backs for week 5.

More rankings: top 25 QBs | top 50 WRs | top 20 TEs | top 20 kickers | top 20 team defenses

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 08:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Fantasy Wide Receiver Rankings - Week 5

Every week, we provide fantasy football rankings per position (QB, RB, WR, TE, K, DEF) based on that week's matchup.

How do we arrive at our rankings?

We average out rankings from various sources in an effort to reduce the variability between mainstream sites. We include ESPN, Yahoo! and CBS Sports in our rankings.

Here are the top 10 fantasy wide receivers in week 5:

1. Reggie Wayne, Colts (at Tennessee)
2. Andre Johnson, Texans (at Arizona)
3. Larry Fitzgerald, Cardinals (vs Houston)
4. Randy Moss, Patriots (at Denver)
5. Anquan Boldin, Cardinals (vs Houston)
6. Calvin Johnson, Lions (vs Pittsburgh)
7. DeSean Jackson, Eagles (vs Tampa Bay)
8. Mike Sims-Walker, Jaguars (at Seattle)
9. Santonio Holmes, Steelers (at Detroit)
10. Steve Smith, Panthers (vs Washington)

See full list of top 50 wide receivers for week 5.

More rankings: top 25 QBs | top 40 RBs | top 20 TEs | top 20 kickers | top 20 team defenses

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 08:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Fantasy Tight End Rankings - Week 5

Every week, we provide fantasy football rankings per position (QB, RB, WR, TE, K, DEF) based on that week's matchup.

How do we arrive at our rankings?

We average out rankings from various sources in an effort to reduce the variability between mainstream sites. We include ESPN, Yahoo! and CBS Sports in our rankings.

Here are the top 10 tight ends in week 5:

1. Dallas Clark, Colts (at Tennessee)
2. Jason Witten, Cowboys (at Kansas City)
3. Tony Gonzalez, Falcons (at San Francisco)
4. Brent Celek, Eagles (vs Tampa Bay)
5. Chris Cooley, Redskins (at Carolina)
6. Owen Daniels, Texans (at Arizona)
7. John Carlson, Seahawks (vs Jacksonville)
8. Dustin Keller, Jets (at Miami)
9. Vernon Davis, 49ers (vs Atlanta)
10. Heath Miller, Steelers (at Detroit)

See full list of top 20 tight ends for week 5.

More rankings: top 25 QBs | top 40 RBs | top 50 WRs | top 20 kickers | top 20 team defenses

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 08:14 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Fantasy Team Defense Rankings - Week 5

Every week, we provide fantasy football rankings per position (QB, RB, WR, TE, K, DEF) based on that week's matchup.

How do we arrive at our rankings?

We average out rankings from various sources in an effort to reduce the variability between mainstream sites. We include ESPN, Yahoo! and CBS Sports in our rankings.

Here are the top 10 team defenses in week 5:

1. New York Giants (vs Oakland)
2. Minnesota Vikings (at St. Louis)
3. Pittsburgh Steelers (at Detroit)
4. Philadelphia Eagles (vs Tampa Bay)
5. Baltimore Ravens (vs Cincinnati)
6. New York Jets (at Miami)
7. Dallas Cowboys (at Kansas City)
8. Indianapolis Colts (at Tennessee)
9. San Francisco 49ers (vs Atlanta)
10. Miami Dolphins (vs NY Jets)

See full list of top 20 defenses for week 5.

More rankings: top 25 QBs | top 40 RBs | top 50 WRs | top 20 TEs | top 20 kickers

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 08:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Fantasy Kicker Rankings - Week 5

Every week, we provide fantasy football rankings per position (QB, RB, WR, TE, K, DEF) based on that week's matchup.

How do we arrive at our rankings?

We average out rankings from various sources in an effort to reduce the variability between mainstream sites. We include ESPN, Yahoo! and CBS Sports in our rankings.

Here are the top 10 kickers in week 5:

1. Ryan Longwell, Vikings (at St. Louis)
2. Neil Rackers, Cardinals (vs Houston)
3. Stephen Gostkowski, Patriots (at Denver)
4. Lawrence Tynes, Giants (vs Oakland)
5. Kris Brown, Texans (at Arizona)
6. David Akers, Eagles (vs Tampa Bay)
7. Nick Folk, Cowboys (at Kansas City)
8. Joe Nedney, 49ers (vs Atlanta)
9. Steven Hauschka, Ravens (vs Cincinnati)
10. Josh Scobee, Jaguars (at Seattle)

See full list of top 20 kickers for week 5.

More rankings: top 25 QBs | top 40 RBs | top 50 WRs | top 20 TEs | top 20 team defenses

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 07:47 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Fantasy Studs - Week 4 Running Backs

Heading into week four, here are some running backs that I expect to have a big week:

Brandon Jacobs/Ahmad Bradshaw, Giants: I expected Ahmad Bradshaw to have a strong year. With the departure of Derrick Ward (via free agency to Tampa), Bradshaw was elevated into Ward's role as Jacobs' primary back-up. However, I didn't expect him to lead the team in rushing as he does through three games.

On 35 carries, Bradshaw has 201 rushing yards for a 5.7 average. Jacobs, on the other hand, is averaging only 3.4 yards per carry (58 attempts for 196 yards). Last year, Jacobs got into the endzone 15 times in 219 carries and 13 games. That was a TD-per-14.6-carries pace last year. This year, he's scored once in his 58 attempts.

Last week against the Bucs, the duo had their best game of the season -- 196 rushing yards between the two of them on 40 carries. Against the Chiefs today, it could be deja vu all over again as the Giants should establish an early lead and be playing from ahead all day today. I expect both backs to get a heavy does of carries and Jacobs to have his breakout game of the season.

Cedric Benson, Bengals: The Browns defense has allowed 184.3 rushing yards per game (30th in NFL) and eight rushing touchdowns (tied for worst in league) through three games. Benson, on the other hand, has picked up where he left off in 2008. In the final three games of 2008, Benson rushed for 355 yards including a whopping 171 against the Browns in week 16.

In the first three games this year, Benson has had 76+ rushing yards in every game including last week against the Steelers, is third in the NFL in rushing (293 yards) and averaging just under 100 yards per game (97.7). It doesn't get any easier than this.

Glen Coffee, 49ers: Coffee will start in place of the injured Frank Gore, who will miss at least the next three weeks. Although Coffee's averaging only 1.8 yards per carry, he faces a less intimidating run defense in week 4 (St. Louis) than he did in week 3 (Minnesota). Coach Mike Singletary and offensive coordinator employ a run-first offense and Coffee should expect a heavy dose of carries in week 4.

Darren McFadden, Raiders: One of the most electrifying players in college football, McFadden has been disappointing in this young NFL career. He's had only two games with over 50 yards rushing in his career. Although he tops the Raiders' depth chart this season, McFadden is averaging only 3.6 yards per carry. Thirty other running backs have outrushed McFadden, who has 148 yards, so far this season.

If McFadden is going to have a big week, this is the week. The Texans are last in the league in rushing defense (205 yards per game and eight touchdowns). They are allowing 6.2 yards per carry.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 09:14 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Fantasy Quarterback Rankings - Week 4

Every week, we provide fantasy football rankings per position (QB, RB, WR, TE, K, DEF) based on that week's matchup.

How do we arrive at our rankings?

We average out rankings from various sources in an effort to reduce the variability between mainstream sites. We include ESPN, Yahoo! and CBS Sports in our rankings.

Here are the top 10 quarterbacks in week 4:

1. Peyton Manning, Colts (vs Seattle)
2. Drew Brees, Saints (vs NY Jets)
3. Jay Cutler, Bears (vs Detroit)
4. Tom Brady, Patriots (vs Baltimore)
5. Matt Schaub, Texans (vs Oakland)
6. Philip Rivers, Chargers (at Pittsburgh)
7. Aaron Rodgers, Packers (at Minnesota)
8. Eli Manning, Giants (at Kansas City)
9. Ben Roethlisberger, Steelers (vs San Diego)
10. Carson Palmer, Bengals (at Cleveland)

See full list of top 25 quarterbacks for week 4.

More rankings: top 40 RBs | top 50 WRs | top 20 TEs | top 20 kickers | top 20 team defenses.

FYI: Here's the link to our free fantasy football survivor contest.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 08:58 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Fantasy Running Back Rankings - Week 4

Every week, we provide fantasy football rankings per position (QB, RB, WR, TE, K, DEF) based on that week's matchup.

How do we arrive at our rankings?

We average out rankings from various sources in an effort to reduce the variability between mainstream sites. We include ESPN, Yahoo! and CBS Sports in our rankings.

Here are the top 10 running backs in week 4:

1. Adrian Peterson, Vikings (vs Green Bay)
2. Chris Johnson, Titans (at Jacksonville)
3. Brandon Jacobs, Giants (at Kansas City)
4. Cedric Benson, Bengals (at Cleveland)
5. Matt Forte, Bears (vs Detroit)
6. Steve Slaton, Texans (vs Oakland)
7. Maurice Jones-Drew, Jaguars (vs Tennessee)
8. Ronnie Brown, Dolphins (vs Buffalo)
9. Willis McGahee, Ravens (at New England)
10. Steven Jackson, Rams (at San Francisco)

See full list of top 40 running backs for week 4.

More rankings: top 25 QBs | top 50 WRs | top 20 TEs | top 20 kickers | top 20 team defenses.

FYI: Here's the link to our free fantasy football survivor contest.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 08:42 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Fantasy Wide Receiver Rankings - Week 4

Every week, we provide fantasy football rankings per position (QB, RB, WR, TE, K, DEF) based on that week's matchup.

How do we arrive at our rankings?

We average out rankings from various sources in an effort to reduce the variability between mainstream sites. We include ESPN, Yahoo! and CBS Sports in our rankings.

Here are the top 10 fantasy wide receivers in week 4:

1. Reggie Wayne, Colts (vs Seattle)
2. Randy Moss, Patriots (vs Baltimore)
3. Calvin Johnson, Lions (at Chicago)
4. Vincent Jackson, Chargers (at Pittsburgh)
5. Andre Johnson, Texans (vs Oakland)
6. Chad Ochocinco, Bengals (at Cleveland)
7. Greg Jennings, Packers (at Minnesota)
8. Steve Smith, Giants (at Kansas City)
9. Santonio Holmes, Steelers (vs San Diego)
10. Jerricho Cotchery, Jets (at New Orleans)

See full list of top 50 wide receivers for week 4.

More rankings: top 25 QBs | top 40 RBs | top 20 TEs | top 20 kickers | top 20 team defenses.

FYI: Here's the link to our free fantasy football survivor contest.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 08:34 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Fantasy Tight End Rankings - Week 4

Every week, we provide fantasy football rankings per position (QB, RB, WR, TE, K, DEF) based on that week's matchup.

How do we arrive at our rankings?

We average out rankings from various sources in an effort to reduce the variability between mainstream sites. We include ESPN, Yahoo! and CBS Sports in our rankings.

Here are the top 10 tight ends in week 4:

1. Dallas Clark, Colts (vs Seattle)
2. Jason Witten, Cowboys (at Denver)
3. Chris Cooley, Redskins (vs Tampa Bay)
4. Owen Daniels, Texans (vs Oakland)
5. Antonio Gates, Chargers (at Pittsburgh)
6. Greg Olsen, Bears (vs Detroit)
7. Vernon Davis, 49ers (vs St. Louis)
8. Dustin Keller, Jets (at New Orleans)
9. Kellen Winslow, Buccaneers (at Washington)
10. Jeremy Shockey, Saints (vs NY Jets)

See full list of top 20 tight ends for week 4.

More rankings: top 25 QBs | top 40 RBs | top 50 WRs | top 20 kickers | top 20 team defenses.

FYI: Here's the link to our free fantasy football survivor contest.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 08:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Fantasy Team Defense Rankings - Week 4

Every week, we provide fantasy football rankings per position (QB, RB, WR, TE, K, DEF) based on that week's matchup.

How do we arrive at our rankings?

We average out rankings from various sources in an effort to reduce the variability between mainstream sites. We include ESPN, Yahoo! and CBS Sports in our rankings.

Here are the top 10 team defenses in week 4:

1. New York Giants (at Kansas City)
2. Cincinnati Bengals (at Cleveland)
3. San Francisco 49ers (vs St. Louis)
4. Chicago Bears (vs Detroit)
5. Washington Redskins (vs Tampa Bay)
6. Minnesota Vikings (vs Green Bay)
7. Indianapolis Colts (vs Seattle)
8. Pittsburgh Steelers (vs San Diego)
9. Baltimore Ravens (at New England)
10. Tennessee Titans (at Jacksonville)

See full list of top 20 defenses for week 4.

Also, see our other rankings: top 25 QBs | top 40 RBs | top 50 WRs | top 20 TEs | top 20 kickers.

FYI: Here's the link to our free fantasy football survivor contest.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 08:19 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Fantasy Kicker Rankings - Week 4

Every week, we provide fantasy football rankings per position (QB, RB, WR, TE, K, DEF) based on that week's matchup.

How do we arrive at our rankings?

We average out rankings from various sources in an effort to reduce the variability between mainstream sites. We include ESPN, Yahoo! and CBS Sports in our rankings.

Here are the top 10 kickers in week 4:

1. Stephen Gostkowski, Patriots (vs Baltimore)
2. Ryan Longwell, Vikings (vs Green Bay)
3. John Carney, Saints (vs NY Jets)
4. Lawrence Tynes, Giants (at Kansas City)
5. Robbie Gould, Bears (vs Detroit)
6. Mason Crosby, Packers (at Minnesota)
7. Shayne Graham, Bengals (at Cleveland)
8. Kris Brown, Texans (vs Oakland)
9. Rian Lindell, Bills (at Miami)
10. Nate Kaeding, Chargers (at Pittsburgh)

See full list of top 20 kickers for week 4.

Also, see our other rankings: top 25 QBs | top 40 RBs | top 50 WRs | top 20 TEs | top 20 team defenses.

FYI: Here's the link to our free fantasy football survivor contest.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 07:59 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Fantasy Quarterback Rankings - Week 3

Every week, we provide fantasy football rankings per position (QB, RB, WR, TE, K, DEF) based on that week's matchup.

How do we arrive at our rankings?

We average out rankings from various sources in an effort to reduce the variability between mainstream sites. We include ESPN, Yahoo! and CBS Sports in our rankings.

Here are the top 10 quarterbacks in week 3:

1. Drew Brees, Saints (at Buffalo)
2. Peyton Manning, Colts (at Arizona)
3. Aaron Rodgers, Packers (at St. Louis)
4. Philip Rivers, Chargers (vs Miami)
5. Tom Brady, Patriots (vs Atlanta)
6. Matt Schaub, Texans (vs Jacksonville)
7. Kurt Warner, Cardinals (vs Indianapolis)
8. Tony Romo, Cowboys (vs Carolina)
9. Matt Ryan, Falcons (at New England)
10. Eli Manning, Giants (at Tampa Bay)

See full list of top 25 quarterbacks for week 3.

Also, see our other rankings: top 40 RBs | top 50 WRs | top 20 TEs | top 20 kickers | top 20 team defenses.

FYI: Here's the link to our free fantasy football survivor contest.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 10:56 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Fantasy Running Back Rankings - Week 3

Every week, we provide fantasy football rankings per position (QB, RB, WR, TE, K, DEF) based on that week's matchup.

How do we arrive at our rankings?

We average out rankings from various sources in an effort to reduce the variability between mainstream sites. We include ESPN, Yahoo! and CBS Sports in our rankings.

Here are the top 10 running backs in week 3:

1. Maurice Jones-Drew, Jaguars (at Houston)
2. Adrian Peterson, Vikings (vs San Francisco)
3. Matt Forte, Bears (at Seattle)
4. Michael Turner, Falcons (at New England)
5. DeAngelo Williams, Panthers (at Dallas)
6. Ryan Grant, Packers (at St. Louis)
7. Brandon Jacobs, Giants (at Tampa Bay)
8. Steven Jackson, Rams (vs Green Bay)
9. Fred Jackson, Bills (vs New Orleans)
10. Clinton Portis, Redskins (at Detroit)

See full list of top 40 running backs for week 3.

Also, see our other rankings: top 25 QBs | top 50 WRs | top 20 TEs | top 20 kickers | top 20 team defenses.

FYI: Here's the link to our free fantasy football survivor contest.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 10:44 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Fantasy Wide Receiver Rankings - Week 3

Every week, we provide fantasy football rankings per position (QB, RB, WR, TE, K, DEF) based on that week's matchup.

How do we arrive at our rankings?

We average out rankings from various sources in an effort to reduce the variability between mainstream sites. We include ESPN, Yahoo! and CBS Sports in our rankings.

Here are the top 10 fantasy wide receivers in week 3:

1. Andre Johnson, Texans (vs Jacksonville)
2. Reggie Wayne, Colts (at Arizona)
3. Marques Colston, Saints (at Buffalo)
4. Randy Moss, Patriots (vs Atlanta)
5. Larry Fitzgerald, Cardinals (vs Indianapolis)
6. Steve Smith, Panthers (at Dallas)
7. Greg Jennings, Packers (at St. Louis)
8. Calvin Johnson, Lions (vs Washington)
9. Roddy White, Falcons (at New England)
10. Santonio Holmes, Steelers (at Cincinnati)

See full list of top 50 wide receivers for week 3.

Also, see our other rankings: top 25 QBs | top 40 RBs | top 20 TEs | top 20 kickers | top 20 team defenses.

FYI: Here's the link to our free fantasy football survivor contest.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 10:39 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Fantasy Tight End Rankings - Week 3

Every week, we provide fantasy football rankings per position (QB, RB, WR, TE, K, DEF) based on that week's matchup.

How do we arrive at our rankings?

We average out rankings from various sources in an effort to reduce the variability between mainstream sites. We include ESPN, Yahoo! and CBS Sports in our rankings.

Here are the top 10 quarterbacks in week 3:

1. Antonio Gates, Chargers (vs Miami)
2. Dallas Clark, Colts (at Arizona)
3. Tony Gonzalez, Falcons (at New England)
4. Jason Witten, Cowboys (vs Carolina)
5. Chris Cooley, Redskins (at Detroit)
6. Kellen Winslow, Buccaneers (vs NY Giants)
7. Owen Daniels, Texans (vs Jacksonville)
8. Jeremy Shockey, Saints (at Buffalo)
9. Dustin Keller, Jets (vs Tennessee)
10. Brent Celek, Eagles (vs Kansas City>

See full list of top 20 tight ends for week 3.

Also, see our other rankings: top 25 QBs | top 40 RBs | top 50 WRs | top 20 kickers | top 20 team defenses.

FYI: Here's the link to our free fantasy football survivor contest.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 10:17 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Fantasy Team Defense Rankings - Week 3

Every week, we provide fantasy football rankings per position (QB, RB, WR, TE, K, DEF) based on that week's matchup.

How do we arrive at our rankings?

We average out rankings from various sources in an effort to reduce the variability between mainstream sites. We include ESPN, Yahoo! and CBS Sports in our rankings.

Here are the top 10 team defenses in week 3:

1. Ravens (vs Cleveland)
2. Eagles (vs Kansas City)
3. Steelers (at Cincinnati)
4. Packers (at St. Louis)
5. Giants (at Tampa Bay)
6. Jets (vs Tennessee)
7. Vikings (vs San Francisco)
8. Redskins (vs St. Louis)
9. Bears (at Seattle)
10. Broncos (at Oakland)

See full list of top 20 defenses for week 3.

Also, see our other rankings: top 25 QBs | top 40 RBs | top 50 WRs | top 20 TEs | top 20 kickers.

FYI: Here's the link to our free fantasy football survivor contest.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 10:09 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Fantasy Kicker Rankings - Week 3

Every week, we provide fantasy football rankings per position (QB, RB, WR, TE, K, DEF) based on that week's matchup.

How do we arrive at our rankings?

We average out rankings from various sources in an effort to reduce the variability between mainstream sites. We include ESPN, Yahoo! and CBS Sports in our rankings.

Here are the top 10 kickers in week 3:

1. Lawrence Tynes, Giants (at Tampa Bay)
2. Nate Kaeding, Chargers (vs Miami)
3. Stephen Gostkowski, Patriots (vs Atlanta)
4. David Akers, Eagles (vs Kansas City)
5. Ryan Longwell, Vikings (vs San Francisco)
6. Mason Crosby, Packers (at St. Louis)
7. Neil Rackers, Cardinals (vs Indianapolis)
8. John Carney, Saints (at Buffalo)
9. Nick Folk, Cowboys (vs Carolina)
10. Kris Brown, Texans (vs Jacksonville)

See full list of top 20 kickers for week 3.

Also, see our other rankings: top 25 QBs | top 40 RBs | top 50 WRs | top 20 TEs | top 20 team defenses.

FYI: Here's the link to our free fantasy football survivor contest.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 09:59 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Fantasy Football QB Rankings - Week 2

Every week, we provide fantasy football rankings per position (QB, RB, WR, TE, K, DEF) based on that week's matchup.

How do we arrive at our rankings?

We average out rankings from various sources in an effort to reduce the variability between mainstream sites. We include ESPN, Yahoo! and CBS Sports in our rankings.

Here are the top 10 quarterbacks in week 2:

1. Drew Brees, Saints (at Philadelphia)
2. Peyton Manning, Colts (at Miami)
3. Tom Brady, Patriots (at NY Jets)
4. Aaron Rodgers, Packers (vs Cincinnati)
5. Tony Romo, Cowboys (vs NY Giants)
6. Matt Ryan, Falcons (vs Carolina)
7. Philip Rivers, Chargers (vs Baltimore)
8. Ben Roethlisberger, Steelers (at Chicago)
9. Kurt Warner, Cardinals (at Jacksonville)
10. Matt Hasselbeck, Seahawks (at San Francisco)

See full list of top 25 quarterbacks for week 2.

Also, see our other rankings: top 40 RBs | top 50 WRs | top 20 TEs | top 20 kickers | top 20 team defenses.

FYI: Here's the link to our free fantasy football survivor contest.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 07:07 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Fantasy Football RB Rankings - Week 2

Every week, we provide fantasy football rankings per position (QB, RB, WR, TE, K, DEF) based on that week's matchup.

How do we arrive at our rankings?

We average out rankings from various sources in an effort to reduce the variability between mainstream sites. We include ESPN, Yahoo! and CBS Sports in our rankings.

Here are the top 10 running backs in week 2:

1. Adrian Peterson, Vikings (at Detroit)
2. Maurice Jones-Drew, Jaguars (vs Arizona)
3. Michael Turner, Falcons (vs Carolina)
4. Clinton Portis, Redskins (vs St. Louis)
5. Brian Westbrook, Eagles (vs New Orleans)
6. DeAngelo Williams, Panthers (at Atlanta)
7. Frank Gore, 49ers (vs Seattle)
8. Chris Johnson, Titans (vs Houston)
9. Ryan Grant, Packers (vs Cincinnati)
10. Thomas Jones, Jets (vs New England)

See full list of top 40 running backs for week 2.

Also, see our other rankings: top 25 QBs | top 50 WRs | top 20 TEs | top 20 kickers | top 20 team defenses.

FYI: Here's the link to our free fantasy football survivor contest.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 06:58 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Fantasy Football WR Rankings - Week 2

Every week, we provide fantasy football rankings per position (QB, RB, WR, TE, K, DEF) based on that week's matchup.

How do we arrive at our rankings?

We average out rankings from various sources in an effort to reduce the variability between mainstream sites. We include ESPN, Yahoo! and CBS Sports in our rankings.

Here are the top 10 fantasy wide receivers in week 2:

1. Larry Fitzgerald, Cardinals (at Jacksonville)
2. Reggie Wayne, Colts (at Miami)
3. Randy Moss, Patriots (at NY Jets)
4. Greg Jennings, Packers (vs Cincinnati)
5. Calvin Johnson, Lions (vs Minnesota)
6. Andre Johnson, Texans (at Tennessee)
7. Marques Colston, Saints (at Philadelphia)
8. Roddy White, Falcons (vs Carolina)
9. T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Seahawks (at San Francisco)
10. Wes Welker, Patriots (at NY Jets)

See full list of top 50 wide receivers for week 2.

Also, see our other rankings: top 25 QBs | top 40 RBs | top 20 TEs | top 20 kickers | top 20 team defenses.

FYI: Here's the link to our free fantasy football survivor contest.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 06:37 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Fantasy Football TE Rankings - Week 2

Every week, we provide fantasy football rankings per position (QB, RB, WR, TE, K, DEF) based on that week's matchup.

How do we arrive at our rankings?

We average out rankings from various sources in an effort to reduce the variability between mainstream sites. We include ESPN, Yahoo! and CBS Sports in our rankings.

Here are the top 10 quarterbacks in week 2:

1. Tony Gonzalez, Falcons (vs Carolina)
2. Dallas Clark, Colts (at Miami)
3. Jason Witten, Cowboys (vs NY GIants)
4. Chris Cooley, Redskins (vs St. Louis)
5. Antonio Gates, Chargers (vs Baltimore)
6. John Carlson, Seahawks (at San Francisco)
7. Todd Heap, Ravens (at San Diego)
8. Zach Miller, Raiders (at Kansas City)
9. Dustin Keller, Jets (vs New England)
10. Visanthe Shiancoe, Vikings (at Detroit)

See full list of top 20 tight ends for week 2.

Also, see our other rankings: top 25 QBs | top 40 RBs | top 50 WRs | top 20 kickers | top 20 team defenses.

FYI: Here's the link to our free fantasy football survivor contest.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 06:26 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Fantasy Football Team Defense Rankings - Week 2

Every week, we provide fantasy football rankings per position (QB, RB, WR, TE, K, DEF) based on that week's matchup.

How do we arrive at our rankings?

We average out rankings from various sources in an effort to reduce the variability between mainstream sites. We include ESPN, Yahoo! and CBS Sports in our rankings.

Here are the top 10 team defenses in week 2:

1. Vikings (at Detroit)
2. Packers (vs Cincinnati)
3. Steelers (at Chicago)
4. Redskins (vs St. Louis)
5. Titans (vs Houston)
6. Ravens (at San Diego)
7. Falcons (vs Carolina)
8. Giants (at Dallas)
9. Patriots (at NY Jets)
10. Seahawks (at San Francisco)

See full list of top 20 defenses for week 2.

Also, see our other rankings: top 25 QBs | top 40 RBs | top 50 WRs | top 20 TEs | top 20 kickers.

FYI: Here's the link to our free fantasy football survivor contest.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 10:07 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Fantasy Football Kickers - Week 2

Every week, we provide fantasy football rankings per position (QB, RB, WR, TE, K, DEF) based on that week's matchup.

How do we arrive at our rankings?

We average out rankings from various sources in an effort to reduce the variability between mainstream sites. We include ESPN, Yahoo! and CBS Sports in our rankings.

Here are the top 10 kickers in week 2:

1. Stephen Gostkowski, Patriots (at NY Jets)
2. Mason Crosby, Packers (vs Cincinnati)
3. Ryan Longwell, Vikings (at Detroit)
4. David Akers, Eagles (vs New Orleans)
5. Nate Kaeding, Chargers (vs Baltimore)
6. Rob Bironas, Titans (vs Houston)
7. Neil Rackers, Cardinals (at Jacksonville)
8. Jason Elam, Falcons (vs Carolina)
9. Nick Folk, Cowboys (vs NY Giants)
10. John Carney, Saints (at Philadelphia)

See full list of top 20 kickers for week 2.

Also, see our other rankings: top 25 QBs | top 40 RBs | top 50 WRs | top 20 TEs | top 20 team defenses.

FYI: Here's the link to our free fantasy football survivor contest.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 09:59 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Heart-breaking loss for the Bungles

In the first 59 minutes of the Bengals-Broncos game, there were no touchdowns scored. The Bengals scored a go-ahead touchdown with 0:41 left on the clock and it looked like the Bengals were going to go on to win.

With the score 7-6 and the ball on the Broncos own 13-yard line and 28 seconds on the clock, Broncos quarterback attempted a pass to Brandon Marshall that was deflected by Leon Hall and caught by Brandon Stokley, who took it 87 yards for the score after running along the goalline to burn additional time off the clock.

“It was the wrong play, he caught it and he scored. The right play would be to knock it on the ground or pick it off,” Hall said, per Joe Reedy of the Cincinnati Enquirer.

Until that point, the Bengals played great defense. However, if their DBs didn't go to make a hit on Marshall after the tip, they would have had a shot to intercept the pass.

“We did some great things as a defense and we played solid. We have to clean up some of the small things that we slipped up on,” defensive tackle Domata Peko said.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 08:24 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Fantasy Kicker Rankings - Week 1

Every week, we provide fantasy football rankings per position (QB, RB, WR, TE, K, DEF) based on that week's matchup.

How do we arrive at our rankings?

We average out rankings from various sources in an effort to reduce the variability between mainstream sites. We include ESPN, Yahoo! and CBS Sports in our rankings.

Here are the top 10 kickers in week 1:

1. Stephen Gostkowski, Patriots (vs Buffalo)
2. Mason Crosby, Packers (vs Chicago)
3. Neil Rackers, Cardinals (vs San Francisco)
4. John Carney, Saints (vs Detroit)
5. Nate Kaeding, Chargers (at Oakland)
6. Ryan Longwell, Vikings (at Cleveland)
7. Kris Brown, Texans (vs NY Jets)
8. David Akers, Eagles (at Carolina)
9. Jason Elam, Falcons (vs Miami)
10. Nick Folk, Cowboys (at Tampa Bay)

See full list of top 20 kickers for week 1.

Also, see our other rankings: top 25 QBs | top 40 RBs | top 50 WRs | top 20 TEs | top 20 team defenses.

FYI: Here's the link to our free fantasy football survivor contest.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 08:05 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

2009 Fantasy Defense Rankings - Week 1

Every week, we provide fantasy football rankings per position (QB, RB, WR, TE, K, DEF) based on that week's matchup.

How do we arrive at our rankings?

We average out rankings from various sources in an effort to reduce the variability between mainstream sites. We include ESPN, Yahoo! and CBS Sports in our rankings.

Here are the top 10 team defenses in week 1:

1. Ravens (vs Kansas City)
2. Vikings (at Cleveland)
3. Patriots (vs Buffalo)
4. Chargers (at Oakland)
5. Giants (vs Washington)
6. Steelers (vs Tennessee)
7. Cowboys (at Tampa Bay)
8. Seahawks (vs St. Louis)
9. Eagles (at Carolina)
10. Titans (at Pittsburgh)

See full list of top 20 defenses for week 1.

Also, see our other rankings: top 25 QBs | top 40 RBs | top 50 WRs | top 20 TEs | top 20 kickers.

FYI: Here's the link to our free fantasy football survivor contest.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 08:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

2009 Fantasy WR Rankings - Week 1

Every week, we provide fantasy football rankings per position (QB, RB, WR, TE, K, DEF) based on that week's matchup.

How do we arrive at our rankings?

We average out rankings from various sources in an effort to reduce the variability between mainstream sites. We include ESPN, Yahoo! and CBS Sports in our rankings.

Here are the top 10 fantasy wide receivers in week 1:

1. Randy Moss, Patriots (vs Buffalo)
2. Larry Fitzgerald, Cardinals (vs San Francisco)
3. Calvin Johnson, Lions (at New Orleans)
4. Andre Johnson, Texans (vs NY Jets)
5. Marques Colston, Saints (vs Detroit)
6. Reggie Wayne, Colts (vs Jacksonville)
7. Greg Jennings, Packers (vs Chicago)
8. T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Seahawks (vs St. Louis)
9. Roddy White, Falcons (vs Miami)
10. Anquan Boldin, Cardinals (vs San Francisco)

See full list of top 50 wide receivers for week 1.

Also, see our other rankings: top 25 QBs | top 40 RBs | top 20 TEs | top 20 kickers | top 20 team defenses.

FYI: Here's the link to our free fantasy football survivor contest.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 07:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

2009 Fantasy RB Rankings - Week 1

Every week, we provide fantasy football rankings per position (QB, RB, WR, TE, K, DEF) based on that week's matchup.

How do we arrive at our rankings?

We average out rankings from various sources in an effort to reduce the variability between mainstream sites. We include ESPN, Yahoo! and CBS Sports in our rankings.

Here are the top 10 running backs in week 1:

1. Adrian Peterson, Vikings (at Cleveland)
2. LaDainian Tomlinson, Chargers (at Oakland)
3. Matt Forte, Bears (at Green Bay)
4. Maurice Jones-Drew, Jaguars (at Indianapolis)
5. Steven Jackson, Rams (at Seattle)
6. Frank Gore, 49ers (at Arizona)
7. DeAngelo Williams, Panthers (vs Philadelphia)
8. Brian Westbrook, Eagles (at Carolina)
9. Michael Turner, Falcons (vs Miami)
10. Brandon Jacobs, Giants (vs Washington)

See full list of top 40 running backs for week 1.

Also, see our other rankings: top 25 QBs | top 50 WRs | top 20 TEs | top 20 kickers | top 20 team defenses.

FYI: Here's the link to our free fantasy football survivor contest.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 07:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

2009 Fantasy QB Rankings - Week 1

Every week, we provide fantasy football rankings per position (QB, RB, WR, TE, K, DEF) based on that week's matchup.

How do we arrive at our rankings?

We average out rankings from various sources in an effort to reduce the variability between mainstream sites. We include ESPN, Yahoo! and CBS Sports in our rankings.

Here are the top 10 quarterbacks in week 1:

1. Tom Brady, Patriots (vs Buffalo)
2. Drew Brees, Saints (vs Detroit)
3. Peyton Manning, Colts (vs Jacksonville)
4. Kurt Warner, Cardinals (vs San Francisco)
5. Aaron Rodgers, Packers (vs Bears)
6. Philip Rivers, Chargers (at Raiders)
7. Donovan McNabb, Eagles (at Carolina)
8. Matt Schaub, Texans (vs NY Jets)
9. Matt Hasselbeck, Seahawks (vs St. Louis)
10. Tony Romo, Cowboys (at Tampa Bay)

See full list of top 25 quarterbacks for week 1.

Also, see our other rankings: top 40 RBs | top 50 WRs | top 20 TEs | top 20 kickers | top 20 team defenses.

FYI: Here's the link to our free fantasy football survivor contest.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 07:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

2009 Fantasy TE Rankings - Week 1

Every week, we provide fantasy football rankings per position (QB, RB, WR, TE, K, DEF) based on that week's matchup.

How do we arrive at our rankings?

We average out rankings from various sources in an effort to reduce the variability between mainstream sites. We include ESPN, Yahoo! and CBS Sports in our rankings.

Here are the top 10 quarterbacks in week 1:

1. Jason Witten, Cowboys (at Tampa Bay)
2. Antonio Gates, Chargers (at Oakland)
3. Dallas Clark, Colts (vs Jacksonville)
4. Greg Olsen, Bears (at Green Bay)
5. Tony Gonzalez, Falcons (vs Miami)
6. John Carlson, Seahawks (vs St. Louis)
7. Owen Daniels, Texans (vs NY Jets)
8. Chris Cooley, Redskins (at NY Giants)
9. Visanthe Shiancoe, Vikings (at Cleveland)
10. Zach Miller, Raiders (vs San Diego)

See full list of top 20 tight ends for week 1.

Also, see our other rankings: top 25 QBs | top 40 RBs | top 50 WRs | top 20 kickers | top 20 team defenses.

FYI: Here's the link to our free fantasy football survivor contest.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 06:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

2009 AFC North Prediction

Before Thursday's season opener, we will project the final standings and team records for all eight divisions as well as our post-season picks. Let's continue with the AFC North.

PITTSBURGH STEELERS
Prediction: 11-5 (Steelers Schedule | Steelers Forum)

The defending Super Bowl champions had the league's top-rated scoring defense (13.9 points per game) and total defense (237.2 yards per game) in 2008. And the defense will be one of the best again in 2009. On offense, quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is one of the toughest and most clutch QBs in the NFL. Yet the Steelers' poor offensive line play and Big Ben's propensity to try to keep the play alive made him the second-most sacked quarterback in the league last year for the second season in a row. He was the fourth-most sacked QB in 2006. While I consider the Ravens to be the Steelers' equals, the Steelers have a more favorable schedule in 2009 in an ironic twist of the NFL's scheduling policy to create parity. All AFC North teams play six games against division rivals and eight games against AFC West and NFC North teams this year. The other two games are based on division finish last year. The division winners the Steelers face are Miami and Tennessee. The Ravens, on the other hand, face the Patriots and Colts, who both finished second last year. I'd rather face the Dolphins and Titans over the Patriots and Colts.

Strength of Schedule: 2009 opponents had a .434 winning percentage in 2008 (29th)

2008 Playoff Teams on Schedule (5): vs Tennessee, vs San Diego, vs Minnesota, at Baltimore, vs Baltimore, at Miami

# of Wins Past 3 Years: 30 (10.0 per season)

Continue reading "2009 AFC North Prediction" »

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 12:02 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Links to all 32 NFL team final roster cuts

At 6 p.m. ET tonight, NFL teams were required to make their final cuts to reduce their roster from 75 players to 53 players.

Here are links to lists of cuts (or to the final 53-man roster) for all 32 NFL teams:

AFC East: Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins, New England Patriots, New York Jets
AFC North: Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns, Pittsburgh Steelers
AFC South: Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts, Jacksonville Jaguars, Tennessee Titans
AFC West: Denver Broncos, Kansas City Chiefs, Oakland Raiders, San Diego Chargers

NFC East: Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants, Philadelphia Eagles, Washington Redskins
NFC North: Chicago Bears, Detroit Lions, Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings
NFC South: Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, New Orleans Saints, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NFC West: Arizona Cardinals, San Francisco 49ers, Seattle Seahawks, St. Louis Rams

I will add links to the Colts' and Jaguars' cuts and/or 53-man rosters once I find links to them. [Links updated above]

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 08:49 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Updated 9/4: Consensus Top 150 Fantasy Football Cheat Sheet

We have updated our Consensus Top 150 Fantasy Football Cheat Sheet, which averages five separate cheat sheets to arrive at a consensus ranking.

The primary benefit of using our cheat sheet over another site's individual cheat sheet is that you're less likely to be affected by the bias of one person or one site if those differences are smoothed out with a consensus ranking of various sources.

Here are top twenty players in order of average rank (Average Rank, Highest Rank, Lowest Rank in parenthesis):

1. Adrian Peterson, RB, Vikings (Average: 1.2, High: 1, Low: 2)
2. Maurice Jones-Drew, RB, Jaguars (Average: 2.6, High: 1, Low: 4)
3. Michael Turner, RB, Falcons (Average: 3.0, High: 2, Low: 4)
4. Matt Forte, RB, Bears (Average: 3.2, High: 2, Low: 4)
5. DeAngelo Williams, RB, Panthers (Average: 6.2, High: 5, Low: 10)
6. Steven Jackson, RB, Rams (Average: 6.6, High: 5, Low: 9)
7. Chris Johnson, RB, Titans (Average: 8.0, High: 6, Low: 11)
8. Larry Fitzgerald, WR, Cardinals (Average: 9.2, High: 6, Low: 12)
9. LaDainian Tomlinson, RB, Chargers (Average: 9.6, High: 6, Low: 16)
10. Frank Gore, RB, 49ers (Average: 10.0, High: 6, Low: 18)
11. Andre Johnson, WR, Texans (Average: 11.4, High: 9, Low: 13)
12. Steve Slaton, RB, Texans (Average: 11.4, High: 7, Low: 15)
13. Drew Brees, QB, Saints (Average: 14.6, High: 11, Low: 21)
14. Randy Moss, WR, Patriots (Average: 15.4, High: 13, Low: 17)
15. Calvin Johnson, WR, Lions (Average: 15.8, High: 14, Low: 19)
16. Brian Westbrook, RB, Eagles (Average: 16.2, High: 9, Low: 21)
17. Brandon Jacobs, RB, Giants (Average: 16.6, High: 11, Low: 22)
18. Marion Barber, RB, Cowboys (Average: 17.2, High: 10, Low: 22)
19. Clinton Portis, RB, Redskins (Average: 17.8, High: 13, Low: 24)
20. Tom Brady, QB, Patriots (Average: 18.4, High: 15, Low: 23)

Full Top 150 Consensus Rankings here.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 07:21 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

5 Fantasy Running Backs to target in your draft

As you already know, fantasy football leagues are not necessarily won by the genius who decides to select Adrian Peterson with the number one pick. Whether you have the third pick, the eighth pick or the tenth pick, everyone is getting top talent in the first round.

And if we take a quick look back to 2008, players such as Matt Forte, Deangelo Williams and Chris Johnson were drafted in the 10th round or later yet they put up first-round numbers.

While that may be the extreme, the key to winning your league is selecting players who are good values in relation to where they are drafted and to do so consistently throughout your draft.

So, here are some running backs to target from round 3 through the later rounds:

Kevin Smith, Lions – Last year was the year of the rookie RB. Three of them rushed for 1,000+ yards. One of the guys who flew under the radar and just fell shy of 1,000 yards was Kevin Smith of Detroit.

While Smith has a case of JonKitna-itis, predicting a Detroit Lions’ playoff berth in ’09, he just needs to do what he has done since November last year.

When given the chance in the second half, Smith produced and produced big. He rushed for 671 yards in the final 8 games. That is a 1,342-yard pace in an offense that had Dan “Safety Dance” Orlovsky running it.

Only 4 RBs had more than 1,342 yards in 2008.

With MegaTron -- that’s Calvin Johnson for those of you not well-versed in freakishly, athletic receiver nicknames -- entering his third season, a quarterback who's last name doesn't rhyme with jerkoff-ski and the addition of Brandon Pettigrew, the most-talented and best-blocking TE in the draft, I wouldn’t be surprised if Smith continued his second-half pace into 2009, in which case Smith becomes the bargain of the third round of your draft.

Ryan Grant, Packers – Although he wasn’t 100% to start the season and didn’t crack 20 carries in the first five weeks of the year, Ryan Grant was one of only five backs to carry the ball 300+ times in 2008.

Despite some labeling him a “bust,” Grant finished strong and still rushed for 1203 yards. All four of the times he eclipsed the century mark came in the final ten games of the season.

With Aaron Rodgers, Greg Jennings and Donald Driver in the passing game, opposing defenses need to be honest when trying to stop Grant and the Packers running attack.

Provided Grant stays healthy for the entire season, he should top his 2008 production of 1200+ yards.

Ray Rice, Ravens – If you read my blog post in early June -- ‘Four (Ravens’) Breakout Players for 2009’ -- over at FootBaltimore.com, putting Ray Rice on this list doesn’t surprise you.

In 2009, I expect the Ravens’ ground game to be the same as -- but different than -- it was in 2008. So, what does that mean?

Last year, the Ravens led the NFL in rushing attempts at 37 per game. I don’t expect that to change much. What will be different in 2009 is how the carries are allocated. Rice, who has been running (no pun intended) with the first team, should receive the most carries this year. Le’Ron McClain, last year’s leader with 232 carries, has moved to FB full-time to take over for the departed Lorenzo Neal.

While Willis McGahee had a strong camp, Rice has added both muscle and confidence in the off-season. And Coach John Harbaugh has been singing his praises saying that he has no doubt that Rice can be an “every-down back.”

Donald Brown, Colts – Brown, who was the nation’s leading rusher in college football and joins one of the most prolific offenses in the league. Brown carried the rock 28 times per game on average at UConn and rushed for 200+ yards three times and 150+ yards eight times.

With Joseph Addai already in Indy, Brown will be part of a platoon to start the season.

Worst-case scenario, Brown should get 10-12 carries per game and finish with around 700-800 yards.

Best-case scenario, (except from Addai’s perspective), it’s déjà vu all over again for Addai leading to huge upside for Brown.

Cedric Benson, Bengals – While I wouldn’t go for a boat ride with Bengals running back Cedric Benson, I’d certainly draft him after 30 or so running backs are off the board, which is what his Yahoo! ADP and ESPN rank would project.

Benson (and the Bengals for that matter) finished 2008 strong despite being the 32nd-ranked offense in the league last year. In the final three weeks of the season, Benson showed why the Bears drafted him fourth overall in 2005.

In those three games (all wins), Benson carried the ball 84 times for 355 yards and caught 5 passes for 107 yards. With Carson Palmer healthy (arm/shoulder, at least), Chad Ochocinco refocused and top rookie Andre Smith re-joining the offensive line (after his broken foot heals), there is no reason to believe that the Bengals will finish ranked last in offense again this year. And Benson should only benefit from those healthier, refocused and new components to the offense.

Some other RBs I like late in the draft: Felix Jones (Cowboys), Ahmad Bradshaw (Giants) and James Davis (Browns).

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 07:13 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Foot fracture to sideline Andre Smith

After holding out for 30 days, Bengals first-round Andre Smith signed with the team over the weekend. However, he's already going to miss some time due to injury.

Per John Clayton of ESPN, Smith has a small fracture in his foot and he will miss the season opener (September 13th), at least. But it's not known much additional time, if any, Smith will miss.

"Andre suffered a small fracture in his left foot during a non-contact drill," Bengals coach Marvin Lewis said in a statement. "Our medical staff tells me the injury will not require surgery. It's too soon to closely predict how long it will be before he can return to practice, but it looks like he's going to miss a few weeks."

Anthony Collins, who was starting at right tackle during Smith's holdout, will stay at right tackle.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 09:19 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Andre Smith signs, Crabtree only first-rounder unsigned

The Cincinnati Bengals have reached a deal with offensive tackle Andre Smith, the sixth overall pick in this year's draft, according to Joe Reedy of the Cincinnati Enquirer. Per Geoff Hobson of Bengals.com, Smith's deal could be worth as much as $42 million.

Smith was the 31st first-rounder to sign leaving San Francisco's Michael Crabtree as the only unsigned first-round pick.

“We’re excited to have Andre with us now,” coach Marvin Lewis said in a statement. “He has a lot of work to do, but he knows the challenge ahead of him to make an impact on our team as soon as possible. Our vision of him is simply as a physically dominating player on our offensive line, and we know that this guy wants to be very, very good.”

The Bengals can use a two-week roster exemption for Smith, which would keep him eligible to practice but make him ineligible to participate in games including the team's season opener against the Broncos on September 13th.

The Bengals also play in the Colts in their pre-season finale on Thursday.

Before Smith's holdout, he was pegged to start at right tackle. If Smith doesn't win the job, Anthony Collins will remain as the starter on the right side.

“Andre is a very powerful man,” said offensive line coach Paul Alexander. “He can knock ’em back better than anyone who was in the draft, and that’s why we took him. And it was a very good year for offensive linemen.”

While many believe Smith had the most talent of all offensive lineman in the draft, he made some poor choices in the six months leading up to the draft that caused his draft stock to fall.

Smith's dealings with an agent made him ineligible for the Sugar Bowl as Alabama faced Utah. And then he chose to not workout at the NFL scouting combine in February and he went missing in action from Indianapolis that weekend.

If it weren't for those poor choices, Smith would have likely been a top two draft pick.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 04:07 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Updated 8/27: Consensus Top 150 Fantasy Football Cheat Sheet

We have updated our Consensus Top 150 Fantasy Football Cheat Sheet, which averages five separate cheat sheets to arrive at a consensus ranking.

The primary benefit of using our cheat sheet over another site's individual cheat sheet is that you're less likely to be affected by the bias of one person or one site if those differences are smoothed out with a consensus ranking of various sources.

Here are top twenty players in order of average rank (Average Rank, Highest Rank, Lowest Rank in parenthesis):

1. Adrian Peterson, RB, Vikings (Average: 1.2, High: 1, Low: 2)
2. Maurice Jones-Drew, RB, Jaguars (Average: 2.6, High: 1, Low: 4)
3. Michael Turner, RB, Falcons (Average: 3.0, High: 2, Low: 4)
4. Matt Forte, RB, Bears (Average: 3.4, High: 2, Low: 5)
5. Steven Jackson, RB, Rams (Average: 6.4, High: 5, Low: 9)
6. DeAngelo Williams, RB, Panthers (Average: 6.8, High: 5, Low: 11)
7. Chris Johnson, RB, Titans (Average: 8.6, High: 6, Low: 13)
8. Larry Fitzgerald, WR, Cardinals (Average: 9.0, High: 6, Low: 11)
9. LaDainian Tomlinson, RB, Chargers (Average: 9.4, High: 4, Low: 16)
10. Frank Gore, RB, 49ers (Average: 10.0, High: 6, Low: 18)
11. Steve Slaton, RB, Texans (Average: 11.4, High: 7, Low: 15)
12. Andre Johnson, WR, Texans (Average: 11.8, High: 10, Low: 14)
13. Drew Brees, QB, Saints (Average: 14.0, High: 11, Low: 17)
14. Brian Westbrook, RB, Eagles (Average: 14.8, High: 7, Low: 21)
15. Randy Moss, WR, Patriots (Average: 15.6, High: 13, Low: 17)
16. Brandon Jacobs, RB, Giants (Average: 16.0, High: 12, Low: 22)
17. Marion Barber, RB, Cowboys (Average: 16.4, High: 10, Low: 20)
18. Calvin Johnson, WR, Lions (Average: 17.0, High: 14, Low: 21)
19. Clinton Portis, RB, Redskins (Average: 17.8, High: 14, Low: 24)
20. Tom Brady, QB, Patriots (Average: 18.6, High: 15, Low: 24)

Full Top 150 Consensus Rankings here.

Also, you can follow us on Twitter @EDSFootball or on Facebook's Networked Blogs.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 06:23 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

New consensus top 150 fantasy football cheat sheet (updated 8/16)

We have updated our Consensus Top 150 Fantasy Football Cheat Sheet, which averages five separate cheat sheets to arrive at a consensus ranking.

The primary benefit of using our cheat sheet over another site's individual cheat sheet is that you're less likely to be affected by the bias of one person or one site if those differences are smoothed out with a consensus ranking of various sources.

Here are top twenty players in order of average rank (Average Rank, Highest Rank, Lowest Rank in parenthesis):

1. Adrian Peterson, RB, Vikings (Average: 1.2, High: 1, Low: 2)
2. Maurice Jones-Drew, RB, Jaguars (Average: 2.6, High: 1, Low: 4)
3. Michael Turner, RB, Falcons (Average: 3.0, High: 2, Low: 4)
4. Matt Forte, RB, Bears (Average: 3.4, High: 2, Low: 5)
5. Steven Jackson, RB, Rams (Average: 6.4, High: 5, Low: 9)
6. DeAngelo Williams, RB, Panthers (Average: 7.2, High: 5, Low: 11)
7. Chris Johnson, RB, Titans (Average: 8.4, High: 6, Low: 13)
8. Larry Fitzgerald, WR, Cardinals (Average: 8.8, High: 6, Low: 11)
9. LaDainian Tomlinson, RB, Chargers (Average: 9.6, High: 4, Low: 17)
10. Frank Gore, RB, 49ers (Average: 10.2, High: 6, Low: 18)
11. Steve Slaton, RB, Texans (Average: 11.0, High: 7, Low: 15)
12. Andre Johnson, WR, Texans (Average: 12.0, High: 10, Low: 14)
13. Drew Brees, QB, Saints (Average: 14.0, High: 11, Low: 17)
14. Brian Westbrook, RB, Eagles (Average: 14.6, High: 7, Low: 21)
15. Marion Barber, RB, Cowboys (Average: 15.4, High: 10, Low: 20)
16. Randy Moss, WR, Patriots (Average: 16.0, High: 15, Low: 17)
17. Brandon Jacobs, RB, Giants (Average: 16.2, High: 12, Low: 23)
18. Clinton Portis, RB, Redskins (Average: 17.0, High: 14, Low: 20)
19. Calvin Johnson, WR, Lions (Average: 17.0, High: 14, Low: 21)
20. Tom Brady, QB, Patriots (Average: 19.4, High: 16, Low: 24)

Full Top 150 Consensus Rankings here.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 08:56 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Chris Henry says he's ready for a "big year"

Bengals receiver Chris Henry is in a contract year. And, as Chick Ludwig of the Dayton Daily News points out, Henry is predicting a big year for himself.

“It’s going to be a big year for me,” Henry predicted during the club’s recent minicamp. “I’ve been working hard. I feel like I’m at my best right now, and I’m going to do everything I can to help the team get to where we’re trying to get.”

In May, Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer praised the new-and-improved Henry while on Sirius NFL Radio at the same time he verbally bitch-slapped Chad Ochocinco.

“We've got Chris Henry … He's a guy that's had a great offseason, really turned his life around. I'm excited to watch him play. He's a guy that seems like he catches a touchdown every other ball that's thrown to him, he's that explosive. He's kind of taken over for Chad's position and he's a guy that, like I said earlier, does not want to give up that spot right now.”

However, Ochocinco has since showed up to off-season workouts and even vowed to spend this month with Los Palmers, much to dismay of Señora Palmer. That being said, Ochocinco says he's in great shape and has a renewed focus.

With injuries to Palmer and Ochocinco last year, the Bengals saw their offense drop from 23.8 (2007) to 12.8 (2008) points per game and from 348.0 (2007) to 245.4 (2008) yards per game.

In 2006 and 2007, the Bengals were a top ten offense. In 2008, their offense finished dead last in points and yards.

The Bengals have a lot of explosive (and volatile) parts to their offense. Ochocinco and Henry seem to have a renewed focus, Palmer seems to be healthy, Laverneus Coles is happy with his change of scenery and Cedric Benson finally produced at the end of last year like you would expect from a top-five pick by putting up 462 combined (rushing/receiving) yards in the Bengals' final three games.

So, with a perfect storm, the Bengals could be one of the top offenses in the NFL in 2009. However, the opposite could happen and the team could have a complete meltdown. As much as any other in the NFL, this group has as much of a chance to be either a monumental success or failure in 2009.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 03:49 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Changes to Bengals offense in '09?

Expect the Bengals' offense to look a little different in 2009 as they incorporate some new (secret) changes to the offense, per Chick Ludwig of the Dayton Daily News.

Offensive coordinator Bob Bratkowski won't go into the details saying you'll "have to wait and see."

“We are going to be different. We’ve got some things that are changed, and we have things that are very similar, too," said Bratkowski. "There are a lot of things we had on film that we’re going to be doing, and doing a lot better.”

“We’re still running Brat’s offense,” quarterback Carson Palmer said. “There’s really just a few new wrinkles. He’s inserted some different ideas and some different schemes to replace and fill in for some of the things we’ve cut out.”

Although the Bengals finished as the worst-ranked offense in the league (245.4 yards per game), they have a healthy Carson Palmer, a healthy and motivated Chad Ochocinco and Cedric Benson, who finished the year strong.

In fact, Benson had 462 combined rushing and receiving yards in the final three games (all wins) of the season.

With or without new wrinkles, the Bengals offense should be dramatically better than it was in 2008.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 11:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Ochocinco won't stay with the Palmers

A few weeks back, Bengals receiver Chad Ochocinco said his relationship with quarterback Carson Palmer is "like Brokeback Mountain." He even went on to say that he's "going to be the nanny" for Carson's twins.

If for some reason, you actually believed what Ochocinco was saying, Carson's wife Shaelyn isn't going to let Ochocinco stay with them.

“As soon as I walked in the door from work the other day, she just gave me that look,” Palmer said. “I’m like, ‘Whoa, calm down. It’s media stuff. It’s Chad being Chad.’

“I told her, ‘Don’t worry. I haven’t made any commitments to having to clear out the boxes in the (spare) room to make a bed for him. Don’t worry about that. It’s not going to happen.’ ”

Although he won't be hosting Ochocinco, Palmer did say that Ochocinco, who predicted the Bengals will make the playoffs, is "back to that form, to that shape, that he was in previous years.”

“I felt good. I dropped the ball but I’m human. But I look good,” Ochocinco said.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 12:40 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Chad says he and Carson like "Brokeback Mountain..."?

In a phone interview with Geoff Hobson of Bengals.com, Chad Ochocinco provides plenty of quotes. But Chad has never struggled with talking the talk.

The question will be can he walk the walk after his struggles last season (53 receptions for 540 yards), which he blames on an intense off-season of doing nothing.

"The defense is sick now they're so good and we'll be better on offense because I'll be better," Ochocinco said. "I'm in unbelievable shape. I can run the Boston Marathon without stopping."

"I know people are trying to say we're mad at each other and all that, but we're good," he said. "We're like Brokeback Mountain. I'm going to be with Carson so much in July that I'm going to be the nanny (for his new twins).

"I'm going to babysit. We were getting down to the details. If he and the wife go out, they have to be back by three. I asked for permission to have company over."

With the "Brokeback Mountain" quote, it provides for a whole new context for when they film the HBO series Hard Knocks in Cincinnati this summer.

"I need the fans to embrace me. I know people are mad at me. I read the message boards, but I've apologized 85 times," Ochocinco said. "If they can embrace me, I can spread my wings and be myself. When they're mad at me, I don't know if I can be myself. I'm an emotional guy. I want them to know that I love them and I want to win. I want to be on point with everybody on the team and win. I know I've been frustrated when we haven't won. Maybe now when I vent, I should just do it to the fans on the message boards."

Chad, you have an open invitation to use our message boards. In fact, I'll give you a free lifetime subscription.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 06:14 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Boom or bust for Bengals in 2009?

Former Bengals QB Boomer Esiason believes that his former team has a shot to be the Arizona Cardinals of 2009, per Joe Reedy of the Cincinnati Enquirer.

"With the three wide receivers they have and the quarterback they have, they can be as exciting as the Cardinals offensively if they get things rolling right," Esiason said.

However, Esiason worries about first-round pick Andre Smith and his level of maturity considering the series of events that surrounded his Combine workout or, more precisely, his lack of a workout.

"I worry about Carson Palmer because that's his right tackle and they're asking that kid to step on to the field and go up against some pretty good pass rushers. Whether they try to run the ball with Cedric Benson or whatever they do, it's still going to be a passing team with Chris Henry, Laveranues Coles and Ochocinco."

Esiason believes a good start is critical for the Bengals with the head cases that they have.

"They have to get off to a good start because when you have wacky players, those wacky players get really wacky when you start losing," Esiason said. "I think there are players that are mentally strong on this team, the coaching staff is mentally strong, but I think the first sign of negativity there are players on this team that will just completely jump out of the foxhole."

Their first five games of the season, three of which are on the road, are against the Broncos, Packers, Steelers, Browns and Ravens.

Anything could happen on any given Sunday, but a 2-3 record through five games seems about right. And I would be more inclined to say that a 1-4 start is more likely than a 3-2 start.

So, as Esiason says, we may see a lot of Bengals "jump out of the foxhole" by mid-October.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 01:32 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Ochocinco to show for Bengals' mini-camp

Although Bengals QB Carson Palmer has used the phrase "Chad's pretty much gone," Ochocinco says he'll be at the team's mini-camp.

“Of course, why not go and show off the product?” said Ochocinco of the upcoming minicamp. “Why not leave my coaches mouths wide open?”

“I’m sure all the people in Cincinnati think I’m really not doing that much but you’ll see the results with the work I’m putting in right now.”

Chad can talk, which he does well and often, but coach Marvin Lewis says he needs to prove it once he shows.

“When he gets here I will judge how much football I even allow him to do until he proves that he’s in the shape the rest of our players are in,” Lewis said.

Ochocinco says that he's got that eye of the tiger back. In fact, he's even sparred with former featherweight champion Kevin Kelley.

“From 1997-99, I was hungry. Since then it got a little too easy for me,” Ochocinco said. “I wouldn’t say I stopped working hard but that hunger wasn’t like it used to be. Right now it’s back. It’s back 10 times worse than what it was before I got to the league.”

Last year, Ochocinco had only 53 receptions for 540 yards and four touchdowns.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 06:58 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Is Palmer changing his tune on Ochocinco?

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer seems to be backtracking on his comments about Bengals receiver Chad Ochocinco.

About 10 days ago, Palmer told Sirius NFL Radio that "Chad's pretty much gone."

Now Palmer tells Joe Reedy of the Cincinnati Enquirer that the Bengals still need Ochocinco

"He's a damn good receiver - that's obvious, everybody knows that - but the guys that are working here and busting their butt here deserve a shot," Palmer said. "When he shows up he'll show up and hopefully he's in great shape and he's ready to play.

"But I never once said anything about not wanting him here and not needing him. He's a Pro Bowl receiver. He's put up a ton of yards. He's extremely dangerous to cover. We would love him when he comes here, but he's not here right now."

There is one reason why the Bengals shouldn't trade Ochocinco and it's purely selfish. I want to see the interactions of Ochocinco with Palmer and coach Marvin Lewis during training camp on HBO's Hard Knocks.

Otherwise, if the Bengals want to win football games, which is questionable, they should find a willing trade partner and move on.

Hindsight is 20-20, but they surely regret not pulling the trigger when they had the opportunity to move him last year for two first-rounders.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 09:11 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Carson says Ocho Cinco's "pretty much gone"

Per Joe Reedy of the Cincinnati Enquirer, Bengals QB Carson Palmer said on Sirius NFL Radio that Chad Ochocinco is "pretty much gone."

“It‘s definitely a new look for the Bengals receiver corps but I couldn't be happier with the guys we've got,” Palmer said. “T.J.’s (Houshmandzadeh) gone and Chad's pretty much gone, he hasn't been here, so we've got guys that want those two spots, guys that compete day in and day out, when we're out there on the field, running, conditioning and in the weight room lifting. They’re guys that want to take over for those two spots. They look every bit capable of doing what we're going to ask them to do.”

Palmer went on to say that Chris Henry has "turned his life around" and that he's "taken over" Chad's spot and "does not want to give" that up.

“We've got Chris Henry … He's a guy that's had a great offseason, really turned his life around. I'm excited to watch him play. He's a guy that seems like he catches a touchdown every other ball that's thrown to him, he's that explosive. He's kind of taken over for Chad's position and he's a guy that, like I said earlier, does not want to give up that spot right now.”

Ochocinco is currently working out in L.A. and is expected to appear at the team's mandatory mini-camp in June (18-20), according to Reedy.

In the off-season, the Bengals lost T.J. Houshmandzadeh to the Seahawks and signed Laverneus Coles.

Last year, Ochocinco finished with 53 receptions for 540 yards.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 07:36 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Four late-round impact rookies?

In his latest Sunday at the Post column for the National Football Post, Michael Lombardi noted four players who were drafted in the fourth round or later of this year's draft who might make immediate impacts for their teams.

The players are Oakland WR Louis Murphy (fourth round, 124th overall), Chicago CB D.J. Moore (fourth round, 119th overall), Indinapolis DT Terrance Taylor (fourth round, 136th overall) and Cincinnati P Kevin Huber (fifth round, 142nd overall).

Murphy expected to be drafted in the first or second round based on conversations with teams. Scout.com ranked him as the tenth best wide receiver, but he was the 18th WR selected in the draft.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 08:39 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Bengals officially next team featured on HBO's Hard Knocks

It's official.

Per the Cincinnati Enquirer, the Cincinnati Bengals will be the featured team on the 2009 version of HBO's "Hard Knocks: Training Camp" show.

In April, it was widely-reported that HBO had selected the Bengals for the next season of the show. The first episode will air on August 12th at 10 p.m.

This will be the fifth season in the series of the HBO show. The Baltimore Ravens were the first (2001) followed by the Dallas Cowboys (2002), Kansas City Chiefs (2007) and Dallas Cowboys again (2008).

Bengals coach Marvin Lewis was defensive coordinator for the Ravens in 2001 so he should know what to expect.

“One of the major reasons we did it was people thought of us a certain way. People felt like we had a bunch of characters but I wanted to show that we were a team of character,” said [former Ravens coach Brian] Billick.

If you're expecting the Bengals to show that they're a "team of character," don't hold your breath.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 08:52 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Bengals trade Orien Harris for Brian Leonard

The Cincinnati Bengals have traded defensive tackle Orien Harris to the St. Louis Rams for running back Brian Leonard yesterday.

Leonard, who was drafted in the second round by the Rams in 2007 as a fullback, had more than 4500 rushing yards while at Rutgers. He was an unselfish player that transitioned from running back to fullback when he was a senior and Ray Rice was a freshman.

The Bengals will use Leonard primarily as a third-down back.

"I'm looking forward to that. I feel I've got a lot of skills. Catch the ball out of the backfield and run the ball," Leonard said. "I don't think I'm a regular, every-down fullback to just go in there and blow up, but if they want me to do that, that's what I'll do."

Leonard has a much better opportunity to earn a starting job playing behind Cedric Benson in Cincinnati than he ever would have behind Steven Jackson in St. Louis.

Harris, who's the younger brother of tackle Kwame Harris, will work into the defensive tackle rotation with Darrell Scott in St. Louis behind starters Adam Carriker and Clifton Ryan.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 08:47 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Bengals sign Roy Williams

Not only did the Cincinnati Bengals release tackle Levi Jones today, they signed safety Roy Williams, who was released by the Dallas Cowboys this off-season.

Williams only played three games last year before breaking his forearm and ending the season on the injured reserve. And since the Cowboys switched to a 3-4 defense, Williams has struggled in pass coverage.

However, he'll now be reunited with defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer. Williams played well (and close to the line of scrimmage) in Zimmer's 4-3 scheme in Dallas.

Williams, the Cowboys first-round pick in 2002, earned four trips to Hawaii in the five years he spent in Zimmer's system.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 07:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Bengals release Levi Jones

The Cincinnati Bengals have released left tackle Levi Jones, who was due to earn $3 million in 2009.

Jones, who was the team's first-round pick in 2002, has appeared in 94 games (89 starts) in his career. Jones missed six games last season.

After drafting tackle Andre Smith with the sixth overall pick, the oft-injured tackle became expendable.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 05:50 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Eric Ghiaciuc signs with Chiefs

The Kansas City Chiefs have signed center Eric Ghiaciuc, who was an unrestricted free agent.

Ghiaciuc, who was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in fourth round in 2005, has started 42 games for the Bengals over the past four seasons.

The Bengals drafted Jonathan Luigs from Arkansas in the fourth round this year. The Chiefs have two other centers on their roster: Wade Smith and Rudy Niswanger.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 06:37 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Shayne Graham signs franchise tender

Cincinnati Bengals kicker Shayne Graham has signed his franchise tender and will receive a guaranteed 2009 salary of $2.483 million, which is the average of the league's five highest-paid kickers.

“We’re happy Shayne is signed in advance of our offseason camps,” head coach Marvin Lewis said, “and this does not preclude our continuing to talk to Shayne and his representatives about reaching a longer-term agreement.”

Teams and franchise players can negotiate longer-term contracts until July 15th. Otherwise, they'll have to wait until after the 2009 season.

Graham ranks fourth all-time in the NFL for field goal accuracy (85.6 percent).

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 06:33 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Hard Knocks Cincinnati

HBO is following up the Dallas Cowboys Hard Knocks (training camp reality series) with a Cincinnati Bengals' version in 2009.

NFL training camps begin in late-July so the episodes should be begin appearing shortly after that.

With a Bengals' roster full of knuckleheads and malcontents, we get a glimpse into the real-life drama that head coach Marvin Lewis has to deal with on a daily basis.

If Chad Ocho Cinco wants out bad enough, who knows what he can/will do?

There's only one way for HBO to be able to top the 2009 series. Hard Knocks Oakland Raiders in 2010?

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 06:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Bengals cut Kenny Perry, Levi Jones likely to be next

Per Joe Reedy of the Cincinnati Enquirer, the Cincinnati Bengals have released RB Kenny Perry, the Bengals' first-round pick in 2004 out of Michigan.

The Bengals currently have running backs Cedric Benson and Kenny Watson on the roster from last year. And they drafted Bernard Scott out of Abilene Christian yesterday in the sixth round.

In his five seasons with the team since being drafted, Perry has played in only 35 games and missed all of the 2007 season.

Last year, Perry rushed for 269 yards on 104 carries (2.6 yards per carry). He scored two touchdowns and lost three of his five fumbles.

In addition to cutting Perry, the next victim is likely to be tackle Levi Jones.

“Prior to the owner’s meeting the team said he was going to be traded before or during the draft and if nothing happened there they would release him,” [Jones' agent Kenneth] Zuckerman said. “It wasn’t us asking this. Levi isn’t asking for this. This is all brought up by them.”

Jones, who started at left tackle for the past seven seasons, will be replaced by the Bengals' first-round pick (Andre Smith from Alabama).

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 07:14 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

And with the sixth-overall pick...

The Cincinnati Bengals have selected Andre Smith, OT from Alabama.

Smith had some character issues (suspended for Bowl game, didn't work out - and disappeared - at the NFL combine, out of shape for his pro day workout, etc.), but he was as good as any tackle on tape.

He won the Outland Trophy last year given to the nation's best lineman.

Oakland is on the clock. See all 2009 NFL Draft Picks.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 04:51 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Bengals (again) not trading Ocho Cinco

Cincinnati Bengals coach Marvin Lewis says that disgruntled wide receiver Chad Ocho Cinco won't get traded.

After the Bengals stood pat last off-season and turned down an deal for two first-round picks, there is no reason to not believe Lewis.

"I don't know why people continue with the speculation of moving Chad," Lewis said. "Many times we've reiterated, I don't know if we're keeping count on this, Chad's not getting moved. ... I don't know if any team that goes through a draft doesn't draft a wideout. I'm sure there will be at least 32 receivers picked in this draft by 32 teams. Chances are we probably take a wideout at some point in the draft."

"You're going to carry a glut of those guys and if we can get a guy that could help us and give us some upside, I think that would be helpful," Lewis said. "It would not (impact The Ocho). I don't think we're going to pick a guy that's going to be better than Chad. I haven't seen that guy yet."

The Bengals currently have Laveranues Coles, Chris Henry, Andre Caldwell, Jerome Simpson and Chad Ocho Cinco on the roster at wideout.

Ocho Cinco, who injured his shoulder last pre-season and was unhappy all season, had his worst year since his rookie campaign. He finished the season with 53 receptions and 540 yards.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 07:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Leon Hall has limited ability to drive

Other than going to and from work (with the Cincinnati Bengals) or medical appointments, cornerback Leon Hall won't be allowed to drive.

Hall was arrested for DUI earlier in the month. He had a blood alcohol concentration of .149, which is nearly double the state of Ohio's legal limit of .08.

“He stated that his wife had told him that he needed to get home because she was having a baby,” Trooper N.J. Pabin wrote. “Mr. Hall admitted that he had been drinking.”

The case for Hall will be continued on May 11th.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 12:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Bengals claim Gary Russell off waivers

Running back Gary Russell, who was released by the Pittsburgh Steelers on Thursday, will remain in the AFC North.

The Cincinnati Bengals claimed Russell off waivers yesterday.

Russell had 28 carries for 77 yards and three touchdowns in the regular season. He added two more touchdowns in the post-season.

He's expected to be the primary back-up to Cedric Benson next year.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 09:25 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Ocho Cinco to remain a Bengal for 2009?

Ever since Chad Ocho Cinco, the Bengals' receiver formerly known as Chad Johnson, didn't show up for the Bengals' off-season workout program, speculation about his future with the team has run rampant.

After all, he had previously stated that he would attend everything.

A false report on Bleacher Report had him in Oakland and then ESPN's Michael Smith talked about the possibility of Ocho Cinco landing in Philly.

The Cincinnati Enquirer believes that since Ocho Cinco and his agent (Drew Rosenhaus) aren't publicly expressing their interest in being anywhere other than Cincy like they did last year that he'll likely remain in Cincinnati in 2009.

Per the Enquirer, Bengals coach Marvin Lewis issued a challenge to Ocho Cinco at the owner's meetings last month:

"In order to get back to being the Chad Johnson that everybody feared, he was a guy who worked very, very hard at his craft. And if you don't do that, it falls away very quickly and people forget about you."

Playing with a torn labrum in his shoulder, Ocho Cinco had his worst season in 2009. He had 53 receptions for 540 yards and four touchdowns. Last season ended his streak of six consecutive 1000-yard receiving seasons.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 08:18 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Leon Hall pleads not guilty to DUI charges

Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Leon Hall was arrested Sunday on DUI charges where his blood alcohol concentration was nearly double the state's legal limit of .08.

Hall's attorney Ed Perry entered a not guilty plea for Hall. By entering a plea of not guilty, Hall can try to persuade the judge to reduce the sentence.

According to KYPost.com, the cruiser cam showed that Hall claimed to be rushing home because his wife was having a baby.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 09:16 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Leon Hall arrested for DUI

Apparently, the situation of Donte' Stallworth, receiver for the cross-state rival Browns, didn't teach Bengals cornerback Leon Hall anything. Stallworth, who is being charged with DUI manslaughter, hit and killed Mario Reyes while under the influence.

The Cincinnati Bengals, who have established a reputation for their players to get in trouble with the law, haven't had an arrest for nearly a year.

That is, until Sunday morning when Hall was arrested on DUI charges. Per Ohio police, Hall had a blood alcohol concentration of .149 (.08 is the Ohio legal limit).

He is scheduled to appear in court Friday.

Hall, who was the Bengals' first-round pick in 2007, was third on the team in tackles (75) and first in interceptions (3) in 2008.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 08:44 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Bengals sign Tank Johnson

With several teams changing to a character-first philosophy, the Cincinnati Bengals are up to their old tricks.

The Bengals have signed free-agent Tank Johnson to a deal believed to be for the league minimum.

"Tank had a good meeting with the Bengals last Thursday and is excited to play for Marvin Lewis, (defensive coordinator) Mike Zimmer and (defensive line coach) Jay Hayes," Johnson's agent, Jerrold Colton, said this afternoon.

Johnson, who was suspended by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell for eight games in 2007 for a gun violation, played 24 games over the past two seasons with the Cowboys. He has struggled in the Cowboys' 3-4 scheme. However, the Bengals use a 4-3 defense.

He also played in a 4-3 defense with the Bears, who drafted him in the second-round in 2004.

The Bengals finished 12th in the NFL in total yards (325.5) allowed per game. However, they ranked only 21st in rushing defense (120.1 ypg).

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 06:39 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Ocho Cinco could miss out on $250k bonus

Cincinnati Bengals WR Chad Ocho Cinco, who previously said he'd be at all off-season workouts, has been a no-show for the first week of the team's voluntary off-season workout program.

Per James Walker of ESPN.com, Ocho Cinco's absence may cost him $250,000 by not reaching a contract incentive he would receive for attending the workout program.

Despite a rumor that originated on Bleacher Report, it was confirmed by Joe Reedy of The Cincinnati Enquirer that Ocho Cinco is not being traded to Oakland.

Ocho Cinco isn't worth the drama. The Bengals have to be kicking themselves for not accepting the rumored trade proposal involving two first-rounders from Washington last year. But the Bengals should give him a one-way ticket out of Cincinnati and put the distractions he creates behind them.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 05:42 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Palmer's elbow 100%, Ocho Cinco absent from workouts

Today was the start of the Cincinnati Bengals' off-season workout program. The program is voluntary, but Chad Ocho Cinco, who previously said he would attend all off-season programs, was a no-show.

Bengals QB Carson Palmer, who says his elbow is 100%, was there.

“I’m not worried about him. I’m worried about the guys we have here,” said Palmer when asked about Ocho Cinco. “The guys that want to be here and want to work now are the guys in the locker room and here today and here this offseason. I’m not going to worry about anyone else.”

With the exception of Ocho Cinco, all Bengals' wide receivers including Laverneus Coles were present today.

In fact, Palmer and receivers Jerome Simpson and Andre Caldwell (both drafted by the Bengals in 2008) have spent the past month working together in California.

“For them to be in the shape they’re in and to be as mechanically sound as they are at this time of the year and this far away from the season is exciting,” Palmer said. “It shows the dedication, work ethic and their desire to want to be great receivers. They’re young, talented guys who have a very bright future if they do the right things and they’ve done the right things which is get in shape now and work on their games individually, which is what makes me excited as a quarterback.”

Last year, Caldwell had seven receptions for 78 yards and Simpson had only one reception for two yards.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 07:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Will Chad Ocho Cinco keep his word?

The Cincinnati Bengals begin their off-season workouts tomorrow. Joe Reedy of The Cincinnati Enquirer wonders whether or not Chad Ocho Cinco be present.

Bengals coach Marvin Lewis gave an indirect answer.

"I plan on everyone to be here until I hear that they're not," Lewis said. "Now, there are some guys in weddings or classes who won't be here the first week but will the second, and vice versa. We should be at 90 percent or better in terms of attendance."

As Reedy points out, Ocho Cinco said that he would attend all off-season activities unlike last year when he was doing everything in his power to get traded and didn't show up until June.

Lewis hopes that Ocho Cinco won't repeat what happened last off-season.

"I know Chad learned a valuable lesson from last season. Hopefully he will not have a repeat of that," Lewis said during last week's league meetings. "Chad has to get himself back to where he was. We haven't changed. Offensively we have to do things to get the ball to Chad, to push the ball down the field. ... Chad has to make sure he prepares himself physically in the offseason so that when we get started and play games in September, he's ready to go."

Last year, Ocho Cinco, who separated his shoulder and tore his labrum in the pre-season, had his least productive year of his career. He finished with only 53 receptions for 540 yards in 12 games.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 02:34 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Zimmer says Williams has "good workout"

Two weeks ago, the Dallas Cowboys released safety Roy Williams. Yesterday, he worked out for the Cincinnati Bengals and Mike Zimmer, his former defensive coordinator.

"It was a good workout. I wanted to evaluate him from when I remembered him," Zimmer said. "He's still got some quickness."

Williams earned four Pro Bowl appearances in Zimmer's 4-3 defensive scheme, where he was allowed to play closer to the line of scrimmage. Williams made the Pro Bowl in 2007 after Zimmer switched to a 3-4 defense. Under the 3-4 scheme utilized by Wade Phillips, Williams has often gotten burned in coverage.

After breaking his forearm, Williams only played three games in 2008. In his career, he has 512 tackles in 98 games, 6.5 sacks and 19 interceptions.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 11:49 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Bengals cut 4 players including Dexter Jackson

The Cincinnati Bengals have cut 4 players including safety Dexter Jackson. In addition to Jackson, they cut G James Blair, CB Marcus Brown and DE Victor DeGrate.

Jackson has spent the past 3 seasons with the Bengals and has also played for the Bucs and Cardinals. In 2008, Jackson played only 3 games for the Bengals due to injuries and he never played more than 14 in his 3 years with the team.

He had 21 tackles and no interceptions in 2008. Jackson was the last defensive player to win Super Bowl MVP when he helped the Bucs win Super Bowl XXXVII over the Oakland Raiders.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 11:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Coles, Bengals agree to deal

The Cincinnati Bengals have found their replacement for T.J. Houshmandzadeh, who departed to the Seattle Seahawks. Yesterday the Bengals signed WR Laverneus Coles to a 4-year, $28 million contract.

Coles asked for the Jets to restructure his contract so that he could become a free agent. After no interest from Bill Parcells and the Dolphins, it appeared that Coles made a costly mistake in letting the Jets off the hook for a guaranteed $6 million, which is what he was due this year.

Pairing Coles with Ocho Cinco will allow Chris Henry to be the 3rd WR.

Coles had 70 receptions for 850 yards and 7 TDs in 2008.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 06:09 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Bengals re-sign Benson for 2 more years

The Cincinnati Bengals, who lost T.J. Houshmandzadeh to the Seahawks yesterday, and free-agent RB Cedric Benson agreed to a 2-year, $7 million contract. According to Adam Schefter of the NFL Network, Benson agreed to the deal while he was in Houston visiting the Texans.

“Cedric was a great addition for us last year,” said Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis, “and we’re looking to see him pick up right where he left off.”

“Cedric was recognized as an elite talent coming out of college,” Lewis said. “His years in Chicago weren’t what he hoped for, but he was able to give us a lift on the field and be a great presence in the locker room. He earned everyone’s respect, and we’re excited to let him continue to grow in our system.”

Benson, who was drafted 4th overall by the Bears in 2005, had career highs in carries (214) and rushing yards (747) in the 12 games he played for the Bengals last year. He also had 20 receptions for 185 yards.

In the final 2 games of the season, Benson rushed for 282 yards on 63 carries and had 2 of his 3 100-yard games to close out the season. However, those 2 games were against weak competition (Browns and Chiefs).

It's surprising to hear Cedric Benson and "great presence in the locker room" in the same sentence, but after all, this is the Bengals' locker room.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 07:42 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

T.J. Houshmandzadeh signs with Seahawks

After meeting with the Seattle Seahawks and Minnesota Vikings, T.J. Houshmandzadeh decided to leave Cincinnati even though his QB Carson Palmer was lobbying him to stay. He had planned on making his decision over the weekend, but needed to sleep on it for another day.

It appeared as though the Vikings were the team most likely to land the biggest WR prize in free agency. Instead, it was the Seahawks.

Houshmandzadeh, 31, agreed to a 5-year, $40 million contract with $15 million in guaranteed money.

That seems like a steep price for a guy who is more of a possession receiver and not a true #1 WR, which he will be in Seattle. Houshmadzadeh, however, is consistent and has the most receptions (372) of any receiver in the past 4 seasons. And he's a good fit for the precision passing game of a West Coast offense.

Houshmandzadeh was selected in the 7th round of the 2001 NFL draft by the Bengals. In fact, the Bengals selected Chad Johnson (2nd round) and Rudi Johnson (4th round) in the same draft. Both Johnson and Houshmandzadeh played for Oregon State together.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 09:53 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Houshmandzadeh needs another day to decide

Entering free agency, Bengals WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh hoped to make his decision on where he would play in 2009 (and beyond) by the end of the weekend.

After being wined and dined by the Vikings (among other teams), Minnesota appears to be the favorite. But a decision won't be made until tomorrow.

“If I can play with Adrian Peterson, can you imagine what I would do getting one-on-one coverage?” Houshmandzadeh said. “I'm going to win 98.6 percent of the time with one-on-one coverage with him in the backfield.”

Cincinnati has made an offer to Houshmandzadeh and his agent, Kenneth McGuire, has been in contact with the Bengals too. Per Joe Reedy of the Cincinnati Enquirer, the offer made to Houshmandzadeh is north of the Giants' offer to Plaxico Burress (5 years, $35 million) last year.

No WR has more receptions since 2005 than does Houshmandzadeh (372).

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 10:31 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Bengals franchise kicker; Houshmandzadeh done in Cincy?

The Cincinnati Bengals franchised their kicker Shayne Graham, who will receive a salary of $2.48 million (average of top 5 kickers) in 2009.

Other teams can pursue Graham, however, if he agrees to a deal elsewhere, that team would have to compensate the Bengals with 2 first-round draft picks. So, in other words, Graham will be staying put.

But the Bengals and Graham still have the opportunity to work out a long-term deal by July 15th.

Graham's 682 points is second all-time on the Bengals scoring list behind Jim Breech (1,151).

The Bengals could have franchised WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh for a 2009 salary of $9.88 million. In fact, QB Carson Palmer bet Houshmandzadeh that he'd be franchised.

"I got to call him now," Houshmandzadeh said, "and tell him he owes me money."

Graham has been a consistent player, but I expected the Bengals to tag Houshmandzadeh. Even without Palmer for the majority of the year, Houshmandzadeh was solid and steady (92 receptions, 904 yards, 4 TDs).

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 08:06 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Stacy Andrews ahead of schedule

Cincinnati Bengals tackle Stacy Andrews, who suffered a torn ACL in December, is ahead of schedule on his rehabilitation. Initially, he was expected to be ready for training camp, but not before.

Now he's shooting to be ready for the team's mini-camp in June. That it, provided they work out a deal to bring him back.

"I see myself no longer as a question mark but as an exclamation point. I've wiped out those questions and doubts about me over the past couple seasons," Andrews said. "I would love to be back here. That's my priority right now. Hopefully we can get everything dialed in and get something done."

Andrews will become a free agent on February 27th if the team and player don't agree to a deal before then. The team and Andrews' agent Rich Moran have been negotiating for the past 3 weeks.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 07:13 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Houshmandzadeh to leave the circus Cincinnati?

The deadline to place the franchise tag on an NFL player is 4 p.m. on February 19th. If the Cincinnati Bengals don't franchise WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh before then or re-sign him before February 27th, Houshmandzadeh will become an unrestricted free agent (UFA).

If the Bengals franchise him, his salary would be $9.88 million in 2009. However, coach Marvin Lewis has said that he would prefer not to tag any players.

Does Houshmandzadeh think he'll be back in Cincinnati?

"I really don't know. I can't speak for them but I haven't heard from them which would lead me to assume that I'm out of there," Houshmandzadeh said on Thursday.

There are plenty of teams that would be interested in Houshmandzadeh if he were to become a UFA. As the Cincinnati Enquirer points out, the Titans, the Bears, the Eagles, the Jaguars, the Giants (if they cut ties with Plaxico) and the Seahawks all could use a #1 WR.

But when T.J. was on ESPN 950 earlier in the week, he made it sound as though Philly is his first choice.

"If the Eagles are interested in me, let's put it like this. If they'll be interested in me, I'll be interested in them," he said when asked if the Eagles would be his top choice.

"Did you watch the Eagles and the Bengals game during the season? I was just giving Andy Reid...an interview in person," Houshmandzadeh said. "That's all I was doing. I was giving him a three-month interview ahead of time. That's all."

For what it's worth (and probably not much), Chad "Ocho Cinco" Johnson says that he needs Houshmandzadeh "like Hugh Hefner needs playmates."

Houshmandzadeh was one of the team's lone bright spots in 2009. Despite Carson Palmer's elbow injury, he still put up solid numbers with Harvard-grad Ryan Fitzpatrick starting at QB.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 05:38 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Chad Johnson to be model teammate this off-season?

Is Cincinnati Bengals WR Chad "Ocho Cinco" Johnson ready to be a model teammate this off-season?

On team's prospects for success: "It can happen and with No. 9 (Carson Palmer) healthy we can do it in a hurry."

On his presence at voluntary mini-camp: "Whenever they want us there. Yeah, I'll be there," Ocho Cinco said. "I haven't really stopped working out since the end of the season. I feel good."

On not having surgery on shoulder: "If I needed it, I would have had it by now."

On how much he needs T.J. Houshmandzadeh, who's due to become a free agent: "...like Hugh Hefner needs playmates."

Ocho Cinco had 53 receptions for 540 yards and 4 TDs. In 13 games, he never recorded a 10-reception or 100-yard receiving game last season.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 08:21 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

2010 Super Bowl odds

The Pittsburgh Steelers won Super Bowl XLIII last night. Enjoy it. Ok...stop. Vegas is already looking ahead to 2009-2010.

Sportsbook.com has odds for Super Bowl XLIV in Miami on February 7, 2010 on its website.

Who's the favorite?

The Patriots have 8-1 odds.

Here are the rest:

10-1: Steelers, Cowboys, Giants, Colts
12-1: Ravens, Titans, Panthers, Eagles, Chargers
25-1: Packers, Saints, Vikings
30-1: Jaguars, Jets, Cardinals, Bucs, Falcons, Broncos
40-1: Bears, Texans, Bills, Redskins, Dolphins
50-1: Seahawks
60-1: Browns, Bengals, 49ers
100-1: Chiefs, Raiders, Rams, Lions

See past Super Bowl winners.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 06:51 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Bengals LB Keith Rivers looking for big 2009

Cincinnati Bengals rookie LB Keith Rivers had his season cut short when Steelers WR Hines Ward, the best blocking WR in the NFL, broke Rivers' jaw. (Click here to see Hines Ward block on Bart Scott.)

Rivers, who was selected 9th overall by the Bengals last year, expects to have a big year in 2009.

"I was disappointed about the injury. There were some goals that I was hoping to achieve that got dashed," Rivers said. "The good thing was I was able to get better each week. My first game was awful, and I missed a couple tackles. But after that, I think I missed only one or two tackles the rest of the season."

The Bengals defense actually played well this year finishing 12th in overall defense (325.5 ypg allowed). However, they finished tied with the Browns for 30th in sacks (17). Only the Chiefs had fewer (10).

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 10:38 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Week 17 playoff scenarios

I can't recall an NFL season in recent memory with so many important matchups to decide entry into the post-season party like we have had last week and this week. Then again, I can't remember what I did 2 hours ago.

In any event, let's take a look at the current playoff picture. For simplicity sake, we ignore the possibility of a second tie this season.

Teams fall into 4 categories - playoff bound/seed locked, playoff bound/seed TBD, on playoff bubble and eliminated.

AFC Teams:

Playoff bound/seed locked:
Tennessee Titans (1), Pittsburgh Steelers (2), Indianapolis Colts (5)

Playoff bound/seed TBD:
none

On playoff bubble:
Miami Dolphins: Win AFC East and clinch 3 seed with win over Jets. A Dolphins' loss eliminates them from the playoffs.

New England Patriots: Win AFC East and clinch 3 seed with win over Bills and Jets win over Dolphins. Bill Belichick stopped short of saying he'd root for the Jets, but that's what he will be doing. If the Dolphins and Pats win, the Pats will get the 6 seed with a Ravens' loss.

New York Jets: Win AFC East and clinch 3 seed with win over Dolphins and Pats' loss to Buffalo. Loss to Dolphins eliminates Jets' hopes. If the Jets and Pats win, the Jets will get the 6 seed if the Ravens lose.

Baltimore Ravens: Clinch 6 seed with a win over Jaguars or a Patriots loss to Buffalo and a Jets loss to Dolphins.

Denver Broncos: Win AFC West and clinch 4 seed with win over Chargers. Loss eliminates Broncos.

San Diego Chargers: same as Denver Broncos.

Eliminated:
Buffalo Bills, Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns, Houston Texans, Jacksonville Jaguars, Kansas City Chiefs, Oakland Raiders

Continue reading "Week 17 playoff scenarios" »

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 12:22 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Carson Palmer surgery decision coming soon...

Carson Palmer should know soon whether or not his elbow will require surgery. He expects to be able to increase his throwing distance from 55 yards to 70 yards within a week. He will also judge his arm strength by the zip on his passes to WRs and will have an MRI.

"There is somewhat of a timeline," Palmer said Thursday. "I don't want to wait too long. Within the next couple weeks, I'll know. I don't want to wait until April, May and miss out on what's going to be going on. Within the next couple weeks, we should know. I'll have another MRI, and we'll check it out."

"I think I should be able to know just throwing routes to receivers," Palmer said, "and asking them, 'Do you feel like the ball is getting there quick? Does it feel like it's hanging in the air a little long?' "

I'm not sure I would want Ocho Cinco determining my fate if I were Carson Palmer.

"I was so leery to do the surgery because the feedback I got back was so negative because of the process of the rehab, the timing of the rehab and the success rate of the rehab," Palmer said. "So that's why I've been real leery of having to do it, and hopefully I don't have to do it. If we're going to gamble, it'd be on the surgery. The last thing I'd want to do is wait too long and have to have the surgery three months from now."

For the Bengals to have a shot to bounce back in 2009, the Bengals need (a healthy) Carson Palmer. Therefore, it's imperative that Palmer is timely in making his decision as he says he will be and not wait until the spring and not risk an unhealthy, un-sharp start to the '09 season.

In the 4 games Palmer played this year, he had his worst QB Rating (69.0), completion percentage (58.1%) and his worst TD:INT ratio (3:4).

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 07:45 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

AFC Playoff Picture

With 2 weeks to go, the AFC and NFC playoff races are interesting. We will take a team-by-team look at both conferences starting with the AFC. Here are current playoff seedings:

1. Tennessee Titans (12-2)
2. Pittsburgh Steelers (11-3)
3. New York Jets (9-5)
4. Denver Broncos (8-6)
5. Indianapolis Colts (10-4)
6. Baltimore Ravens (9-5)

AFC East:

New York Jets (9-5): The Jets win the division if they win out (at Seattle and vs Miami). Otherwise, they are 1 of 4 teams fighting for the 6th spot as the Colts are 10-4.

Miami Dolphins (9-5): The Dolphins win the division if they win out (at Kansas City and at NY Jets). Otherwise, they are 1 of 4 teams fighting for the 6th spot as the Colts are 10-4.

New England Patriots (9-5): The Patriots win the division if they win out (vs Arizona and at Buffalo) and the Dolphins and Jets both lose at least 1 game. Otherwise, they are 1 of 4 teams fighting for the 6th spot as the Colts are 10-4.

Buffalo Bills (6-8): Eliminated.

Continue reading "AFC Playoff Picture" »

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 08:18 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Carson Palmer to test arm

Carson Palmer hasn't thrown a football that mattered since week 5 of the NFL season in Dallas. But he will throw towards the end of this week and the outcome will determine whether or not he has reconstructive surgery.

"Like I keep saying, if I knew I had to have the surgery, I'd already have it done," Palmer said. "I'll see what the doctors say, have it checked out and go with a professional decision from a doctor."

"I'll just be starting to throw," he said. "You don't jump back on the bike and go off 10-foot jumps. You just kind of start 10-, 12-yard throws, 50 percent, 60 percent and so on, and then make a determination on the surgery — who knows? — a week, two weeks after that. It depends on how far in the progression I get."

The Bengals are 1-10-1 this season (0-4 with Palmer). Bengals' President Mike Brown thinks the Bengals will "rebound" with Palmer back. They will need a lot more than a healthy Carson Palmer.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 06:42 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

A look at the AFC playoff picture

With a month remaining on the NFL schedule, it's do-or-die time for several AFC teams. For others, this month will be an opportunity to jockey for playoff positioning.

Here are the current AFC standings:

1. Tennessee Titans (11-1)
2. Pittsbugh Steelers (9-3)
3. New York Jets (8-4)
4. Denver Broncos (7-5)
5. Indianapolis Colts (8-4)
6. Baltimore Ravens (8-4)

Let's take a look at every AFC team by division. Team records are in parenthesis.

AFC East:

New York Jets (8-4): The Jets would have the 3 seed if the season ended today, but play in the tightest division and just lost to the team that would be the 4 seed. The Jets have an easy (relative to Steelers, Dolphins and Pats) remaining schedule with road games in San Francisco and Seattle and home games against Buffalo and Miami.

New England Patriots (7-5): The Patriots have suffered season-ending injuries to Adalius Thomas, Rodney Harrison, Laurence Maroney and, of course, Tom Brady. Matt Cassel has filled in admirably and has essentially written himself a huge lottery ticket as he enters free agency in the off-season. The Pats play 3 of their remaining 4 on the road. If they make the playoffs, it's most likely as the #6 seed.

Miami Dolphins (7-5): The 'Fins trail the Colts and Ravens by 1 game and are tied with the Patriots in the playoff race. What a turnaround for a team that finished 1-15, has a first-year coach (Tony Sparano) and lost their best player (Jason Taylor). Like the Pats, they finish up with 3 of 4 road games.

Buffalo Bills (6-6): Despite their strong 5-1 start, the Bills will need a miracle to make Donte Whitner's playoff guarantee come true. However, history hasn't been kind to this franchise when it comes to miracles.

Continue reading "A look at the AFC playoff picture" »

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 03:09 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Chad Johnson back at practice after being de-activated

For the game against the Steelers last night, Chad "Ocho Cinco" Johnson was de-activated for supposedly falling asleep during a team meeting on Wednesday and then had a verbal altercation with Marvin Lewis.

Johnson was back with the team today, but will also be fined in addition to missing last night's game.

"I think, yeah, any time a player has a thing that occurs like that, you let your teammates down," Lewis said Friday. "I think any time that you have to sit a player down, it sends a message to players, because that's the only thing they get and understand."

"That's their livelihood, that's how they extend themselves, that's what they do and that's important to them. So when you take away playing time, that's the loudest voice they hear," Lewis said.

Johnson made public his desire to leave Cincinnati before the season began. The Bengals reportedly were offered two first-rounders and turned the offer down.

Johnson has had a disappointing season. He hasn't had more than 57 receiving yards in any game and has exceeded 5 receptions only once.

Although the Bengals will get less in return this upcoming off-season, they would foolish not to trade him.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 11:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

John Henderson missed practice with sprained MCL

John Henderson missed practice after spraining his MCL in a game against Cincinnati on Sunday.

It is not known if he will be suspended by the league for his fight with Bengals Andrew Whitworth.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 08:58 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Bengals to break franchise record for worst start?

With their lopsided loss against the Houston Texans yesterday, the Cincinnati Bengals are now 0-8 on the season. At least, they are consistent.

This is the 5th time in franchise history that they have started with an 0-8 record. In 1993, the Bungles set the franchise record for their worst start (0-10). The Bengals schedule doesn't get easier.

Here are their next 3 games: 11/2 vs Jacksonville, 11/16 vs Philadelphia and 11/20 at Pittsburgh.

The only consolation is that if the Bengals are 0-15 heading into week 17, they get to play the Kansas City Chiefs, who just might be worse than the Bengals.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 10:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Carson Palmer: done for year, to delay surgery?

ESPN is reporting that Carson Palmer is done for the year, but is delaying the decision to opt for Tommy John surgery. The report is that Tommy John surgery would repair the issue with his ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow.

Jake Delhomme, who had Tommy John surgery last year, has come back and is throwing the ball without problems this year. According to the report, Palmer's injury is not as bad as Delhomme's was so they are taking a more conservative approach.

However, the Cincinnati Bengals are 0-7 on the year. It would make sense to move forward with the surgery and get Palmer healthy sooner rather than later. Considering the issues that Tom Brady is having with his knee, it's a reminder that sometimes surgeries have complications. Although the surgeries would be different and each case is always unique, why not be proactive to better guarantee a healthy Palmer for the start of 2008?

On the year, Palmer has struggled when he was in the lineup. He has a QB Rating of 69.0 and has thrown more INTs (4) than he has TDs (3) on the year.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 02:49 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Carson Palmer to miss Steelers game

Carson Palmer is going to miss (at least another) week vs the Pittsburgh Steelers. Ryan Fitzpatrick will start in his place.

I'm not sure how serious Palmer's injury is. Last week, Lewis said that Palmer could play if necessary. Then I heard he would go to New York to see the Mets doctors since his injury is similar to baseball pitchers.

On the season, Carson Palmer and Ryan Fitzpatrick have both been awful. Carson Palmer has thrown 3 TDs to 4 INTs while completing only 58% of his passes. Ryan Fitzpatrick has a QB rating of only 57.7.

But it makes no sense to ~~play~~ risk Palmer when the Bengals are 0-6. No team has ever made the playoffs after such a bad start and the Bengals definitely won't be the first to do so.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 09:51 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

# 55 Keith Rivers? Worth $11,000?

Throughout his football career, Keith Rivers has worn #55. That is, until he was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals. Ahmad Brooks, troubled Bengals LB, already had #55. So, Rivers chose #58 and has been wearing it throughout training camp (once he signed) and the pre-season.

Then, the Cincinnati Bengals cut Brooks when trimming their roster to 53. (Brooks was signed by the San Francisco 49ers.)

To be expected, Rivers has asked to wear #55.

It appears Keith Rivers will be wearing No. 55, his USC number, instead of No. 58 by Sunday. Reebok's holding up the move asking Rivers to buy out the remaining stock of "58" jerseys, which reportedly is about $11,000 worth.

I think it's ridiculous for Reebok to charge Rivers $11,000 for unsold "58" jerseys. Donate them to a charity of something not that $11,000 would be a huge hit for Reebok to take anyways.

It makes no sense to run the risk of alienating Rivers by "nickling and diming" him. Would they do this to Chad Johnson, I mean Chad Ocho Cinco?

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 04:28 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

AFC North Preview

All four AFC North teams play half of their games versus teams that made the playoffs in 2007. The Steelers have the toughest schedule in the NFL (based on 2007 records), but the other 3 teams have a strength of schedule in the Top 8. Therefore, I expect one and only one team from the AFC North to make the post-season in 2009 (again).

PITTSBURGH STEELERS
Prediction: 8-8 | Team Home | Team Forum | Team Schedule

Overview: The Steelers have the strongest schedule in the NFL. In fact, the opponents fall into only 2 categories: division foe or team with a .500 record or better. I believe that the Steelers are the best team in the AFC North, however, with their schedule is reason for Steelers' fans to temper their enthusiasm about 2008. Arguably the 4 best teams in the NFL are the Patriots, Colts, Chargers and Cowboys. The Steelers play all 4 of those teams in a 5-week span beginning November 9th. The Steelers added a couple of playmakers with their first 2 draft picks this year: Rashard Mendenhall and Limas Sweed. However, their biggest question mark is how will the offensive line protect Big Ben, who was 2nd in the NFL in QB Rating (104.1) behind Tom Brady. The schedule is too tough to improve upon last year's 10-win season, but they will win enough games to win the division.

Interesting Stat/Fact: The Steelers allowed the fewest yards per game (266.4) last year.

Strength of Schedule: 2007 opponents were 153-103 (.598)

2007 Playoff Teams on Schedule (8): at Jacksonville, vs NY Giants, at Washington, vs Indianapolis, vs San Diego, at New England, vs Dallas, vs Tennessee

# of Wins Past 3 Years: 29 wins (9.7 per season)

CLEVELAND BROWNS
Prediction: 7-9 | Team Home | Team Forum | Team Schedule

Overview: The Cleveland Browns were the feel-good story of 2007. They went from 4 wins in 2006 to 10 wins in 2007. It was the first time they won double-digit games this decade and they made the biggest year-to-year improvement (6 games) of any team in the NFL. After a poor start (4-10, 1 INT) for Charlie Frye week 1, Frye was benched and traded to Seattle. Derek Anderson took over and had a Pro Bowl campaign. However, if you look closer at his numbers, you'll notice that in 4 games (week 2, 6, 8 and 10), Anderson threw 14 TDs and only 1 INT. However, in the other 12 games, he threw 15 TDs and 18 INTs. The Browns were third worst in the NFL last year in yards allowed (359.6 ypg), but they made two big additions to the defensive line: Shaun Rogers and Corey Williams. They have tons of playmakers (Braylon Edwards, Kellen Winslow, Josh Cribbs as return guy, etc.), but give up big plays too. I expect the Steelers to fend the Browns off again this year. And with the tough schedule for all AFC North teams, it's unrealistic to expect the wildcard to come out of the North. The Browns playoff drought continues although they have more talent (and tough opponents on their schedule) than my #6 seed.

Interesting Stat/Fact: Derek Anderson threw 10 INTs and 9 TDs in final 7 games of 2007. None of those 7 games were against playoff-bound opponents.

Strength of Schedule: 2007 opponents were 140-116 (.547)

2007 Playoff Teams on Schedule (8): vs Dallas, vs Pittsburgh, vs NY Giants, at Washington, at Jacksonville, vs Indianapolis, at Tennessee, at Pittsburgh

# of Wins Past 3 Years: 20 wins (6.7 per season)

CINCINNATI BENGALS
Prediction: 6-10 | Team Home | Team Forum | Team Schedule

Overview: Although Marvin Lewis was known for being a defensive coach, the Bengals strength is its offense. However, questions abound on offense. Chad Johnson (Ocho Cinco) has a torn labrum, T.J. Houshmandzadeh has naggin hamstring injury, Carson Palmer is recovering from a broken nose and the team cut (now Lions RB) Rudi Johnson, who came to camp with 16 pounds of added muscle but lingering health concerns. With their injuries at WR, they resorted to re-signing troubled WR Chris Henry, who will serve a suspension through week 4. With a 6-10 record in 2008, the question is will Marvin Lewis be back in 2009?

Interesting Stat/Fact: Chad Johnson has legally changed his name to Chad Javon Ocho Cinco. Now, can the NFL disallow him from putting "Ocho Cinco" on the back of his jersey?

Strength of Schedule: 2007 opponents were 140-116 (.547)

2007 Playoff Teams on Schedule (8): vs Tennessee, at NY Giants, at Dallas, vs Pittsburgh, vs Jacksonville, at Pittsburgh, at Indianapolis, vs Washington

# of Wins Past 3 Years: 26 wins (8.7 per season)

BALTIMORE RAVENS
Prediction: 5-11 | Team Home | Team Forum | Team Schedule

Overview: Their run defense was strong in 2007 allowing only 79.3 rushing ypg. Only the Vikings were better. However, they were in the bottom half in the league in passing yards allowed (222.3 ypg). Plus their defense didn't make plays. In 2007, they recorded a total of 25 interceptions and forced fumbles. Only 3 teams (Jets, 49ers and Eagles) did worse. On offense, they lack playmakers and an experienced QB. With Kyle Boller and Troy Smith out for the opener against Cincinnati, the Ravens have brought in Todd Bouman as a back-up QB as rookie Joe Flacco gets the start week 1. For the Ravens to make the post-season in 2008, their defense needs to bounce back in a big way. With the defense getting older and the uncertainty surrounding Ed Reed's health/status in week 1 (and more), 2008 will much more of the same...

Interesting Stat/Fact: Derrick Mason, who turned 34 in January, had the 1st 100-reception season of his career last year.

Strength of Schedule: 2007 opponents were 141-115 (.551)

2007 Playoff Teams on Schedule (8): at Pittsburgh, vs Tennessee, at Indianapolis, at NY Giants, vs Washington, vs Pittsburgh, at Dallas, vs Jacksonville

# of Wins Past 3 Years: 25 wins (8.3 per season)

Check back for other 6 division previews (see AFC East Preview), playoff predictions and post-season award predictions to be released this week...

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 03:27 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Chad Johnson now Chad Javon Ocho Cinco

Chad Johnson was one of my favorite players in the NFL. He was a little out there like racing horses on a horse track for charity, but he seemed like he was just a guy that had fun with the game. I respected that.

With all of his off-season antics, Chad Johnson became one of my least favorite players. Perhaps, he was easily influenced by his uber-jerk agent, Drew Rosenhaus, but he was a different Chad Johnson. Now, he's an even different Chad Johnson:

The Cincinnati Bengals receiver has legally changed his name to Chad Javon Ocho Cinco in Broward County, Fla., a switch that became official this week.

"It's something I don't think anyone has ever done before," he told the team's Web site. "Have I ever had a reason for why I do what I do? I'm having fun."

Many don't like his antics including head coach Marvin Lewis, who has referred to Chad as "Ocho Psycho." But I love the move. Whether you (or I) like Ocho Cinco or not, one thing's for sure. He will always give us something to talk about.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 02:18 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Chad Johnson to play with torn labrum

Chad Johnson has a partially torn labrum and has decided to play through the injury.

"I've talked to a lot of people who have played with this injury," said Johnson, who wears a protective harness on the shoulder. "They didn't get surgery, and they played and had a successful season. So I'll be fine."

Johnson said he lobbied coach Marvin Lewis to let him play against the Colts, but was turned down.

"I asked Marvin to play Thursday, not to prove a point but to show that I'm ready to go," Johnson said. "And he told me no, there's no need. I already got hurt in one preseason game, there's no reason for another. I will be ready for the opener."

Last year, Kellen Winslow Jr. played with the same injury and wore a harness. Winslow finished 2007 with 82 receptions and 1,102 yards.

I admire (yes, admire) Johnson for his toughness and grit to play through the pain. Although he claims to have asked Lewis to play in a meaningless pre-season game to show he's "ready to go", I wonder if the injury is a little more severe than is being reported since the Bengals are reportedly shopping Rudi Johnson for a "real receiver." As always with Ocho Cinco, stay tuned...

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 02:33 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Rudi Johnson: Worth the gamble?

Before the 2007 season, Rudi Johnson was the model of consistency. He rushed for exactly 12 TDs in 2004, 2005 and 2006. A logical expectation for Johnson owners in 2007 was 12. Instead, they got 3 due to several reasons including a hamstring injury that limited Rudi to 9 starts.

Heading into 2008, expectations for Johnson have been greatly reduced. In ESPN fantasy football leagues, Johnson's average draft pick (ADP) is 52.9. In Yahoo fantasy football leagues, Johnson's ADP is 96.2, more than 4 rounds lower than in ESPN leagues. Johnson appears on ESPN's Berry's Players I Hate list for 2008.

Nobody seems to love Johnson. That's partly why I do.

I'm NOT saying that Rudi Johnson will be more productive than LT, Marshawn Lynch or Brandon Jacobs. But there is plenty of value in scooping up Johnson as your 3rd or even 4th RB.

According to Geoff Hobson at Bengals.com: "Johnson says he came in last month at 225 pounds, about 10 to 15 more than last year, and the word is he's regained the pop in his swivel."

After losing guys like Eric Steinbach, the Bengals offensive line is not as good as it was when Johnson was piling up (mind you in a very boring way) 1300-1450 yards and 12 TDs year in, year out. But last year the Bengal's OL was plagued with injuries as well. The OL should be much healthier heading into 2008.

In addition, Pete Prisco of CBS Sportsline named Stacy Andrews as his #1 breakout player for 2008 saying: "He went into that season as a backup, but injuries gave him 13 starts. He now goes into this season listed as the starting right tackle, ahead of 13-year veteran Willie Anderson. By season's end, he just might be the best right tackle in the AFC."

Let me be clear: I do NOT expect 1400 yards and 12 TDs from Johnson in 2008. But I wouldn't be surprised if Johnson bounces back with an 1100-yard and 9-TD season. Not a bad return for a guy snagged in the 10th round of your Yahoo Fantasy draft.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 09:36 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Bigger Draft Steal: Chad Johnson or Steve Smith?

In fantasy football seasons past, Steve Smith and Chad Johnson wouldn't be available at their 2008 average draft pick slots.

Steve Smith is the 7th and 6th WR drafted in ESPN and Yahoo Leagues, respectively. His ADP is 28th and 23rd, respectively.

Last year, Steve Smith didn't have the kind of season you would expect from what was most likely the #1 WR taken in your draft, especially from weeks 8-15. In that span, his best game was 72 receiving yards. He didn't have a TD during that span.
This year, Jake Delhomme is back. According to Smith, Delhomme's arm seems stronger although I'm sure Smith would probably say that he still can't be outthrown. Delhomme got hurt week 3 last year. What did Smith do weeks 1 and 2? 7 rec, 118 yds, 1 TD and 8 rec, 153 yds, 3 TDs.

Chad Johnson is the 11th and 10th WR drafted in ESPN and Yahoo Leagues, respectively. His ADP is 33rd and 32nd, respectively.

Chad cried wolf. He made some strong demands and he was (like always really) very vocal about those demands. What's Ocho Cinco's tune these days: "I love you Cincinnati". On ESPN in an interview with Stephen A. Smith, Smith asked Johnson about his relationship with Carson Palmer and Chads response was "Carson loves me".
If everything is as "normal" (I use that word loosely) with Chad and Cincy, he's been extremely consistent and extremely productive. Look at his last 3 years:
- 2005: 97 rec, 1432 yds, 9 TDs
- 2006: 87 rec, 1369 yds, 7 TDs
- 2007: 93 rec, 1440 yds, 8 TDs

Looking back at the 2008 fantasy season, which WR will give you the greatest opportunity to say "I told you so" to all the doubters?

Although I think both will, it will be especially so with Chad Johnson. While he'll likely be a pain in the ass for Marvin Lewis and Carson Palmer all season, he's not likely to pester you or me to trade him to "The Kalamazoo Killers" or "The Steel Curtain". And if he ever did, that's a much better story than telling people you won your fantasy football league.

But imagine a draft that gets you some combo of RB-WR-RB in the 1st 3 rounds and you take Chad Johnson in the 4th round as your 2nd WR. Although the Bengals have standed their ground (which I admire), there's no chance (barring injury) that Johnson doesn't play at all. Regardless of whether Johnson plays somewhere else (although not expected) or plays with a pout, what's the least an owner can expect from him? 1000 yards and 6 TDs. That still would put him in the Top 20 (most likely). I think 1300 / 7 is most likely. But I wouldn't be surprised if he comes out and plays with a monster chip on his shoulder and puts up something like 1500 / 10. Without the off-season debacle, Johnson would have been in the top 3-4 WRs taken in drafts.

Drew Rosenhaus, Chad's agent, won't let this situation develop into what happened with T.O. in Philly. He knows firsthand how much of a mistake that would be. So, if you can take Ocho Cinco where he's currently being drafted, get ready to say "Championship".

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 01:49 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) |

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