TheDailyBlitz.com: Denver Broncos Archives

Will Brandon Marshall be a Seahawk?

In the first full day of free agency, the Seattle Seahawks have already lost their best receiver to the Detroit Lions.

However, the chances of them upgrading at the position overall looks reasonably high as they will host troubled but talented receiver Brandon Marshall, who's a restricted free agent (first-round tender), according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

The Seahawks' offensive coordinator is Jeremy Bates, who was an assistant coach in Denver from 2006 to 2008.

If the Seahawks make an offer to Marshall, the Broncos would have seven days to match or they would receive the Seahawks first-round pick (sixth overall) as compensation. (The Seahawks also own the 14th overall pick, which they acquired last season from Denver.)

I'm surprised that some teams towards the bottom of the first round, such as the Ravens or the Jets, appear uninterested in Marshall. To me, it seems a no-brainer to forfeit a late first-round pick in exchange for Marshall despite his well-documented character concerns.

For three consecutive seasons, Marshall has caught 100+ passes for more than 1,100 yards each year.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 05:29 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

First-round tender for Brandon Marshall

The Denver Broncos have placed a first-round tender on receiver Brandon Marshall, per Mike Klis of the Denver Post, which means the Broncos would pay Marshall $2.521 million in 2010.

If another team makes an offer for Marshall, however, the Broncos would have seven days to match the offer (unlikely) or they would receive a first-round pick as compensation.

As pointed out by Pro Football Talk, if the Broncos were truly intent on retaining the services of The Beast, they would have placed a first- and third-round tender on Marshall since it would only require an extra $600,000 salary.

Yet speaking of Marshall, coach Josh McDaniels recently said (via USA Today), "I'm really fond of him -- he's a good person."

And since he said it, it must be true, right?

McDaniels benched Marshall for the season finale after Marshall arrived late for a treatment. Despite missing that game, Marshall still finished the season with 101 receptions, 1120 yards and ten touchdowns.

It was his third consecutive season with 100+ receptions and 1,100+ yards.

Although the Bears could be interested in Marshall, they don't have a first- or second-round pick in 2010, which prompted ESPN's Adam Schefter to tweet (via Yahoo!'s Shutdown Corner) that it's "not happening."

Assuming Marshall is playing somewhere other than Denver in 2010, that leaves Jabar Gaffney, who had 14 catches for 213 yards in the game that Marshall missed, Eddie Royal and Brandon Stokley as the top three wide receiver targets for quarterback Kyle Orton.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 10:46 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Mike Nolan to interview for Dolphins job

The Denver Broncos will have a new defensive coordinator in 2010 as will the Miami Dolphins, who fired Paul Pasqualoni last week.

"I can't say anything other than [coach] Josh [McDaniels] and I mutually agreed to part ways," [Mike] Nolan said, per Mike Klis of the Denver Post.

Meanwhile ESPN's Adam Schefter tweeted, "Broncos already are discussing former Patriots DC Dean Pees, who worked with Denver head coach Josh McDaniels in New England."

Pees was defensive coordinator in New England from 2006 to 2009.

According to Jeff Darlington of the Miami Herald, Nolan is expected to interview with the Dolphins by no later than Wednesday.

The Broncos finished seventh in total defense (315 yards allowed per game).

But the Broncos allowed a stingy 11 points per game in their first six games while allowing a generous 25.8 points per game in their final ten contests.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 11:59 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Broncos interested in Bills' RB coach Eric Studesville

Per Mike Klis of the Denver Post, the Broncos have sought permission to interview Eric Studesville, the Bills' running backs coach, as they seek a replacement for Bobby Turner, who has joined Mike Shanahan's staff in Washington.

Studesville has coached the Giants' running backs from 2001-2003 and the Bills' running backs since 2004.

The Bills ranked 16th in the league in offensive rushing (116.7 yards per game) in 2009. Bills RB Fred Jackson finished 15th in the NFL in rushing (1,062 yards).

The Broncos finished 17th in rushing (114.8 ypg) and Broncos rookie RB Knowshon Moreno finished 16th in the NFL in rushing with 947 yards.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 05:51 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Broncos bench Marshall for finale

The Denver Broncos, who started 6-0, have won only two of their past nine games. With an 8-7 record, the Broncos need a win against Kansas City (and some help with tie-breakers) to make the playoffs.

If they beat the Chiefs, it will be without stud receiver Brandon Marshall, who has been benched for week 17, according to the Associated Press.

"Our word for the week has been accountability. And we're looking to put the 45 guys on the field on Sunday that want to play together, want to help us try to win and qualify for the playoffs," [Broncos coach Josh] McDaniels said. "... And anybody that showed any indifference to that, we'll play without them."

Not only will the Broncos be without Marshall, but they'll also be without tight end Tony Scheffler. Both will become restricted free agents after the season ends.

If the Broncos make the playoffs, however, it will be interesting to see whether Marshall and/or Scheffler are active for the playoffs.

"Anything I do moving forward is going to be in a professional manner," Marshall said. "I'm not going to get into any he said/she said like we've done in the past. I think that's childish, and like I said, I don't think there's any question about my toughness, the way I play the game. It could be first-and-10 and if I gain 15 yards, I'm still fighting for 16 yards."

Two weeks ago, Marshall set the single-game record with 21 receptions against the Colts. In that game, he had 200 receiving yards and two touchdowns. And he was named to the AFC Pro Bowl squad earlier in the week.

Without Marshall, Scheffler and possibly Eddie Royal (injury) out of Sunday's lineup though, expect for running back Knowshon Moreno -- and, to a lesser extent, Correll Buckhalter -- to receive a heavy workload against a run-friendly Kansas City defense.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 12:41 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Fantasy Football: Week 17 WR rankings

While most fantasy football leagues conduct their championship game in week 16, some leagues still hold their title game in week 17. That creates the extra challenge of trying to forecast playing time in addition to evaluating matchups.

That said, here are our top five fantasy wide receivers for week 17:

1. Andre Johnson, Texans (vs Patriots): For a second year in a row, Johnson is going to lead the NFL in receiving yards. Entering week 17, Johnson and Wes Welker are one of two receivers to average 100 receiving yards per game this season. In the past four games, Johnson has dominated with 32 receptions, 559 receiving yards and four touchdowns. Johnson's offensive explosion has coincided with the Patriots' fantasy friendliness to receivers as the Pats have allowed the second-most fantasy points to wide receivers over the past five weeks.

2. Brandon Marshall, Broncos (vs Chiefs): Marshall only had 39 receiving yards on eight receptions last week, but he has caught 43 passes for 406 yards and four touchdowns over his past four games. Marshall is questionable with a hamstring injury, but he has said that he will play. That said, make sure to check his status prior to kickoff.

3. DeSean Jackson, Eagles (at Cowboys): Jackson doesn't lack for big-play potential nor confidence. He has scored in five consecutive games minus the game he missed due to a concussion and he is tied with Pittsburgh's Mike Wallace for the NFL lead in yards per reception (18.7). During that five-game span, Jackson has 499 receiving yards.

4. Roddy White, Falcons (at Buccaneers): On the season, only five teams have allowed more fantasy points to wide receivers than Tampa Bay. White is coming off his second-most productive game (8-139-2) of the season from a fantasy perspective. With Matt Ryan back and the Falcons looking to post back-to-back winning seasons, White should have another big week.

5. Sidney Rice, Vikings (vs Giants): Rice is currently sixth in the NFL in receiving yards ahead of guys like Randy Moss, Vincent Jackson, Brandon Marshall and Steve Smith (both of 'em). Not bad for what was likely a waiver-wire pickup this year. The Vikings offense is sputtering and I expect them to get back on track against a Giants secondary that has been banged-up all year.

Click here to see our full wide receiver rankings for week 17.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 08:38 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

Colts beat Brandon Marshall 28-16 for record 22nd straight win

The Indianapolis Colts have now won 22 consecutive games, which is an NFL record, including their 13th straight to start 2009 by beating ~~the Broncos~~ Brandon Marshall 28-16.

Marshall finished the day with a record of his own hauling in 21 receptions for 200 yards and two touchdowns. The previous mark of 20 receptions was set by Terrell Owens.

In the process of starting 13-0, the Colts have clinched home-field advantage throughout the AFC playoffs.

Coach Jim Caldwell has stated that the goal is not to finish undefeated, but the Colts final three opponents are the Jaguars, the Jets and Bills. They are likely to be favored in all of their remaining games even if Jim Sorgi is starting at quarterback.

Meanwhile, the Saints have matched the Colts with a 13-0 start and will face the Cowboys, the Buccaneers and the Panthers.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 05:55 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Fantasy Football: Week 14 RB Start'em

It's week 14 and it's time for fantasy football playoffs. Here are four running backs that I'd be comfortable starting this week:

Jamaal Charles, Chiefs (vs Bills): Charles has received 14-18 carries in each of the past four weeks and he has scored three rushing touchdowns during that span. On the season, no team has allowed more points to opposing running backs than the Bills. Plus, they have allowed 200+ rushing yards in one-third of their games this season.

Fred Jackson, Bills (vs Chiefs): Jamaal Charles isn't the only RB in this game that has a highly favorable matchup. The Chiefs have allowed the fifth-most fantasy points to opposing running backs and last week they allowed a season-worst 246 rushing yards. In the past five games, they've given up seven rushing TDs. Despite Jackson's weak performance in week 13, Bills coach Perry Fewell will still be the featured back in the offense.

Quinton Ganther, Redskins (vs Raiders): Clinton Portis and Ladell Betts are on IR. And Ganther will get the start in week 14. Ganther, who was born in Oakland, has had 13 carries in the past two games for 78 yards. Considering that the Redskins face the Raiders, who have allowed the most rushing touchdowns in the NFL (18), Ganther should be in for a productive day as a flex play.

Knowshon Moreno, Broncos (vs Colts): Moreno has rushed for 80+ yards in four consecutive weeks and he's scored three rushing touchdowns in the past two weeks. In the past three weeks, the Colts have allowed the seventh-most fantasy points to opposing running backs. Provided the Colts don't jump out to a 14-0 first-quarter lead forcing the Broncos into passing mode, Moreno should have a big day. But, in either case, he should be productive and is a good start as a RB2 or flex play.

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

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 09:41 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)

Fantasy Football: RB Start'em for Week 13

For some, this is the do-or-die week in fantasy football as many leagues begin their playoffs in week 14. Fortunately for fantasy owners, there are plenty of favorable matchups for some second-tier running backs.

Here are five running backs that are starts for week 13:

Matt Forte, Bears (vs Rams): Since his bye in week five, this first-round draft pick has exceeded 41 rushing yards only once. However, Forte has been a contributor in the passing game as he ranks second in the NFL in receiving yards (433) among RBs. During typical fantasy football playoff weeks (14 to 16), Forte will face three elite run defenses (ranks): Green Bay (4th), Baltimore (6th) and Minnesota (2nd). In week 13, however, Forte faces St. Louis, who has allowed the most fantasy points to opposing running backs in the past three weeks.

Knowshon Moreno, Broncos (vs Chiefs): Moreno has rushed for 80+ yards in three consecutive weeks. In week 13, Moreno faces Kansas City, which has allowed the third-most fantasy points to opposing running backs over the past five weeks.

Rashard Mendenhall, Steelers (vs Raiders): Mendenhall has rushed for 400 yards against the first three AFC West opponents he's faced. The Raiders, this week's opponents, has allowed a league-high 17 rushing touchdowns in 11 games. And only the Bills and Browns have allowed more fantasy points to opposing running backs this season.

LaDainian Tomlinson, Chargers (vs Browns): While 28 running backs have rushed for more yards than LT, only six have rushed for more touchdowns. Tomlinson has rushed for seven of his eight TDs in the past five weeks. This week should be more of the same as he faces Cleveland, who has allowed the second-most fantasy points to opposing running backs this season.

Laurence Maroney, Patriots (vs Dolphins): Another RB that has had the nose for the endzone has been Maroney. Maroney has rushed for a score in six consecutive games and he has scored all eight of his touchdowns during that six-game span. In the last six games, Maroney is averaging over 14 fantasy points per game. While the Dolphins rank in the top 12 in fewest rushing yards allowed, only six teams have given up more rushing touchdowns than Miami has.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 11:24 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (1)

Fantasy Football - RB Duds for Week 12

Here are three running backs that I would consider benching in week 12:

Knowshon Moreno, Broncos: During the Broncos' four-game losing streak, Moreno has received more than 10 carries only once. That was two weeks ago when he had 18 carries for 97 yards against Washington. If that performance gave you hope that he would see more of a featured role in the running game, last week's distribution should have dashed those hopes. Moreno and Correll Buckhalter saw a 10-to-7 split in carries against the Chargers, which makes banking on a workload worthy of starting Moreno a risky proposition.

Matt Forte, Bears: It's always difficult to run the ball against the Minnesota Vikings. However, Forte has found it difficult to run on nearly everyone. In the six weeks since his bye, Forte has rushed for 41 yards or less five times. The one exception (90 yards) came against the Cleveland Browns, who have allowed the fourth-most rushing yards this season. During that six-game span, Forte has more receiving yards (307) than rushing yards (245), but he has had only two games this season with more than 40 receiving yards.

Pierre Thomas, Saints: Thomas always has the potential to have a big week in the high-powered Saints offense. In his past five games, however, Thomas has 57 carries, which is an average of less than 12 carries per game. Thomas has five rushing touchdowns on the season, but he hasn't scored in his past two games. And only the Pittsburgh Steelers have allowed fewer rushing touchdowns than this week's opponent (New England).

Also see my RB Studs and my top 40 RB rankings for week 12.

More rankings: Top 20 QBs | Top 50 WRs | Top 20 TEs | Top 20 Ks | Top 20 Defenses

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 12:12 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (1)

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)

Fantasy Tight End Rankings - Week 8

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 8:

1. Dallas Clark, Colts (vs San Francisco)
2. Owen Daniels, Texans (at Buffalo)
3. Antonio Gates, Chargers (vs Oakland)
4. Jeremy Shockey, Saints (vs Atlanta)
5. Brent Celek, Eagles (vs NY Giants)
6. Jason Witten, Cowboys (vs Seattle)
7. Tony Gonzalez, Falcons (at New Orleans)
8. Visanthe Shiancoe, Vikings (at Green Bay)
9. Greg Olsen, Bears (vs Cleveland)
10. Vernon Davis, 49ers (at Indianapolis)

See full list of top 20 tight ends for week 8.

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

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 04:33 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Fantasy Defense 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 team defenses in week 8:

1. San Diego Chargers (vs Oakland)
2. Arizona Cardinals (vs Carolina)
3. Indianapolis Colts (vs San Francisco)
4. Chicago Bears (vs Cleveland)
5. Dallas Cowboys (vs Seattle)
6. Philadelphia Eagles (vs NY Giants)
7. Minnesota Vikings (at Green Bay)
8. New Orleans Saints (vs Atlanta)
9. New York Giants (at Philadelphia)
10. Baltimore Ravens (vs Denver)

See full list of top 20 defenses for week 8.

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

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 04:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Fantasy Kicker 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 kickers in week 8:

1. Nate Kaeding, Chargers (vs Oakland)
2. Mason Crosby, Packers (vs Minnesota)
3. John Carney, Saints (vs Atlanta)
4. Robbie Gould, Bears (vs Cleveland)
5. Ryan Longwell, Vikings (at Green Bay)
6. Josh Scobee, Jaguars (at Tennessee)
7. Nick Folk, Cowboys (vs Seattle)
8. David Akers, Eagles (vs NY Giants)
9. Lawrence Tynes, Giants (at Philadelphia)
10. Rob Bironas, Titans (vs Jacksonville)

See full list of top 20 kickers for week 8.

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

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 04:21 PM | 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)

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 Studs - Week 5 Running Backs

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

Rashard Mendenhall, Steelers: What a difference a week made! Mendenhall, who was relegated to special teams duties in week 3, was named the AFC Offensive Player of the Week in week 4. With Willie Parker out against the Chargers last week, Mendenhall finished with 165 rushing yards and two scores on 29 carries. While it may interesting to see how coach Mike Tomlin splits carries between Mendenhall and Parker going forward, we won't find out this week as Parker has been ruled out for the game against Detroit. The Steelers should run all over the Lions this week and Mendenhall owners should expect to see the second-year back get a heavy dose of touches. The Lions are allowing 5.2 rushing yards per attempt and 121.3 yards per game (20th in NFL).

Jerome Harrison, Browns: With James Davis and Jamal Lewis out last week, Harrison had 29 carries against the Bengals and finished with 121 yards. Davis is out for the season and Lewis is questionable for week five against the Bills. The Bills have one of the league's worst rushing defenses allowing 150.5 yards per game. Only five teams have allowed more rushing yards per game. Also, the Bills have allowed seven rushing touchdowns, which ranks them 30th in the league.

Ahmad Bradshaw, Giants: Through four weeks, Bradshaw, who is back-up to Brandon Jacobs, is 13th in the NFL in rushing yards (265) and he's averaging 5.6 yards per carry. Both Jacobs and Bradshaw are likely to have a huge week against an Oakland Raiders rush defense that is allowing 146.3 yards per game, which is 26th in the league. The Giants are two-touchdown-plus favorites over the Raiders. If they establish an early lead, as expected, both backs should see plenty of carries. In addition, Eli Manning has plantar fasciitis. Although he's expected to play, it wouldn't surprise me if they try to protect him as much as possible and focus on the running game instead. Surprisingly, the Giants have only one rushing touchdown in 139 attempts this season. Only the Rams, Bills and Chiefs have less (i.e. zero). Their fortunes are about to change this week.

Knowshon Moreno, Broncos: Moreno, who was the first RB drafted this year, is off to a solid start and ranked 16th in the NFL in rushing (249 yards). Teammate Correll Buckhalter, who ranks 12th in the league in rushing, is out for the Patriots game. Moreno, who has averaged over 17 carries per game over his past three games, should expect to see an increase in workload with Buckhalter out. Although the Patriots have a solid run defense, Moreno's increased workload makes him a solid play this week.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 07:57 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)

The Weekly Blitz - Week 5

We're a quarter of the way through the NFL season and I'm disappointed with my mediocre performance (6-6, .500) in picking games against the spread (ATS) thus far. Although these picks are for entertainment purposes only, it was more entertaining last year as I finished 63.3% ATS.

Here's to a more "entertaining" week in week 5:

Patriots -3 (over Broncos): The Denver Broncos are 4-0 and remain as one of only two unbeaten teams in the AFC. Yet for a second week in a row they are home underdogs. Despite the initial criticisms and challenges Josh McDaniels faced, he and defensive coordinator Mike Nolan have done a great coaching job in the Mile High city. Kyle Orton (QB rating 97.7) has outplayed Jay Cutler (QB rating 89.3) and the Broncos lead the NFL in scoring defense (6.5 points per game). The Broncos are second in the total defense (239.8 yards per game) and in sacks (15). While the Broncos are certainly better than I -- and everyone else -- thought, their level of competition has been relatively low. Although the Patriots have lost Fred Taylor for considerable time (if not the season), it appears that the Patriots offense is beginning to click as they converted three scores in five trips to the redzone against Baltimore.

Vikings -10 (over Rams): These two teams are polar opposites. The Rams are the league's worst team and Minnesota is one of the few unbeatens remaining in the NFC. Through four games, the Rams still have no rushing touchdowns and their passing offense ranks second-to-last (152.8 yards per game). The Vikings are one of two teams to not allow a rushing touchdown yet this season and lead the NFL in sacks (16). The other team to not have allowed a rushing touchdown (San Francisco) shut out the Rams 35-0 last weel. The Rams have lost three of their four games by more than 20 points. My only concern is the Vikings let up and take their opponent for granted in a short week after an emotional divisional game. But they are easily 20 points better than their opponent.

Texans +5.5 (over Cardinals): Although the numbers through four games don't show it, this game should be an old-fashioned shootout. Both the Texans and Cardinals have explosive offenses and this will be a game of high interest for many fantasy owners as both teams are stacked with talented skill players. However, the Cardinals have a one-dimensional offense as they rank second-to-last in rushing offense (60.7 yards per game). And as bad as the Texans have been against the run, they shut down the Raiders (granted, it was the Raiders) running game last week.

See all picks from The Weekly Blitz crew.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 06:02 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Ben Hamilton is out for Broncos

The Denver Broncos will be without LG Ben Hamilton against the Dallas Cowboys this afternoon, per Lindsay Jones of the Denver Post.

Hamilton, who has an injured hammy, will be replaced by Russ Hochstein in the starting lineup.

RT Ryan Harris, who missed one day of practice this week after injuring his shoulder in last week's game, is active today.

The Broncos are fourth in the NFL in rushing with an average of 158.7 yards per game and 4.7 yards per carry.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 03:50 PM | 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)

2009 AFC West Prediction

Here are my predictions for the AFC West:

SAN DIEGO CHARGERS
Prediction: 11-5 (Chargers Schedule | Chargers Forum)

There isn't a division in football that is more lopsided than this division. I'm certainly not going out on a limb when I say that the Chargers are going to easily run away with the AFC West this year. Last year, nagging injuries slowed LaDainian Tomlinson, who still rushed for over 1,100 yards in a down season. This pre-season, LT played as much as he had in all of his previous pre-seasons combined. That should help get him into a groove sooner than he normally does and I expect a motivated Tomlinson, who restructured his contract to avoid getting cut, to have a bounce-back year. On the defensive side of the ball, they get back LB Shawne "Lights Out" Merriman, who missed the entire 2008 season. The Chargers could have the division clinched by week 12.

Strength of Schedule: 2009 opponents had a .484 winning percentage in 2008 (T17th)

2008 Playoff Teams on Schedule (6): vs Baltimore, vs Miami, at Pittsburgh, at NY Giants, vs Philadelphia, at Tennessee

# of Wins Past 3 Years: 34 (11.3 per season)

Continue reading "2009 AFC West Prediction" »

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 07:16 AM | 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)

Marshall back at practice, can he stay focused?

As the season opener against the Bengals approaches this Sunday, it appears unlikely that Broncos receiver Brandon Marshall will get his wish and be traded out of Denver.

And with his team-imposed suspension is over, Marshall returned to the practice field yesterday.

Marshall, who will earn $2.2 million in the final year of his contract, wants a new deal.

However, his production on the field (back-to-back 100-reception seasons) has been overshadowed by his character issues and transgressions off the field. So, in other words, he's not getting an extension or new deal from the Broncos any time soon.

Jeff Legwold of the Denver Post believes that if Marshall wants a lucrative contract when he becomes a free agent after the season ends, he'll need to put aside his unhappiness for the next 17 weeks and not be a disruptive force.

But that's easier to do when the team is winning.

Therefore, a fast start for the Broncos is critical. Fortunately, the Broncos start the season against three (relatively speaking) easier opponents: Cincinnati, Cleveland and Oakland.

If the Broncos lose two games during that span, it could get really ugly for the team as their next eight opponents are all teams with eight-plus wins in 2008.

So, let's say the Broncos are 3-8 (or 4-7) after 11 games and frustrations are high for all parties, the Marshall-McDaniels-Denver situation could really hit rock bottom. At that point, McDaniels and the Broncos wouldn't have much to lose (except for more games) by suspending Marshall again for conduct detrimental to the team if he allows himself to lose focus.

Even if Marshall does the right things over the first half of the season, his margin of error or McDaniels' level of tolerance might become smaller in the second half of the season.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 06:55 PM | 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)

Marshall-to-Jets unlikely

This morning, Bob Glauber of Newsday wrote that the Jets were interested in suspended (by the team) Broncos receiver Brandon Marshall. But Glauber says now writes that "a trade appears highly unlikely."

And Broncos coach Josh McDaniels says the team hasn't been in contact with any other team in regards to a possible trade for Marshall.

"There is no discussions whatsoever taking place between Denver Broncos and any team in the National Football League regarding Brandon Marshall," McDaniels said. "We're looking forward to having Brandon back on the 6th of September and starting our (season-opening) preparation with him."

Yet, according to sources of ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Broncos wanted linebacker David Harris in any deal. The Jets aren't willing to part with Harris, who led the team in tackles in 2007.

Marshall, who is due to earn $2.2 million in the final year of his contract, is seeking a new contract -- either with Denver or elsewhere. Although he has recorded back-to-back 100-reception seasons, his off-the-field issues make the Broncos unlikely to sign him to an extension.

If Denver hadn't traded Jay Cutler, who pouted his way from Denver to Chicago, it might make sense to trade Marshall if they could get the first-round and fourth-round pick they are believed to seek in return.

Yet if they cave in to another of the team's cry babies, the exception to the rule becomes a disturbing trend for other disgruntled players to follow.

The Broncos have the leverage in the scenario (as they did in the Cutler situation).

If Marshall wants a lucrative contract after this season, it would be in his best interest to return from the team-imposed suspension and toe the company line. He needs to reverse the perception that his character issues off the field don't outweigh his production on the field (to be precise, the game field considering his practice field antics).

Everything else that he does to be considered "conduct detrimental to the team" in 2009 will cost him in six months when he becomes a free agent.

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

Marshall suspended until September 5th

Denver Broncos receiver Brandon Marshall, dubbed "Baby T.O.," now shares something else with Owens. Both receivers have been suspended by their teams for conduct detrimental to the team.

At practice Wednesday, Marshall walked while the team ran, swatted a ball instead of catching it, and punted a ball that he should have given to a ball boy.

Broncos coach Josh McDaniels warned Marshall on Wednesday, but McDaniels said "his actions didn't really change after that warning."

"This morning we made the decision as an organization to go ahead and suspend Brandon," Broncos coach Josh McDaniels said yesterday. "That suspension would last through Sept. 5. We look forward to having him back here Sept. 6 as we begin our preparations for Cincinnati."

Marshall is due to make $2.198 million in the final year of his contract and he is unhappy about the Broncos not giving him a contract extension and his requested to be traded.

“Me punting the ball was definitely frustration,” Marshall said on Thursday. “It was an error in judgment. There was a lot of frustration (Wednesday) coming out of a meeting.”

Granted, Marshall has outperformed his contract as he has posted back-to-back 100-reception seasons. But if it weren't for his childish behavior and run-ins with the law (mostly stemming from domestic battery charges), the Broncos would have tried to extend his contract already.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 08:25 AM | 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)

No Brandon Marshall in week 2

Playing video games, surfing the web, watching a movie and playing in a pre-season football game.

Three of these are possible activities for Denver Broncos wide receiver Brandon Marshall tonight. One -- playing in a pre-season game -- is not.

Per Mike Klis of the Denver Post, Marshall did not make the trip to Seattle with the Broncos and therefore won't be playing in the team's second pre-season game tonight.

As Klis points out, Marshall's status seemed to change on Tuesday when his agent reiterated their request to the Broncos that Marshall be traded. That's when Marshall was demoted to the scout team.

Meanwhile, Marshall claims to still not know the playbook yet. And, as the Mile High Report points out, Marshall spent time playing defense -- not offense, but defense -- on the scout team. Perhaps he's learning the plays (roll eyes) by watching Eddie Royal and Jabar Gaffney run the routes.

While coach Josh McDaniels, owner Pat Bowlen and/or the Broncos' front office may not want to put up with Marshall, trading their franchise quarterback and their most talented skill player would send the wrong signal to the rest of the team. Granted, that has probably already happened by trading Jay Cutler, but that is already done and can't be reversed.

Instead, they can send a message to Marshall -- and, more importantly, to the rest of the team -- by not caving to Marshall's request to be traded.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 05:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Brandon Marshall at a "breaking point"?

Broncos receiver Brandon Marshall says he could reaching a breaking point in his relationship with the Broncos, per Lindsay Jones of The Denver Post.

"Unfortunately, sometimes it gets to that point. There are trust issues on both sides and that's understandable," Marshall said. "We've got to try our best to move forward."

During Wednesday's practice, Marshall played on the scout team. On Tuesday, Marshall practiced with the second team and even was the gunner on punt coverage for the scout team.

However, coach Josh McDaniels says that Marshall and his situation won't become a distraction.

"Our players understand what we're trying to do and get done, and Brandon's out here and performing the way he's capable of performing," McDaniels said. "I don't have a reason to feel otherwise."

What bothers Marshall, who was acquitted last week on domestic battery charges, the most was his claim that his teammates were told to not be happy for him on what he calls "one of the best days of ... the past three years."

"I think the biggest thing was, it was really disappointing hearing that some of my teammates on one of the best days of ... for the past three years, of my life, some of my teammates were coached to say ‘Don’t say you’re happy for Brandon,' " Marshall said.

If it weren't for Raiders coaches (allegedly) sucker-punching other coaches and breaking their jaws, it might seem as though the Broncos were the most dysfunctional team in the league -- or, at least, in the AFC West.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 11:45 PM | 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)

Knowshon Moreno to miss only 1-2 weeks

Denver Broncos rookie running back Knowshon Moreno, the first pick of the Josh McDaniels era, suffered a mild medial collateral ligament (MCL) sprain during the team's first pre-season game Friday against the 49ers, according to Mike Klis of the Denver Post.

Moreno had three carries for 18 yards in the game.

“I know that he said he was kind of dinged, but he said he was fine,” said McDaniels. “And then we checked him out and we kept going with him.’’

If Moreno misses two weeks, he'll be able to play in the pre-season finale against the Cardinals on September 3rd. The Broncos open the regular season at Cincinnati.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 09:57 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Broncos sign Ayers, only Moreno left to sign

The Denver Broncos have reached an agreement with Robert Ayers, their second of two first-round picks, on a five-year contract, according to Mike Klis of the Denver Post.

Ayers is expected to practice with the team this evening.

Per Klis, the Broncos are hopeful that they can have Knowshon Moreno, their other first-round pick, signed by Tuesday or Wednesday.

At the University of Tennessee, Ayers played defensive end and was named first-team All-SEC last year. In Denver, Ayers will be a 3-4 outside linebacker.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 06:05 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Broncos sign Alphonso Smith

The Denver Broncos signed cornerback Alphonso Smith, their second-round pick from Wake Forest, to a four-year contract with guaranteed money of $2.85 million today.

In order to draft Smith, the Broncos traded up with the Seattle Seahawks, who will receive one of the Broncos' first-round picks in 2010.

Champ Baily and Andre' Goodman, who signed a five-year, $25 million contract in the off-season, are projected as Denver's starting cornerbacks.

That being said, Smith, who will likely be the team's nickelback, is looking forward to the competition of training camp.

"I have a lot of respect for Andre'. He had one of his best years last year," Smith said. "And I have a lot of respect for Champ of course. We're all going into camp competing. As a competitor, you would love to play. You would love to start. But if it's not part of the recipe to become a winning team, you have to set that aside."

Rookies report to training camp Monday and five draft picks remain unsigned - Knowshon Moreno (first round), Robert Ayers (first round), Darcel McBath (second round), David Burton (fourth round) and Tom Brandstater (sixth round).

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 10:50 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

John Lynch warns potential suitors about The Beast

Denver Broncos receiver Brandon Marshall, who had previously requested a trade, said on NFL Network's Total Access that he's "definitely going to show up" to training camp. "I'm not going to let them take no money."

If Marshall decides to not show for camp, he would be fined $15,888 per day.

That being said, John Lynch, a former teammate of Marshall in 2006 and 2007, appeared on ESPN 1000 in Chicago and warned potential suitors about Marshall.

"I don't like saying [buyer beware], but you've got to call a spade a spade, and I think it's a dangerous proposition," Lynch said. "I don't think you'll see the Broncos sign him to a long-term deal, because right now the behavior he's demonstrated off the field, I don't think you'd feel comfortable doing anything long term."

"As I said, on the field, he's very comparable to a guy like Terrell Owens. He's that good of a player. But being a professional in my mind ... takes doing it on the field and off the field. You can't have all choir boys. I believe in first and second chances, but when you're talking about 13 or 14 ... I think at a certain point you've got to say this guy's got some issues that he's got to work out before you can trust him."

Marshall, who was the first of Denver's two fourth-round picks in 2006, is entering the final year of his rookie contract and is due to earn only $2.198 million in 2009.

In the past two seasons, Marshall has caught 206 passes for 2,590 yards and 13 touchdowns in 31 games. Marshall was suspended for the first game of last season.

While Marshall may put up his third consecutive season with 100+ receptions, the most important number for his financial future might be 0 (off-the-field incidents and/or arrests).

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

Brandon Marshall "hates Denver"

In case you missed it yesterday, investigative reporters from ABC 7 (Denver) released a report about Brandon Marshall's arrest on Oct. 22, 2007 for DUI, which details Marshall's opinion of the city he now wants to leave.

The police report from the incident states that Marshall said, "Why aren't you guys out looking for Williams' killer? I hate Denver. I hope I get traded. I hate this f---ing city."

(Click here for the full police report).

“What we know about Brandon Marshall is he is a supremely talented football player on the field with the habit of getting in trouble off the field,” said Adam Schefter, NFL correspondent for ESPN.

That's the problem with Marshall. He's put up back-to-back seasons of 100+ receptions yet has a section on his Wikipedia page chronicling his "Legal Troubles."

Marshall, who wants out of Denver, wrote on his website a couple of weeks ago, "I thank the Denver fans who embraced my emotion and play on the field and showing me love every time I step outside my door."

Does Brandon Marshall hates all the cities in which he's been arrested or is Denver just special?

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

Brandon Marshall wants out

First it was Jay Cutler. Now it's Brandon Marshall.

Marshall, who's recovering from hip surgery, was a no-show at the Broncos' three-day mini-camp this weekend.

And, according to Adam Schefter, Brandon Marshall is seeking a trade out of Denver.

As always, it boils down to compensation. Marshall, who's in the final year of his rookie contract, is due $2.2 million this season.

58 receivers make more than Marshall. 58 receivers don't have as much football talent as Marshall, who has had back-to-back 100-reception and 1000-yard seasons.

Then again, 58 players don't have the off-the-field drama that Marshall has. As I pointed out in a recent post, Marshall's wikipedia page has a section labeled "Legal Troubles."

It's unclear if the Broncos will acquiesce to Marshall's request for a trade. But I suppose an easy way to assure that is to ignore Pat Bowlen's phone calls and text messages as Cutler (allegedly) did.

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

Broncos name Kyle Orton starting QB

In 2008, the area of concern for the Denver Broncos was not their passing game. With the addition of Josh McDaniels, former Patriots offensive coordinator, as new Broncos head coach, it seemed as though the passing game would remain strong.

The question was (still) about the defense.

With Cutler gone to Chicago and the potential issue involving receiver Brandon Marshall, a strong passing game is no longer a given.

At yesterday's first mandatory mini-camp practice, receiver Brandon Marshall showed only to speak to team owner Pat Bowlen. As expected, Marshall was a no-show today as well, per Mike Klis of the Denver Post.

Today, Kyle Orton, who the Broncos received along with two first-round picks in exchange for Cutler, was named the Broncos staring quarterback.

Most expected that Orton would win the starting gig although all reports indicated that Chris Simms was playing well.

The timing of the announcement doesn't seem to be a coincidence (although it certainly could be), but more so an attempt to take focus off the loss of the cry baby ex-QB and the drama du jour with "Baby T.O."

For the record, I think the Broncos made the right decision with Cutler, who has the franchise QB arm but not the franchise QB mentality.

That being said, McDaniels has two years tops if the plan doesn't pay off by 2010.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 06:42 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Brandon Marshall skipping Broncos' mini-camp

The Denver Broncos began their three-day mandatory mini-camp on Friday.

Per Mike Klis of the Denver Post, one person who wasn't in attendance - at least, not for the entire day - was receiver Brandon Marshall. Marshall met with team owner Pat Bowlen at 2 p.m. and left the facility at 3:15 p.m.

Marshall, who had hip surgery on April 1st, wrote on his blog last month that "...what made last year so weird was that I got two MRIs, one in camp and the second around week six and was told nothing was wrong but come to find out THERE WAS A BIT OF A PROBLEM after all."

Broncos coach Josh McDaniels says the team will handle the situation internally. A player can be fined up to $8000 per day under the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) for missing mandatory practices.

"That's a personal decision that Brandon has made, and we'll do what the league rules allow us to do for a player that has missed a mandatory activity," McDaniels said. "The rest of that is really internal. I've spoken to him and his agent and that's a decision that he's made."

As Klis points out, Marshall is set to earn $2.198 million in the final year of his four-year deal. There were 58 receivers who earned more than that in 2008.

Marshall, who was the Broncos' fourth-round pick in 2006, has had back-to-back seasons with 100+ receptions.

However, Marshall's off-the-field troubles are extensive enough to be documented in a "Legal Troubles" section of his wikipedia page.

He's the epitome of the high risk, high reward correlation.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 12:43 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Rulon Davis' father, Chargers' fan, named Rulon after a Bronco

Denver Broncos rookie free agent defensive end Rulon Davis is not like the typical rookie.

In fact, Davis was named after a Bronco (Rulon Jones) even though his father was a Chargers' fan.

"He's always told me ever since I was a little kid that he wanted a name that people can chant from the stands," Davis said.

After high school, Davis enlisted into the Marine Corps and was in boot camp on September 11th.

"While in boot camp, 9/11 occurred, and that was a scary moment for me," he said. "All the Marines thought we were going to war."

After being released from active duty to the Marine Forces Reserve, Davis played football at the JuCo level and had 16.5 sacks as a freshman. However, after that season, he was called to active duty and spent six months in Iraq.

"I pulled from football while over in Iraq," he said. "That kept my motivation, because that's what I wanted to do as soon as I got back -- gotta play football, gotta play football. So that kept my spirits up while over there."

Davis, who decided to attend and play football for California, applied the lessons learned in the military to football and life.

"The Marines teach a spirited core -- always faithful, honor, courage, commitment, leadership traits, discipline -- all that stuff carries over into life, not just football," he explained. "Mental toughness, overcoming adversity, that's everything I've been taught and everything I've been put through. So when it comes to football, that stuff is secondary. I don't even think about having to push myself or worry about a little nagging injury. It's second nature."

In his three seasons at Cal, Davis played 21 games (started in 10) and recorded 40 tackles, 5.5 sacks and three forced fumbles.

Despite being undrafted out of Cal, Davis has set an ambitious personal goal for himself: to "be an All-Rookie selection." If he achieves his goal, his father just might get his wish and hear Bronco fans chanting "Ru-lon, Ru-lon, Ru-lon ..."

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 11:47 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Broncos release Selvin Young

Last year, it seemed like the Denver Broncos couldn't have enough running backs. In total, seven of them ended the season on Injured Reserve.

Per Mike Klis of the Denver Post, the Broncos released RB Selvin Young, who was one of those seven to finish on IR.

"You can call it naive or whatever, but in my mind, they could have eight backs, but I felt like I could have come out of it on top," Young said.

With the Broncos drafting Knowshon Moreno with the 12th overall pick and acquiring Correll Buckhalter via free agency, that was highly unlikely. However, it's not as bold as his statement before the 2008 season.

Young finished with 303 rushing yards and one touchdown in eight games last year.

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

Broncos giving up on former first-rounder?

Per Alex Marvez of FoxSports.com, the Denver Broncos were willing to trade their 2007 first-round pick Jarvis Moss.

The 6'6" defensive end that was taken with the 17th overall draft pick in 2007 was being shopped for a seventh-rounder yesterday.

Before being drafted, Moss was expected to help the team's pass rush. In 18 games over two seasons, however, he has only 3.5 sacks.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 06:36 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Broncos trade up to 37 overall

The Denver Broncos have traded with Seattle for the Seahawks' second-round pick (37 overall).

The Broncos selected cornerback Alphonso Smith from Wake Forest.

The Seahawks will get a first-round pick from Denver in 2010.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 07:50 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

And with the 18th-overall pick...

The Denver Broncos select Robert Ayers, DE from Tennessee.

I expected the Broncos to take two defensive players in the first round. Ayers was the fifth-ranked DE according to Scout.com.

Cleveland is on the clock (again). See all 2009 NFL Draft Picks.

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

And with the 12th-overall pick...

The Denver Broncos have selected Knowshon Moreno, RB from Georgia.

I'm surprised the Broncos went offense, but Moreno is a versatile back. His question marks are durability and top-end speed.

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

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 05:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Mark Sanchez to workout for Broncos

Stranger things have happened.

However, it's all but guaranteed that Georgia QB Matthew Stafford will be long gone when the Denver Broncos make their first pick.

And USC QB Mark Sanchez will most likely be selected somewhere in the top ten. In fact, I have the San Francisco 49ers selecting Sanchez with the tenth overall pick in my mock draft.

With the 12th and 18th picks in this year's draft, the Broncos might have a shot to take Sanchez at 12 if he falls on draft day. Or the Broncos, who are equipped with five picks in the top 82 picks, could trade up if they deem that Sanchez is their guy.

Per Mike Klis of the Denver Post, the Broncos will host Sanchez for a private workout on Tuesday.

Per Mike Mayock of NFL Network, Sanchez is the best of the likely first-round quarterbacks (Stafford, Sanchez and Kansas State's Josh Freeman).

"Sanchez is most accurate of the three," Mayock said. "He might not have as much arm strength. He might not be quite as exciting. But at the end of the day, if I've got a top-10 pick and my job is on the line at the quarterback position, I'm taking Sanchez."

Whether or not they draft Sanchez, the Broncos will likely draft a QB somewhere since they currently have only two QBs on the roster - Orton and Chris Simms.

"You don't want to go into training camp with only two quarterbacks, certainly, but it's doable if that's what the situation is," Broncos coach Josh McDaniels said. "But you would love to have a third quarterback that could be competitive."

Having coached Tom Brady, a former sixth-round pick, and Matt Cassel, a former seventh-round pick, in New England, McDaniels may not feel the need to draft their QB of the future in the first round. Plus, the reason the Broncos took the trade proposal from the Bears over that from the Redskins had to do with McDaniels preference of Kyle Orton over Jason Campbell.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 10:45 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Travis Henry signed plea deal

Ex-Broncos RB Travis Henry has signed a plea deal with prosecutors that means he will face one cocaine charge instead of three. All three charges each carry a minimum jail sentence of 10 years in prison.

In addition to the jail sentence, Henry faces a $4 million fine and five years of supervised release.

An informant described Henry as "the money guy."

However, with nine children to support (all by different mothers), Henry has said that he is broke.

Despite his troubles, Henry can serve as the perfect role model. However, the trick is to think what would Travis do in this situation ... and then do the opposite.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 10:19 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Is no news good news on Brandon Marshall?

If you were to ask Mike Klis of the Denver Post that question, his answer would be yes.

Klis argues that if NFL commissioner Roger Goodell were going to suspend Broncos wide receiver Brandon Marshall for an extended period of time, he would do so before the NFL draft. Last month, Goodell suspended Buffalo Bills RB Marshawn Lynch for three games.

His argument is that the Broncos would respond to a lengthy suspension for Marshall by drafting a receiver on the first day (first two rounds) on the NFL draft. Therefore, it would only be fair for Goodell to hand down such a suspension prior to draft day.

Marshall, the Broncos' fourth-round pick in 2006, was arrested on March 1st in Atlanta, but the charges were dropped the next day.

After being suspended for week one, Marshall finished 2008 with 104 receptions for 1265 yards and six touchdowns.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 12:16 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Al Wilson to be inducted into local Hall of Fame

Former Denver Broncos linebacker Al Wilson is going to be inducted into the Jackson-Madison County (TN) Sports Hall of Fame this Thursday night.

"My mother called and told me, and I was very excited. I'm just an average Joe from Jackson, and I just don't think it has hit me yet."

Wilson was a first-team All-American at the University of Tennessee in the 1998-1999 season, which is the year they beat Florida State for the national championship.

His former college coach at Tennessee (Phil Fullmer) will introduce him. Wilson says the interest in him that Fulmer showed was the "convincing factor" in selecting Tennessee over the over colleges he was considering.

"He was the convincing factor for me," Wilson said. "The first day coaches could visit recruits, Coach Fulmer was picking me up and taking me to school. He was interested.

"And it's an honor to have the greatest (football) coach in UT's history as the guest speaker," Wilson said. "To have him in Jackson to speak, I'm speechless."

In his NFL career, Wilson, the Broncos' first-round pick in 1999, is a five-time Pro Bowler, but he was salary-cap casualty of the Broncos in April 2007. He officially retired on September 10, 2008.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 11:13 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Elway calls it quits

Of course, Hall of Fame QB John Elway retired years ago. 1998 to be exact.

Now, John's son Jack is calling it quits too.

Jack Elway was a redshirt freshman quarterback at Arizona State competing with four other quarterbacks for the starting gig created by the departure of Rudy Carpenter.

"He's just tired of football and wants to do something else with his life," ASU coach Dennis Erickson said Monday. "He made a decision, and we all understand it. He would have played here eventually."

Elway, who was all-Colorado at Cherry Creek High School, did not participate at ASU's scrimmage on Saturday.

"You definitely have to know a lot more," Jack told The [Denver] Post at the start of preseason drills. "Mentally, there's a lot more studying, a lot more." Plus, the 6-foot-3, 200-pounder said, "there's a lot bigger people here and you have to get used to the speed of the game. It's different trying to pick it up. But it's coming."

I can't imagine the pressure to follow in his legendary father's footsteps. Although Elway is quitting football, he will stay in school.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 08:59 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Dawkins to give Leone Eagles-Broncos tickets

Fired Philadelphia Eagles part-time employee (and passionate fan) Dan Leone will be at Lincoln Field when the Denver Broncos come to Philadelphia to play the Eagles. However, Leone won't be working the game.

Instead, Broncos newly-signed safety Brian Dawkins will provide Leone with tickets to the game.

When the Eagles didn't re-sign Dawkins, Leone showed his frustration through his status on his Facebook page. He wrote: "Dan is [expletive] devastated about Dawkins signing with Denver ... Dam Eagles R Retarted!!"

That Facebook post, which he deleted and admitted was a mistake, cost Leone his job.

"I thought it'd be a good gesture,'' Dawkins said, according to the Daily News. "Had I not ... signed with Denver, that guy would still have his job."

In a league where so many players don't seem to get it, Dawkins consistently shows he does. Classy move.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 11:01 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Broncos give Bears 5th-round pick in addition to Cutler

In the trade that sent QB Jay Cutler to the Chicago Bears for Kyle Orton and three draft picks (two first-rounders and one third-rounder), the Broncos will also send a fifth-round pick in 2009 to Chicago as well.

The Broncos acquired the fifth-round pick from the Seattle Seahawks in exchange for Keary Colbert last year.

In Denver, Cutler, who threw for 4526 yards last year, had Brandon Marshall and Eddie "Casino" Royal as targets. In Chicago, he won't have many weapons in the passing game. However, the Bears have an established running game (a.k.a. a QB's best friend) with rookie Matt Forte, who rushed for 1238 yards (7th in NFL) last year.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 05:59 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Jay Cutler to Bears for Orton, picks

Cutler will be playing for his childhood favorite team.

Per Jay Glazer at Fox Sports, the Denver Broncos have traded Jay Cutler to the Chicago Bears for Kyle Orton and first-round draft picks this year and next year. The Broncos will also get a third-round pick in 2010.

The Broncos will now have the 12th overall draft pick and the 18th pick (from Chicago) in this year's draft.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 05:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Hip surgery for Brandon Marshall

Denver Broncos wide receiver Brandon Marshall had hip surgery yesterday that was performed by Dr. Marc Philippon. Philippon has also performed hip surgery on Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez and Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner.

Per Mike Klis of the Denver Post, Marshall is expected back by training camp, which begins in late-July.

The Broncos are in the process of working on a trade for quarterback Jay Cutler, who finished third in the NFL in passing yards in 2008. Also, Marshall is possibly facing an NFL suspension stemming from a March disorderly conduct arrest even though the charge was dropped.

With the possibility of a suspension looming and the likelihood of a new QB in the Mile High city, Marshall is unlikely to duplicate his performance of the past two seasons where he recorded 100+ receptions for 1200+ yards each year.

As a 25-year-old that has a Wikipedia page with a section chronicling his "Legal Trouble," the odds are fairly high that he'll get arrested again this year.

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

Broncos "have phone records"

Last night, Denver Broncos owner Pat Bowlen stated that his attempts and those of coach Josh McDaniels over the past 10 days to contact QB Jay Cutler were unsuccessful. Therefore, Bowlen said enough is enough and has decided to start the process to trade Cutler.

Per NFL.com, Cutler's camp rejects Bowlen's claim.

But Pat Bowlen has the ultimate rebuttal to Cutler and crew: “We have the phone records.”

There will be heavy demand for Cutler due to his physical ability. However, buyer beware. Do you really want the leader of your team to be a liar and cry baby?

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 07:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Cutler to be traded per Broncos' owner

Denver Broncos owner Pat Bowlen says that the Broncos will trade QB Jay Cutler.

Bowlen and coach Josh McDaniels have made numerous attempts to contact Cutler. But Cutler has ignored them.

"Numerous attempts to contact Jay Cutler in the last 10 days, both by head coach Josh McDaniels and myself, have been unsuccessful," Bowlen said in a statement released late Tuesday. "A conversation with his agent (Bus Cook) earlier today clearly communicated and confirmed to us that Jay no longer has any desire to play for the Denver Broncos. We will begin discussions with other teams in an effort to accommodate his request to be traded."

Bus Cook has worked his "magic" again. Last year, he orchestrated the Favre-Packers standoff that has tarnished the future Hall of Famer's image. Now he's helped Cutler create his cry-baby image.

Per Mike Klis of the Denver Post, some of the teams that have expressed interest in Cutler include New York Jets, Chicago, Tampa Bay, Detroit and Minnesota.

Even though the Broncos lack leverage from the point of view that Cutler wants out, the number of interested suitors is likely to guarantee a bidding war will ensue.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 09:20 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Odds on Cutler staying in Denver

There are many possible outcomes to the drama surrounding Denver Broncos QB Jay Cutler.

BoDog has set odds on those possibilities and the favorite is that Jay Cutler is in a Broncos' uniform on opening day 2009. The odds are 5/9.

If he doesn't remain with the Broncos, the odds are that he replaces Brett Favre in New York. Odds on the Jets trading for Cutler are set at 7/2.

Here are the remaining odds:

Detroit Lions - 4/1
Tampa Bay Buccaneers - 23/4
Washington Redskins - 14/1
San Francisco 49ers - 14/1
Any other team - 9/2

Although the prop bet is closed, what's your bet?

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

Jay Cutler is playing hide and seek

Denver Broncos QB Jay Cutler is leaving Nashville. But he's not heading to Denver.

Where is Cutler going? It's a secret.

And on NFL Total Access tonight, Broncos' owner Pat Bowlen said that he has attempted to contact Cutler. However, Cutler hasn't responded.

A few months ago, Chargers LB Matt Wilhelm called Cutler a "punk" and one of the "biggest crybabies in the league." I couldn't have said it better myself.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 08:07 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Despite Cutler drama, defense still main concern in Denver

As Mike Klis of The Denver Post jokes, the Jay-Cutler-vs-Josh-McDaniels imbroglio means that "no one's asking about the defense anymore."

But Klis argues that defense is still the team's biggest problem.

New coach Josh McDaniels has turned over a quarter of the roster in his efforts to re-make the Broncos, but he hasn't made any major changes to the team's front seven. On the other hand, the secondary has Brian Dawkins, Andre Goodman and Renaldo Hill replacing Dre Bly, Marquand Manuel and Marlon McCree.

Klis expects the Broncos to focus their draft efforts on their front seven. Boston College NT B.J. Raji or LSU DE Tyson Jackson are possibilities to be available when the Broncos make the 12th pick in the draft. Klis also mentions that Mizzou's Evander Hood and Boston College's Ron Brace are defensive tackles that might still be available in the second round when the Broncos pick at 48.

Of all the mock drafts I've seen, Raji goes to the Broncos at 12 or sooner. In other words, there's a good chance Raji won't be around when the Broncos make their first selection.

Per Klis, they also could draft add an inside linebacker, such as USC's Rey Maualuga, this year's Chuck Bednarik award winner, or Ohio State's James Laurinaitis, who won the Butkus award in 2007. Maualuga is a projected to go in the middle of the first round and Laurinaitis is projected to go towards the end of the first round and beginning of the second round in most mock drafts.

In any event, the Broncos are likely to focus on defense and specifically on the front seven at next month's NFL draft.

For a look at a complete Denver Broncos' draft history, click here.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 03:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Kerry Rhodes not a fan of Jay Cutler

The New York Jets are one of the teams interested in Jay Cutler, the Broncos' disgruntled QB.

But not every Jets' player is excited about the potential of Cutler being in a Jets uniform. Jets safety Kerry Rhodes is "not going to fight him" if he is Brett Favre's replacement, but he won't be throwing a party to welcome him either.

"Me and Jay just don't get along too well right now," Rhodes said. "...You can be confident, but when you're too confident for your own self, that can be a little tough."

Instead, Rhodes would prefer the QBs on the team (Kellen Clemens, Brett Ratliff and Erik Ainge) get a shot to lead the team.

For obvious reasons, Clemens isn't thrilled with the prospect either.

"At times, it can be distracting, I'm not going to lie," Clemens said of the Cutler buzz. "It's not like, 'Oh, Jay could be here, that's great.' You try to ignore it and focus on things under your control . . . I try to dismiss it as best I can, but it's easier said than done."

Last year, Cutler threw for 4526 yards, 25 TDs and 18 INTs.

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

Cutler ignores McDaniels' text

According to Mike Klis of the Denver Post, a source told him that Broncos coach Josh McDaniels, who called Jay Cutler "our quarterback," sent Cutler a text message before arriving at the NFL owners' meetings which run from March 22nd to 25th.

Per Klis, Cutler didn't respond to McDaniels' text message.

While Cutler hasn't shown up for the voluntary off-season workout program, which began last Monday, Cutler has stated that he would show up for mandatory sessions. The next mandatory event is the team's mini-camp that runs from April 17th to 19th.

If Cutler and McDaniels don't iron out their differences by then, it's likely that trade discussions get going in earnest between then and the NFL draft (April 25th and 26th). More than ten teams have inquired about Cutler's availability.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 04:38 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Jets are interested in Jay Cutler

Denver Broncos' coach Josh McDaniels still says that Jay Cutler is "our quarterback."

Per Gary Myers of the Daily News, the Jets have told the Broncos that they are interested in the Broncos' franchise QB (and unhappy camper) if (or, more likely, when) the Broncos start engaging in trade talks.

Jets coach Rex Ryan referred to QBs Kellen Clemens and Brett Ratliff as "1 and 1-A. Clemens may get the first snap, but then 1-A is Ratliff. This is clearly an open competition. Erik Ainge, if he comes around and lights it up, he will be in there."

There will be plenty of possible suitors for Cutler including the Bucs and Bears and possibly the 49ers, Lions among others.

Cutler finished third in the NFL in passing yards (4526) and seventh in passing TDs (25). However, he also finished second in interceptions (18).

The good news is that if Cutler is part of Gang Green in '09, he threw less interceptions than their QB did in '08.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 04:22 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Correll Buckhalter named in drug case

Styles N. Beckles is on trial in Pennsylvania for drug charges. [Can't you just picture a drug dealer named "Styles"? I picture something like this.]

In any event, the prosecutor in the case said that Styles had sold drugs to pro athletes including RB Correll Buckhalter, who signed with the Denver Broncos this off-season. Buckhalter is expected to start for the Broncos, who have also signed J.J. Arrington and Lamont Jordan this off-season.

Through his agent, Buckhalter has denied that he is a customer of Styles.

"I spoke to Correll about it and there's no validity to it as far as he's concerned," Buchhalter's agent J.R. Rickert said. "I don't know the circumstances as to how or why he dropped his name. All I know is I asked Correll, 'Are you involved in this at all?' And he said, 'Nope, there's no validity to it.' "

I don't know whether Buckhalter bought or didn't buy drugs from Styles. But considering the amount of players that have been busted for drugs in the NFL, I'm not sure that the phrase "nope, there's no validity to it" means so matter-of-factly that "nope, there's no validity to it."

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 07:12 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Cutler demands trade

Not only did the Broncos begin their off-season program today without their franchise QB, but Cutler has instructed James "Bus" Cook, his agent, to request a trade after this weekend's meeting with coach Josh McDaniels and GM Brian Xanders.

"At the end of the meeting, he wasn't like, 'Jay, I want you as our quarterback, you're our guy.' It felt like the opposite. He basically said that I needed to tell him if we can't work this out, to let him know," Cutler added. "I thought he was antagonizing me and that was disappointing because I was ready to move on, committed as a Bronco. Really, I figured we'd hash things out, shake hands, laugh a little and move forward. What happened [Saturday] was the last thing I expected..."

McDaniels said that while he would prefer not to speak publicly about the situation, he has a different take on the events than Cutler has.

"...I never made a statement [Saturday] that 'you can be traded at any time.' They asked a question and I told them it was the time of year when people inquire about your team. Your job, as a head coach and general manager, is to listen and not bypass any opportunity to help your team improve. I think most people [in the NFL] feel the same way. You make smart, educated decisions that are best for your football team."

When Cook called Xanders to request that Cutler be traded, Xanders said that Cutler won't be traded.

I have found it odd that Cook has involved himself (through his clients) in the two biggest QB controversies of the past two years: Brett Favre and Cutler.

Cutler, who has three years remaining on his six-year contract, asks "how can I trust him [McDaniels] now?" Hmmm...what will solve the lack of trust?

According to Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio, a league source says that Cook's solution is to give Cutler a new contract.

As Florio also points out in a Sporting News piece, the Broncos have (or should have) control of the situation - not Cutler, not Cook.

"...from the moment Cutler started banging the drum to get out of Denver, the Broncos should have made it clear to Cutler and his agent, Bus Cook, that Cutler has two options: (1) play for the Broncos; or (2) play for no one and pay back to the team a big chunk of his bonus money."

As the Broncos began their off-season program, McDaniels only said to the team that he'll "take care of it."

Stay tuned to find out exactly what that means...

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

Cutler won't attend Monday's team meeting

Tomorrow, the Denver Broncos begin their off-season workout program, which is voluntary under the league's collective bargaining agreement.

Despite the tension between QB Jay Cutler and coach Josh McDaniels, Cutler planned on attending McDaniels' first team meeting Monday per Mike Klis of the Denver Post. However, Cutler had a change of heart based on how a meeting with the Broncos went this weekend.

The situation seems to have deteriorated enough that Broncos owner Pat Bowlen acknowledged the possibility of Cutler leaving town. Both Cutler, who has three years left on his contract, and his parents have placed Denver property on the market over the past week.

"I'm very disappointed," Broncos owner Pat Bowlen said Sunday. "I'm disappointed in the whole picture, not just disappointed that we might lose our star quarterback."

The first mandatory team meeting is the Broncos' mini-camp, which runs from April 17 to 19. If Cutler doesn't show for mini-camp, the team can fine him for each day he misses.

Cutler is due to earn $1.035 million this season and $100,000 bonus if he were to attend 90% of the off-season conditioning program.

If Cutler is traded, which likely wouldn't happen until the NFL draft, Klis believes his preferences would be Tennessee (Cutler went to Vanderbilt) or Chicago (his childhood favorite team). According to Klis, other possibilities include Cleveland, Tampa Bay, Minnesota, Detroit and Arizona.

Both the Titans (Vince Young, 3rd overall pick) and Cardinals (Matt Leinart, 10th overall pick) drafted QBs ahead of Cutler (11th overall pick) in the 2006 NFL draft. Both Young and Leinart have struggled early in their careers and are back-ups to veteran QBs.

Cutler says that until the situation has been resolved that James "Bus" Cook, his agent, must be present for all conversations with team officials.

This is now the second consecutive year that a huge standoff between a star QB and a team has happened. The one thing in common is Cook, who also represents Brett Favre.

Hmmm...coincidence?

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 10:13 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Cutler and his parents put homes up for sale

When he first found out the team was entertaining trade offers that involved QB Matt Cassel, Denver Broncos QB Jay Cutler said "there's going to be a lot of problems if they try to trade me." In attempt to make peace, coach Josh McDaniels and the Broncos camp had a conference call with Cutler and agent Bus Cook last week.

The Denver Broncos have a team meeting and begin their off-season program Monday. So, tomorrow will be the first potential mini-showdown between Cutler and McDaniels. Will Cutler show? If so, does he create "problems"?

Although McDaniels and the Broncos have said that they are not trading Jay Cutler, McDaniels has also pointed out that everyone is tradable. For a QB with a career losing record (17-20) and with the second-most INTs (18) in 2008 trailing only another Cook client (Brett Favre), Cutler has rubbed many the wrong way with his cry-baby attitude.

And despite the nay-sayers calling Cutler putting his primary home up for sale a coincidence, it looks as though Cutler is preparing for life outside of the Mile High City. Not only is his $2 million house in the suburbs up for sale, his parents' house is as well.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 10:27 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Cutler and Broncos not on same page

The Denver Broncos and QB Jay Cutler had a conference call on Monday. Per the Denver Post, the outcome of the call depends on whom you ask.

If you ask the Broncos, it went well. If you ask Jay Cutler, it went horribly.

The Broncos still say they won't trade Cutler, but point out that any player can be traded at any time.

Cutler, on the other hand, would prefer to be traded if the Broncos aren't committed to him for the long-term.

Cutler certainly has the physical tools to be a "franchise QB" in the NFL. But does he have the maturity and mental make-up to be a "franchise QB"?

The team begins its off-season "voluntary" workout program on Monday. Cutler hasn't yet said whether or not he'll show. Even though the off-season conditioning programs are "voluntary," players are expected to show.

I wouldn't be surprised if the Broncos trade Cutler, who has a lot of value on the trade market, if he doesn't show for off-season workout program.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 09:40 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Cutler and McDaniels to meet

Disgruntled Broncos QB Jay Cutler, who was the subject of trade rumors involving Matt Cassel, will meet with Broncos coach Josh McDaniels. Team spokesman Patrick Smyth says he is speaking on behalf of team owner Pat Bowlen when he says the Broncos won't trade Cutler.

"Josh and Jay will sit down and meet next week when Jay gets back from Nashville," said Smyth. "The Denver Broncos are not trading, Jay Cutler. Period."

McDaniels echoed Smyth's comments about the team not trading Cutler.

“Let me be as clear as I can about this,” McDaniels said when reached at his office Tuesday afternoon. “We are not trading Jay Cutler — period.”

While it's understandable that nobody would like to know that you may be the subject of trade rumors, it's part of the business. And while the economy is tanking and employment rates are soaring, nobody is feeling sorry for Jay Cutler, who signed a 6-year, $47.86 million contract in 2006.

As Colin Cowherd of ESPN Radio mentioned on his radio show yesterday, Joe Montana and Johnny Unitas were traded. Those guys are all-time greats that have won Super Bowls and were idolized in their cities. So why wouldn't the Broncos entertain offers for its QB that is 17-20 in his career and threw 18 interceptions last year?

For the Broncos, they need to improve the relationship with Cutler. If they really do want him to stay, an offensive head coach can't/shouldn't be at odds with his QB. If they do want to trade him despite their comments to the contrary, it serves them well to improve their relationship to develop a market for Cutler.

Whether or not Cutler believes Smyth (on behalf of Bowlen) and McDaniels, it only makes sense for Cutler to be grow up and handle this like a professional. What good does it do for him to be bitter anyways?

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 10:14 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Update: Charges dropped against Marshall

Broncos WR Brandon Marshall, who was arrested Sunday morning on disorderly conduct charges, had charges against him dismissed.

"Based on my investigation yesterday, he shouldn't have been charged in the first place and I was confident the charges would be dismissed," said Harvey Steinberg, Marshall's attorney.

However, that doesn't mean that Marshall won't spend time in the NFL's dog house. According to Pro Football Talk, NFL spokesman Greg Aiello says that the league “will look in to it.”

As PFT points out, getting arrested is as harmful to the league's image as is being convicted. After all, perception is often reality in most people's minds.

The NFL's Personal Conduct Policy also states that a player could still be "subject to discipline, even where the conduct itself does not result in conviction of a crime."

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 12:19 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Brandon Marshall arrested, lengthy supension next?

Have you ever realized that you can't hurt in two places simultaneously?

For example, if you strained your back and then you stub your toe, you feel the pain in your toe (the newer pain) - not the pain in your back (the existing pain) - at least temporarily.

Well, for new coach Josh McDaniels, QB Jay Cutler is the back (the existing pain) and WR Brandon Marshall is the stubbed toe (the newer pain).

After finding out that he was the subject of trade talks involving Matt Cassel, who was traded to Kansas City, Cutler was none too pleased. In fact, he's still not interested in talking to the Broncos.

The new problem confrontring the Broncos is that WR Brandon Marshall was arrested in Atlanta for disorderly conduct.

If you recall, Marshall was suspended for 3 games last off-season. However, he appealed and successfully got NFL commissioner to reduce the suspension to 1 game with a fine of 2 games.

And Marshall has a long history of run-in's with the law, especially involving ex-girlfriend Rasheedah Watley. The Denver Post has been kind enough to provide a full list here.

Considering Marshall has already been suspended under the league's Personal Conduct Policy, it's likely that he will face another suspension. And this suspension could be much longer - 8-16 games if past 2nd suspensions are any indication.

Marshall has a ton of talent, but he's a head-case despite claiming to have matured. He's in the final year of his contract and is due $2.2 million and was looking for a contract extension.

In 2008, Marshall was 3rd in the league in receptions (104) and 7th in receiving yards (1265) despite missing one game (suspension).

With the problems the Broncos could be facing in the passing attack with Cutler and Marshall, it's good that the Broncos have been stockpiling RBs.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 07:28 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Broncos sign Andre' Goodman to 5-year contract

NFL.com is reporting that the Denver Broncos signed CB Andre' Goodman to a 5-year contract worth $25 million. The contract includes $10 million in guaranteed money.

Goodman led the Dolphins in interceptions with 5 in 2008 and started all 16 games.

The Broncos have added a dizzying number of players since free agency began, but one of the players they released was CB Dre' Bly, which they did before free agency began.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 08:33 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Snag in Arrington's deal with Denver

It was reported that the Denver Broncos signed RBs Correll Buckhalter and J.J. Arrington to 4-year contracts. However, Arrington's deal is not done yet and a contract glitch may prevent the deal from getting done.

"J.J's back in Arizona," said [Arrington's agent J.R.] Rickert. "The deal's not dead yet."

Rickert, who's also Buckhalter's agent, says Buckhalter's deal is complete.

Brian Dawkins, who signed a 5-year contract with the Broncos, is happy for his former-Eagles teammate.

"Man, I'm so happy for Buck," Dawkins said. "Being his teammate for so long, and the things he's had to endure and the injuries he's had to sustain and not always being able to put it on the football field, for whatever reason, if he's not being used or the injury. For him to get this opportunity to show what he can do, I am so happy for him."

Buckhalter has as good of a chance to be the starter as anyone else currently on the roster. However, that would likely change if the Broncos agree to terms with free-agent Derrick Ward, who's in town today.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 03:13 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Derrick Ward to visit with Broncos today

Since free agency began, free-agent RB Derrick Ward has visited with the Philadelphia Eagles and Cincinnati Bengals (both on Saturday). Today Ward is going to visit with the Denver Broncos.

However, there is still the chance that Ward could end up back with the Giants.

"They left the door open for me and I know they would love to have me back, but it's a business," Ward said on Sirius NFL Radio on Friday, "and the business aspect of it right now is I feel I'm a starter and I proved I can help a team win some games and reach a Super Bowl level."

It is a business. And as Michael Lombardi of National Football Post and NFL Network said regarding free-agent RBs in general is that many teams have seen what mid-round draft picks a la Steve Slaton in Houston can do and would prefer to spend minimum rookie money on adding a back than spending in free agency.

Ward finished 2008 with 1,025 rushing yards as a backup to Brandon Jacobs. Ward averaged 5.6 yards per carry and had 215 rushing yards in the Giants' win over the Carolina Panthers in week 16. That win clinched home-field advantage for the Giants in the NFC playoffs.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 12:55 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Cutler has thin skin

One of the big stories surrounding the Matt Cassel (and Mike Vrabel) trade to Kansas City for a 2nd-round pick is how it almost involved Broncos QB Jay Cutler and his reaction to the information.

"I'm upset. I mean I'm really shocked at this point," he said. "I could see why they want Cassel. I don't know if they think I can't run the system or I don't have the skills for it. I just don't get it. Or if they don't think they can sign me with my next contract. I just don't know what it is. I've heard I'm still on the trading block."

Selected 11th overall in the 2006 NFL draft, Cutler has 3 years remaining on his 6-year contract. Although the Broncos assert that they were contacted by other teams including the Bucs regarding Cutler's availability in a trade, Cutler's relationship with new 32-year-old head coach Josh McDaniels is getting off to a rocky start.

"Anything can be mended," he said. "I'll always play with the guys we've got. I love playing for those guys. Obviously, Josh and I's relationship has taken a few steps backward. I don't play for the coaches anyway, I play for teammates..."

Overall, the Broncos are doing the Patriots thing this off-season. Bringing in a lot of players - not big names - to compete for spots.

They have brought in safety Brian Dawkins to provide heart and soul to a defense that was lackluster last year. They have signed Jabar Gaffney, Lonie Paxton, J.J. Arrington, Correll Buckhalter, Darrell Reid, Reynaldo Hill, Andra Davis and counting...

"We don't want to trade Jay," said McDaniels. " We never did. He's our quarterback. We're excited about this season. And excited about what we're doing here in free agency to improve our team."

Cutler finished 3rd in the NFL in passing yards (4526) and 7th in passing TDs (25). However, he also finished with the 2nd-most INTs (18) to league-leader Brett Favre.

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

Brian Dawkins - Eagles' loss is Broncos' gain

The Denver Broncos have been active in free agency so far.

They have signed Correll Buckhalter and J.J. Arrington to bolster a backfield that was riddled with injuries in 2008. Coach Josh McDaniels, who was OC in New England last year, signed WR Jabar Gaffney and long-snapper Lonie Paxon, who were also in New England last year.

Perhaps the biggest move is signing safety Brian Dawkins, who spent the past 13 seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles.

Dawkins has had a great career and as Eagles coach Andy Reid says, he is "one of all-time greats to play his position." While he definitely isn't playing at the same level as he did during the peak of his career, he can still play at a high level. Dawkins made the NFC Pro Bowl squad and was the NFL's Defensive Player of the Month in December.

More importantly, Dawkins brings heart to a defense that struggled last year.

The Broncos' defense ranked 29th in the league in total defense (374.6 ypg allowed) and 30th in scoring defense (28.0 ppg).

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 12:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Broncos sign pair of RBs to 4-year contracts

The Denver Broncos can't seem to have enough RBs.

Last year, 7 of them landed on IR: Ryan Torain, Michael Pittman, Andre Hall, Anthony Alridge, Peyton Hillis, Selvin Young and P.J. Hope.

Today the Broncos signed 2 more RBs to 4-year contracts - Correll Buckhalter from Philadelphia and J.J. Arrington from Arizona.

While Buckhalter could be considered the favorite to be the starting RB in 2009, remember this is Denver after all.

Mike Shanahan may have been fired, but New England was Denver-east. Will coach Josh McDaniels, who came from New England, carry on the Denver tradition and frustrate fantasy football owners in 2009? To me, it's a safe bet.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 05:41 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Dre' Bly next to go in Denver

New Denver Broncos GM Brian Xanders has cut another defensive starter. This time it was the team's starting right cornerback Dre' Bly.

Yesterday, the team cut starters LB Jamie Wilborn, DT Dewayne Robertson and S Marquand Manuel as well as LB John Engelberger, LB Niko Koutouvides and TE Nate Jackson.

Bly, who has 40 interceptions in his 10-year career, tied a career low for INTs (2) in 2008.

He would have earned $3.25 million in a base salary as well as a $400,000 workout bonus.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 11:42 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Broncos cut 3 defensive starters

New Broncos GM Brian Xanders made 6 roster cuts, which include 3 defensive starters.

The Broncos cut starters LB Jamie Winborn, who was the team's leading tackler, DT Dewayne Robertson and S Marquand Manual. They also cut DE John Engelberger, LB Niko Koutouvides and TE Nate Jackson.

Selected with the 4th overall pick in the 2002 draft by the Jets, Robertson spent his first 5 years with the Jets before playing for the Broncos in 2008. Robertson, who would have counted $16 million toward the salary cap, had 22 tackles last season and 1.5 sacks.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 10:52 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Brian Xanders to be Broncos' GM

The Denver Broncos have promoted Brian Xanders to the position of General Manager.

"In evaluating the work of our football operations department over the past several weeks, it has become clear to me that Brian Xanders is the right person to step into our general manager's job," Bowlen said in a statement. "I am confident he will work in tandem with head coach Josh McDaniels to re-establish our football team at the level we desire."

Xanders, who played football at Florida State, worked for the Atlanta Falcons organization for 14 years before joining the Broncos on Cinco de Mayo.

When Xanders graduated from FSU, he sent resumes to all NFL teams and says he was rejected at least 3 times by each before getting a chance with the Atlanta Falcons as the assistant GM at the Falcons Sports Complex, which is open to the public.

"I was changing light bulbs, scrubbing toilets and cleaning racquetball courts, and then they made me GM three months later of the Falcons Sports Complex," Xanders said.

Xanders was the team's assistant general manager along with Jeff Goodman, who's father Jim was the team's vice president of football operations.

With the announcement of Xanders becoming GM, Broncos owner Pat Bowlen fired both Jim and Jeff Goodman.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 05:17 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)

Casey Wiegmann won't retire

The Denver Broncos center Casey Wiegmann will return for the final year of his contract. He was considering retirement.

"Casey will play at least a couple more years," agent Joe Linta said Sunday. "He is playing his best football and he feels really good. He will be back."

Wiegmann made the AFC Pro Bowl team as a first alternate.

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

Plummer says Shanahan firing was overdue

Denver Broncos ex-QB Jake "The Snake" Plummer wasn't surprised that the Broncos fired coach Mike Shanahan. In fact, he was surprised it took so long.

"I thought it was past due," Jake Plummer said in a telephone interview Thursday. "I think he had done what he could do and was just tapped out as far as his coaching style wasn't motivating guys anymore."

Considering Plummer was benched by Shanahan, it's not surprising that he would publicly criticize Shanahan.

Plummer was benched heading into week 13, when the Broncos were 7-4, in 2006. Cutler started the remaining 5 games.

Plummer had a 68.8 QB rating and completed 55.2% of his passes in 2006. He also threw 11 TDs and 13 TDs.

Maybe a 7-4 team shouldn't have benched their starting QB. But, by comparison, Cutler put up better numbers that year. Cutler finished with an 88.5 QB rating and completed 59.1% of his passes. Cutler threw 9 TDs and 5 INTs.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 07:51 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Most money for free agency

Looking at teams with the most money to spend in the off-season, the top 4 teams are either (a) in the Super Bowl or (b) have a new coach and/or new GM.

3 of the bottom 5 teams will have new coaches as well provided Al Davis doesn't remove the "interim" from Tom Cable's title.

Here are the top 5:

1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers ($42 million)
2. Arizona Cardinals ($41 million)
3. Denver Broncos ($34 million)
4. Kansas City Chiefs ($33 million)
5. Tennessee Titans ($31 million)

Here are the bottom 5:

28. Oakland Raiders ($4 million)
29. Indianapolis Colts (-$2 million)
30. Washington Redskins (-$3 million)
31. New Orleans Saints (-$5 million)
32. New York Jets (-$7 million)

Click here to see salary cap flexibility for all teams.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 06:21 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Josh McDaniels hires brother Ben

The average age of the Broncos coaching staff just got younger. Head coach Josh McDaniels, 32, just hired his younger brother Ben, 28, to his coaching staff.

Ben, who was QB at Kent State, was responsible for QBs at Massillon Jackson High School (OH) last year.

As PFT points out, if you hire family to coach, it's difficult to fire them if necessary. We saw this in Detroit with head coach Rod Marinelli, who's now the Bears DL coach, and defensive coordinator (Marinelli's son-in-law) Joe Barry, who's now back in Tampa as LB coach.

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

LBs coach Don Martindale leaves Raiders for Broncos

Don Martindale, who was the Oakland Raiders LB coach last season, will leave Oakland and become LB coach for the Denver Broncos. There was speculation that Martindale had a shot at being offered the head coaching position in Oakland.

Shortly after Josh McDaniels was named head coach, he hired Mike Nolan to run the defense. (Mike McCoy was hired from Carolina to run the offense.)

The entire defensive coaching staff is now set in Denver. Wayne Nunnely will coach the D-Line, Martindale the LBs and Ed Donatell the DBs.

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

Mike McCoy to be Broncos offensive coordinator

Broncos head coach Josh McDaniels, who hired Mike Nolan as the Broncos defensive coordinator, has selected his offensive coordinator. The Broncos offensive coordinator will be Mike McCoy, who was QBs coach in Carolina.

McCoy has been with the Panthers for the past nine seasons and was considered when the Panthers hired Jeff Davidson as offensive coordinator in 2007.

McCoy began his NFL career in 1995 when he was undrafted but signed by the Broncos. He spent that season on the Packers practice squad.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 05:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Broncos hire Mike Nolan as DC

Let me begin by reminding you that I disagreed with the selection of Josh McDaniels to replace fired coach Mike Shanahan. I believed that Leslie Frazier, Vikings defensive coordinator, would have been a better choice.

The Broncos were solid offensively despite a ton of injuries to their running backs. In fact, they had to resort to re-signing Tatum Bell, who was working at a mall selling mobile phones before re-joining the team. It was either selling phones or tutoring English (see quote), but remember how he left Detroit, who cut Bell, with Rudi Johnson's luggage?

"I ain't no thief," Bell told the Free Press in a phone interview. "I ain't never been one, and I ain't never going to be one. It was all a misunderstanding.

"You can ask anybody I played with for all my years or anybody that know

The Daily Blitz discusses NFL rumors and news, NCAA football, Fantasy Football and the NFL draft and is the blog for Eat, Drink and Sleep Football.

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