Day: November 19, 2007

Waiver Wire Watch: Week 12

November 19, 2007 / John Paulsen

Every week, I highlight a few players that you should target in waivers. I’ll use the ESPN league data when filtering players, so the only players eligible for discussion here are those that are available on the waiver wire of at least 40% of ESPN’s leagues. I’ll list each player’s percentage-owned after their name so you have an idea of how available they are in leagues around the country. I’ll always try to talk about a player or two that are available in 90% of leagues for those of you in 12-team leagues or leagues with big rosters.

This week, I’m going to start ranking the players in order of what I believe their overall value to be over the rest of the season. Remember, there are Thursday games this week, so get your roster in early.

QUARTERBACKS

Kurt Warner (39.3) threw for 211 yards and two scores against the Bengals and has some nice matchups coming up against the 49ers, Browns and Saints. He’s always a threat to get injured, but he’s worth picking up if you don’t feel great about your starter…Matt Schaub (41.8) is healthy again, and he didn’t miss a beat, throwing for 293 yards and two scores against the Saints. He has a great matchup against the Browns in week 12 and a good matchup against the Broncos in week 15. Otherwise, things are pretty tough down the stretch…I expect Jason Campbell’s (45.7) percentage-owned to rise this week after he posted 348 yards and two TD against the Cowboys. He also had a great game against the Eagles, which makes Campbell one of the hottest QBs in the league right now. His matchup in week 12 is bad (@ TB), but after that, it’s not so bad, and he has a very nice matchup in week 16 (@ MIN)…David Garrard (31.6) didn’t waste any time in his first game back. He threw for 189 yards and two TD against the Chargers. He has been quite consistent in each of his starts, but faces a pretty tough schedule down the stretch…Kellen Clemens (10.1) played pretty well against the Steelers, but other than a nice matchup against the Dolphins in week 13 and the Browns in week 14, he doesn’t have a favorable schedule. Still, he’s a decent spot starter who has proved he can put up OK numbers against a good defense…J.P. Losman (24.4) has thrown for an average of 185 yards and 0.8 TD. That’s not great, but it isn’t horrible, either. Besides a great matchup in week 15 (@ CLE), his matchups don’t look too hot…Vinny Testaverde (1.8) posted good numbers in garbage time against the Packers and has the Saints and 49ers at home the next two weeks. He could be a nice fill in for those Donovan McNabb owners searching for help…Kyle Boller (3.1) threw for 279 yards and a score against the Browns, but was picked off twice. He has two pretty tough matchups in weeks 13 (vs. NE) and 14 (vs. IND), but his schedule isn’t too bad otherwise…Brodie Croyle (4.0) actually put up decent numbers (169 yards, 1 TD) against the Colts’ good pass defense. He has two good weapons in Tony Gonzalez and Dwayne Bowe, and with the Broncos and Lions on tap in weeks 14 and 16, he’s a serviceable starter for those desperate for help at QB… Rex Grossman (10.4) played OK against the Seahawks, throwing for 266 yards with no TD or INT. He has nice matchups in weeks 12 (vs. DEN) and 15 (@ MIN), but otherwise, the going looks pretty tough.

RUNNING BACKS

Ryan Grant (58.7) is the clear starter in Green Bay, but a mild ankle sprain may limit him in practice this week. With several good matchups down the stretch, he’s a serviceable RB2 in most leagues…Maurice Morris (33.7) has had two straight games in Shaun Alexander’s absence and figures to play well until Alexander comes back…Andre Hall’s (0.3) value depends a lot on the status of Selvin Young, who left Monday’s game with an injury. If Young is out (and Travis Henry’s suspension begins), then Hall suddenly becomes a viable RB2…Derrick Ward (46.4) hasn’t played in a month, but with Brandon Jacobs potentially out for next week’s game, he would be a good start if he can play. Otherwise, Reuben Droughns (40.1) will be the main guy if both Jacobs and Ward can’t go…Ron Dayne (22.2) has carried the ball 21 times in each of the last two games and has looked pretty good doing it. He’ll continue to start as long as Ahman Green is sidelined…Anthony Thomas (21.5) didn’t get many carries against the Pats, but the game got out of control early. He figures to carry the ball 15-20 times in a normal game as long as Marshawn Lynch is out.

WIDE RECEIVERS

D.J. Hackett (56.1) should be owned in all leagues. He is averaging 7.7 catches for 98 yards and 1 TD over the last three games. Pick him up and start him with confidence…Chris Henry (32.5) busted out of the gate with 12 catches for 180 yards and a score over the last two weeks. He still has to fight Chad Johnson and T.J. Houshmandzadeh for targets, but he appears to be a solid WR3 and a serviceable WR2 going forward…Shaun McDonald (53.5) has gone double digits in PPR leagues in the last four games. On Sunday, he caught seven passes for 113 yards…Drew Carter (10.3) deserves a look as long as Steve Smith is out. Against the Packers, he caught five passes for 132 yards and a score, and has caught at least three passes in each of the last three games…Roddy White (57.1) has caught at least three passes in every game this season, but his upside is limited by the quarterbacks throwing to him…Brandon Stokley (33.2) is still a good option as long as Javon Walker is out, though his play has been spotty of late…Arnaz Battle (9.1) has caught 14 passes for 199 yards over the last three weeks, making him a serviceable WR3 in PPR leagues…Brandon Jones (5.5) caught XXXX passes for XXXX yards and a score on Monday night and has had two solid games since returning to the lineup…Antwaan Randle El (42.2) has caught 12 passes for 97 yards over the last two weeks and seems to be getting more involved in the Redskins’ offense…James Jones (28.7) has caught at least three passes in all but one game this season, a remarkable feat for a rookie who is WR3 on his own team. He doesn’t find the endzone much, but he’s decent in PPR leagues…Kevin Walter (23.7) may be fading, but he’s the possession guy in Houston, which means he’ll still have some big games in PPR formats…Devard Darling (0.1) busted out with four catches for 107 yards and a score filling in for Demetrius Williams, who will probably miss another week or two with a high ankle sprain.

TIGHT ENDS

Owen Daniels (55.6) shouldn’t be available on the waiver wire. With Matt Schaub back under center, Daniels figures to thrive in the middle of the field…Donald Lee (55.2) continues to fill the role of Brett Favre’s security blanket. He caught two TD on Sunday and has caught at least three passes in every game this season… Tony Scheffler (18.8) has emerged as the Broncos’ TE1 in the passing game. He has caught 18 passes over the last four games and has scored twice over that span…L.J. Smith (49.1) seems to be feeling better and has caught eight passes over the last two weeks…Eric Johnson (30.4) isn’t a bad option in PPR leagues, though he tipped two passes into the arms of defenders on Sunday…Visanthe Shiancoe (7.7) caught a long pass from Sidney Rice on Sunday, but like the Minnesota passing game, he has been spotty this season…Chris Baker (5.8) has been very active with Kellen Clemens under center, catching 8 passes for 76 yards and a score over the last two games…Zach Miller (2.6) has been involved in the Raiders’ passing game of late and has caught seven passes over the last two weeks.

Fantasy Football, NFL

Vick turns himself in, begins prison sentence early

November 19, 2007 / Anthony Stalter

According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Michael Vick turned himself into custody to begin his prison sentence early. The length of Vick’s sentence won’t even be determined until next month, but he obviously wanted to get the party started early.

“From the beginning, Mr. Vick has accepted responsibility for his actions and his self surrender further demonstrates that acceptance,” Billy Martin, one of Vick’s lawyers, said in a statement.
“Michael wants to again apologize to everyone [who] has been hurt in this matter and he thanks all of the people who have offered him and his family prayers and support during this time.”

From the beginning, Mr. Vick has accepted responsibility? At the beginning he denied everything and blamed family members. It wasn’t until after the feds had insurmountable evidence that pointed to his guilt that he owned up to what he had done. And even then, he still didn’t accept full blame, just partial.

Good luck in prison Mike. Don’t drop the soap.

NFL

Monday Morgue

November 19, 2007 / Anthony Stalter

Here’s what some of the local columnists are saying in the wake of their teams losing on Sunday:

– Jay Mariotti of the Chicago Sun Times brings Rex Grossman back down to earth and notifies him that the Bears are cooked. Mariotti also takes shots at Lovie Smith and Brian Urlacher.

– Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette notes that outside of Pennsylvania and Ohio, the Steelers are terrible.

– Michael Rosenberg of the Detroit Free Press notes that Mike Martz is outsmarting himself nowadays.

– Terence Moore of the Atlanta Journal Constitution shreds Bobby Petrino and the Falcons for not showing up against the Bucs. Moore has wanted Petrino gone since the Falcons hired him and every time they lose, he’s always the first one in line to criticize the head coach. It’s kind of sad really.

– Paul Daugherty of the Cincinnati Enquirer doesn’t blame fans for leaving the Bengals-Cardinals game early because it was a brutal display of football.

– Mike Preston of the Baltimore Sun remembers a time not too long ago when the Ravens made their own luck.

– Jay Posner of the San Diego Union-Tribune questions Norv Turner’s play calling and decision-making after the Chargers’ loss to the Jaguars.

– Ray Ratto of the San Francisco Chronicle noticed a familiar scene during the 49ers’ loss to the Rams.

NFL

Cooking up Tournament Treats on Turkey Week

November 19, 2007 / Coach Z

Thanksgiving week is when the college basketball season starts to jump on the radar screen as the college football season winds down. This is a week when mid major teams give thanks for the opportunity to play a big time opponent on a neutral court. Many of the tournaments have been going on for years and some are in their infancy. Last year I had an opportunity to coach in the Grandaddy of the them all, The Great Alaskan Shootout. It was a great experienc for the players and Iam happy to say that we came away with a win against a Conference USA team. Let’s take a closer look and break them down.

Great Alaskan Shootout
Michigan vs. Butler/E. Washington vs. Virginia Tech/Texas Tech vs. Alaska-Anchorage/Western Kentucky vs. Gonzaga
This may be the stongest field for any of the tourneys taking place this week. Unbelievable as it sounds but Michigan will be an underdog to a Butler team that returns three starters from a Sweet 16 team. (Edge Butler) With first round pick Rodney Stuckey leaveing E. Washington a year early Virginia Tech should have it’s way with them. (Edge Va. Tech) Look for Alaska Anchorage to pull off an upset here as they have won at least one game the last couple of years. (Upset Alaska Anchorage) Western Kentucky has the makings of a Cinderella run this year and I think it starts against Gonzage in the Great White North. (Edge W. Kentucky)
Look for a Western Kentucky – Butler final and a mid-major dream match up.

CBE Classic
Four blue blood teams get together in Kansas City (where more college basketball championships have been played).
Missouri vs. Michigan State / Maryland vs. UCLA
Listening to all four coaches last night at the press conference nobody will win this tournament. However, with UCLA banged up and without three starters I look for Maryland to win the first night and play Missouri in the finals. I am going to go out on the limb here, but I think that you could see two of the four teams in the real Final Four come March.

Maui Classic
Warm weather did not attract the type of field that this tournament usudally gets. With only two teams currently ranked it has lost some of it’s luster, but don’t go to sleep just yet. There are some terrific coaches in this field and the fans will get an opportunity to see a variety of coaching styles.
Chaminade vs. Marquette (Edge Marquette) / LSU vs. Oklahoma State (Pick em) / Princeton vs. Duke (Edge Duke) / Arizona State vs. Illinois (Edge Illinois).
Marquette’s guards should propel them to the championship game. On the other side I like Illinois to get by Arizona State and Duke. Bruce Webber is one of the best at getting his players to play above their capablities.

PreSeason NIT
Four heavyweights made it to Madison Square Garden unlike a year ago when Butler surprised everybody and won the title.
Syracuse vs. Ohio State (Edge Syracuse) / Washington vs. Texas A&M (Edge Tesas A&M)
The Cuse are playing on their home away from home and with their zone defense it could be a long night for the Buckeyes. In the other games Texas A&M is loaded for a title run. Look for Mark Turgeon’s Aggies to cut down the nets.

Old Spice Classic
A new torunament on the scene, but one with a solid field.
Kansas State vs. George Mason (Edge G Mason) / South Carolina vs. Penn State (Pick em) / North Carolina State vs. Rider (Upset Rider)
Villanova vs. Central Florida (Upset Central Florida)
This tournament will showcase some mid major teams. Two of the most under rated coaches in college basketball in Jim Larranage (George Mason) and Kirk Speraw (Central Florida). All they do is win and it should prove to b e a great semi final match up. O the other side look for Rider to pull off the upset with the outstanding play of 6’11 Jason Thompson (he will be a first round pick in the Spring). In the end my money is on Jim Larranaga and the Patriots.

So as you are feasting on Turkey this week take a look at some good college basketball. I can’t wait….

College Basketball

RUBBING SHOULDERS WITH GREATNESS

November 19, 2007 / Coach Z

Last night I had the opportunity to attend the induction ceremony for the College Basketball Hall of Fame and mingle with some of the greatest names in college basketball history. I grew up listening to Notre Dame basketball games on the radio and dreaming about being the next Austin Carr. My jumper was never as sweet as his, but I was overjoyed when my hometown Cavaliers made him the first pick of the NBA draft in 1971. Most people don’t realize how prolific of a scorer he was because he played at the same time as Pete Maravich. When you average 34.6 points per game for your career there is no doubt you are a Hall of Famer. The other three players inducted were Dick Groat, Dick Barnett and Kareem Abdul Jabbar.

Dick Barnett regaled the crowd with a poetic verse that would have made Longfellow proud. And as he said his biggest achievement was not his three national titles at Tennessee State or his two world championships with the New York Knicks, rather his coming back to school to not only receive a bachelor’s degree and continue on to obtain his Doctorate’s.

The only thing I can say about Kareem Abdul Jabbar is what Bill Walton said in his presentation of him. He was the “King of Everything.” He is the only player to win three national titles and be named MVP three times. The sky hook revolutinized the game. However, it was his ability to score at will inside that prompted the college game to outlaw the dunk for a few years. At least until he graduated.

The Coaches took center stage next and it was Lefty Driesell that captivated the audience with his aw shucks humor. The man credited with starting Midnight Madness at Davidson is the only coach to be named coach of the year in 4 different leagues at 4 different schools. Norm Stewart from the University of Missouri, Vic Bubas and Guy Lewis of Phi Slamma Jamma fame were also inducted. Beween the fourd coaches they amassed over 2000 wins and appeared in multiple Final Fours.

It was truly a night to be remembered for an ex-coach and any true basketball fan.