NFL Labor talks are getting better.

With another extension being afforded to all parties involved, and talks taking a much needed breather this weekend, NFL fans will have to continue waiting on baited breath for the final outcome of the NFL Labor talks and a possible new collective bargaining agreement.

That wait—so you know—could extend as far as Friday of next week.

But the situation isn’t all doom and gloom despite many thinking so.

The two sides have basically found common ground on some significant issues such as health care; the rookie wage scale; the 18-game season and the proposed cutbacks in physical contact during off-season workouts and practice.

So with some significant issues basically out of the way what’s the problem, you ask?

The current road block is how to deal and divide the $9 billion annual revenue—yeah, that’s right, 9 billion dollars—which is, as you might imagine, a sensitive subject.

Thank god the current negotiations aren’t anything like this:

But even with a large, heaping pile of money standing in the way of the 2011/12 NFL season, both sides feel ‘optimistic’ that a resolution is fast approaching. This comes as welcome news for not only die-hard NFL fans, but also the droves and droves of fantasy owners nervously hoping for some resolve.

But the recent stagnation of the NFL labor talks have also caused some mild concern around the league, and around the fantasy landscape.

Why?

Simply put, in the event of a lockout players would not be allowed to participate in offseason training at practice facilities nor attend offseason practices and mini-camps. The league’s approximately 500 free agents could not sign with any teams, and those who have bonus payments due under existing contracts or salary advances against the 2011 season would not receive them.

And even though the NFL draft will be held as scheduled April 28-30, teams would not be able to contact their draftees or sign undrafted rookies and even teams will not even be allowed to trade.

For fantasy football owners, this causes a serious layer of unwanted muck around their initial team building strategy, especially if they can’t even get a read on who’s going where, and who’s even showing up for camp.

Let alone if camp even happens.

So, the safe road is—for now anyway— to keep a sharp eye on players you know will be around such in the recent case of Packers’ linebacker A.J. Hawk

The Green Bay Packers made some early headline news this past week releasing, and then re-signing LB A.J. Hawk to what is believed to be a 5 year deal worth as much as $35 million dollars—details were not available at the time of this article.

But again, that’s just a “what if” type of scenario.

The bottom line is there’s just too much at stake for a total stoppage of work, and that alone will be the reason why something will give.

The merchandising, advertising, local influx of revenue from weekly games, negotiated monies from television contracts—and yes—even the growing indelible presence of fantasy football is too much too gamble with, period.

Too much liability to assume if a work stoppage occurs; ain’t gonna happen.

Whether or not you’re a NFL fan, or a fantasy football owner, the wait may be a little bit longer. But the threat of a lockout—and a subsequent loss of the 2011 fantasy football season—is now less of a reality, than once thought.

And that’s good, considering what other outlets we would’ve been forced to use in search of a football game.

For those who don’t know, the Green Bay Packers’ last playoff meeting against the Chicago Bears was in a divisional matchup in 1941; a season that saw both team finish 10-1, but also saw the Bears defeat the Packers 33-14 in route to winning the Championship game against the Giants.

Ironically enough, the only loss the Bears and Packers suffered that season was to each other.

This season is just as similar to the 1941 season in the respect that both teams were—and currently are—excessively dominate on both sides of the ball, and both teams have split one win and one loss between them—needless to say you can expect nothing but the unexpected in this game.

From a football standpoint there is something a bit more special about a divisional rivalry being the Championship game. To each die-hard fan, there is a moment where you can almost hear the sounds of that last playoff meeting between these two teams.

Curly Lambeau on one side; George Halas on the other—an entire field graced with players such as Lou Brock, George McAfee, Clarke Hinkle, Sid Luckman and Don Hutson.

But today’s game brings an even bigger gamut of playmakers.

Aaron Rodgers, Greg Jennings, A.J. Hawk, Clay Matthews for the Packers; Jay Cutler, Matt Forte, Brian Urlacher, and Julius Peppers for the Monsters of the Midway.

If this game doesn’t give ya Goosebumps, then you might want to check your pulse.

On Sunday, 3pm EST, the rubber match between the Bears and Packers will commence, paving the way for just one of these teams to make yet another trip to the big show. But this rare Championship meeting between the Bears and Packers will probably never happen again for a very long time, so savor the moment!

And don’t forget to take some fantasy notes either guys! Here are some players to watch:

Dmitri Nance, Jordy Nelson, James Jones, Pisa Tinoisamoa, Nick Roach, Chester Taylor and the entire kicking game for both teams who are sure to mix things up.

Have fun, Go Pack!

UPDATED August 24th, 2010: Camp Updates Below. The 2009 Green Bay Packer season was one of the most bitter-sweet seasons in recent memory, providing an exciting glimpse of what is to be, while feeding the fantasy realm with a myriad of quality players to choose from.

Last year Aaron Rodgers showed that he can in fact be the new leader, and the 3-4 hybrid scheme— brought in by Dom Capers—produced a top five defense all year that led the league in rushing yards allowed, while placing second in interceptions.

In addition to that, it was the first time in league history that a team produced a 4,000 yard passer (Aaron Rodgers) a 1,200 yard rusher (Ryan Grant) and not one, but two 1,000 yard receivers (Driver and Jennings) in a single season.

With so many impact players on the Packers offense and defense it will be difficult to choose from the lot of them but remember, whoever you draft, you’ll be getting nothing but elite players my little kiddies.

Division: NFC North – Projected Finish: 1st Place
Strength of Schedule: 22nd = 11th Best. The Packers can score on anyone making their schedule a moot point, but keep in mind they also have the second most favorable schedule against teams that poorly defend the TE.

Quarterback:

Aaron Rodgers has proven that even with an O-Line that coughed up 37 sacks in the first half of a season, he can still put up elite numbers…just imagine if those sack numbers were cut in half.

Well this year that line has been revamped, and Rodgers comes into 2010 as one of the biggest QB options who stands a chance of even out-performing Peyton Manning and Drew Brees.

Aside from those two 1,000 yard receivers’ Rodgers has, remember that there is a rising star in TE Jermichael Finley alongside a host of other options making Rodgers’ value something to take notice to.

Running Back:

Ryan Grant got off to a slow start and looked as if he had issues finishing the end of his runs up the middle— but in the end, nobody really cared! The guy finished with 11 TDs (a career high and second most in the NFC) as well as 1,253 yards (third most in the NFC).

The Packers will stick with a zone blocking scheme in 2010 which means more of the same is on the horizon for Grant. Aside from Grant, backup Brandon Jackson will be in a primary blocking role, and fullbacks John Kuhn, Korey Hall, and Quinn Johnson won’t offer much fantasy value.

Wide Receivers:

Sheesh, where to begin!

• Many thought with the rise of Greg Jennings that Donald Driver was going to slip until he topped 1,000 receiving yards for the sixth straight season. But word out of the Packers’ training camp as of 8/1 is Donald Driver’s knees are now a concern, which is bad news for those of you looking to draft him.
• Jennings, however, is now a polished, speedy, down field threat who can adjust to damn near everything making him a PPR leaguers wet dream, and oh…by the way let’s not forget James Jones, and Jordy Nelson.

Jennings should have the better season out of him and Driver, but don’t count out Driver in the slightest. In addition to the mainstays, keep an eye on a promising Brett Swain, and don’t forget Spencer Havner who scored five touchdowns on nine catches in 2009.

See what I mean, the Packers even offer quality bench and watch list players! This team should own a large block in the 2010 WR Rankings!

Tight End:

This will be real quick, ok? Donald Lee has zero value and Jermichael Finley is an over-the-middle threat, a speedy downfield threat, and a huge target that messes up most defensive schemes, and he should be targeted as early as possible in your draft.

Defense:

As mentioned earlier, the team ranked second overall in interceptions thanks largely to Charles Woodson so for those of you in IDP leagues, Woodson is the obvious mention. But let’s not forget about Tramon Williams. Yes, Williams didn’t play that well in coverage last year, but that should change as he has had a year to mature and he could wind up being a sleeper grab.

CB Al Harris will be available this year, but the team has already admitted that he will not be 100% at the start of the season. He may not hold a lot of value this year.

Nick Collins, on the other hand, has a great upside and is a quality high impact IDP player. Collins is currently ranked 47th among DBs.

2010 Regular Season Schedule
HOME
AWAY

Date	Opponent		Time	Channel
Wk 1. Sun., Sept. 12	@ Philadelphia Eagles		3:15 p.m.	FOX
Wk 2. Sun., Sept. 19	Buffalo Bills		12:00 p.m.	CBS
Wk 3. Mon., Sept. 27	@ Chicago Bears		7:30 p.m.	ESPN
Wk 4. Sun., Oct. 3	Detroit Lions		12:00 p.m.	FOX
Wk 5. Sun., Oct. 10	@ Washington Redskins		12:00 p.m.	FOX
Wk 6. Sun., Oct. 17	Miami Dolphins		12:00 p.m.	CBS
Wk 7. Sun., Oct. 24	Minnesota Vikings		7:20 p.m.	NBC
Wk 8. Sun., Oct. 31	@ New York Jets		12:00 p.m.	FOX
Wk 9. Sun., Nov. 7	Dallas Cowboys		7:20 p.m.	NBC
Wk 10. Sun., Nov. 14	Open Date
Wk 11. Sun., Nov. 21	@ Minnesota Vikings		*12:00 p.m.	FOX
Wk 12. Sun., Nov. 28	@ Atlanta Falcons		*12:00 p.m.	FOX
Wk 13. Sun., Dec. 5	San Francisco 49ers		*12:00 p.m.	FOX
Wk 14. Sun., Dec. 12	@ Detroit Lions		*12:00 p.m.	FOX
Wk 15. Sun., Dec. 19	@ New England Patriots		*7:20 p.m.	NBC
Wk 16. Sun., Dec. 26	New York Giants		*3:15 p.m.	FOX
Wk 17. Sun., Jan. 2	Chicago Bears		*12:00 p.m.	FOX

Coaching Strategy:

Offense:
The Packers will once again ride the fruitful play of the zone blocking scheme up front which allows for a nice ventilated passing game both underneath and downfield. In addition to the passing game basically being a wide open flood gate, the ground game will see much of the same success it did last year as most of the defenses in the league will have their hands full in coverage alone. Interceptions should be low for Rodgers, and for those of you in PPR leagues, the Packers are a definite team to consider when searching for players to draft given Joe Philbin’s pass first attack.

Defense:
The Packers made the transition to the 3-4 scheme unexpectedly well which has only been done by a few teams in history. As mentioned above, I would shy away from Al Harris unless you hear something concrete later on out of camp, but the rest of the team is yours to choose from. Clay Matthews, A.J Hawk and Nick Barnett lead the linebackers which should also have a ton of IDP value in the “stay home and sweep to the ball” approach employed by Capers.

In short the offense is a scoring powerhouse, and the defense is tenacious and adept at forcing turnovers; a perfect fantasy combination.

Camp Updates 8/24/2010:

• FB John Kuhn has carved himself a little niche in the Packers offense, and he continues to shine in preseason and camp. Remember something, this is a guy at Shippensburg who averaged 277 carries for 1,450 yards and 17 TDs in his three seasons as a feature back. In addition to that, he posted 26 career 100-yard games and a myriad of other school records. This week he’s also been filling in as a halfback in practice due to injuries to others at the position.

While Kuhn is not on anyone’s fantasy map, it is worthwhile to mention him as a possible sleeping giant off the waiver this season. Kuhn has scored 25 percent of the time when given the chance over the past two years as a Packer.

• The offensive line for the Packers took a lot of heat for the amount of sacks they gave up in the first half of the 2009 season, which is why they enter into the 2010 season with a giant cross to bear.

Their matchup against the Cleveland Browns served as a noticed to everyone that everything is OK with the big men up front—initially. The Packers did not allow a single sack against a blitz happy Browns team, and the O-Line is as healthy as it gets.

This bodes well for anyone looking to draft any player out of Green Bay who have concerns about Aaron Rodgers’ health and protection, not to mention the potential effectiveness of the Packers’ run game.

• The linebacker position in Green Bay has been the center of attention due largely to injury, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t’ players making plays.

With guys like Nick Barnett (knee), A.J. Hawk (ankle), Alex Joseph (quad), Clay Matthews (hamstring), and Brad Jones (shoulder) all sitting it out and taking it easy with their injuries—all minor—players such as  Desmond Bishop, Robert Francois, Maurice Simpkins, Brady Poppinga, Brandon Chillar, and swing player Spencer Havner (LB/ TE) have filled in admirably.

Again, these are players who won’t be on your radar just yet, but they are also players who you should watch intently out of Green Bay. A successful fantasy team isn’t just built on your starting roster and bench, but a combination of the aforementioned and a good knowledge of who’s available is paramount to a season.

Got a question regarding your draft, or a training camp question? Let us know below and keep checking back weekly for all your training camp updates.

For more team analysis, click one of our “Related Post” below.

Welcome to Top Fantasy Football’s Week 17 edition of “IDP Starts & Sits” brought to you by “The IDP Guru.”

This will be the final installment of “IDP Starts & Sits” for the 2009 season. It’s been a great ride and I’ve had a blast recommending players and answering all of your questions. FYI, I will continue to write articles during the off-season. These articles will focus on the effects of IDP free agent signings, changes in defensive schemes, IDP rookies and their potential fantasy impact, etc. As always, feel free to contact me anytime with any questions you may have and thanks for all your support!

Most leagues are over with and the league championship has already been decided. But, for you owners who are in 17 week leagues, I’m here for you with some great IDP Start/Sit advice.

But before I get started with my recommendations, here is something I stumbled upon when doing my research for today. If you like to laugh, it’s definitely worth a look: Congresswoman Corrine Brown – Go Gata (With Subtitles).

Anyways, here are my IDP Waiver Wire recommendations for Week 17:

Starts

*The IDP Guru’s Start of the Week*

MLB Stephen Tulloch - Tulloch has been one of the most consistent tackling fantasy linebackers in the league this year. And with both starting WLB Keith Bulluck and SLB David Thornton out for the year, Tulloch has little competition for tackles. He has the Seahawks this week who have surprisingly given up the second most fantasy points to opposing linebackers over the last 7 weeks. Tulloch is a must-start this week.

DEFENSIVE LINEMAN

Every Week Starters:
Jared Allen
Julius Peppers
Elvis Dumervil
Justin Tuck
Trent Cole
Mario Williams
Robert Mathis – INJURED (OUT)
Andre Carter
Dwight Freeney – WATCH PLAYING STATUS
Will Smith
Brian Orakpo

1. LDE Mathias Kiwanuka -With Osi Umenyiora being regulated to playing only in third- down passing situations, Kiwanuka has become the Giants starting LDE. In those two games in which he’s started, he’s posted 13 total tackles (11 solo) and he should be able to post some nice tackle numbers this week against Adrian Peterson and the Vikings.

2. LDE Calais Campbell – Campbell has been a solid DL3 this year and slightly upgrades to a DL2 this week against the Packers, who have done a much better job of protecting the quarterback the last six to eight weeks, but are still susceptible to giving up sacks.

3. RDE Vonnie Holliday – Holliday has quietly registered three sacks in his last four games and he has a nice matchup this week against the Kansas City Chiefs, who have one of the worst pass-blocking offensive lines in the league. I can see Holliday having a couple of solo tackles and a sack this week.

LINEBACKERS

Every Week Starters:
Patrick Willis
James Harrison
Jon Beason
Barrett Rudd
London Fletcher
D.J. Williams
Curtis Lofton
Kirk Morrison
Brian Cushing
David Harris
David Hawthorne
James Laurinaitis
Karlos Dansby – INJURED (PROBABLE)
Clint Session – WATCH PLAYING STATUS
Paul Posluszny
Jonathan Vilma

1. MLB Jasper Brinkley – Rookie Jasper Brinkley has played well since taking over for the injured MLB EJ Henderson two weeks ago (click here to see how Henderson was injured). From the games I’ve watched, Brinkley seems to be around the ball quite a bit. He has a very good matchup versus the Giants this week and should be a great end of the season filler.

2. LILB James Farrior - Compared to his fantasy production last year, Farrior is having somewhat of an off-year. However, he provides good value this week because of his matchup against the Dolphins. Inside linebackers tend to put up great fantasy numbers against Miami and Farrior is the Steelers most consistent tackler. He should be a safe play for 7-9 total tackles this week.

3. WLB Geno Hayes – Hayes has really started to come into his own the last few weeks of the season. He’s registered a sack in each of the last two games and is starting to put up some nice tackle numbers. His matchup against the Falcons isn’t a good one, but the last time he played them he went 9-0-0. I have a gut feeling Hayes may reproduce a similar stat line this week. If you’re feeling a little risky, Hayes could be a great play.

DEFENSIVE BACKS

Every Week Starters:
Eric Weddle – INJURED (QUESTIONABLE)
Charles Woodson
Troy Polamalu – INJURED (QUESTIONABLE)
Darren Sharper
Tyvon Branch
Antoine Bethea – WATCH PLAYING STATUS
Yeremiah Bell
Oshiomogho Atogwe – INJURED (PLACED ON IR 12/9)
Dashon Goldson
Bernard Pollard
Bryan Scott – INJURED (OUT)
Brian Dawkins

1. SS Mike Brown – I recommended Mike “Michelle” Brown last week and he really came through (13 total tackles). He has a fantastic matchup against the division rival Denver Broncos this week. I’m expecting another great game with Brown this week.

2. SS Chinedum “Nedu” Ndukwe – I expect a big game out of Ndukwe this week. He has a fantastic matchup against the Jets. This is a must-win game for the Jets and, with that being said, they are going to run the ball a ton with Thomas Jones. The Bengals will put 8 in the box (including Ndukwe) to stop him and force pretty boy Sanchez to actually make a play.

3. RCB Ronde Barber – Barber is having a pretty quiet year due to his lack of interceptions (zero). However, his tackles numbers are actually up slightly this year and he has a great matchup against Roddy White and the Falcons. I can see Barber producing some decent tackles numbers this week. If you have a good lead in your league and are looking to play it safe, Barber is a good play. He hasn’t had less than 4 solo tackles since Week 7.

Sits

*The IDP Guru’s Sit of the Week*

MLB DeAndre Levy – With Larry Foote possibly out for another game, Levy may once again slide into the starting MLB position. With that being said, I would typically recommend him. However, he’s facing the Bears this week who have given up the second least fantasy points to opposing linebackers the last seven weeks. Levy is a great dynasty pick but I would sit him this week.

DEFENSIVE LINEMAN

1. LDE Chris Kelsay – Kelsay has put up respectable numbers this season. But, I just don’t like the matchup against the Colts. Even with Curtis Painter under center, the Colts do an extremely good job of protecting the passer. Kelsay may have a difficult time getting to the quarterback this week.

2. RDE Greg Ellis – Ellis has managed 7 sacks this year even though he’s been hobbled by injuries for a majority of the season. He finally seems to be healthy, but the matchup this week against the Ravens is piss poor. I wouldn’t start Ellis this week.

LINEBACKERS

1. Nic Harris – Many people will be jumping on the waiver wire to pick up Harris after his 12 tackle performance last week filling in for WLB Bryan Scott. I think that given the right matchup, Harris could be a great pickup. However, the Colts are the absolute worst matchup an opposing fantasy linebacker can have. Be aware of falling into this potential trap!

2. WLB A.J. Hawk - Hawk has performed well this year from a strict football standpoint (he was just named as a NFC Pro Bowl alternate). However, his fantasy numbers have slowly been declining every year. He’s just not as productive, fantasy-wise, as he use to be. And his matchup against the Cardinals is not a good one.

DEFENSIVE BACKS

1.  SS Dawan Landry – Landry has performed fairly well this year. He’s posted 82 total tackles along with 4 INTs. However, I wouldn’t really recommend any safeties who are playing Oakland. The Raiders just don’t control the ball enough and, when they do, they have a difficult time getting into the secondary. Leave Landry on your bench this week.

2. SS Adrian “Big Name” Wilson – Remember when Adrian Wilson use to be, hands-down, the best fantasy DB in the game? Well, I do. In 2005, he had 109 total tackles, 8 sacks, 1 INT, and 9 PDs. He was a beast to say the least. However, after a defensive scheme change, Wilson’s fantasy production has been greatly reduced. He has had a slight resurgence the last 7 games and consequently many people are playing Wilson as the DB1 he used to be four years ago. Don’t be fooled by the recent production and the big name. Wilson is still a DB2 at very best and he has a horrible matchup this week against the Packers. I would be somewhat apprehensive about starting Mr. Wilson this week.

I hope you found this article to be helpful and enjoyable!

Please feel free to leave comments, questions, or derogatory remarks!

Thanks!

Ryan Sitzmann (The IDP Guru)

If you liked this article, make sure to check out my blog: The IDP Guru