It would be a tall order, but the vast and terrifying scope of the internet could probably accommodate such a mission. Probably.

I am speaking, of course, about the ability to describe the pain and anguish of staring at an 0-3 start to your fantasy season. Forget the fate of your NFL favorite. Who cares about divisional or conference standings!? The Thomas Hobbes Justice League (my favorite fantasy team name so far this year) has suffered a tortured existence without Arian Foster, started a banged up Michael Vick 66% of the time, and now potentially will forgo the services of Kenny Britt for the remainder of the 2011 season.

Wunderbar.

Oh look! The Internet did capture our frustration of epic proportions in one neat, tidy, and violent .gif.

I suppose there is solace in the concept that “things could always be worse.” Still, I can’t shake the feeling that fantasy owners in this injury-riddled early season can’t help feeling like this guy.

Wunderbar.

Alas, we cannot resign. We cannot mail in the rest of the season. Apart from simple things such as pride, integrity, the joy of playing the spoiler, we must also consider more sophisticated motivations: namely, the potential ability to actually win a game or two and follow it up with a gloating text message. Ha! I just beat you with Keiland Williams and Kyle Orton! Hey, that would have been a potentially legit starting combo of fantasy greatness as recently as a year ago. Don’t hate.

OK, OK, to the numbers…

MEDIC!

No, that’s not the first word out of the mouth of this week’s Kenny Britt or Michael Vick, that’s the sound of the fantasy owner wailing miserably in defeat, begging for respite. Still, let’s start with the former. Look, you have to own Nate Washington. He’s the number one wideout and showed last week that he can produce. Still, for my money, he’s not the number one week 4 waiver wire pickup. It’s Torrey Smith, and here’s why:

• Assuming you’re high enough on the waiver wire to get either of them, your team likely sucks
• This being the case, you’ll want to go for the biggest upside play, the potential “season-saver.” (Though it is likely neither of these guys really will do such a thing for you)
• We’ve seen the Nate Washington show before.
• Smith is on a better offense with a better quarterback throwing to him.
• His upside is tremendous. Upside can be briefly be defined as “talent plus opportunities.”

Now, a digression. Talent is a combination of identifiable and un-identifiable factors. Smith is fast, athletic, and gets open. Opportunities? While he remains the third option (at least) on the Ravens, he is clearly the deep threat and Joe Flacco has the arm to get it to him. Assuming his hamstring is nothing serious, he’s your no. 1 add this week.

Other pickups?

• Victor Cruz. I think he’ll see more time.
• David Nelson, in case you missed the bus last week.
• Sticking with Buffalo, Scott Chandler has four TDs in three games.
• Syndey Rice, because hey, why not? He’s large, healthy, and catching passes.
• Stevan Ridley (see below)

You’ll notice the above players are not listed in any “order of importance.” Why? Frankly, because none can be established. Who you add and when depends on your team’s needs and, more importantly, what is available and valuable in your league. Certain positions may vary in their worth and scarcity from league to league and you should adjust your waiver claims accordingly. Still, since four of the above are receivers, I’ll give you:

1) Smith 2) Nelson 3) Rice 4) Cruz

Time for…

The Love Shack

It’s rare that I give out love so freely and easily but in the spirit of the Mad Dogs and Englishmen.

I feel the following fantastic fellows deserve a little gravy:

Cam Newton: I’ve heard some early comparisons to Michael Vick and, while I don’t think that’s totally accurate, Newton, unlike the Royal Lichtenstein Militia, is a force both on the ground and in the air. He makes plays. Plus, the only thing able to slow down his NFL scoring binge to date has been a monsoon. Seriously. Side note: DeAngelo Williams seems to be giving more ground to Johnathan Stewart each week. At the moment, you don’t want any part of this backfield, but Stewart is definitely the weekly upside play.

The “Mc-RBs”: No, it’s not a new tasty treat at your favorite burger joint. I’ve had Ray Rice at the top of my flex ranks the past two weeks, but that may need to change. LeSean McCoy is more elusive and explosive and, frankly, is outscoring the Rice paddy. (Did I just coin a nickname? Probably won’t stick. Like Rice. OK that’s enough.) More to the point, if Michael Vick sustains any more injuries we may be donating his body to science… and do you really think Andy Reid will make this the Mike Kafka show, barring some kind of bizarre metamorphosis? As for Darren McFadden, he simply is running over, through, or around defenders. Often. The Mc-RBs may just have to be my 1-2 punch to kick off this weeks “Top-75”.

Rob Gronkowski: As long as we’re doling out unwarranted and unprecedented amounts of gushing love-glory, we may as well mention the likely fantasy MVP through week three. You probably got Gronkowski late in your draft and probably need to get on your knees and thank him profusely for your 3-0 start. Aaron Hernandez owner? Don’t worry, your guy will get back in the action soon. I think Deion Branch remains ownable while Chad Ochocinco need no longer waste space on your roster. And what about this Stevan Ridley guy? It’s been awhile since New England has had a strong fantasy running back, but I think at this juncture you want any part of this offense you can get your hands on. Add away.

Jermichael Finley: Oh, how we have missed thee! Hey hey! Look what I wrote about ranking him no. 42 (too low) in last week’s flex rankings:

“What’s this? A tight end not named Rob Gronkowski or Antonio Gates? In his last two games against the Bears, Finley has 14 catches for 185 yards, and the Bears have injury concern at the safety position this week, too.”

Wasn’t it fun watching Craig Steltz attempt to guard the Packers’ stud tight end? Sure it was, unless you were a Bears fan. Finley, my top-ranked tight end for week three, was primed to blow up, and blow up he did to the tune of 85 yards and three scores. Thank me later. Or now, I don’t mind.

Jimmy Graham: Meanwhile, I need to also point out my failures. Houston’s defense had stifled opposing quarterbacks and tight ends. And while they hadn’t faced anything nearly as potent as the Saints offense, this matchup was one to avoid on paper. Graham got his anyway, notching up exactly 100 yards and finding the endzone for the second time in three games. He’s found his way into my top-75 until further notice.

As always, assimilate the information. Intake, assess, decide. Hopefully some of the key injuries will clarify themselves before my top-75 later this week, but until then, adios muchahos.

_PDK

follow me on twitter! @petethegreekff

After a strong Week-One performance against the Saints, Aaron Rodgers is our No. 1 fantasy quarterback this week.

Your usual fantasy guru Ray Tannock is taking a break from the rankings this week, so I am here to give you the lowdown on what’s going to go down in Week Two. We had a lot of surprises at quarterback in Week One. The biggest one, obviously, being Cam Newton’s breakout performance against the Cardinals. Things should settle down this weekend, but we could have a surprise or two that pop up out of nowhere.

Before I start, I would like to congratulate Ray for coming in first place in Fantasy Football Crystal Ball’s Week One Accuracy Score for Quarterbacks last week. Way to go RAY!!!!!!!

Below are my quarterback rankings going into Week Two.

TOP FIVE WEEK-TWO MATCHUPS (MUST START)

1. Aaron Rogers (GB) @ CAR: Is there any reason to not put Rodgers at No. 1 this week? I know Tom Brady had that huge game against Miami, but my money is on Rodgers to lead the charge against a Carolina Defense that gave up 309 yards and two scores against Kevin Kolb.

2. Tom Brady (NE) vs. SD: Putting Brady any lower than No. 2 would be ridiculous. The guy simply doesn’t stop at putting up big games. Hell, he even made Deion Branch look like a stud Monday night. The Chargers Defense will come back down to Earth after facing Donovan McNabb in Week One.

3. Michael Vick (PHI) @ ATL: Vick didn’t throw for very many yards (187) against the Rams, but his two passing touchdowns and 98 rushing yards made up for it. Vick showed he still has plenty left in the legs. He will need that in, what figures to be, a very emotional game against his old team the Falcons in their house.

4. Matthew Stafford (DET) vs. KC: Stafford had a huge Week One, throwing for three touchdowns against the Bucs. Kansas City didn’t have an answer for Ryan Fitzpatrick. And after losing Eric Berry to a torn ACL, Stafford should have his way with the Chiefs’ secondary.

5. Philip Rivers (SD) @ NE: The Chargers’ receivers were held in check by the Vikings, but Rivers still had a huge fantasy day, using both Mike Tolbert and Ryan Mathews in the passing game. If Chad Henne can look like a Pro Bowler against the Patriots D, Rivers should have a field day in Foxboro.

Kevin Kolb had an excellent regular-season debut.

Despite throwing for two scores in Week One against the Bengals, Colt McCoy is better off on your bench.

BEST OF THE REST:

THE BOTTOM FEEDERS:

I wish everyone the best of luck this week. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to post below.

After falling to pick 1.10, Gore was the first pick in our first expert league of the Summer.

Even though the NFL season has been going strong for weeks now, Fantasy Knuckleheads’ official start to the fantasy season began with our first expert draft of the 2011 season; KFFL NFL Experts League. This wasn’t your run-of-the-mill draft either. We’re talking about some of the top dogs in not only fantasy football, but guys who cover the NFL on a daily basis. Here is a list of the participants:

RotoExperts.com
FootballGuys.com
FOXSports.com
FFToday.com
RotoWire.com
RTSports.com
KFFL.com
BrunoBoys.net
FantasyGuru.com
CBSSports.com
Gridiron-Guru.com
FantasyKnuckleheads.com

Below is how the draft went down and a quick synopsis on each of Knuckleheads’ picks, round-by-round.
PPR, 4 points per passing TD, 6 points per rushing/receiving TD.
1QB, 2RB, 3WR, 1TE, 1Flex/RB/WR/TE, 1DEF, 1K

Round One
#1 BrunoBoys.net – Arian Foster RB, HOU
#2 RotoWire.com – Adrian Peterson RB, MIN
#3 CBSSports.com – Chris Johnson RB, TEN
#4 FOXSports.com – Jamaal Charles RB, KAN
#5 FootballGuys.com – Ray Rice RB, BAL
#6 RotoExperts.com – LeSean McCoy RB, PHI
#7 FantasyGuru.com – Andre Johnson WR, HOU
#8 RTSports.com – Darren McFadden RB, OAK
#9 FFToday.com – Roddy White WR, ATL
#10 FantasyKnuckleheads.com – Frank Gore RB, SFO
#11 Gridiron-Guru.com – Calvin Johnson WR, DET
#12 KFFL.com – Maurice Jones-Drew RB, JAC

In a PPR league, I was hoping one of the last pass-catching running backs would be left, so I decided to take Gore instead of quarterback or receiver. A healthy Frank Gore will produce big numbers under a new coaching staff.

Round 2
#1 KFFL.com – Larry Fitzgerald WR, ARI
#2 Gridiron-Guru.com – Peyton Hillis RB, CLE
#3 FantasyKnuckleheads.com – Hakeem Nicks WR, NYG
#4 FFToday.com – Rashard Mendenhall RB, PIT
#5 RTSports.com – Greg Jennings WR, GNB
#6 FantasyGuru.com – Matt Forte RB, CHI
#7 RotoExperts.com – Reggie Wayne WR, IND
#8 FootballGuys.com – Aaron Rodgers QB, GNB
#9 FOXSports.com – Michael Turner RB, ATL
#10 CBSSports.com – Brandon Marshall WR, MIA
#11 RotoWire.com – Drew Brees QB, NOR
#12 BrunoBoys.net – Steven Jackson RB, STL

Going with the strategy of taking a top player in each position in the first 4-5 rounds, Hakeem Nicks was the best available receiver left on our board. With Steve Smith’s recovery from microfracture surgery expected to take months, Nicks will easily top last year’s stats in terms of receptions (79) and yardage (1052).

Round 3
#1 BrunoBoys.net – Miles Austin WR, DAL
#2 RotoWire.com – Jahvid Best RB, DET
#3 CBSSports.com – Mike Wallace WR, PIT
#4 FOXSports.com – Vincent Jackson WR, SDG
#5 FootballGuys.com – Ahmad Bradshaw RB, NYG
#6 RotoExperts.com – Felix Jones RB, DAL
#7 FantasyGuru.com – Michael Vick QB, PHI
#8 RTSports.com – Mike Williams WR, TAM
#9 FFToday.com – Antonio Gates TE, SDG
#10 FantasyKnuckleheads.com – Wes Welker WR, NWE
#11 Gridiron-Guru.com – Knowshon Moreno RB, DEN
#12 KFFL.com – Dwayne Bowe WR, KAN

Welker is only a year removed from 123 catches in 2009. Hell, he still had 86 last year when the team was going through Randy Moss withdrawals and added in Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez. If Chad Ochocinco can squeeze out another strong year, Welker should at least hit 100 receptions again.

Round 4
#1 KFFL.com – Shonn Greene RB, NYJ
#2 Gridiron-Guru.com – Tom Brady QB, NWE
#3 FantasyKnuckleheads.com – Peyton Manning QB, IND
#4 FFToday.com – LeGarrette Blount RB, TAM
#5 RTSports.com – DeAngelo Williams RB, CAR
#6 FantasyGuru.com – Ryan Mathews RB, SDG
#7 RotoExperts.com – Tony Romo QB, DAL
#8 FootballGuys.com – Mark Ingram RB, NOR
#9 FOXSports.com – Jason Witten TE, DAL
#10 CBSSports.com – Dez Bryant WR, DAL
#11 RotoWire.com – Dallas Clark TE, IND
#12 BrunoBoys.net – Jeremy Maclin WR, PHI

Peyton Manning is coming off neck surgery and it’s still unknown if he will be ready by Week One. This is the main reason why he likely slid all the way to the fourth round. Even so, I simply don’t see him missing any of the regular season. While he is getting bumped down by guys like Aaron Rodgers, Philip Rivers, and Michael Vick, Manning will hold his own and put up disgustingly huge numbers if he’s ready by Week One. If so, 30+ touchdown passes here I come!!!!! He still has plenty of time to prepare.

Fred Jackson should get 250+ touches this year.

Round 5
#1 BrunoBoys.net – Philip Rivers QB, SDG
#2 RotoWire.com – Marques Colston WR, NOR
#3 CBSSports.com – Cedric Benson RB, CIN
#4 FOXSports.com – Steve Johnson WR, BUF
#5 FootballGuys.com – DeSean Jackson WR, PHI
#6 RotoExperts.com – Santonio Holmes WR, NYJ
#7 FantasyGuru.com – Jermichael Finley TE, GNB
#8 RTSports.com – Brandon Lloyd WR, DEN
#9 FFToday.com – Matt Schaub QB, HOU
#10 FantasyKnuckleheads.com – Fred Jackson RB, BUF
#11 Gridiron-Guru.com – Ryan Torain RB, WAS
#12 KFFL.com – Percy Harvin WR, MIN

Jackson had a down year in 2010 after achieving 1000 rushing yards in 2009. But this year will be a different story. He no longer has to compete with Marshawn Lynch. And with CJ Spiller still having fumble issues and pass-protecting problems in practice, Jackson will touch the ball 250+ times this season.

Round 6
#1 KFFL.com – Chris Wells RB, ARI
#2 Gridiron-Guru.com – Vernon Davis TE, SFO
#3 FantasyKnuckleheads.com – Greg Olsen TE, CAR
#4 FFToday.com – Kenny Britt WR, TEN
#5 RTSports.com – Matt Ryan QB, ATL
#6 FantasyGuru.com – Daniel Thomas RB, MIA
#7 RotoExperts.com – Ryan Grant RB, GNB
#8 FootballGuys.com – Austin Collie WR, IND
#9 FOXSports.com – Sidney Rice WR, SEA
#10 CBSSports.com – BenJarvus Green-Ellis RB, NWE
#11 RotoWire.com – Marshawn Lynch RB, SEA
#12 BrunoBoys.net – Jonathan Stewart RB, CAR

Out of all the picks, this is the one I regret……but just a little bit. Playing in OC Mike Martz’s offense killed Olsen’s value in Chicago. And he’ll have some growing pains as he gets adjusted to playing in a new system and a new quarterback. What I am banking on is Carolina OC Rob Chudzinski making Olsen a big part of the offense. Chud was the tight ends coach in San Diego and was a big part of making some dude named Antonio Gates a stud.

Round 7
#1 BrunoBoys.net – Anquan Boldin WR, BAL
#2 RotoWire.com – Chad Ochocinco WR, NWE
#3 CBSSports.com – Ben Roethlisberger QB, PIT
#4 FOXSports.com – Eli Manning QB, NYG
#5 FootballGuys.com – Jimmy Graham TE, NOR
#6 RotoExperts.com – Mike Thomas WR, JAC
#7 FantasyGuru.com – Pierre Garcon WR, IND
#8 RTSports.com – Brandon Jacobs RB, NYG
#9 FFToday.com – Mario Manningham WR, NYG
#10 FantasyKnuckleheads.com – Jordy Nelson WR, GNB
#11 Gridiron-Guru.com – Ryan Williams RB, ARI
#12 KFFL.com – Matthew Stafford QB, DET

After putting up a huge game in the Super Bowl, and also suffering a burst bursa sac in his left knee, Nelson figures to see a lot more time on the field this year. James Jones coming back does hurt some, but we doubt he has fixed his inconsistencies. And Donald Driver is close to being done completely. Nelson has sleeper written all over him. He’s the team’s most talented receiver outside of Greg Jennings.

Round 8
#1 KFFL.com – Owen Daniels TE, HOU
#2 Gridiron-Guru.com – Roy Williams WR, CHI
#3 FantasyKnuckleheads.com – Joseph Addai RB, IND
#4 FFToday.com – Danny Amendola WR, STL
#5 RTSports.com – Mike Tolbert RB, SDG
#6 FantasyGuru.com – Steve Smith WR, CAR
#7 RotoExperts.com – Kellen Winslow TE, TAM
#8 FootballGuys.com – A.J. Green WR, CIN
#9 FOXSports.com – C.J. Spiller RB, BUF
#10 CBSSports.com – Santana Moss WR, WAS
#11 RotoWire.com – Reggie Bush RB, MIA
#12 BrunoBoys.net – Davone Bess WR, MIA

Another guy who slid farther than I had anticipated, Addai re-signed with the Colts and will start Week One. Donald Brown showed me nothing last year that would make me believe he can unseat Addai for the starting job. Rookie Delone Carter could make some noise, but the starting job is clearly Addai’s to lose. And as my No. 3 running back, THAT’S GOLD JERRY GOLD!!!

Robert Meachem could finally have the breakout season the Saints have been waiting for.

Round 9
#1 BrunoBoys.net – Darren Sproles RB, NOR
#2 RotoWire.com – Braylon Edwards WR, SFO
#3 CBSSports.com – Tim Hightower RB, WAS
#4 FOXSports.com – Julio Jones WR, ATL
#5 FootballGuys.com – Jacoby Ford WR, OAK
#6 RotoExperts.com – Greg Little WR, CLE
#7 FantasyGuru.com – Josh Freeman QB, TAM
#8 RTSports.com – Deion Branch WR, NWE
#9 FFToday.com – Rashad Jennings RB, JAC
#10 FantasyKnuckleheads.com – Robert Meachem WR, NOR
#11 Gridiron-Guru.com – Malcom Floyd WR, SDG
#12 KFFL.com – Johnny Knox WR, CHI

I initially ragged on Kurt for making a homer pick, but you can’t disagree that this could be Meachem’s year. Finally over injuries, Meachem is showing why the Saints drafted him in the first round back in 2007. With Marques Colston still sidelined with problematic knees, Meachem could end up being Drew Brees’ go-to guy. His upside is off the charts right now.

Round 10
#1 KFFL.com – Jay Cutler QB, CHI
#2 Gridiron-Guru.com – Sam Bradford QB, STL
#3 FantasyKnuckleheads.com – Roy Helu RB, WAS
#4 FFToday.com – Michael Bush RB, OAK
#5 RTSports.com – Mike Sims-Walker WR, STL
#6 FantasyGuru.com – Lance Moore WR, NOR
#7 RotoExperts.com – Matt Cassel QB, KAN
#8 FootballGuys.com – Marcedes Lewis TE, JAC
#9 FOXSports.com – Kevin Kolb QB, ARI
#10 CBSSports.com – Rob Gronkowski TE, NWE
#11 RotoWire.com – Hines Ward WR, PIT
#12 BrunoBoys.net – Brandon Pettigrew TE, DET

Hate the Redskins, but I love me some Roy Helu. Ryan Torain can’t stay healthy and Tim Hightower is going to fumble his way into Mike Shanahan’s doghouse. I’m trying to temper my expectations because he’s a rookie, but I can’t see Helu not landing the starting job in-season.

Round 11
#1 BrunoBoys.net – James Starks RB, GNB
#2 RotoWire.com – Mike Williams WR, SEA
#3 CBSSports.com – Joe Flacco QB, BAL
#4 FOXSports.com – Pierre Thomas RB, NOR
#5 FootballGuys.com – Plaxico Burress WR, NYJ
#6 RotoExperts.com – Danny Woodhead RB, NWE
#7 FantasyGuru.com – Willis McGahee RB, DEN
#8 RTSports.com – Kyle Orton QB, DEN
#9 FFToday.com – James Jones WR, GNB
#10 FantasyKnuckleheads.com – Jared Cook TE, TEN
#11 Gridiron-Guru.com – Green Bay Packers Def/ST, GNB
#12 KFFL.com – Michael Crabtree WR, SFO

Now we start getting into the players that are looking good in camp, but haven’t popped up on anyone else’s radar. With Matt Hasselbeck in town, Cook could be in for a solid season. Reports say that the coaches are lining him out as a wide receiver in practice, so we could see him push for a career year in 2011.

Round 12
#1 KFFL.com – LaDainian Tomlinson RB, NYJ
#2 Gridiron-Guru.com – Donald Driver WR, GNB
#3 FantasyKnuckleheads.com – Philadelphia Eagles Def/ST, PHI
#4 FFToday.com – Ryan Fitzpatrick QB, BUF
#5 RTSports.com – Tony Gonzalez TE, ATL
#6 FantasyGuru.com – Dustin Keller TE, NYJ
#7 RotoExperts.com – New York Jets Def/ST, NYJ
#8 FootballGuys.com – Shane Vereen RB, NWE
#9 FOXSports.com – Zach Miller TE, SEA
#10 CBSSports.com – Pittsburgh Steelers Def/ST, PIT
#11 RotoWire.com – Mark Sanchez QB, NYJ
#12 BrunoBoys.net – Chris Cooley TE, WAS

My homer pick of the draft. The Eagles Defense still has to gel with all the new faces, plus a new defensive coordinator, but they should slowly start raining down some terror against opposing offenses. I still worry about the pass rush and the linebackers, but that secondary is just too sick to pass up. If they end up flopping, I’ll be eating some crow in the winter.

For at least one week, I'm hoping Matt Hasselbeck shines as much as his bald noggin does on a sunny day.

Round 13
#1 BrunoBoys.net – Donovan McNabb QB, MIN
#2 RotoWire.com – Justin Forsett RB, SEA
#3 CBSSports.com – Jerome Simpson WR, CIN
#4 FOXSports.com – Delone Carter RB, IND
#5 FootballGuys.com – New England Patriots Def/ST, NWE
#6 RotoExperts.com – Tony Moeaki TE, KAN
#7 FantasyGuru.com – Jordan Shipley WR, CIN
#8 RTSports.com – Chicago Bears Def/ST, CHI
#9 FFToday.com – Aaron Hernandez TE, NWE
#10 FantasyKnuckleheads.com – Matt Hasselbeck QB, TEN
#11 Gridiron-Guru.com – Danario Alexander WR, STL
#12 KFFL.com – New York Giants Def/ST, NYG

I don’t expect Hasselbeck to find fantasy glory behind a questionable offensive line, but I only need him to pick up the slack during Peyton’s bye week (11). Luckily, he’s playing Atlanta in the dome, so weather won’t be an issue.

Round 14
#1 KFFL.com – Steve Breaston WR, KAN
#2 Gridiron-Guru.com – Leonard Hankerson WR, WAS
#3 FantasyKnuckleheads.com – Torrey Smith WR, BAL
#4 FFToday.com – Baltimore Ravens Def/ST, BAL
#5 RTSports.com – Brent Celek TE, PHI
#6 FantasyGuru.com – Jerome Harrison RB, DET
#7 RotoExperts.com – Ronnie Brown RB, PHI
#8 FootballGuys.com – DeMarco Murray RB, DAL
#9 FOXSports.com – Lee Evans WR, BUF
#10 CBSSports.com – Javon Ringer RB, TEN
#11 RotoWire.com – Early Doucet WR, ARI
#12 BrunoBoys.net – Dallas Cowboys Def/ST, DAL

Another upside/depth pick, Smith has been looking really good in practice, yeah maybe I put too much stock in training camps, and he looks to be the starter alongside Anquan Boldin. Nice bye-week filler who could make a flex appearance.

Round 15
#1 BrunoBoys.net – Stephen Gostkowski K, NWE
#2 RotoWire.com – Detroit Lions Def/ST, DET
#3 CBSSports.com – Brandon Jackson RB, CLE
#4 FOXSports.com – New Orleans Saints Def/ST, NOR
#5 FootballGuys.com – Nate Kaeding K, SDG
#6 RotoExperts.com – Emmanuel Sanders WR, PIT
#7 FantasyGuru.com – Kansas City Chiefs Def/ST, KAN
#8 RTSports.com – Jabar Gaffney WR, WAS
#9 FFToday.com – Jason Snelling RB, ATL
#10 FantasyKnuckleheads.com – Todd Heap TE, ARI
#11 Gridiron-Guru.com – Titus Young WR, DET
#12 KFFL.com – Rob Bironas K, TEN

I never take three tight ends. Sometimes, I don’t even take two. But I was so worried about my Olsen pick, that I picked up Cook and prayed. This league allows a tight end as a flex position, so Heap will help during the bye weeks. And playing with Kevin Kolb, who likes to throw to tight ends, Heap might have a little bit of TE2 value left.

Round 16
#1 KFFL.com – Lonyae Miller RB, DAL
#2 Gridiron-Guru.com – Mason Crosby K, GNB
#3 FantasyKnuckleheads.com – Garrett Hartley K, NOR
#4 FFToday.com – Alex Henery K, PHI
#5 RTSports.com – Matt Bryant K, ATL
#6 FantasyGuru.com – Sebastian Janikowski K, OAK
#7 RotoExperts.com – Josh Brown K, STL
#8 FootballGuys.com – Donnie Avery WR, STL
#9 FOXSports.com – Neil Rackers K, HOU
#10 CBSSports.com – David Buehler K, DAL
#11 RotoWire.com – Adam Vinatieri K, IND
#12 BrunoBoys.net – Jacoby Jones WR, HOU

A kicker is a kicker, but at least I got one that ranked fairly high. And since Kurt is a Saints fan, nothing wrong with appeasing the boss with guys from his own team.

Waiver Wire Week 17

The Waiver Wire pick ups for week 16 were really good with Danny Amendola, Jimmy Graham, Andre Caldwell and Tim Tebow; while had a big dud with Mike Sims-Walker, who lost to Rex Grossman and the Redskins to basically forfeit any chance at making the playoffs. Here comes week 17, it is the most hated week of them all in terms of fantasy football. So, to start out the article I am going to make a list of which teams have clinched and have the chance to sit their players and which teams either need to play for seeding, or are yet to clinch a playoff berth. Anytime you hear about championships played in week 17, people constantly are against it; but for you fantasy owners that do have a big championship in week 17 [I have 3 of them, I understand], here are your waiver wire pick ups for week 17… let’s go out there and win a championship people [a lot more players than usual due to injuries + clinching byes].

Updated Injuries and Resting Players:

Hakeem Nicks- DOUBTFUL with broken toe

David Garrard- DOUBTFUL with surgery on middle finger on right hand

Maurice Jones-Drew- DOUBTFUL; he needs surgery on his knee, report says he has not gone on IR because he is waiting to see if team makes the playoffs; would be “tremendous miracle” if he was not OUT for Sunday

Michael Vick- OUT with rest

Playoff Scenarios-

NFC:

Atlanta Falcons, Chicago Bears, New Orleans Saints and Philadelphia Eagles [check status of LeSean McCoy, possible good pick up for Jerome Harrison; Michael Vick has now been ruled OUT for Sunday versus the Cowboys, so Kevin Kolb should get the start there] all have clinched playoff spots, but neither of them has clinched home field advantage; so they all have something to play for.

St. Louis Rams play the Seattle Seahawks [Charlie Whitehurst] for the right to clinch their division and host a playoff game; both teams have something to play for.

Green Bay Packers, New York Giants [Hakeem Nicks now listed as DOUBTFUL for Sunday with a broken toe] and Tampa Bay Buccaneers all can clinch playoff berths with different scenarios, but they all have something to play for.

Teams that are eliminated from playoff contention-

Washington Redskins- Rex Grossman and Ryan Torain

Minnesota Vikings- Joe Webb/Brett Favre [Favre seems to be ruled out for Tuesday Night Football] and Adrian Peterson/Toby Gerhart

Detroit Lions- Shaun Hill and Jahvid Best/Maurice Morris

San Francisco 49ers [New Head Coach]- Troy Smith/Alex Smith and Brian Westbrook [I think has distinct advantage over Anthony Dixon]

Arizona Cardinals- John Skelton and Beanie Wells/Tim Hightower [Week 16: Beanie 11 carries, Hightower 6 carries]

Dallas Cowboys- Stephen McGee/Jon Kitna [looks to be leaning on McGee with injury to Kitna] and Felix Jones/Tashard Choice/Marion Barber [Felix getting bulk of carries and starting]

Carolina Panthers- Jimmy Clausen and Jonathan Stewart [will be Clausen last start before the Panthers are on the clock for April’s NFL Draft]

AFC:

New England Patriots have both clinched their division and have been earned home field advantage for the playoffs; they have nothing to play for this week at home versus the Dolphins. Possibly expect Brian Hoyer to replace Tom Brady at some point in this game and possible limited carries and touches for Benjarvus Green-Ellis, Danny Woodhead, Wes Welker and Deion Branch.

Kansas City Chiefs and New York Jets have both clinched playoff berths and have nothing to play for because they cannot move up or down in terms of seeding. Keep updated all week on the status of Matt Cassel, Jamal Charles/Thomas Jones and Dwayne Bowe for Kansas City and for the Jets keep an eye on Mark Sanchez, LaDanian Tomlinson and Santonio Holmes.

Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens have both clinched playoff berths, but both can also win their respective divisions, which would give one of these teams the number two seed and the other one, the number five seed. Both teams will play all of their starters and expect the same amount of targets and touches for all studs.

Indianapolis Colts and Jacksonville Jaguars have neither clinched playoff berths, but both will play all of their starters with the opportunity to make the playoffs with a few different scenarios. What you are watching for here is the status of Maurice Jones-Drew [reportedly listed as OUT with his knee injury], if he does not go again this week; Rashad Jennings remains a very good option. David Garrard is now listed as DOUBTFUL for Sunday due to surgery on his right middle finger, so if this is someone you are relying on, you will have to look in some other places [Shaun Hill, Tim Tebow, Joe Webb or Kevin Kolb most likely].

Teams that are eliminated from playoff contention-

San Diego Chargers- Phillip Rivers and Ryan Matthews/Darren Sproles [Matthews has advantage here with recent injury to Mike Tolbert]

Miami Dolphins- Chad Henne and Ronnie Brown/Ricky Williams

Oakland Raiders- Jason Campbell and Michael Bush/Darren McFadden [early reports have McFadden questionable, and Oakland could rest him with nothing to play for]

Tennessee Titans- Kerry Collins and Chris Johnson

Houston Texans- Matt Schaub and Arian Foster

Cleveland Browns- Colt McCoy and Peyton Hillis

Denver Broncos- Tim Tebow and Knowshon Moreno/Correll Buckhalter [Moreno was banged up last week, check on status against San Diego this week]

Buffalo Bills- Ryan Fitzpatrick and Fred Jackson/C.J. Spiller [Fred Jackson should get a bulk of the carries, but check status later in the week]

Cincinnati Bengals- Carson Palmer and Cedric Benson/Bernard Scott [could definitely share carries this week, check on injury status to both backs by Sunday]

Here is a list of some back ups that could come in handy:

Jay Cutler- Todd Collins

Mark Sanchez- Mark Brunell

Matt Ryan- Chris Redman

Joe Webb- Brett Favre [if Favre cannot go, Patrick Ramsey]

Drew Brees- Chase Daniel

Matt Cassel- Brodie Croyle

David Garrard- Trent Edwards then Todd Bouman

Michael Vick- Kevin Kolb

Michael Turner- Jason Snelling

Matt Forte- Chester Taylor

Andre Johnson- Jacoby Jones

Waiver Wire: Shonn Greene, RB, New York Jets- With LaDanian Tomlinson possibly resting up for the playoffs, I think this is my top waiver wire pick up based on the match up with Buffalo and the style of football the Jets will play in a game that does not mean anything to them.

Waiver Wire: Joe Webb, QB, Minnesota Vikings- Depending on what happens on Tuesday Night Football, Joe Webb is a great option for people that have him as a “WR/QB” in some leagues it’s a good option in fantasy standards. If he does not start and Brett Favre goes in week 16 or 17, make sure you have a replacement for him.

Waiver Wire: Mike Thomas, WR, Jacksonville Jaguars- All season long I have been picking the wide receivers that play against Houston, I will not change that just because it is week 17. Mike Thomas has been good in the second half of the season and I think he will see a good amount of targets against this poor secondary. UDPATE: David Garrard now listed as DOUBTFUL for Sunday, which really hurts the status of Mike Thomas, Mike Sims-Walker and Mercedes Lewis.

Waiver Wire: Atlanta Falcons, Defense- Cannot deny the good match up against Carolina and they just lost at home in week 16 versus the Saints. This is a must win in terms of seeding and home field advantage for them and I see their defense stepping up big time in this one.

Waiver Wire: Jerome Harrison, RB, Philadelphia Eagles- The Eagles might decide to rest LeSean McCoy due to injury and a multitude of options in terms of seeding, Jerome Harrison was a fantasy savior in the playoffs last year and I think he has the ability to show that potential again this year in week 17.

Waiver Wire: Mario Manningham, WR, New York Giants- I am sure this guy is owned in a good percentage of leagues, but Eli Manning has been looking for him every week and they are playing the week Washington Redskins secondary and the Giants will be out for blood after two very poor performances in the past few weeks. UPDATE: great pick up now due to injury to Hakeem Nicks with a broke toe [listed as DOUBTFUL for Sunday].

Waiver Wire: Blair White, WR, Indianapolis Colts- With Austin Collie on IR for the rest of the season, Blair White steps in as Peyton Manning’s new slot target and that receiver, whoever it is, always produces for the Colts and this week will be no different against the Tennessee Titans. White caught a TD last week and I see that trend continuing in a must win game for the Colts.

Waiver Wire: Michael Bush, RB, Oakland Raiders- Like I said earlier, with Darren McFadden hurt at the moment wait and see if Oakland decides to sit him or limit his carries against a Chiefs team that has nothing to play for and have already clinched. Bush had 2 TD in week 15 versus the Broncos, so there is a good chance he can extend that success.

Waiver Wire: Emmanual Sanders, WR, Pittsburgh Steelers- He has caught 11 passes for 132 yards in his past two games and it really seems Roethlisberger is looking for him on a more constant basis than in the past. He seems to have slid right into the number 3 receiver for the Steelers and is being targeted multiple times per drive.

Like I said, a lot more information than usual this week, but since it is the last week before the playoffs I thought I would give you as much information as possible to help win you your championship this week. If your league already ended in week 16, hope I helped this season and very much look forward to week 1 next season.

Fantasy Football Rankings Week 16

Week 16 Quarterbacks

1 Michael Vick vs. MIN
2 Tom Brady at BUF
3 Philip Rivers at CIN
4 Peyton Manning at OAK
5  Drew Brees at ATL
6 Matt Schaub at DEN
7 Aaron Rodgers vs. NYG Probable(concussion)
8 Jon Kitna at ARZ
9 Matt Ryan vs. NO
10 Joe Flacco at CLE
11 Ben Roethlisberger vs. CAR
12 Eli Manning at GB
13 David Garrard vs. WAS
14 Ryan Fitzpatrick vs. NE
15 Rex Grossman at JAC
16 Shaun Hill at MIA
17 Josh Freeman vs. SEA
18 Tim Tebow vs. HOU
19 Jay Cutler vs. NYJ
20 Carson Palmer vs. SD
21 Matt Cassel vs. TEN
22 Chad Henne vs. DET
23 Kerry Collins at KC Probable(finger)
24 Jason Campbell vs. IND
25 Joe Webb at PHI
26 Colt McCoy vs. BAL Probable(illness)
27 Sam Bradford vs. SF
28 Mark Sanchez at CHI Probable(arm)
29 John Skelton vs. DAL
30 Matt Hasselbeck at TB
31 Troy Smith at STL
32 Jimmy Clausen at PIT

Week 16 Running Backs

1 Maurice JonesDrew vs. WAS ** MJD is reportedly OUT this week – Rashad Jennings is a great pickup and a lock for 100+ yards and a TD
2 Chris Johnson at KC
3 Darren McFadden vs. IND
4 Arian Foster at DEN Probable(ankle)
5 Ray Rice at CLE
6 Jamaal Charles vs. TEN
7 Michael Turner vs. NO
8 Rashard Mendenhall vs. CAR
9 Adrian Peterson at PHI
10 LeSean McCoy vs. MIN
11 Peyton Hillis vs. BAL Probable(knee)
12 Steven Jackson vs. SF
13 Felix Jones at ARZ
14 Ryan Torain at JAC
15 LeGarrette Blount vs. SEA
16 Fred Jackson vs. NE
17 Ahmad Bradshaw at GB
18 BenJarvus GreenEllis at BUF
19 Tashard Choice at ARZ
20 Mike Tolbert at CIN
21 Jonathan Stewart at PIT
22 Matt Forte vs. NYJ
23 Cedric Benson vs. SD
24 Ronnie Brown vs. DET
25 Brandon Jacobs at GB
26 Knowshon Moreno vs. HOU Questionable(ribs)
27 Brian Westbrook at STL
28 Pierre Thomas at ATL
29 Marshawn Lynch at TB
30 Donald Brown at OAK
31 Ryan Mathews at CIN Probable(illness)
32 Michael Bush vs. IND
33 Jahvid Best at MIA Probable(toe)
34 LaDainian Tomlinson at CHI
35 Danny Woodhead at BUF

Week 16 Wide Receivers

1 Andre Johnson at DEN Questionable(ankle)
2 Calvin Johnson at MIA Probable(ankle)
3 Roddy White vs. NO
4 Vincent Jackson at CIN
5 Hakeem Nicks at GB
6 DeSean Jackson vs. MIN
7 Greg Jennings vs. NYG
8 Kenny Britt at KC
9 Marques Colston at ATL
10 Jeremy Maclin vs. MIN
11 Reggie Wayne at OAK
12 Mike Williams vs. SEA
13 Larry Fitzgerald vs. DAL
14 Brandon Lloyd vs. HOU
15 Brandon Marshall vs. DET
16 Wes Welker at BUF
17 Steve Johnson vs. NE
18 Miles Austin at ARZ
19 Dwayne Bowe vs. TEN
20 Mike Wallace vs. CAR
21 Santana Moss at JAC
22 Deion Branch at BUF
23 Pierre Garcon at OAK
24 Mike Williams at TB
25 Malcom Floyd at CIN
26 Mario Manningham at GB Probable(heel)
27 Anquan Boldin at CLE
28 Percy Harvin at PHI
29 Chad Ochocinco vs. SD
30 Sidney Rice at PHI
31 Mike SimsWalker vs. WAS Questional(ankle)
32 Johnny Knox vs. NYJ
33 Santonio Holmes at CHI
34 Michael Crabtree at STL
35 Davone Bess vs. DET

Week 16 Tight Ends

1 Jason Witten at ARZ
2 Marcedes Lewis vs. WAS
3 Chris Cooley at JAC
4 Vernon Davis at STL
5 Jacob Tamme at OAK
6 Zach Miller vs. IND
7 Tony Gonzalez vs. NO
8 Owen Daniels at DEN
9 Kevin Boss at GB
10 Rob Gronkowski at BUF – Patriots TE Aaron Hernandez (hip) was downgraded to out for Week 16 at Buffalo.
11 Kellen Winslow vs. SEA
12 Jimmy Graham at ATL
13 Ben Watson vs. BAL
14 Dustin Keller at CHI
15 Heath Miller vs. CAR

Week 16 Kickers

1 Nate Kaeding at CIN
2 Josh Scobee vs. WAS
3 Neil Rackers at DEN
4 Garrett Hartley at ATL
5 Matt Bryant vs. NO
6 Shaun Suisham vs. CAR
7 Sebastian Janikowski vs. IND
8 David Buehler at ARZ
9 Adam Vinatieri at OAK
10 Shayne Graham at BUF
11 Jay Feely vs. DAL
12 Rob Bironas at KC
13 Dan Carpenter vs. DET
14 Ryan Succop vs. TEN
15 Josh Brown vs. SF

Week 16 Team Defense

1 Eagles Def vs. MIN
2 Chargers Def at CIN
3 Steelers Def vs. CAR
4 Patriots Def at BUF
5 Jets Def at CHI
6 Bears Def vs. NYJ
7 Cowboys Def at ARZ
8 Dolphins Def vs. DET
9 Ravens Def at CLE
10 Packers Def vs. NYG
11 Colts Def at OAK
12 Giants Def at GB
13 Buccaneers Def vs. SEA
14 Rams Def vs. SF
15 Chiefs Def vs. TEN
16 Titans Def at KC

Fantasy Football Week 15 Rankings, QB RB WR TE and Defense. The fantasy football playoffs are here. Use these rankings and have your cake and eat it too!

QUARTERBACKS

1. Matt Ryan at SEA
2. Philip Rivers vs. SF
3. Peyton Manning vs. JAC
4. Michael Vick at NYG
5. Tom Brady vs. GB
6. Matt Schaub at TEN
7. Drew Brees at BAL
8. Eli Manning vs. PHI
9. Jon Kitna vs. WAS
10. Joe Flacco vs. NO
11. Kerry Collins vs. HOU
12. Jay Cutler at MIN
13. Josh Freeman vs. DET
14. Jason Campbell vs. DEN
15. David Garrard at IND
16. Matt Cassel at STL
17. Kyle Orton at OAK
18. Sam Bradford vs. KC
19. Carson Palmer vs. CLE
20. Ryan Fitzpatrick at MIA
21. Alex Smith at SD
22. Ben Roethlisberger vs. NYJ
23. Shaun Hill at TB
24. Matt Hasselbeck vs. ATL
25. Colt McCoy at CIN

Of course Aaron Rogers is missing from these rankings. If (big if) he starts slide him in at # 12. I’m pretty sure Matt Cassel will start and I feel good with him ranked @ 16.

RUNNING BACKS

1. Maurice Jones-Drew at IND
2. Darren McFadden vs. DEN
3. Chris Johnson vs. HOU
4. Michael Turner at SEA
5. Arian Foster at TEN
6. Jonathan Stewart vs. ARI
7. Peyton Hillis at CIN
8. Knowshon Moreno at OAK
9. LeSean McCoy at NYG
10. Steven Jackson vs. KC
11. Ray Rice vs. NO
12. Ahmad Bradshaw vs. PHI
13. Ryan Torain at DAL
14. Adrian Peterson vs. CHI
15. BenJarvus Green-Ellis vs. GB
16. LeGarrette Blount vs. DET
17. Tashard Choice vs. WAS
18. Ronnie Brown vs. BUF
19. Jamaal Charles at STL
20. Fred Jackson at MIA
21. Matt Forte at MIN
22. Mike Tolbert vs. SF
23. Brandon Jacobs vs. PHI
24. Tim Hightower at CAR
25. Jahvid Best at TB
26. Rashard Mendenhall vs. NYJ
27. Cedric Benson vs. CLE
28. Felix Jones vs. WAS
29. Brian Westbrook at SD
30. Pierre Thomas at BAL
31. Danny Woodhead vs. GB
32. Ryan Mathews vs. SF
33. Rashad Jennings at IND
34. Christopher Ivory at BAL
35. Marshawn Lynch vs. ATL

Tashard Choice beats out Felix Jones because he gets the red zone work. Christopher Ivory has found is way to the 34 rank because he is less than 100% and might not even play.

WIDE RECEIVERS

1. Reggie Wayne vs. JAC
2. Roddy White at SEA
3. Andre Johnson at TEN
4. DeSean Jackson at NYG
5. Hakeem Nicks vs. PHI
6. Calvin Johnson at TB
7. Dwayne Bowe at STL
8. Marques Colston at BAL
9. Kenny Britt vs. HOU
10. Miles Austin vs. WAS
11. Wes Welker vs. GB
12. Jeremy Maclin at NYG
13. Pierre Garcon vs. JAC
14. Brandon Lloyd at OAK
15. Malcom Floyd vs. SF
16. Mike Williams (TB) vs. DET
17. Terrell Owens vs. CLE  * watch his injury status
18. Anquan Boldin vs. NO
19. Santonio Holmes at PIT
20. Stevie Johnson at MIA
21. Chad Ochocinco vs. CLE
22. Greg Jennings at NE
23. Santana Moss at DAL
24. Larry Fitzgerald at CAR
25. Donald Driver at NE
26. Deion Branch vs. GB
27. Johnny Knox at MIN
28. Brandon Marshall vs. BUF
29. Vincent Jackson vs. SF
30. Braylon Edwards at PIT
31. Derrick Mason vs. NO
32. Mike Wallace vs. NYJ
33. Nate Washington vs. HOU
34. Austin Collie vs. JAC
35. Mike Sims-Walker at IND

I have Hakeem Nicks ranked #5. Philly is ranked I think 3rd in TD’s allowed to WR so he should be a good start. I’m concerned however that the double team he will receive this week will be more than ever before with Steve Smith and Manningham OUT. The Packer’s receivers get a bump up in the rankings  if Rogers plays.

TIGHT ENDS

1. Jason Witten vs. WAS
2. Kevin Boss vs. PHI
3. Jacob Tamme vs. JAC
4. Vernon Davis at SD
5. Greg Olsen at MIN
6. Kellen Winslow vs. DET
7. Tony Gonzalez at SEA
8. Chris Cooley at DAL
9. Owen Daniels at TEN
10. Marcedes Lewis at IND
11. Rob Gronkowski vs. GB
12. Benjamin Watson at CIN
13. Zach Miller vs. DEN

DEFENSES

1. Chicago Bears at MIN – Anothe
2. Philadelphia Eagles at NYG
3. Pittsburgh Steelers vs. NYJ
4. San Diego Chargers vs. SF
5. Cleveland Browns at CIN
6. New York Jets at PIT
7. Dallas Cowboys vs. WAS
8. Atlanta Falcons at SEA
9. Minnesota Vikings vs. CHI
10. New England Patriots vs. GB * they get a big bump if Rogers doesn’t suit up.
11. New Orleans Saints at BAL
12. New York Giants vs. PHI
13. Miami Dolphins vs. BUF