1. (1)Tennessee Titans (10-0). Last: WIN 24-14 @ Jacksonville Jaguars. Next: vs. NY Jets (7-3). 

 

2. (2)New York Giants (9-1). Last: WON 30-10 vs. Baltimore Ravens. Next: @ Arizona (7-3). 

 

3. (3)Carolina Panthers (8-2). Last: WON 31-22 vs. Detroit Lions. Next: @ Atlanta (6-4). 

 

4. (4)Pittsburgh Steelers (7-3). Last: WON 11-10 vs. San Diego Chargers. Next: vs. Cincinnati (1-8-1) (Thursday Night). 

 

5. (6)Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-3). Last: WON 19-13 vs. Minnesota Vikings. Next: @ Detroit (0-10). 

 

6. (7)Indianapolis Colts (6-4). Last: WON 33-27 vs. Houston Texans. Next: @ San Diego (4-6) (Sunday Night). 

 

7. (8)Arizona Cardinals (7-3). Last: WON 26-20 @ Seattle Seahawks. Next: vs. NY Giants (9-1). 

 

8. (9)Dallas Cowboys (6-4). Last: WON 14-10 @ Washington Redskins. Next: vs. San Francisco (3-7). 

 

9. (5)Washington Redskins (6-4). Last: LOST 10-14 vs. Dallas Cowboys. Next: @ Seattle (2-8). 

 

10. (11)Denver Broncos (6-4). Last: WON 24-20 @ Atlanta Falcons. Next: vs. Oakland (2-8). 

 

11. (10)Philadelphia Eagles (5-4-1). Last: TIE 13-13 @ Cincinnati Bengals. Next: @ Baltimore (6-4). 

 

12. (16)New York Jets (7-3). Last: WON 34-31 @ New England Patriots. Next: @ Tennessee (10-0). 

 

13. (12)Atlanta Falcons (6-4). Last: LOST 20-24 vs. Denver Broncos. Next: vs. Carolina (8-2). 

 

14. (13)New England Patriots (6-4). Last: LOST 31-34 vs. New York Jets. Next: @ Miami (6-4). 

 

15. (NR)Miami Dolphins (6-4). Last: WON 17-15 vs. Oakland Raiders. Next: vs. New England (6-4). 

 

16. (NR)Green Bay Packers (5-5). Last: WON 37-3 vs. Chicago Bears. Next: @ New Orleans (5-5).

Dropped Out: (14)Baltimore (6-4), (15)Chicago (5-5)

On the Verge: Buffalo (5-4), Minnesota (5-5), New Orleans (5-5)

Bottom Feeders:  32.Oakland Raiders, 31.Detroit Lions, 30. St. Louis Rams

Week 11 is over and finished, thank god. Some interesting events went down with two games contributed to very rare scores in the history of the NFL. A Tie occurred in a game for the first time since 2002 when the Eagles couldn't fins a way to beat the Bengals. Actually, the Bengals couldn't find a way to beat the Eagles, including missing a 47yrd field goal with about 12 seconds left in the overtime period. The other occurred in the Steelers - Chargers game, when the final score ended at 11 to 10.  It was the first time in the history of the league a game finished with this score. However, it should have never happened, because on the last play of the game, Troy Polamalu deflected a lateral, also know as a backwards pass, also known as a fumble, and returned it for a touchdown with no time left on the clock. So the game should have really finished 17-10, a much more common score. All of these rare happenings to the NFL are GOOD and BAD.

GOOD

The Steelers won in about the ugliest fashion possible this past week. The defeated the Chargers without scoring a touchdown, a pretty rare thing to do. The win moves the Steelers a game and a half ahead of Baltimore in the AFC North. And yes, it is a game and a half with the tie-breakers. Look, when you're 7-3 and the other team's 6-4 you're one game ahead. When you've also beat that team once you own the tie-breaker, hence another half game ahead. Until they play later in the season, this is how it is, get over it!

The Ravens got pounded by the Giants yesterday, exposing them for the good them they're not. The thing I love most about this loss was the fact that the Giants had over 200yrds rushing on offense. Ah, nothing like a 200yrd output to rub it in a defense's face that prides themselves on stopping the run. I still stand by my statement that the Ravens will finish 8-8. They're really not that good, trust me.

BAD

Just when you think the refereeing in the NFL can't get any worse, the Steelers play another game on the schedule. There are so many fucking things to complain about these fucking horrible officials it makes me fucking sick. Yes, the piss poor pass interference call that led to San Diego's first score that was blown was a dozy, but there were a couple of holding calls that were also extremely convenient. But the biggest blunder came on the final play of the game. San Diego throws a short pass then starts to lateral the ball. As Chambers laterals BACKWARDS, Troy Polamalu comes flying in and deflects the BACKWARDS LATERAL, also known as a BACKWARDS PASS, also known as a FUMBLE. He proceeds to scope up the ball and score, making it 17-10 at that point, game over. Here's what happened next... In the ref's head: "Wait a minute, the point spread in this one was Pittsburgh(-5). So if that score counts... hold on a second, lets review the call on the field." To the replay official: "What, you're confirming the call on the field of a touchdown, shit." "Hmm, I need to talk about this with the other officials." "Okay, the booth is confirming it." "But the spread is 5 points!" "I know, I know. Wait, I've got it. We'll just call it a forward lateral." "Brilliant!" Announcement to crowd: "It was forward lateral, therefore it is an incomplete pass, and the game is over." In his head: "There, that wasn't so bad. They'll probably never even notice. Time to go and collect." Later, it goes something like this in his head... "Okay, I'll just apologize now that nothing can be done and we'll move on." What's even funnier is then listening to the post-game show trying to justify the blown call, the bunch of fucking thoughtless fucks. One of the idiots,  think it was that smug fuck Terrico said, "They reversed that call because it was a backwards lateral, and as we all know, you can't advance a backwards lateral, like on a muffed punt." Wow, that may have been the biggest joke of all in a game that became a huge fucking joke. The NFL should hold their fucking heads in shame for this debacle.

Fantasy Note

Alright, back in the win column this week and with that, a trip to the playoffs, again. As things stand right now I have the #1 seed overall due to all the tie-breakers in place. I have a big showdown next week with the team that currently holds the #2 playoff seed. The next game will more than likely determine who gets the top seed for the playoffs that start week 14, as we both stand with the same record.

Thank goodness for Steve Slaton this week. The rookie rattled off huge numbers and a TD against Indianapolis to propel me my 7th win of the season. I got good contributions from Drew Brees, Calvin Johnson, Carolina's defense and my kicker, Gostkowski. I'm worried about my though. Tim Hightower has disappeared just as quickly as he appeared and Brian Westbrook has been very sub-par over the past couple of week. I guess it doesn't help though when you only run the ball 10 times through 3 and a half quarters. Why the Eagles passed so much, I have no idea. They played right into the strong point of the Bengal defense, hmm. I'm not worries about Andre Johnson despite his poor performance, it's tough to throw on the Colts, and recently acquired Tony Scheffler should get back on track in the coming weeks. Check out all the action at the link below!

 

http://games.espn.go.com/ffl/leagueoffice?leagueId=239543

Week 10 was one of those weird weeks were a lot happened despite nothing really happening. The Titans are still unbeaten, the Lions are still winless, and the Raiders are still the worst organization in all of professional sports, despite playing a decent game against the Panthers. Teams are stepping up, while others are stumbling down. Early leaders are fading while early favorites are starting to come around. No one is really out of it yet, less a small handful of teams, and all of these things to the NFL are GOOD and BAD.

GOOD

Other than the Raiders losing again, there was nothing good to come out of the NFL this past week. I hate John Gruden and NFL officials.

BAD

The Steelers found a way to lose again, this time to the Indianapolis Colts. I'm not sure who is to blame more, Big Ben or the coaching staff. The turning point, obviously, was with a minute and a half before half-time, the Steelers had a 17-7 lead and the ball. They were facing a third and two deep in their own territory and the Colts were down to their final timeout. Now, the smart play would have been to either run it straight up the gut, or, if you want to get a bit creative, run play-action and dump the ball off in the flat to a running back or a tight end. Ben throws a ball downfield that gets picked-off and the Colts score with like 6 seconds left. They now have all the momentum because guess what, they also get the ball to start the second half. So now the game is 17-17 and the Steelers are moving the ball well. Now we come to the second turning point of the game. After a great play to get down to the five for a first and goal, they can't get the play-call in time or they can't get if off, whatever the case, the have to spend a timeout. It took all the momentum away from us and it allowed the Colts to regroup and stuff three straight runs, forcing the Steelers to kick a field goal. So they're up 20-17 and Ben throws another pick deep in their own territory leading to another Colts touchdown. The sad thing is that they actually had a chance to win the game on the last play.

I'll also throw in there that the Steelers got nailed with another bullshit holding call during that last drive. They shouldn't have even been in that position in the first place, but I'm just saying. And how about that first Colts touchdown, can you get any luckier, really? It seemed like the Steelers were just destined to lose after that. They should really think about benching Ben for a game, just to get his ego in check a little.

Fantasy Note

Somehow, despite the Tampa Bay Flames only managing 88 points this week, I found a way to lose. Kind of like the Steelers. I finished with a pitiful 82pts and can site numerous reasons why I failed to win. The biggest reason of all would have to be Tim Hightower's performance Monday Night against the 49ers. It's amazing how when other runners play San Francisco they run wild and rack up massive amounts of yards. Then it comes time for my players to get their chance, it doesn't matter who, they always seem to lay an egg. Another example, Earnest Graham in week 9 against the Chiefs managed like 50yrds rushing while losing 3 fumbles. Back to this week, I also only managed to score 2 total touchdowns on my entire team. Those both came compliments of Drew Brees, who by the way, also threw 3 interceptions; two of which were in the red zone. I guess your guess destined to lose sometimes. Amazingly, despite losing this past week, I managed to actually move up into first place. All of the top teams lost and then the tie-breakers formulated that I should be in the top spot, very weird. You can check out all the action at the link below.

http://games.espn.go.com/ffl/leagueoffice?leagueId=239543

Week 10 - Start / Sit

 

BYE WEEK: Cincinnati, Dallas, Tampa Bay, Washington

QB - Drew Brees, Kurt Warner, Donovan McNabb, Peyton Manning, Aaron Rodgers

INJURY WATCH: Tony Romo(DAL), Jay Cutler(DEN), Ben Roethlisberger(PIT), Matt Schaub(HOU), Carson Palmer(CIN), Matt Hasselbeck(SEA), Kyle Orton(CHI), Dan Orvlosky(DET), Brian Griese(TB), Vince Young(TEN)

Start

Chad Pennington (MIA) - Pennington has been a very strong play in recent weeks and I look for him to continue his good play. The game is at home and Seattle's defense has been much better shutting down the run than the pass. Pennington doesn't throw the deep ball all that well, but there's no one more accurate on shorter routes. He is excellent in giving his receivers a chance to run after the catch and makes plays in space. Seattle gave up huge yards to the tight end last week, and Miami has some good ones.  19 for 25 250yrds, 2 TD's

Jake Delhomme (CAR) - Delhomme has an excellent match up this week going on the road to Oakland. The weather will be perfect for Steve Smith and Mushin Muhammed to abuse the Oakland secondary. I would expect Carolina to have many opportunities to score and they may lean on the run late after the game is well in hand, but they'll throw, oh yes, they'll throw.  16 for 22 225yrds, 2 TD's

Sit

Ben Roethlisberger (PIT) - It pains me to say this, but the Steelers may need to sit Big Ben down a few games to let that nagging shoulder injury get healed. Byron Leftwich looked good enough in relief to convince me that Ben will at least miss one game. Even if he does start, there's a chance he won't finish. Indianapolis has had success against the Steelers in the past, so this offense could get shut down anyway.

Trent Edwards (BUF) - New England is a much better home team than when they're on the road, so I look for them to use that home field advantage to rattle Edwards and force into bad situations. The Bills have given up a lot of sacks recently and you know the Patriots will try to exploit the problems in the offensive line to their advantage. Marshawn Lynch is also banged up a little and that could put more burden on the passing game. 18 for 30 225yrds, 1 TD, 2 INT's, 1 FUM

 

 

RB - Brian Westbrook, Adrian Peterson, LaDanian Tomlinson, Frank Gore, Ronnie Brown, Brandon Jacobs, Michael Turner, Marshawn Lynch, Chris Johnson(TEN), Willie Parker

INJURY WATCH:  Joseph Addai(IND), Marshawn Lynch(BUF), Steven Jackson(STL), Reggie Bush(NO), Willis Mcgahee(BAL), Earnest Graham(TB), Warrick Dunn(TB), Selvin Young(DEN), Michael Pittman(DEN), Darren McFadden(OAK), Sammie Morris(NEP), Chris Perry(CIN), Justin Fargas(OAK), Lamont Jordan(NEP), Maurice Morris(SEA), Jerious Norwood(ATL), Felix Jones(DAL), Ahman Green(HOU), Antonio Pittman(STL), Kolby Smith(KC), Dominic Rhodes(IND), Andre Hall(DEN), Ladell Betts(WAS)

Start

Jamal Lewis (CLE) - There are many factors that play in to Lewis being a smart bet this week. Cleveland will be deploying a new QB this week, and as it happens, it's a short week with the game falling on a Thursday. The Browns are at home and are facing a defense that ranks in the bottom five against the run and will be without DJ Williams and Champ Bailey. I expect Lewis to get an extremely heavy workload to help ease the pressure on Quinn.  125yrds, 3 for 25yrds, 2 TD's

Ryan Torain (DEN) - After gaining only 1 yard on three carries last week, Torain will be the featured back due to fact that he's the only healthy back on the team. Denver needs the run game to be successful to setup all of the play-action and boot legs that they run in the passing game. Pittman and Hall were placed on IR this week and Young is still battling a hamstring injury. Due to the short week, Torain should also get a heavy workload to wear down the Cleveland defense and protect their vulnerable defense by keeping the Browns offense on the sidelines as much as possible.  100yrds, 4 for 25yrds, 1 TD

Sit

Matt Forte (CHI) - Forte has the unfortunate circumstance of playing the Titans this week and Rex Grossman is playing quarterback. I can't see Chicago being able to do much of anything in this one and there's a good chance they'll find themselves behind early and having to try and catch up later. Forte may catch some passes as an outlet receiver, but I would expect very much this week.  35yrds, 3 for 25yrds

Ryan Grant (GBP) - The Packers are going to have to throw more in this one to be successful. Minnesota will be able to shut down the run inside and Grant doesn't have the best ability to get to the corner, the one spot the Vikings might be vulnerable. No, the Packers will attack threw the air, passing first to try and loosen up the front seven, but it will be with little success. Given the BYE week situations you shouldn't have trouble finding a good fill-in.  50yrds, 3 for 15ydrs

 

 

WR - Brandon Marshall, Reggie Wayne, Andre Johnson, Greg Jennings, Calvin Johnson, Larry Fitzgerald, Anquan Boldin, Marques Colston

INJURY WATCH: Reggie Wayne(IND), Santana Moss(WAS), Chris Chambers(SD), Laveranes Coles(NYJ), Jerricho Cotchery(NYJ), Deion Branch(SEA), Eddie Royal(DEN), Anthony Gonzalez(IND), Kevin Walter(HOU), Justin Gage(TEN), Justin McCareins(TEN), Javon Walker(OAK), Joey Galloway(TBB), Sidney Rice(MIN), Brandon Stokely(DEN), Darrell Jackson(DEN), Brandon Lloyd(CHI), David Patten(NO), Drew Bennett(STL), Dante Stallworth(CLE), Marty Booker(CHI), Reggie Williams(JAC), Josh Reed(BUF)

Start

Matt Jones (JAC) - Jones has been the only reliable target for Jacksonville and he's earned the confidence of Garrard. That will be important when the Jaguars need to throw the ball. This could be a break out game for Jones this week as the Jaguars need this win at Detroit to have any chance of a playoff spot in the AFC. I expect the big receiver to have a big game as Jacksonville pounds Detroit this week.  7 for 100yrds, 1 TD

Derrick Mason (BAL) - It's rare to see a Raven WR in the Start 'Em section, but Mason has been lights out lately due to the continuing improvement of Joe Flacco. The Ravens need to open up the passing game more if they want to compete in January and this will be another tune-up game for Flacco before the schedule gets a lot tougher. When Flacco throws, Mason catches and catches a lot. He's not the deep threat on the team, but he's almost a guarantee for 6 or 7 catches a game. If you're looking for a receiver to help this week, grab Mason.  6 for 85yrds, 1 TD

Sit

Plaxico Burress (NYG) - Plax has not had a good game in a while and he'll draw Asante Samuel this week in coverage. Not good. The Eagles will apply heavy pressure on the Giants and try to force Eli into coughing up the ball, something he did 3 times last week against Dallas. Philly's defense is strong enough to remove Burress' big play ability and should have you considering having him ride the pine.  4 for 30yrds

Torry Holt (STL) - You may be able to throw on the Jets, and I expect the Rams to have to do so, but you don't throw on Darrel Revis, one of the games top young corners. Unless we see a quarterback change in St. Louis, I wouldn't expect Holt to do much from here on out, especially not his week.  4 for 40yrds

 

 

TE - Kellen Winslow, Tony Gonzalez, Owen Daniels, Dallas Clark, Antonio Gates

INJURY WATCH: Jason Witten(DAL), Tony Scheffler(DEN), Heath Miller(PIT), Jeremy Shockey(NO), L.J. Smith(PHI), Leonard Pope(ARI), Ben Utecht(CIN), Bubba Franks(NYJ)

Start

Anthony Fasano (MIA) - Fasano should benefit from a lot of looks in this one. After what the Eagles were able to do with the tight end last week, I'd expect Miami to take a very similar approach. Martin may also be involved in the passing game, but Fasano is the better all around player and should get the majority of the looks. With players like Cooley and Witten on BYE's and Scheffler, Shockey, and Heath Miller all banged up, you could do a lot worse than Fasano.

 

 

K - Mason Crosby, Stephen Gostkowski, Adam Vinatieri, John Carney, David Akers, Robbie Gould

INJURY WATCH:  Lawrence Tynes(NYG), Mike Nugent(NYJ)

Start

Jay Feely (NYJ) - Feely has only converted 75% of his tries this year, but he should get plenty of opportunities this week at home against the Rams. Check the weather before the game as it can always be a factor, but everything else points to this being a high scoring game for the Jets and lots of points for Feely.  3 FG's, 3 XP's

 

 

DEF - Steelers, Ravens, Titans, Packers, Giants, Eagles, Vikings, Buccaneers

INJURY WATCH: Baltimore (Chris McAllister-CD, Samari Rolle-CB), Minnesota (Madieu Williams-S, David Herron-LB), Chicago (Tommie Harris-DT, Charles Tillman-CB, Nathan Vasher-CB), Pittsburgh (Casey Hampton-NT, Bryant McFadden-CB), Tampa Bay (Jermaine Philips-S, Jovan Haye-DT), Indianapolis (Marlin Jackson-CB, Daymeion Hughes-CB), Green Bay (Charles Woodson-CB), Dallas (Terence Newman-CB, Anthony Henry-CB), Washington (Jason Taylor-DE, Shawn Springs-CB), NY Giants (Kevin Dockery-CB, Bryan Kehl-LB) New England (Ellis Hobbs-CB, Jarvis Green-DE), Denver (Champ Bailey-CB, D.J. Williams-LB), Cleveland (Shaun Rogers-DT, Corey Williams-DE)

Start

Carolina Panthers - Could there be a more inept team right now in the league than the Raiders. If they struggled against Atlanta's mediocre defense last week, what are they going to do against the Panthers this week? I'd expect at least over 100yrds and maybe some points, maybe. Carolina is coming off their BYE and had ample time to get healthy and prepare for this game. If the run fails Oakland early and Carolina gets a lead, it forces the Raiders into passing, and that's exactly what Carolina wants you to have to do.  <200 PA, < 14 PA, 5 sacks, 2 INT's, 1 FUM

Week 9 - Start / Sit RESULTS

 

BYE WEEK: Carolina, New Orleans, San Diego, San Francisco

QB - Kurt Warner, Donovan McNabb, Peyton Manning, Aaron Rodgers

Start

David Garrard (JAC) - 20 of 27 275yrds, 2 TD's, 30yrds rush

            Actual              - 23 of 38 229yrds, 1 INT, 23yrds rush

Marc Bulger (STL) - 24 of 32 250yrds, 2 TD's, 1 INT

            Actual              - 16 of 33 186yrds, 2 TD's, 2 INT's, 1 FUM, 32yrds rush

Sit

Matt Cassell (NEP) - 16 of 28 175yrds, 1 TD, 2 INT's

            Actual              - 25 of 34 204yrds, 1 INT, 20yrds rush

Eli Manning (NYG) - 17 of 25 200yrds, 1 TD, 1 INT, 1 FUM

            Actual              - 16 of 27 147yrds, 3 TD's, 1 INT, 2 FUM

 

 

RB - Brian Westbrook, Adrian Peterson, Steven Jackson, Clinton Portis, Marion Barber, Ronnie Brown, Brandon Jacobs, Michael Turner, Marshawn Lynch, Chris Johnson(TEN)

Start

Earnest Graham (TBB) - 110yrds, 2 TD's, 4 for 25yrds

            Actual              - 62yrds, 5 for 29yrds, 1 TD(passing), 2 FUM

Dominick Rhodes (IND) - 100ydrs, 1 TD, 4 for 35yrds

            Actual              - 15yrds, 1 for 7yrds (INJURY)

Sit

Edgerrin James (ARI) - 30yrds

            Actual              - 0yrds

Willis Mcgahee (BAL) - 40yrds, 2 for 10yrds

            Actual              - 0yrds

 

 

WR - Brandon Marshall, Reggie Wayne, Andre Johnson, Greg Jennings, Calvin Johnson, Larry Fitzgerald, Anquan Boldin, T.J. Houshmanzedah, Plaxico Burress

Start

Santonio Holmes (PIT) - 6 for 115yrds, 1 TD

            Actual              - 3 for 30yrds, 1 TD

Eddie Royal (DEN) - 6 for 90yrds, 1 TD

            Actual              - 7 for 69yrds, 1 TD

Sit

Dewayne Bowe (KC) - 4 for 30yrds

            Actual              - 2 for 29yrds, 1 TD

Jerricho Cotchery (NYJ) - 2 for 50yrds

            Actual              - 6 for 62yrds, 8yrds rush

 

 

TE - Chris Cooley, Kellen Winslow, Tony Gonzalez, Owen Daniels, Dallas Clark

Start

Greg Olsen (CHI) - 5 for 50yrds, 1 TD

            Actual              - 2 for 10yrds

 

 

K - Mason Crosby, Stephen Gostkowski, Adam Vinatieri, John Carney, David Akers, Robbie Gould

Start

Ryan Longwell (MIN) - 3 FG's, 2 XP's

            Actual              - 4 XP's

 

 

DEF - Ravens, Titans, Packers, Giants, Eagles, Vikings, Buccaneers

Start

Cleveland Browns - <250 YA, <17 PA, 3 sacks, 2 INT's, 1 FUM

            Actual              - 441 YA, 37 PA, 2 sacks