Pluto Nash of the Day

Summer vacation means one thing to me, insomnia. I absolutely am unable to get any sleep during these three or so months. Early this morning, as I laid in bed unable to sleep, I pulled out an old fantasy football magazine from the 2006 season. I flipped through it and laughed and some of their projections; Aaron Brooks #10, Dante Culpepper at #11, Domanick Davis at #11, along with countless others. I happened to come across David Garrard's name in the book, and saw a typo I had never noticed before. They projected from him to have somewhere between 56 and 58 interceptions. Wow, talk about being pessimistic! Must've been thought of a huge bust in that magazine's eyes. While my "Pluto Nash of the Day" is a QB, I won't predict him to be that bad. Eli Manning/QB Giants: This isn't because I think Peyton's brother is a bad player, but his draft position is inflated because of a great playoff run. That's what makes me consider him a bust. Today, in fantasy football, it's all about "what have you done for me lately". Manning is one of the best last impressions made upon fantasy owners, as he played tremendously in the playoffs, capping it off with an upset over the New England Patriots. How quickly we forget that Eli had a pretty rough regular season. What happened to the good ol' days where Giants' fans rioted in the streets, bashing Eli? It's amazing that a span of 5 games can drastically chagne public opinion. Last year, Manning's QB rating didn't even reach 74. His completion percentage, even worse, 56.1%. That's Derek Anderson-esque, and you know my thoughts on him. He led the Giants to being ranked only 23rd in YPA, 5.51. (includes sacks) How do we not remember that he's never thrown for less than 17 INT's, or that he threw only 3 more TD's than INT's in the regular season this year? I won't say he'll throw 56 picks this year, but expect his turnover's to stay high. Manning still has a lot of growing he needs to do before I'm sold on him.
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Friday Night Fight (That Happens During The Day!) - Michael Turner

Every Friday, Alex and I will present you with a player that we disagree on. We'll stab each other in the throats and argue about him for a while, and then show you our two sides of the debate. Sounds fun doesn't it? Hold up, while you answer that, lemme go check to see how Alex is doing in urgent care... Michael Turner Alex Kozora's Opinion: Borderline top 20, weak second string running back in 12 team leagues, early to mid fourth round pick I like my top 15 backs to be proven. Turner is anything but. He's never had more than 80 carries in his career, and that was in a solid Chargers offense. Now, he's in Atlanta, the farthest thing from being like San Diego. The Falcons' offensive line is extremely questionable and if Matt Ryan starts, which could happen early in the season, defenses will stack the box and force Matt Ryan to beat them. Jerious Norwood coul also steal more carries than people think, too. He's done very well in his backup role the past two seasons. Tosten Burks's Opinion: Top 15, strong second string running back even in small leagues, mid to late 2nd round pick The reason I like Burner Turner a lot is simple. Opportunity. He's going to have all the chances in the world to prove that he can carry the load and be a fantasy stud. He has a rookie quarterback that will lean on the running game. There's no real receiving threat that will take tons of looks away from Atlanta's running game. The new offensive coordinator, Mike Mularkey, is a run-first coach. Yes, there's Jerious Norwood, but here's where a stat really stands out. Everywhere Mularkey has gone as an offensive coordinator or head coach, there has always been a single running back who's gotten the majority of the carries. 2004 in Buffalo, McGahee had 17.7 cpg as to Henry's 5.9. Year 2005 in Buffalo, McGahee had 20.3 cpg as to Shaud Williams's 2.6. 2 seasons ago in 2006 in Miami, Brown had 18.5 cpg to Morris's 7.6 (most of which came in the games that Brown missed due to injury.) Basically, Mularkey always gives his feature back the majority of the touches. Turner is the feature back. He'll get the majority of the touches, and I think those opportunities will allow him to have the ball in his hands enough to be a solid number 2 rb option for your fantasy team. Yes, my argument went longer. I understand that quality beats quantity. That's why I win.
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Rotoworld Whore Report - 6/27

Yes. I'm a slacker. I waited until 8:30 eastern time to put up today's report from your resident Rotoworld whore. So unless any east coasters out there spend their friday nights researching fantasy football news, you're not going to enjoy my Pulitzer worthy content until the day after it's posted. Sucks, I know. But alas, I live in California. It's 5 oclock here. I'm checking up on NFL news. And I can't imagine I'm the only person in the pacific standard time zone who is doing so. So, without further or do, here's your daily, humor injected football news piece of goodness. Kurt's Contract Talks Remain Slow The agent for Kurt Warner says talks with the Cardinals regarding an extension for his client remain slow.

Not many transactions will take place between now and July 4, when many NFL execs return from vacation. Warner wants two years added to his deal.

Source: East Valley Tribune Wait, all the NFL execs return from vacation at the same time? What'd they all do, go on a cruise together or something? This kind of creeps me out. But it does explain why the negotiations haven't picked up yet. Because there's no one there to negotiate with at the moment. Why is this a story anyway? Warner wants a contract extension, but hasn't gotten it yet. It may be because the front office people are out of town. Enlightening... 3rd and 4th Receivers for Detroit Expected To Be Worthless Shaun McDonald is expected to remain the Lions' third receiver this year.

McDonald is recovering from knee surgery and practiced little in the spring, but he's Detroit's best slot receiver. Mike Furrey will probably be the No. 4 option. The Lions will use more basic two-receiver sets under new coordinator Jim Colletto, so neither will be a fantasy asset barring injury.

Source: MLive.com

Jim Colletto's last two gigs were for the 6-7 UCLA Bruins and the historically pass crappy Baltimore Ravens. His qb is John Kitna. He has no running backs. I don't think the #1 and #2 receivers will be huge fantasy assets either. Ricky Wants 4 More Dolphins RB Ricky Williams plans on playing four more years of football.

Williams' temporary retirement due to violations of the NFL drug policy saved him a few years of wear and tear on his body, so he figures he can contribute into his mid-thirties. As he's a free agent after this season, Ricky could be taking his revival tour to a new city next year.

Source: NFL.com

In a related story, George Bush plans on serving four more years in the White House. Both have about the same chance of happening. Miami Dolphin Garage Sale: Everything 50% Off During an interview with WQAM in Miami, Dolphins GM Jeff Ireland said "Every player (on his roster) is for sale."

It doesn't sound like this was a direct reference to Jason Taylor. "We will be spending a ton of time in training camp, in the 53-man cuts, to try to steal a couple of players off waivers," Ireland continued. He added that the "prime trade window" comes right at the end of training camp. Miami is still looking to bolster its roster and will be active in early September.

Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel

Translation: Holy crap my team sucks. Losing players couldn't even make it any worse than it is now. I wish I was still a scout for the Cowboys. Miami sucks. Irish people make the best beer. Al Davis Realizes He's An Idiot Al Davis reportedly regrets some of his big-spending this offseason, according to Yahoo! Sports.

The Raiders, of course, call this "rumor mongering," which usually means it's true. But after blowing a huge amount of money on Javon Walker, Tommy Kelly, Gibril Wilson, and DeAngelo Hall, the Raiders are under a lot of pressure to win this season. If they struggle, perhaps Davis will consider giving up some decision-making power.

Source: YahooSports The revelation came when Al saw Javon Walker practive and realized he wasn't Herschel Walker. Davis promptly told his GM to go out and sign "That other Walker guy," but was notified that Herschel has been out of the league for 11 years. It was right after these events that Al Davis made these comments to Yahoo!. Goodell Thinks Rookie Contracts Are Too Big NFL commissioner Roger Goodell believes rookie contracts at the top of the draft have become "ridiculous" and intends to take action.

"There’s something wrong about the system," he said. "The money should go to people who perform." Goodell said he wants to lower rookie salaries, but give them the option to renegotiate when they prove themselves. The key is getting the NFLPA to agree to something like this, which will be difficult.

Source: Associated Press

People have said this Goodell guy was a genius. I didn't realize it until now. This is just a revolutionary idea. Lower rookie contracts? How can you not fall in love with Roger now that he announced this new idea? Najeh On the Block The Steelers are shopping Najeh Davenport in trade talks, according to NFL Network's Adam Schefter.

They won't get much for him. Davenport can play on third down and is an average short-yardage back, but is injury prone, has off-field question marks, and is unlikely to make the Steelers. Teams can just wait for Davenport to be cut rather than give up a draft pick or a player with potential for him.

Source: NFL.com What would you rather do as an NFL general manager? Give up something for a player and then give said player money, or just wait a day and give said player money without having to give anything up? I think most guys would take the latter. Najeh Cut Steelers released RB Najeh Davenport.

Davenport doesn't lack talent and shouldn't go jobless through camp, but wasn't needed in Pittsburgh with Rashard Mendenhall and Mewelde Moore behind Willie Parker. We'd slot Najeh ahead of Shaun Alexander in terms of value. The Browns, Saints, and Titans are teams that need running backs. Davenport can return kicks, operate on passing downs, and has a career YPC average of 4.7.

Source: Profootballtalk.com I guess my previous comments were wrong. You only have to wait 3 hours. Nice try Pittsburgh. I can't figure out why teams didn't offer you anything either... Lynch Says Sorry Marshawn Lynch formally pleaded guilty to "failure to exercise due care" -- a traffic infraction -- in Eric County court Friday.

As expected, Lynch admitted to being the driver in a hit-and-run that left a 27-year-old woman injured on May 31. He apologized to the victim and will avoid criminal charges. It would be a shock if Lynch faces any NFL discipline.

Source: Associated Press This is good news for preschool teachers everywhere. Now they have concrete evidence for their lesson plans that saying sorry gets you out of trouble and solves everything. Childress Raves About Edwards Vikings coach Brad Childress says DE Ray Edwards has recovered nicely from a lower back injury he suffered at OTAs.

"He looks like a million bucks," Childress said. Edwards doesn't play a particularly sack-friendly position at LE, but should face few double teams due to the talented linemen adjacent him. He isn't a bad bet for ten sacks.

Source: St. Paul Pioneer Press

So Brad thinks Ray's muscular back looks like a million bucks. Speaking of people going on Rosie O'Donnell's cruise...

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Rip Van Winkle of the Day

I couldn't get away from talking about sleepers for more than a day. I need help; I think I'll start a 12-step program. But for today, I'm still addicted to sleepers. Martellus Bennett/TE Dallas: Because I'm a giant nerd, I did a seven round NFL mock draft in April. My predictions were pretty terrible; I only got ten picks correct out of the entire thing. Please, hold your laughter. I did find out one thing when I read scouting reports for potential draftees: Bennett has the physical tools to become a star tight end in the league. He's an asset in both the passing and running game. Meaning, he can catch and block. I am fully aware of the fact Jason Witten is the start in Dallas, and that won't change. However, according to Rotworld, a local Dallas paper had this to say. "Jason Witten will play more snaps as a wide receiver this season, according to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. Someone needs to get the local rag a memo that Witten already saw a huge percentage of his targets lined up as a wideout. While Witten isn't quite as effective out wide, he's ultimately their No. 2 receiver and should see more pass targets than ever" With Witten playing more and more at WR, Bennett will have a chance to start at TE in those situations. Given his talent, he could make an impact. Don't get me wrong, there is no reason to devalue Witten. If anything, his value is as high as ever. But with Witten playing more WR, other players will get their chances in Dallas' potent offense.
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Pluto Nash of the Day

Would you look at that, I won't be talking about a sleeper today. Surprised? I am. Instead of talking about a player who is underrated, we'll be discussing a player who I think is overrated. Someone who I think could be as big of a bust as one of the worst movies of all time, The Adventures of Pluto Nash. I am ecsatic I never saw the movie. Derek Anderson/QB Cleveland: This may or may not be because I am a Steelers fan and consequently, I hate the Browns. Joking aside, (if you can call that pathetic attempt and trying to get a laugh a joke) there are some alarming numbers from Anderson last year. First off, his completion percentage was terrible last year, a mere 56.4%. In comparison, Tarvaris Jackson recorded over a 58% completion percentage last year. You know your QB has red flags when Tarvaris freakin' Jackson is doing better than you over the course of a season. Last year, Anderson had a poor completion rate as well, 56.5%. The numbers suggest that they won't be getting much better anytime soon. Anderson started to come back to Earth towards the end of the year, throwing 9 TD's and 10 INT's from Week 12 and on. Don't forget that opposing teams have an entire offseason to gameplan against Anderson and to try to come up with ways to slow him down. In my opinion, it's too early too tell whether or not Anderson is the real deal of a fluke. His draft position is making it seem like he already is the real deal and that is simply not yet the case.
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Rotoworld Whore Report - 6/26

Sorry for leaving you hanging yesterday. I was gone all day feeding starving African children. It was one of the best experiences of my life. Except for some reason, when they saw we were Americans they kept shouting, Angelina? Jolie? Angelina? I can't figure out why... But I'll try to not let my work on the side prevent me from keeping up with the humanitarian task of keeping you up to date on NFL news to prepare you for your fantasy football season. So let's get back at it. Marshall Back in Trouble According to the Atlanta PD incident report, Brandon Marshall's hand "had been cut on glass during the fight" before his March 6 arrest for battery.

A team spokesman says Marshall told the Broncos about this incident and it is unrelated to the severe arm injury he suffered on March 22. Marshall claims his girlfriend's two sisters attacked him on March 4. "The incident he is recovering from happened several weeks later in Florida," the Broncos' spokesman said. The NFL confirmed it is investigating Marshall's arrest. We can't envision him being available for all 16 games this season.

Source: Denver Post

So Brandon got attacked by his girlfriend's family on March 4th, arrested on March 6th, and had a severe arm injury on March 22nd. Bad month... But it only proves what I've been saying since Marshall supposedly slipped on a McDonalds bag and then changed the story to wrestling with family members. This guy is a head case. He's not the next TO. He's worse. He has an extensive criminal record from college, he's been involved in numerous incidents this off season, he's lied about some of said incidents, and he's pissed of his quarterback. Now he's facing a probable suspension. It's a shame that his talent and situation is going to go to waste for fantasy purposes, but try to avoid him in the first couple rounds of your drafts. I'd put money on these new reports of his shenanigans not being the last. Chris Johnson Impresses Titans RBs coach Earnest Byner says first-round pick Chris Johnson has showed an excellent work ethic and mind for the game during OTAs.

The rookie's speed has also predictably impressed. Byner wants Johnson to finish his plays and become stronger mentally. It's interesting to note that Byner went to East Carolina, where his now-pupil shattered all his records.

Source: Nashville Tennessean It's a good sign that Johnson is looking good early on. I see him being a nice little lightning to LenDale White's thunder. He'll probably get around 10 touches a game both in the rushing and the passing game. Look for him as a solid #4 running back that you can probably get late. I think he's going to get overlooked because of all the other big rookie running back names that are coming into the league this year. Chris Henry Impresses Titans RBs coach Earnest Byner has been impressed by RB Chris Henry's work ethic at OTAs, but thinks Henry's still got a long way to go.

Byner says Henry, who may be inactive on most game days this season, needs to improve his focus, technique in blitz pickup, and his initial read. Henry also must show special teams value to make the roster on Sundays.

Source: Nashville Tennessean Wait, didn't you just see this? No, no, Earnest just couldn't think of anything good to say about Henry so he repeated what he said about Johnson. Or maybe he is genuinely impressed by both of their work ethics. He probably isn't used to coaching running backs who work hard, coming from his last gig in Washington. Roydell Williams Continues To Be A Worthless Pile of Dreadlocks Roydell Williams (ankle) has not resumed practicing at Titans OTAs this week, as the team had previously hoped.

It's still early, but Williams has to be close to the bottom of a 9-man wide receiver chart that will be whittled down to 5-6. Biren Ealy, Justin McCareins, Justin Gage, and Lavelle Hawkins are four virtual locks ahead of him. If Williams is unable to practice by late July, he will likely go on camp/PUP.

Source: Nashville Tennessean

Biren Ealy and Lavelle Hawkins are now ahead of Tennessee's number one wide receiver from last year? Good gosh the Titans suck. I guess cool hair can only get you so far Roydell. Kurt Quarterman Actually Gets Talked About On Blog! Giants claimed G Kurt Quarterman off waivers from the Falcons.

Quarterman will probably be just a body the Jints carry to camp, then cut.

Related: Falcons

What's the point of giving this guy money? To use as a piece of exercise equipment? I have no other explanation for why the Falcons would want to carry this 328 pound dude. Keyshawn Says He Wants To Play Again; Again ESPN analyst Keyshawn Johnson told the Miami Herald that he's still "seriously" considering a comeback.

However, the idea wasn't discussed when Keyshawn spoke to Dolphins VP of football operations Bill Parcells last month and it's unknown what type of condition Johnson is in. He'd probably need at least a few weeks of training camp to get in football playing shape. Perhaps something will happen next month, but we wouldn't bet on seeing Keyshawn in pads in 2008.

Source: Miami Herald

Your time is over. Enough with these publicity stunts of saying you want to make a comeback. No one cares. Eric Parker to Cleveland? The Dayton Daily News suspects that it would only take a late-round pick in 2009 for the Browns to acquire Eric Parker from the Chargers.

Parker has no role on the Bolts, is coming off a major injury, and has a relatively pricey contract. But Browns coordinator Rob Chudzinski knows what Parker can do from their days together in San Diego, so this may be a match.

Source: Dayton Daily News

Geez, the Browns are becoming the Buccaneers of the wide receiver position. Edwards, Jurevicius, Stallworth, and Cripps are already there. Not to mention Kellen Winslow. Now you want Eric Parker too? This is probably where Keyshawn will end up. Chad Johnson Gets Sued Chad Johnson has reportedly settled with 30 patrons of a comedy club who were suing him for promising them prizes but failing to deliver.

Johnson and the Funny Bone Club agreed to pay $100,000, presumably for the 30 people to split up. The case was set to go to trial on June 30.

Source: WLWT-TV Cincinnati Holy crap. 30 "prizes" from Chad Johnson is equal to 100 grand? What kind of things did he promise them? Definitely not a couple autographed footballs... Sorry if the jokes weren't as top notch today. The advertisement on the side hand column of rotoworld today had a giant, smiling picture of Al Roker pimping his new show Celebrity Family Feud. Needless to say, it was hard to concentrate.

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Fantasy Football Approval Rating- Scott Engel

We all have our thoughts on the many various fantasy writers out there. You like some writers, and some make you madder than when Westbrook took a dive at the 1 yard line. Here is your chance to let your thoughts be heard by all. Every Wednesday, we'll shortly talk about another fantasy writer and you, the reader, will get to vote on whether or not you're a fan of their writing. Today's fantasy writer on the hot seat: Scott Engel, a fantasy football writer. It should be pointed out that Engel is done writing the fantasy column for ESPN, but oh well, we're still putting him on the hot seat. Why? Because I can. Blogging power is very addicting. Answer away folks, do you like Scott Engel?
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