There's still time to vote on the Nate Washington and Christmas football polls (both of which will close tomorrow) and the lineup poll (which will close Sunday). In the meantime, it's time for one last set of predictions for the Landshark Maniacs fantasy football league. Again, these are two-week matchups, so week 17 will be in play here, too.
Last week's predictions went 4-1, raising our season record to 41-29. The only miss was the win by the Southern Rebels, our opponent in the final round. Here's hoping the Rebels don't hold that against us.
Let's start with the ninth-place matchup between the Houston Wreckin' Crew and Ravens Fan T Sizzle. In this game, it will be important to mind your Ps and Qs--that is, the "probable" and "questionable" statuses throughout both lineups. This matchup will hinge on Michael Turner, who could put up big numbers for the Crew or injure himself on his first carry and put up a doughnut (as he did in last week's game against the Pigskin). My guess is that Turner will show up for the last two weeks and fuel a victory for the Crew.
Next is the seventh-place match between the D.C. Destroyers and T-bay jacks 151rum stumblrs. Both sides have plenty of players fighting for playoff spots, but the most intriguing player is Chris Johnson, who is chasing a postseason bid, a 2,000-yard season and possibly Eric Dickerson's single-season rushing record. Since the Titans need to win both games to get into the playoffs, they'll be motivated to feed Johnson the ball early and often. That will mean big fantasy points for him and a victory for the Destroyers.
The fifth-place match for the title of Best Landshark Maniacs Team Not to Make the Playoffs (yes, I just made that title up) pits the People's Pigskin against the Southern Rebels. Which team is the pick here? Let me give you a hint: In the immortal words of Terrell Owens, "I'd love me some of me."
In the playoff consolation game for third place, we have the Hawaiian Surfriders facing Tinks Revenge. As of this writing, the Surfriders have not selected a kicker, but it probably won't matter. Ray Rice is a contender for fantasy football find of the year, and his team is in a "We need to win both games to get into the playoffs" situation, so he'll get the ball early and often. The Revenge gets the win and the proverbial bronze medal.
Finally, we have the Landshark Maniacs championship game, Northeast Dragons vs. Big Lough O. One thing that's striking about this matchup is the proliferation of 1s and 2s under the "position rank" column. We can honestly say that the two best teams are meeting for the title. (Note to college football fans: We used a playoff to get here. We did not need a fraudulent set of polls and computer numbers. Remember: Playoffs rule.)
Anyway, it's hard to find a player who won't be in a position to put up a ton of points over the next two weeks. Even Drew Brees has a reason to keep slinging the ball in the fourth quarter. (The New Orleans Saints have not wrapped up home-field advantage.) The difference here may be the wide receivers. Given the choice, I'll take Brandon Marshall, Andre Johnson and Vincent Jackson over Roddy White, Terrell Owens and even Wes Welker. As a result, I'll take the Dragons to win it all.
We'll be back tomorrow with poll results. Have a merry one.
Showing posts with label Ravens Fan T Sizzle. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ravens Fan T Sizzle. Show all posts
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Behind the Week 8 Loss
No two ways about it -- this one hurt.
Despite the best efforts of you, the Internet, to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat, the fantasy football gods decided it wasn't enough. The People's Pigskin lost its rematch against Ravens Fan T Sizzle by a score of 74-72. Here's a breakdown of our team's performance.
Kurt Warner, QB. The stats: 27 of 46 passing for 242 yards, 2 touchdowns, 5 interceptions, 1 rush for 8 yards, 1 fumble, and 5 fantasy points. His Arizona Cardinals suffered a horrible loss to the Carolina Panthers. It felt like a fluke, and we have to hope it was.
Matt Forte, RB. The stats: 26 rushes for 90 yards and 2 touchdowns, 2 receptions for 31 yards, and 24 fantasy points. Now, that's the Matt Forte that was getting such high praise when everyone was having their drafts. It's too bad the Chicago Bears can't play the Cleveland Browns every week.
Steve Slaton, RB. The stats: 1 rush for 1 yard, 2 receptions for 10 yards, 1 fumble, and minus-1 fantasy point. It's one thing if you lose a fantasy player to an injury. It's another thing when your fantasy starter is benched for a fumble while his team rolls to an easy victory.
If Houston Texans coach Gary Kubiak is reading this, let me say something on behalf of fantasy football players everywhere. We know you're in no rush to name a starting running back, and we know you're looking out for your team, not ours. But if you feel compelled to punish a player, we'd prefer it if you fined him or made him run extra laps or forced him to watch Cougar Town or something.
Chris "Beanie" Wells, Flex. The stats: 8 rushes for 47 yards and 4 fantasy points. Wells' fantasy stats will depend on scoring touchdowns, and the Cardinals fell far enough behind to have to throw the rest of the game.
Greg Jennings, WR. The stats: 8 receptions for 88 yards, 1 touchdown, and 14 fantasy points. It wasn't a happy homecoming as far as Green Bay Packers fans were concerned, but Jennings continued to show his value to his team and to fantasy football.
T.J. Houshmandzadeh, WR. The stats: 4 receptions for 24 yards and 2 fantasy points. The Seattle Seahawks looked flat as a whole against the Dallas Cowboys.
Jeremy Shockey, TE. The stats: 5 receptions for 72 yards and 7 fantasy points. Shockey almost led the comeback against the Sizzle, but it ended up falling short.
Nick Folk, K. The stats: 1 for 2 on field goals, 5 for 5 on extra points, and 8 fantasy points. Steady production is the best one can expect from a kicker.
Philadelphia Eagles, D/ST. The stats: 2 interceptions, 1 fumble recovery, 2 sacks, 17 points allowed, and 9 fantasy points. These stats look better when you consider that they were compiled against the New York Giants, a preseason Super Bowl contender.
Bench. Nate Washington put up 8 points, while Jamal Lewis put up 6.
At this point, the People's Pigskin's record is 4-4, and I just have to hope you, the Internet, won't fire me like George Kokinis.
We'll be back tomorrow with a preview of our next matchup. In the meantime, be sure to vote, both in our polls and at your local precincts.
Despite the best efforts of you, the Internet, to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat, the fantasy football gods decided it wasn't enough. The People's Pigskin lost its rematch against Ravens Fan T Sizzle by a score of 74-72. Here's a breakdown of our team's performance.
Kurt Warner, QB. The stats: 27 of 46 passing for 242 yards, 2 touchdowns, 5 interceptions, 1 rush for 8 yards, 1 fumble, and 5 fantasy points. His Arizona Cardinals suffered a horrible loss to the Carolina Panthers. It felt like a fluke, and we have to hope it was.
Matt Forte, RB. The stats: 26 rushes for 90 yards and 2 touchdowns, 2 receptions for 31 yards, and 24 fantasy points. Now, that's the Matt Forte that was getting such high praise when everyone was having their drafts. It's too bad the Chicago Bears can't play the Cleveland Browns every week.
Steve Slaton, RB. The stats: 1 rush for 1 yard, 2 receptions for 10 yards, 1 fumble, and minus-1 fantasy point. It's one thing if you lose a fantasy player to an injury. It's another thing when your fantasy starter is benched for a fumble while his team rolls to an easy victory.
If Houston Texans coach Gary Kubiak is reading this, let me say something on behalf of fantasy football players everywhere. We know you're in no rush to name a starting running back, and we know you're looking out for your team, not ours. But if you feel compelled to punish a player, we'd prefer it if you fined him or made him run extra laps or forced him to watch Cougar Town or something.
Chris "Beanie" Wells, Flex. The stats: 8 rushes for 47 yards and 4 fantasy points. Wells' fantasy stats will depend on scoring touchdowns, and the Cardinals fell far enough behind to have to throw the rest of the game.
Greg Jennings, WR. The stats: 8 receptions for 88 yards, 1 touchdown, and 14 fantasy points. It wasn't a happy homecoming as far as Green Bay Packers fans were concerned, but Jennings continued to show his value to his team and to fantasy football.
T.J. Houshmandzadeh, WR. The stats: 4 receptions for 24 yards and 2 fantasy points. The Seattle Seahawks looked flat as a whole against the Dallas Cowboys.
Jeremy Shockey, TE. The stats: 5 receptions for 72 yards and 7 fantasy points. Shockey almost led the comeback against the Sizzle, but it ended up falling short.
Nick Folk, K. The stats: 1 for 2 on field goals, 5 for 5 on extra points, and 8 fantasy points. Steady production is the best one can expect from a kicker.
Philadelphia Eagles, D/ST. The stats: 2 interceptions, 1 fumble recovery, 2 sacks, 17 points allowed, and 9 fantasy points. These stats look better when you consider that they were compiled against the New York Giants, a preseason Super Bowl contender.
Bench. Nate Washington put up 8 points, while Jamal Lewis put up 6.
At this point, the People's Pigskin's record is 4-4, and I just have to hope you, the Internet, won't fire me like George Kokinis.
We'll be back tomorrow with a preview of our next matchup. In the meantime, be sure to vote, both in our polls and at your local precincts.
Monday, November 2, 2009
The Monday Update (and a New Poll)
The People's Pigskin could not seal the deal on Sunday afternoon. We walk into the Monday night matchup trailing Ravens Fan T Sizzle by a score of 74-65. The Sizzle has no one in tonight's game between the New Orleans Saints and the Atlanta Falcons. Our hopes are riding on the hands of Jeremy Shockey, who must score 10 points to secure a victory for you, the Internet.
And what would Monday be without a new fantasy football poll? This time, it's time to wave good-bye to the injured Trent Edwards and recruit a new backup quarterback. Even if he is slated to return after the Bills' bye week, his team is getting nothing done. It's time to find someone who can. Here are your nominees.
Jason Campbell, Washington Redskins. Yes, he's playing for America's favorite punching bag, but he put up 15 fantasy points against the Philadelphia Eagles, and he's 18th among quarterbacks with 74.
Matt Cassel, Kansas City Chiefs. He's another under the radar passer, and if he had a better team around him, he'd be putting up bigger numbers. As it stands, he ranked 19th among quarterbacks with 69 fantasy points.
Mark Sanchez, New York Jets. His team is taking a tumble, but his numbers haven't. Mr. Sanchez scored 24 fantasy points against the Miami Dolphins, and he currently ranks 21st among quarterbacks with 57. (Fair warning: His team has a bye this week.)
Those are the choices. The poll is open. We'll be back tomorrow with a detailed look at our week 8 performance.
And what would Monday be without a new fantasy football poll? This time, it's time to wave good-bye to the injured Trent Edwards and recruit a new backup quarterback. Even if he is slated to return after the Bills' bye week, his team is getting nothing done. It's time to find someone who can. Here are your nominees.
Jason Campbell, Washington Redskins. Yes, he's playing for America's favorite punching bag, but he put up 15 fantasy points against the Philadelphia Eagles, and he's 18th among quarterbacks with 74.
Matt Cassel, Kansas City Chiefs. He's another under the radar passer, and if he had a better team around him, he'd be putting up bigger numbers. As it stands, he ranked 19th among quarterbacks with 69 fantasy points.
Mark Sanchez, New York Jets. His team is taking a tumble, but his numbers haven't. Mr. Sanchez scored 24 fantasy points against the Miami Dolphins, and he currently ranks 21st among quarterbacks with 57. (Fair warning: His team has a bye this week.)
Those are the choices. The poll is open. We'll be back tomorrow with a detailed look at our week 8 performance.
Sunday, November 1, 2009
The People's Choice - Week 8
Once again, you, the Internet, have spoken. You decided that we should leave our lineup alone for our matchup against Ravens Fan T Sizzle. You can follow that matchup here.
You also said that you watch "as many games as humanly possible" on Sunday. If that's the case, there's a good chance you'll watch Brett Favre return to Lambeau Field. You probably have heard and seen enough about this game, but let me direct you to Peter King's Game Plan anyway. Peter argues that Ryan Longwell, the Vikings kicker and former Packer, has some idea about the type of reception Favre can expect. (Sure, because we all view kickers and future Hall of Fame quarterbacks alike, don't we?)
The reception? Simple: They'll boo him until his ears bleed, and then they'll play football.
But enough about Brett. This week's poll asks about your fantasy football team. Be sure to vote. We'll be back later with an update. Here are the results of the two most recent polls.
[polldaddy poll=2180135] [polldaddy poll=2166095]
You also said that you watch "as many games as humanly possible" on Sunday. If that's the case, there's a good chance you'll watch Brett Favre return to Lambeau Field. You probably have heard and seen enough about this game, but let me direct you to Peter King's Game Plan anyway. Peter argues that Ryan Longwell, the Vikings kicker and former Packer, has some idea about the type of reception Favre can expect. (Sure, because we all view kickers and future Hall of Fame quarterbacks alike, don't we?)
The reception? Simple: They'll boo him until his ears bleed, and then they'll play football.
But enough about Brett. This week's poll asks about your fantasy football team. Be sure to vote. We'll be back later with an update. Here are the results of the two most recent polls.
[polldaddy poll=2180135] [polldaddy poll=2166095]
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Pick the People's Team - Week 8
While you decide how to vote in our tight end and TV watching polls, it's time for a look at the week ahead.
The People's Pigskin puts its 4-3 record on the line this week in a rematch against Ravens Fan T Sizzle. Our last meeting (in week 1 of the Landshark Maniacs season) resulted in a 104-103 win for you, the Internet. Anything can happen on any given week in fantasy football, so don't let the Sizzle's 1-6 record fool you. This team is dangerous, and we need your help assembling this week's lineup. Here are our current starters.
Quarterback. Once again we feature Kurt Warner in the starting spot. As long as he stays upright, and as long as the Cardinals feature a pass-first offense, Warner will remain a fantasy football threat. If you disagree, we can pull a quarterback off the waiver wire.
Running back. Both of our starters have some tasty matchups: Matt Forte (against the Cleveland Browns) and Steve Slaton (against the Buffalo Bills). If you're tired of either of these options, we can call Jamal Lewis off the bench.
Flex. Please welcome back to the lineup Chris "Beanie" Wells, who scored 13 fantasy points (primarily from a touchdown) on the bench last week. If you think that score was a fluke, we can use Jamal Lewis instead.
Wide receiver. Greg Jennings remains in the lineup, but Chad Ochocinco has a bye week, so he's been replaced by his former teammate, T.J. Houshmandzadeh. If you want to replace one of these receivers, Nate Washington awaits on the bench.
You already know what's going with the tight end. There are no changes in kicker (Nick Folk) or defense/special teams (Philadelphia Eagles).
The new poll is up and will be open until Saturday night. The tight end poll will close tonight. Please vote.
The People's Pigskin puts its 4-3 record on the line this week in a rematch against Ravens Fan T Sizzle. Our last meeting (in week 1 of the Landshark Maniacs season) resulted in a 104-103 win for you, the Internet. Anything can happen on any given week in fantasy football, so don't let the Sizzle's 1-6 record fool you. This team is dangerous, and we need your help assembling this week's lineup. Here are our current starters.
Quarterback. Once again we feature Kurt Warner in the starting spot. As long as he stays upright, and as long as the Cardinals feature a pass-first offense, Warner will remain a fantasy football threat. If you disagree, we can pull a quarterback off the waiver wire.
Running back. Both of our starters have some tasty matchups: Matt Forte (against the Cleveland Browns) and Steve Slaton (against the Buffalo Bills). If you're tired of either of these options, we can call Jamal Lewis off the bench.
Flex. Please welcome back to the lineup Chris "Beanie" Wells, who scored 13 fantasy points (primarily from a touchdown) on the bench last week. If you think that score was a fluke, we can use Jamal Lewis instead.
Wide receiver. Greg Jennings remains in the lineup, but Chad Ochocinco has a bye week, so he's been replaced by his former teammate, T.J. Houshmandzadeh. If you want to replace one of these receivers, Nate Washington awaits on the bench.
You already know what's going with the tight end. There are no changes in kicker (Nick Folk) or defense/special teams (Philadelphia Eagles).
The new poll is up and will be open until Saturday night. The tight end poll will close tonight. Please vote.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
The People's Victory!
If you're reading this, give yourself a pat on the back. You've earned it.
And if you're reading this, send Philip Rivers and Norv Turner a note of thanks. The Chargers' game-winning drive nearly gave Rivers enough points for Ravens Fan T Sizzle to catch the People's Pigskin. But the decision to hand the ball to Darren Sproles instead of throwing it to him on the touchdown-scoring play wrapped up a 104-103 victory for you, the Internet.
There will be times when we're on the short end of games like that. But right now is a time for us to celebrate (and, if you watched that game on the east coast, find a way to catch up on your sleep).
Next on the schedule: Lough O, which lost 99-91 last week to the Northeast Dragons. I'll be back later with a poll on that matchup.
And if you're reading this, send Philip Rivers and Norv Turner a note of thanks. The Chargers' game-winning drive nearly gave Rivers enough points for Ravens Fan T Sizzle to catch the People's Pigskin. But the decision to hand the ball to Darren Sproles instead of throwing it to him on the touchdown-scoring play wrapped up a 104-103 victory for you, the Internet.
There will be times when we're on the short end of games like that. But right now is a time for us to celebrate (and, if you watched that game on the east coast, find a way to catch up on your sleep).
Next on the schedule: Lough O, which lost 99-91 last week to the Northeast Dragons. I'll be back later with a poll on that matchup.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Sunday Evening update
We're at halftime in the Sunday night game. The People's Pigskin leads Ravens Fan T Sizzle by a score of 85-63. Matt Forte has a single point, while Greg Jennings has 3, and given the shots being delivered by defenders on both sides, I'm surprised either of them is still upright.
The People's Pigskin will need to build a huge lead tonight, because the Sizzle has Fred Jackson (filling in for Marshawn Lynch during his three-game suspension) in the early Monday night game, along with Philip Rivers (a major fantasy threat) and Zach Miller (not so much) in the late Monday night game.
We'll have a more detailed look at our team tomorrow, but the big story for the People's Pigskin so far is the 35 points (that's right, thirty-freakin-five) by the Philadelphia Eagles defense. Eagles defensive coordinator Sean McDermott is picking up where the late great Jim Johnson left off. And they'll need a strong defense if Donovan McNabb's injury is as serious as it looked.
It seems that every season there's at least one freak play that costs somebody a fantasy win (and possibly a playoff berth). Last year there was DeSean Jackson's dropping the ball before crossing the goal line. This year, we have a touchdown pass bouncing into Brandon Stokley's hands. If you hear someone outside the Cincinnati area mumbling "Stokley, Stokley...," don't panic. It's just a fantasy player getting it out of his/her system.
More on Monday.
The People's Pigskin will need to build a huge lead tonight, because the Sizzle has Fred Jackson (filling in for Marshawn Lynch during his three-game suspension) in the early Monday night game, along with Philip Rivers (a major fantasy threat) and Zach Miller (not so much) in the late Monday night game.
We'll have a more detailed look at our team tomorrow, but the big story for the People's Pigskin so far is the 35 points (that's right, thirty-freakin-five) by the Philadelphia Eagles defense. Eagles defensive coordinator Sean McDermott is picking up where the late great Jim Johnson left off. And they'll need a strong defense if Donovan McNabb's injury is as serious as it looked.
It seems that every season there's at least one freak play that costs somebody a fantasy win (and possibly a playoff berth). Last year there was DeSean Jackson's dropping the ball before crossing the goal line. This year, we have a touchdown pass bouncing into Brandon Stokley's hands. If you hear someone outside the Cincinnati area mumbling "Stokley, Stokley...," don't panic. It's just a fantasy player getting it out of his/her system.
More on Monday.
Game Time, Baby (and New Poll)
The lineup is set, and you can follow the People's Pigskin's battle against Ravens Fan T Sizzle here.
Before I head to Sofia Restaurant, the unofficial second home of the People's Pigskin, here are a few story lines to follow early this Sunday.
Sigh of relief. The Kansas City Chiefs have confirmed that Matt Cassel will not play today against the Baltimore Ravens. Matt probably looked at this defense and said "Um, Coach, uh...my knee is acting up." Brodie Croyle is the likely starter. Great news if you have the Ravens D. Bad news if your opponent does.
You heard it here last. The Minnesota Vikings take on the Cleveland Browns, where, drumroll please ... Brady Quinn is starting at quarterback! I'm sure fantasy fans around the world are relieved to learn this and are racing to their laptops to get him in their lineup.
Oh, yeah, the other QB. Some guy named Brett is starting for the Vikings in the aforementioned matchup. But the question really isn't how many fantasy points he gets. It's how many points his backfield comrade will get.
Breaking them ... in. A couple of rookie quarterbacks get the starting nod today. Mark Sanchez of the New York Jets takes the field today against the Houston Texans, and Matthew Stafford of the Detroit takes the turf against the New Orleans Saints. Expect them both to take a few lumps, and here's hoping you're not pushed into a situation where you're starting either today.
New poll below. We'll be back later.
[polldaddy poll=1988522]
Before I head to Sofia Restaurant, the unofficial second home of the People's Pigskin, here are a few story lines to follow early this Sunday.
Sigh of relief. The Kansas City Chiefs have confirmed that Matt Cassel will not play today against the Baltimore Ravens. Matt probably looked at this defense and said "Um, Coach, uh...my knee is acting up." Brodie Croyle is the likely starter. Great news if you have the Ravens D. Bad news if your opponent does.
You heard it here last. The Minnesota Vikings take on the Cleveland Browns, where, drumroll please ... Brady Quinn is starting at quarterback! I'm sure fantasy fans around the world are relieved to learn this and are racing to their laptops to get him in their lineup.
Oh, yeah, the other QB. Some guy named Brett is starting for the Vikings in the aforementioned matchup. But the question really isn't how many fantasy points he gets. It's how many points his backfield comrade will get.
Breaking them ... in. A couple of rookie quarterbacks get the starting nod today. Mark Sanchez of the New York Jets takes the field today against the Houston Texans, and Matthew Stafford of the Detroit takes the turf against the New Orleans Saints. Expect them both to take a few lumps, and here's hoping you're not pushed into a situation where you're starting either today.
New poll below. We'll be back later.
[polldaddy poll=1988522]
Friday, September 11, 2009
Friday update and thoughts
As was predicted here yesterday, last night was not a stellar night for offenses. Ravens Fan T Sizzle, our opponent this week, had Rob Bironas of the Tennessee Titans. He went 1 for 3 on field goals and made an extra point. That added up to 3 points for the Sizzle. This certainly won't kill my opponent, but it's not the best possible start, either.
The biggest story from last night's overtime win for the Steelers was Troy Polamalu's injury. Pittsburgh coach Mike Tomlin said he could miss the next 3 to 6 weeks. There's no doubting that the Pittsburgh Steelers are loaded with defensive talent, but Polamalu's injury is bound to affect this team. His talent and drive (did you see him make that tackle on about the 3 yard line?) cannot be matched. Don't be surprised if fantasy forecasts change for the Steelers' next few opponents (particularly for quarterbacks and receivers).
The poll on how to set the lineup is still open. (see below)
The biggest story from last night's overtime win for the Steelers was Troy Polamalu's injury. Pittsburgh coach Mike Tomlin said he could miss the next 3 to 6 weeks. There's no doubting that the Pittsburgh Steelers are loaded with defensive talent, but Polamalu's injury is bound to affect this team. His talent and drive (did you see him make that tackle on about the 3 yard line?) cannot be matched. Don't be surprised if fantasy forecasts change for the Steelers' next few opponents (particularly for quarterbacks and receivers).
The poll on how to set the lineup is still open. (see below)
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Opening Night
I'm not sure why the National Football League has decided to start its season on a Thursday night, taking away from the idea that the start of the season is a quasi-holiday. I also don't know why teams are allowed to pull shenanigans like this with their injury lists.
But right now, I DON'T CARE! IT'S FOOTBALL TIME!
According to the alleged experts at ESPN.com, the People's Pigskin is an underdog in the first weekend against Ravens Fan T Sizzle. I don't see any big numbers from either offense, but the Sizzle has Rob Bironas tonight, so we'll get a glimmer of clarity on our situation.
In the meantime, be sure to vote on our lineup, and leave a comment if you think I'm nuts.
But right now, I DON'T CARE! IT'S FOOTBALL TIME!
According to the alleged experts at ESPN.com, the People's Pigskin is an underdog in the first weekend against Ravens Fan T Sizzle. I don't see any big numbers from either offense, but the Sizzle has Rob Bironas tonight, so we'll get a glimmer of clarity on our situation.
In the meantime, be sure to vote on our lineup, and leave a comment if you think I'm nuts.
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