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09-07-2006, 09:12 PM
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Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to Un Jacquerie Royale.
If you are confused as to what that means, you need to refresh your AP European History. :thumbsup: In Italian, the phrase literally means "a royal rebellion."
Fantasy football is, in a sense, a game of rebellion. Deceive, outwit, and outplay your opponents in the game where only the strong survive, or you may find yourself entrenched in a rebellion of your own.
This is a weekly column during the regular season where I hope to bring to you a collection of expert analysis, strong/weak plays, and player rankings, throwing in an opinion or two of mine on the way. The aim is to help Orange Mane members destroy their opponents in their leagues--that is, if you're not all in one OM league. :wiggle:
Essential information will be gathered from various trusted sites around the web to provide you with the most accurate, up-to-date, and useful information possible for your fantasy team.
Without further ado, I present to the signoria the inaugural edition of "Un Jacquerie Royal."
Most Recent Headlines
Culpepper throws pair of picks in Dolphins loss
Daunte Culpepper completed 18-of-37 passes for no touchdowns and two interceptions in Thursday night's regular season opener.
His second pick was complete to Joey Porter, who returned it 42 yards for a TD to seal the Steelers' win. Culpepper struggled with inaccuracy and was especially unsuccessful on deep passes, normally his strength. He couldn't move the ball on the ground either, collecting just eight yards on three carries. Sep. 7 - 11:49 pm et
**whew.... I benched him in favor of Plummer this week ;P. :afro:
Portis Won't Play Barring ''Complete Turnaround''
Redskins RB Clinton Portis is skeptical whether he'll be able to play Monday night.
Portis called himself 75% Thursday and said he wouldn't be able to play if the game was today. Portis talked about the "long-term" and the Washington Post reports that he probably won't play barring a "complete turnaround." Move Ladell Betts up your Week 1 rankings. Sep. 7 - 5:31 pm et
Source: Washington Post
Smith again misses practice, still questionable
Steve Smith (questionable, hamstring) again missed practice Thursday.
Smith's reaction to DeAngelo Hall's comments earlier in the week indicated the All-Pro wideout plans to play in Week 1. Jake Delhomme agreed. Coach John Fox says Smith is still "day-to-day." The AP reports Keary Colbert and Drew Carter would split time if Smith can't go. Sep. 7 - 2:00 pm et
Raiders' Whitted to start Monday night
Raiders coach Art Shell told the Associated Press that Alvis Whitted will start opposite Randy Moss vs. San Diego on Monday night.
Whitted, who will likely draw Chargers CB Drayton Florence, is worth a roster spot in most league formats. Still, we expect him to split snaps with Jerry Porter and Ronald Curry, making it tough to count on any of them putting up numbers across from Randy Moss. Sep. 6 - 11:13 pm et
Houshmandzadeh downgraded to questionable
T.J. Houshmandzadeh (heel) has been downgraded to questionable.
Houshmandzadeh didn't take part in team drills Wednesday or Thursday, but did work on the side Thursday. He draws a nice matchup against K.C. in Week 1, so his situation is one to monitor closely into the weekend. Sep. 7 - 11:14 pm et
Source: bengals.com
Ronnie Brown notches pair of goal-line scores
After struggling most of the first half Thursday, Ronnie Brown came through with two goal-line TDs in the second and third quarters.
Brown managed just 30 yards on 15 carries in the game, but added three catches for 32 yards and the scores. He was able to convert in the red-zone, which should please fantasy owners despite the lack of elite yardage. Sep. 7 - 11:45 pm et
Report: Jamal Lewis to play Sunday
ESPN's John Clayton reports Jamal Lewis (hip) will play Sunday.
Clayton expects Musa Smith to back Lewis up in the game and provide Baltimore with a formidable one-two punch. Still, the prospect of him sharing carries against Tampa's D makes Lewis a poor fantasy play. Sep. 7 - 10:06 pm et
Source: ESPN Insider
Jackson ''probable'' on revised injury report
Darrell Jackson (knee) is listed as probable on Seattle's injury report.
It's a revised report; the first listed only Jerramy Stevens (knee) as being "out." LT Walter Jones (shoulder) is also probable. Jackson is a solid fantasy start if he plays against Detroit, but his situation is one to continue to monitor throughout the week. Sep. 6 - 3:30 pm et
Source: Seahawks Insider Blog
Tedy Bruschi returns to practice
Tedy Bruschi, questionable with a wrist injury, practiced Thursday.
Bruschi, who hadn't worked out with the team since injury his scaphoid bone in early training camp, was in full pads and sporting a cast that read "Bear Down." If Bruschi plays in Week 1, Mike Vrabel might move back outside with Bruschi and Junior Seau remaining the inside linebackers. Sep. 7 - 1:25 pm et
Source: Boston Herald
Barlow buried on latest Jets depth chart
Kevan Barlow is listed third on the Jets' latest depth chart.
He's behind Derrick Blaylock, the "starter," and second-year back Cedric Houston. New York's running game will be by committee this season, diminishing the fantasy values of all Jets runners. Sep. 7 - 10:13 am et
Source: Newark Star-Ledger
----------------------------------------------------------------
STRONG PLAYS
STRONG PLAY - QUARTERBACKKurt Warner, Arizona Cardinals vs. San Francisco 49ers
No pressure whatsoever for Warner this season! Yeah right. The oft-injured Warner heads into 2006 hoping to lead the Cardinals to the postseason. With plenty of weapons to throw to - Anquan Boldin, Larry Fitzgerald and even Bryant Johnson - Warner should not have too difficult a time piling up the yards. Mix that with a potentially strong running game - something the Cardinals haven't had in ages - with offseason acquisition Edgerrin James and Warner should produce. If not, young gun Matt Leinert is lurking on the sidelines.
This week, Warner gets to pick on the 49ers. These are the types of teams Warner needs to absolutely destroy this season if the Cardinals are to be regarded as a legitimate playoff contender. With the 49ers in rebuilding mode and a defense that allowed the most passing yards (4620) and second-most passing touchdowns (28) last season, Warner is a strong play as a high-end No. 1 fantasy quarterback.
STRONG PLAYS - RUNNING BACKDeShaun Foster, Carolina Panthers vs. Atlanta Falcons
Once again, the injury bug bit Foster in 2005. While he did play in 15 games, he only scored three total touchdowns, ran for 879 yards and managed another 372 yards receiving. He low touchdown total was due in large part to a touchdown hog, running back Stephen Davis (now with the St. Louis Rams). Davis is gone, but Foster now has to look over his shoulder at rookie running back DeAngelo Williams. That might be motivation enough for Foster have a breakout season.
Foster will get his first shot at that breakout season versus the Falcons this week. As we mentioned previously, the Falcons defense looks to be strong this season. However, their linebackers aren't exactly the cream of the crop and are susceptible to the run. Last season they were the sixth-worst team in rushing yards allowed per game (119 per game) and allowed a ridiculous 22 touchdowns to the position. That makes Foster a strong play as a No. 1 fantasy back this week.
Fred Taylor, Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Dallas Cowboys
Taylor (shoulder) was back to form last season, as he only played in 11 games. However, in those 11 games he was productive on the ground, compiling 787 yards but only scored three touchdowns. Taylor came into camp this year with some questions surrounding him being the featured back. He left camp with those questions answered in the affirmative, somewhat due to a season-ending injury to running back Greg Jones. While Taylor is hobbled a bit by a bum shoulder, he should be a focal part of the offense once again.
Taylor will get the chance to test his shoulder this week versus the Cowboys. Other than a few choice defenders, the Cowboys defense doesn't look very strong this season. They have shifted their defense a bit trying to fill glaring holes at linebacker by moving former defensive end Greg Ellis to an outside spot. As the Cowboys adjust, running backs may be able to pick on this defense. Start Taylor with confidence this week as your No. 1 fantasy back. Heck, do it now while he's healthy!
STRONG PLAYS - WIDE RECEIVERAnquan Boldin, Arizona Cardinals vs. San Francisco 49ers
Last season, Boldin continued to put up big numbers. His 1,398 yards and seven touchdowns were among the elite in the league. Now consider the fact he missed two games due to injury. Yikes! Boldin figures to be a major threat in an upstart Cardinals' offense that includes fellow wideout Larry Fitzgerald and running back Edgerrin James. He will get plenty of looks and should be a consistent fantasy contributor all season.
This week Boldin gets the chance to showcase his talent against the 49ers. The Niners are still in a rebuilding stage, which includes the defense. Last season, Boldin lit up the Niners to the tune of 19 catches, 272 yards and two touchdowns in two games last season. That makes us pretty confident in Boldin this week, as he heads the list of wide receivers and is a strong play.
Terry Glenn, Dallas Cowboys at Jacksonville Jaguars
We would venture a guess that Glenn was selected in your fantasy draft without others owners even blinking an eye. In other words, Glenn seems to be undervalued almost every year. This happens even though he managed to catch 62 balls for 1,136 yards and seven touchdowns last season. This season, Glenn should reap the benefits of having a stud receiver in Terrell Owens lining up along side him.
Glenn heads to Jacksonville to face the Jaguars in the opening game of the season. Even though the Jaguars defense should be very good this season, they may give up some yards to the passing game. Last season, they allowed 14 touchdowns overall to opposing receivers. Due to this, Glenn is a solid No. 2 fantasy receiver and even as good as a No. 1 fantasy receiver this week as well as being a strong play.
Eddie Kennison, Kansas City Chiefs vs. Cincinnati Bengals
Another wide receiver that typically goes almost unnoticed in fantasy drafts is Kennison. Granted he's not the most prolific receiver in the league; however, he is someone who can produce for your fantasy squad. In fact, last season Kennison bypassed the 1,000-yard mark with 1,102 yards. He also managed five touchdowns.
As the Chiefs face the Bengals in the opener, Kennison figures to post decent numbers as a No. 2 fantasy wideout. Last season, the Bengals allowed opposing receivers to notch 157 yards per game against them (eighth worst in the league). Plug Kennison into your lineup, as he is a strong play.
***I'd like to add that L. Coles has also been described as a strong play this week by ESPN 2's Fantasy program.
STRONG PLAY - TIGHT ENDBenjamin Watson, New England Patriots vs. Buffalo Bills
Watson is a phenomenal talent, and the longer wide receiver Deion Branch remains AWOL, the more fantasy owners have to like the third-year tight end. Last season he averaged a mere 1.9 catches, 29 yards and 0.3 scores per game. From Week 9 on he tallied 2.8 receptions, 38 yards and 0.4 touchdowns per game. In the playoffs (two games) he caught five galls for 91 yards and a score. He's an emerging star.
Week 1 would be a nice coming-out party, when Watson faces a Bills defense that gave up 3.6 catches, 34 yards and 0.4 touchdowns per game to the position. Things became progressively worse for Buffalo, too, as they allowed 4.9 receptions, 48 yards and 0.5 scores per game to tight ends during the second half of the season. It's all about the Benjamin in the opener.
STRONG PLAY - PLACE KICKERNate Kaeding, San Diego Chargers at Oakland Raiders
Kaeding hit 87.5 percent of his field goal attempts last season, and he averaged 1.5 field goal attempts and 3.1 extra point attempts per game. With an offense that turns to green quarterback Philip Rivers, San Diego may not find it as easy to finish third in the league in total touchdowns, which could mean more field goal opportunities.
It's looking like the Raiders are a team you'd like your place kicker to see, if last year's numbers are any indication. Last season the team gave up 2.4 field goal attempts and 2.3 extra point attempts per game - chances galore. Kaeding gets them in Week 1.
STRONG PLAY - DEFENSIVE TEAMWashington Redskins vs. Minnesota Vikings
The Redskins were one of the most efficient defenses in the league, permitting a mere 17 offensive points per game last year. The "D" forced 1.9 turnovers per game. Even though the unit only came up with 2.2 sacks per game, it also scored two defensive and two special teams touchdowns during the course of the season.
That makes Minnesota a likely victim in Week 1. This club only put up 17 offensive points per game last year. They turned the ball over 1.9 times per game and gave up the second most sacks (54 - tied) in the league last year -that's 3.4 per game.
Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to Un Jacquerie Royale.
If you are confused as to what that means, you need to refresh your AP European History. :thumbsup: In Italian, the phrase literally means "a royal rebellion."
Fantasy football is, in a sense, a game of rebellion. Deceive, outwit, and outplay your opponents in the game where only the strong survive, or you may find yourself entrenched in a rebellion of your own.
This is a weekly column during the regular season where I hope to bring to you a collection of expert analysis, strong/weak plays, and player rankings, throwing in an opinion or two of mine on the way. The aim is to help Orange Mane members destroy their opponents in their leagues--that is, if you're not all in one OM league. :wiggle:
Essential information will be gathered from various trusted sites around the web to provide you with the most accurate, up-to-date, and useful information possible for your fantasy team.
Without further ado, I present to the signoria the inaugural edition of "Un Jacquerie Royal."
Most Recent Headlines
Culpepper throws pair of picks in Dolphins loss
Daunte Culpepper completed 18-of-37 passes for no touchdowns and two interceptions in Thursday night's regular season opener.
His second pick was complete to Joey Porter, who returned it 42 yards for a TD to seal the Steelers' win. Culpepper struggled with inaccuracy and was especially unsuccessful on deep passes, normally his strength. He couldn't move the ball on the ground either, collecting just eight yards on three carries. Sep. 7 - 11:49 pm et
**whew.... I benched him in favor of Plummer this week ;P. :afro:
Portis Won't Play Barring ''Complete Turnaround''
Redskins RB Clinton Portis is skeptical whether he'll be able to play Monday night.
Portis called himself 75% Thursday and said he wouldn't be able to play if the game was today. Portis talked about the "long-term" and the Washington Post reports that he probably won't play barring a "complete turnaround." Move Ladell Betts up your Week 1 rankings. Sep. 7 - 5:31 pm et
Source: Washington Post
Smith again misses practice, still questionable
Steve Smith (questionable, hamstring) again missed practice Thursday.
Smith's reaction to DeAngelo Hall's comments earlier in the week indicated the All-Pro wideout plans to play in Week 1. Jake Delhomme agreed. Coach John Fox says Smith is still "day-to-day." The AP reports Keary Colbert and Drew Carter would split time if Smith can't go. Sep. 7 - 2:00 pm et
Raiders' Whitted to start Monday night
Raiders coach Art Shell told the Associated Press that Alvis Whitted will start opposite Randy Moss vs. San Diego on Monday night.
Whitted, who will likely draw Chargers CB Drayton Florence, is worth a roster spot in most league formats. Still, we expect him to split snaps with Jerry Porter and Ronald Curry, making it tough to count on any of them putting up numbers across from Randy Moss. Sep. 6 - 11:13 pm et
Houshmandzadeh downgraded to questionable
T.J. Houshmandzadeh (heel) has been downgraded to questionable.
Houshmandzadeh didn't take part in team drills Wednesday or Thursday, but did work on the side Thursday. He draws a nice matchup against K.C. in Week 1, so his situation is one to monitor closely into the weekend. Sep. 7 - 11:14 pm et
Source: bengals.com
Ronnie Brown notches pair of goal-line scores
After struggling most of the first half Thursday, Ronnie Brown came through with two goal-line TDs in the second and third quarters.
Brown managed just 30 yards on 15 carries in the game, but added three catches for 32 yards and the scores. He was able to convert in the red-zone, which should please fantasy owners despite the lack of elite yardage. Sep. 7 - 11:45 pm et
Report: Jamal Lewis to play Sunday
ESPN's John Clayton reports Jamal Lewis (hip) will play Sunday.
Clayton expects Musa Smith to back Lewis up in the game and provide Baltimore with a formidable one-two punch. Still, the prospect of him sharing carries against Tampa's D makes Lewis a poor fantasy play. Sep. 7 - 10:06 pm et
Source: ESPN Insider
Jackson ''probable'' on revised injury report
Darrell Jackson (knee) is listed as probable on Seattle's injury report.
It's a revised report; the first listed only Jerramy Stevens (knee) as being "out." LT Walter Jones (shoulder) is also probable. Jackson is a solid fantasy start if he plays against Detroit, but his situation is one to continue to monitor throughout the week. Sep. 6 - 3:30 pm et
Source: Seahawks Insider Blog
Tedy Bruschi returns to practice
Tedy Bruschi, questionable with a wrist injury, practiced Thursday.
Bruschi, who hadn't worked out with the team since injury his scaphoid bone in early training camp, was in full pads and sporting a cast that read "Bear Down." If Bruschi plays in Week 1, Mike Vrabel might move back outside with Bruschi and Junior Seau remaining the inside linebackers. Sep. 7 - 1:25 pm et
Source: Boston Herald
Barlow buried on latest Jets depth chart
Kevan Barlow is listed third on the Jets' latest depth chart.
He's behind Derrick Blaylock, the "starter," and second-year back Cedric Houston. New York's running game will be by committee this season, diminishing the fantasy values of all Jets runners. Sep. 7 - 10:13 am et
Source: Newark Star-Ledger
----------------------------------------------------------------
STRONG PLAYS
STRONG PLAY - QUARTERBACKKurt Warner, Arizona Cardinals vs. San Francisco 49ers
No pressure whatsoever for Warner this season! Yeah right. The oft-injured Warner heads into 2006 hoping to lead the Cardinals to the postseason. With plenty of weapons to throw to - Anquan Boldin, Larry Fitzgerald and even Bryant Johnson - Warner should not have too difficult a time piling up the yards. Mix that with a potentially strong running game - something the Cardinals haven't had in ages - with offseason acquisition Edgerrin James and Warner should produce. If not, young gun Matt Leinert is lurking on the sidelines.
This week, Warner gets to pick on the 49ers. These are the types of teams Warner needs to absolutely destroy this season if the Cardinals are to be regarded as a legitimate playoff contender. With the 49ers in rebuilding mode and a defense that allowed the most passing yards (4620) and second-most passing touchdowns (28) last season, Warner is a strong play as a high-end No. 1 fantasy quarterback.
STRONG PLAYS - RUNNING BACKDeShaun Foster, Carolina Panthers vs. Atlanta Falcons
Once again, the injury bug bit Foster in 2005. While he did play in 15 games, he only scored three total touchdowns, ran for 879 yards and managed another 372 yards receiving. He low touchdown total was due in large part to a touchdown hog, running back Stephen Davis (now with the St. Louis Rams). Davis is gone, but Foster now has to look over his shoulder at rookie running back DeAngelo Williams. That might be motivation enough for Foster have a breakout season.
Foster will get his first shot at that breakout season versus the Falcons this week. As we mentioned previously, the Falcons defense looks to be strong this season. However, their linebackers aren't exactly the cream of the crop and are susceptible to the run. Last season they were the sixth-worst team in rushing yards allowed per game (119 per game) and allowed a ridiculous 22 touchdowns to the position. That makes Foster a strong play as a No. 1 fantasy back this week.
Fred Taylor, Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Dallas Cowboys
Taylor (shoulder) was back to form last season, as he only played in 11 games. However, in those 11 games he was productive on the ground, compiling 787 yards but only scored three touchdowns. Taylor came into camp this year with some questions surrounding him being the featured back. He left camp with those questions answered in the affirmative, somewhat due to a season-ending injury to running back Greg Jones. While Taylor is hobbled a bit by a bum shoulder, he should be a focal part of the offense once again.
Taylor will get the chance to test his shoulder this week versus the Cowboys. Other than a few choice defenders, the Cowboys defense doesn't look very strong this season. They have shifted their defense a bit trying to fill glaring holes at linebacker by moving former defensive end Greg Ellis to an outside spot. As the Cowboys adjust, running backs may be able to pick on this defense. Start Taylor with confidence this week as your No. 1 fantasy back. Heck, do it now while he's healthy!
STRONG PLAYS - WIDE RECEIVERAnquan Boldin, Arizona Cardinals vs. San Francisco 49ers
Last season, Boldin continued to put up big numbers. His 1,398 yards and seven touchdowns were among the elite in the league. Now consider the fact he missed two games due to injury. Yikes! Boldin figures to be a major threat in an upstart Cardinals' offense that includes fellow wideout Larry Fitzgerald and running back Edgerrin James. He will get plenty of looks and should be a consistent fantasy contributor all season.
This week Boldin gets the chance to showcase his talent against the 49ers. The Niners are still in a rebuilding stage, which includes the defense. Last season, Boldin lit up the Niners to the tune of 19 catches, 272 yards and two touchdowns in two games last season. That makes us pretty confident in Boldin this week, as he heads the list of wide receivers and is a strong play.
Terry Glenn, Dallas Cowboys at Jacksonville Jaguars
We would venture a guess that Glenn was selected in your fantasy draft without others owners even blinking an eye. In other words, Glenn seems to be undervalued almost every year. This happens even though he managed to catch 62 balls for 1,136 yards and seven touchdowns last season. This season, Glenn should reap the benefits of having a stud receiver in Terrell Owens lining up along side him.
Glenn heads to Jacksonville to face the Jaguars in the opening game of the season. Even though the Jaguars defense should be very good this season, they may give up some yards to the passing game. Last season, they allowed 14 touchdowns overall to opposing receivers. Due to this, Glenn is a solid No. 2 fantasy receiver and even as good as a No. 1 fantasy receiver this week as well as being a strong play.
Eddie Kennison, Kansas City Chiefs vs. Cincinnati Bengals
Another wide receiver that typically goes almost unnoticed in fantasy drafts is Kennison. Granted he's not the most prolific receiver in the league; however, he is someone who can produce for your fantasy squad. In fact, last season Kennison bypassed the 1,000-yard mark with 1,102 yards. He also managed five touchdowns.
As the Chiefs face the Bengals in the opener, Kennison figures to post decent numbers as a No. 2 fantasy wideout. Last season, the Bengals allowed opposing receivers to notch 157 yards per game against them (eighth worst in the league). Plug Kennison into your lineup, as he is a strong play.
***I'd like to add that L. Coles has also been described as a strong play this week by ESPN 2's Fantasy program.
STRONG PLAY - TIGHT ENDBenjamin Watson, New England Patriots vs. Buffalo Bills
Watson is a phenomenal talent, and the longer wide receiver Deion Branch remains AWOL, the more fantasy owners have to like the third-year tight end. Last season he averaged a mere 1.9 catches, 29 yards and 0.3 scores per game. From Week 9 on he tallied 2.8 receptions, 38 yards and 0.4 touchdowns per game. In the playoffs (two games) he caught five galls for 91 yards and a score. He's an emerging star.
Week 1 would be a nice coming-out party, when Watson faces a Bills defense that gave up 3.6 catches, 34 yards and 0.4 touchdowns per game to the position. Things became progressively worse for Buffalo, too, as they allowed 4.9 receptions, 48 yards and 0.5 scores per game to tight ends during the second half of the season. It's all about the Benjamin in the opener.
STRONG PLAY - PLACE KICKERNate Kaeding, San Diego Chargers at Oakland Raiders
Kaeding hit 87.5 percent of his field goal attempts last season, and he averaged 1.5 field goal attempts and 3.1 extra point attempts per game. With an offense that turns to green quarterback Philip Rivers, San Diego may not find it as easy to finish third in the league in total touchdowns, which could mean more field goal opportunities.
It's looking like the Raiders are a team you'd like your place kicker to see, if last year's numbers are any indication. Last season the team gave up 2.4 field goal attempts and 2.3 extra point attempts per game - chances galore. Kaeding gets them in Week 1.
STRONG PLAY - DEFENSIVE TEAMWashington Redskins vs. Minnesota Vikings
The Redskins were one of the most efficient defenses in the league, permitting a mere 17 offensive points per game last year. The "D" forced 1.9 turnovers per game. Even though the unit only came up with 2.2 sacks per game, it also scored two defensive and two special teams touchdowns during the course of the season.
That makes Minnesota a likely victim in Week 1. This club only put up 17 offensive points per game last year. They turned the ball over 1.9 times per game and gave up the second most sacks (54 - tied) in the league last year -that's 3.4 per game.